Starting to build your Mexico itinerary and need a little inspiration? Jump into vacation planning mode with our list of best things to do in Puerto Vallarta for every type of traveler—whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth!!
Must-do experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Behold the Puerto Vallarta bucket list. These spots are the most popular of the bunch for tourists, drawing crowds looking to explore the city’s art, culture, and of course, natural beauty. From the downtown core to the seashore, you won’t want to miss them.
Discover the Malecon boardwalk
Stretching a mile long (approximately 12 city blocks), the Malecon boardwalk is a major cultural artery that runs from Hotel Rosita to the Cuale River.
A stroll down this strip will bring you face-to-face with art installations, local shops, live music, superb restaurants, and glorious views of Banderas Bay. Hop down a few stairs and you’ll be right on the beach, toes in the sand, ocean lapping at your feet.
Circus Fun Awaits You!
Why juggle plans when you can watch the pros? Discover amazing circus shows in Puerto Vallarta Amazement guaranteed!
Visit the Romantic Zone
The aptly named Romantic Zone is a great spot to fall in love with Puerto Vallarta. Also known as Viejo Vallarta or Zona Romantica, this slice of Old Town is home to charming cobbled streets, well-loved eateries, and close proximity to beautiful beaches.
After sundown, the Zona raises its energy level even higher. Abuzz with electric nightlife, visitors are spoiled with a plethora of bars, clubs, lounges, and live performance venues.
Explore Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Sprawling over an impressive 79 acres, Puerto Vallarta’s botanical garden towers 1,300 feet above sea level. It’s the best place to find a variety of exotic plants—including stoic cacti and gorgeous orchids—all while enjoying the mountain air from within the Sierra Madre jungle.
This venue will frequently host themed events depending on the season and any holidays on the horizon, so be sure to check the event calendar before your visit to see what’s on!
Stroll through Cuale River Island
The best things in life really are free, and the best free travel activities are often associated with a nice stroll. The Isla del Rio Cuale is a peaceful oasis bordering downtown Puerto Vallarta, with local markets and cafes set amidst lush greenery.
Take a quick walk over the bridge to access this quaint car-free island and wander from shop to shop, explore a natural trail, or make a pitstop for fresh, authentic food prepared by local vendors.
Join Puerto Vallarta food tours
Puerto Vallarta is a massive hub for foodies, and nobody knows the dining scene better than the folks who live there! Sign up for a guided food tour to discover the best of the best restaurants and bars, whether you’re taco-obsessed or in search of the perfect margarita.
Explore Los Arcos National Marine Park
Just off the coast of Mismaloya beach, you’ll find a collection of granite islands and islets known as Los Arcos National Marine Park. Here, you can snorkel and dive beneath the rock formations’ arches, peeping incredible reefs and marine life.
Explorers can expect to see a vibrant rainbow of resident fish, graceful rays, eels, pufferfish, turtles, and plenty of eye-popping coral. It’s a whole other universe just waiting to be discovered!
Tour Marina Vallarta
Enjoy the good life at Marina Vallarta. This quieter area feels more like a resort town, combining nautical lifestyle notes with a vibrant community and impressive views of both the water and the mountains.
This area has its own boardwalk (separate from the Malecon), a wide range of great restaurants at every price point, and a beautiful golf course, plus a sparser crowd compared to the bustling Zona Romantica.
Relax at Las Caletas Beach
Accessible only by boat, the secluded shores of Las Caletas represent some of the best beaches around Puerto Vallarta. Composed of four smaller beaches separated by rocky outcroppings, visitors can spend the day wading through the crystal clear sea or catching a snooze in a hammock suspended above the water.
For an added layer of rest and relaxation, you can book a massage or spa treatment that will leave every cell of your body totally rejuvenated. Then, it’s right back to the beach.
Discover Islas Marietas and Hidden Beach
The Islas Marietas are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. They’re arguably best known for their secret beach, which requires visitors to swim through a short rock tunnel before they emerge to a stunning hidden oasis.
As a marine sanctuary, these isles have lots to offer by way of snorkeling and diving—and you can’t forget the unbeatable bird watching, including the iconic blue-footed booby!
Unique Experiences
Travel is all about seeing incredible things that you simply can’t find anywhere else. These fun activities will leave you feeling far from home in the best way, immersed in the magic of Puerto Vallarta whether you’re on land or at sea.
Go snorkeling in clear waters
The waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta are teeming with marine life, and snorkeling is a mainstay at many of the town’s popular Pacific gems. Los Arcos, which we mentioned above, is a prime spot for dipping and diving beneath imposing rock formations.
Visitors will also love Playa Los Muertos, just a stone’s throw from the Zona Romantica. Here, you’ll discover schools of tropical fish, crabs and sea urchins hanging out in shallow tide pools, and starfish dotting the ocean floor.
