Things to do in  Puerto Vallarta

Like most boardwalks, Puerto Vallarta’s promenade, known as El Malecon, is dotted with sightseeing opportunities, cafes, shops, galleries, and performers. Overlooking the Bay of Banderas, the mile-long stretch offers scenic views during the day. And in the evening, the waterfront nightclubs and discos open their doors to party-seeking locals and visitors.

Tucked along the coastline of the expansive Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas), Los Arcos National Marine Park is a popular destination for visitors to the Puerto Vallarta region. It features a dramatic collection of steep-sided granite islets and vibrant coral reefs, all surrounded by clear water. The park may look small from a distance, but the islands are full of hidden caves and tunnels, while the underwater world offers endless chances to explore.

The small, uninhabited Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas) are located in the Bay of Banderas off Mexico's Pacific coast. Classified as a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, the islands are famous for their abundance of flora and fauna, and the dramatic beauty of Hidden Beach. It's a great place to visit if you want to trade the crowds of the beach resort scene for some natural delights.

Located near Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas) is famous for its 42-mile (68-kilometer) stretch of picturesque coast. Jungle, sandy beaches, and rich aquatic life define this area, which is ideal for watersports and land adventures alike.

Recognizable for its entranceway whale sculpture, Marina Vallarta serves as a self-contained counterpoint to the sprawl of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Although technically a resort and residential development—complete with shopping centers and an 18-hole golf course—most visitors come to stroll the length of the yacht-lined boardwalk, dine at the surrounding restaurants, and browse the weekly craft market.

Towering over the skyline of downtown, flanked by kitschy souvenir stores, and fronted by a charming, colorful plaza, the pink-hued Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a highlight of Old Town Vallarta. Laboriously constructed over a period of several decades in the early 20th century, the neo-baroque church is best known for its emblematic and intricate bell tower, and is the city’s most important Catholic attraction.

Overlooking Banderas Bay (Bahía de Banderas), the beautiful resort town of Nuevo Vallarta is an ideal destination for an all-inclusive getaway. Nuevo Vallarta (also known as Nuevo Nayarit) offers visitors upscale resorts and beach clubs, rolling golf courses, modern marinas, and gentle swells. Throw in mild weather year-round and close proximity to the beach, and you’ll never want to leave.

Once home to director John Huston, Las Caletas Beach and Nature Reserve is a secluded stretch of Bay of Banderas shoreline, which has since become a dream day-trip destination for vacationers in Puerto Vallarta. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of busy central beaches and while away the hours swaying in a hammock, snorkeling, or enjoying a soothing massage on the shores of Las Caletas.

Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone (Zona Romantica)—also called the Old Town, South Side, or Old Vallarta—sits away from the hotel zone and just steps from Los Muertos Beach. With artisan shops, streetside taco stands, and lively cantinas, this area of winding cobblestone streets maintains a more traditional, laid-back feel than the rest of the city.

Swap the crowds of Puerto Vallarta for laidback Boca de Tomatlán, a quiet fishing village towards the south of Banderas Bay. Enjoy Boca de Tomatlán’s scenic and secluded stretch of shoreline—which is set against the picturesque backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains—before using this coastal town as a jumping-off point to explore nearby beaches only accessible by boat.

Lush tropical foliage, hummingbird-watching hot spots, and orchid sanctuaries are just three of the attractions you’ll find at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta). A rich and diverse array of flora and fauna—mostly native—dominates the 20-acre (8-hectare) expanse of jungle. Follow jungle paths, wander curated gardens, and marvel at the koi pond as part of a scenic Puerto Vallarta day trip.

For an authentic and lively Puerto Vallarta beach experience, Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos) can’t be beat. Located just south of Olas Altas Beach in the Romantic Zone, this gay-friendly stretch of sand fronts a pier and is lined with bars and restaurants. Locals and families also love this beach and its diverse crowd.

Escape the humidity of Puerto Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlán in charming El Tuito, a laidback, traditional town in the Jalisco mountains. Although overlooked by many travelers, here you can get an insight into local life, sample regional produce—such as panela cheese and raicilla (an agave spirit)—and relax in the main plaza.

Once home to Hollywood superstars Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Gringo Gulch is now a sleepy Puerto Vallarta neighborhood which spills down the hillside above the Cuale River. Characterized by red-roofed, whitewashed "Vallarta-style" mansions—including Casa Kimberly, Taylor’s one-time villa—Gringo Gulch has some of the best views over downtown Puerto Vallarta, as well as a distinctly colorful past.

Sail into the calm Bay of Banderas for a warm Mexican welcome in Puerto Vallarta, a former fishing community turned vacation destination. A popular stopping point on ships bound for the Caribbean, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port—which has the capacity for three liners at any one time—is the gateway to Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Jalisco.