Experience nature and wildlife tours
Puerto Vallarta's natural beauty leads to lots of eco-tourism. Escape to the botanical gardens—recognized as one of North America's best—and spend the day surrounded by 46 acres of exotic plants, orchids, and river pools while keeping an eye out for interesting birds.
For a more rugged experience, take a short hike to the stunning Palo María Waterfall and take a dip in its shimmering natural pools. There are countless tours available through various providers, so if you can dream it, there’s a way to explore it. Just make sure to only engage with ethical, verified, eco-conscious tour companies!
Take exciting day trips
Shake up your surroundings and head to one of the charming towns that surround Puerto Vallarta. This hub is a jump-off point for day trips galore, starting with Yelapa: a beach town that's known for its waterfalls, hiking, and laid-back vibes.
To the north, the colorful surf town of Sayulita is the perfect boho escape, with local markets and beachfront cafes that are perfect for shopping and lounging. Heading inland to San Sebastián del Oeste, feel the mountain breeze as you wander cobblestone streets, admire colonial architecture, and feel totally at one with nature.
Sail on catamaran cruises
Sail away with Chica Locca Tours to a variety of nearby beach destinations. All their luxury boat rides are all inclusive, so you can enjoy a myriad of drinks and snacks on board as you cruise to your destination.
From whale watching excursions to waterfall destinations and snorkeling adventures, this is a truly great way to spend a day at sea.
Watch whales in their natural habitat
From December to March, pods of humpback whales migrate to the warm, welcoming waters of Banderas Bay, creating a sublime marine spectacle that’s not to be missed.
While they can often be seen from the shoreline, nothing beats hopping on a boat and getting up close and personal with these majestic, gentle creatures. You’ll also have the added bonus of learning directly from a marine biologist!
Try extreme sports for thrill-seekers
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just for lounging in the sun and bobbing around at a popular beach spot. If you’re looking for a thrill, book yourself an adventure tour—they’ll often take you into the Sierra Madre mountains—that will get your heart pumping.
Whether it’s zip-lining above the lush treetops, ripping through rough terrain on an ATV, swimming underneath a rushing waterfall, or rappelling up a rocky cliffside, you’ll be spoiled for choice by Vallarta Adventures.
Cultural activities
Mexican culture is revered around the world. Its food, its textiles, its colours, its history, the art that runs through its veins—there is so much to discover, and all of it will be at your fingertips when you visit Mexico.
Immerse in art and culture
As you wander through Puerto Vallarta's cobbled streets, it’s nearly impossible not to run into various festivals, performances, and exhibits depending on the time of year.
Every Wednesday from October to June, you can join the popular art walk that meanders through the downtown core. Local galleries open their doors for visitors to explore their collections, learn about local makers, and get in touch with the city’s artistic roots.
Appreciate local art and sculptures
Fancy a self-guided art tour? We’ve got you covered. Located in a hacienda-style villa, Galleria Dante features dozens of artists’ work under one roof, and it’s been a Puerto Vallarta staple for more than 30 years.
Take a walk along the Malecon and make a pitstop at two famous sculptures: Nature as mother, an abstract bronze work by Adrian Reynoso, and Nostalgia, an ode to artist José Ramiz Barquet’s own love story.
Visit the Church of Guadalupe
Known for its ornate crown-topped tower and multi-faceted architectural style, the Church of Guadalupe is an iconic landmark. Its intricate design details, including hand-carved altars and beautiful murals, weave together Mexican craftsmanship and Catholic heritage.
The church is conveniently located in Puerto Vallarta's historic downtown, making it an easy stopover after a meal or as part of your very own art walk.
Discover Mexican culture and traditions
Step outside your front door and let the immersion begin. It’s not uncommon to run into all kinds of performances around every corner, from talented mariachi groups to twirling dancers in traditional clothing.
In Puerto Vallarta's plazas and along the Malecon, you'll be treated to a lively atmosphere featuring both formal stage shows and impromptu street celebrations. It’s a nonstop party without a dull moment to be had.
Views and Sunsets
As your action-packed days draw to an end, drink in a fiery sunset over Banderas Bay. Muelle de Los Muertos, the iconic sail-shaped pier that juts out into the sea, is a top spot to marvel at the colors as boats bob around the bay. For a panoramic view, hike up to Cerro de la Cruz or the Mirador at Cerro de Amapas.
Phare de Matamoros, a lighthouse lookout, is another great perch for golden hour views. And of course, a sunset stroll along El Malecon combines fabulous views with the boardwalk's buzzing energy.
Final thoughts on your Puerto Vallarta journey
Now that you have the insider scoop, it’s time to plan your adventure! Be sure to book in advance so you’re able to snag all of the tour tickets you want—but also give yourself plenty of time to explore Puerto Vallarta freeform.
As you build your itinerary, make sure to leave room for one of our shows in Nuevo Vallarta! If you want to be wowed by the world’s best acrobats pulling incredible stunts against stunning backdrops, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.
Cover photo by Ondrej Bocek on Unsplash.