How do you spend a day in Puerto Vallarta? Discover the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
Whether you want a high-energy vacation packed with activities or you’re in need of a chill trip where “relaxing” is the only item on your itinerary, Puerto Vallarta has you covered. This popular beach destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast welcomes million of tourists annually—many of whom keep coming back year after year.
Since moving to Mexico back in 2017, I’ve visited Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area on numerous occasions. Trips to the beach got a whole lot easer after my husband and I relocated to Guadalajara from Querétaro. In 2023, we traveled to Puerto Vallarta six times!
No two trips to Puerto Vallarta have been the same. I’ve eaten in different restaurants, checked out various beaches and enjoyed unique experiences. With all these visits under my belt, I decided compiling a list of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta was long overdue.
After reading this post, you will know:
- Where to hike in and around the city
- Best day trips from Puerto Vallarta
- Off-the-beaten path beaches
- Free things to do in Puerto Vallarta
- & so much more!
If you try any of the activities mentioned in the post, I’d love to hear about your experience (please come back and leave a comment). Or, if you’re a PV-lover with your own tips to share, please pass them along in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). Please read my disclosure policy for more info.
Walk along the malecón
The ideal activity for your first day in Puerto Vallarta, the mile-long walkway is sandwiched between the waterfront and two of the cities most iconic neighborhoods: Centro and the Zona Romántica (both of which are worth exploring). Strolling along the malecón is a great way for first-time visitors to get the lay of the land. Take your time and stop to check out the sculptures or watch the famous Voladores of Papantla (the pole flyers perform at 6 p.m. daily).
In addition to vendors, souvenir shops & tour operators, the malecón is home to lots of restaurants. Personally, I don’t like to eat in this part of the city—in my opinion, the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are set back a ways from the highly-trafficked tourism areas. One of my best Mexico travel tips is to follow the “5-block rule” which means, whenever I’m looking for a place to eat or drink near a popular tourist attraction, I walk five blocks in any direction to cross the invisible “tourist line.”
Hike to Mirador de La Cruz
If you want to work up a sweat before laying on the beach or next to the pool all day, this urban hike is just the ticket. To find the starting point, just put “Mirador La Cruz” into Google Maps. This hike is short but intense. The incline is no joke, and while I did see a few people trekking in flips flops, sneakers is the better choice (especially since patches of wet concrete can be slippery).
All your huffing and puffing will pay off though when you reach the top. The view of Puerto Vallarta—the coastline and the city itself—is incredible. The hike to Mirador de La Cruz is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta. To avoid the hottest part of the day, I recommend doing this hike in the early morning or right around sunset.
See a drag show
Puerto Vallarta is the LGBTQ capital of Mexico and prides itself on being one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world 🏳️🌈
The Zona Romántica is where you will find establishments that cater to the LGBTQ community including the Palm Cabaret & Bar (Olas Altas 508, Zona Romántica). Nearly every night of the week, there are live shows with fun themes ranging from Beyonce and Barbie to dueling divas. The size of the venue makes for an intimate performance—often there’s a chance for you to interact with the performers during the show or meet them afterward.
If you’re looking to keep the party going, head over to Elixir Mixology Bar which is the only lesbian-owned bar in Puerto Vallarta (Basilio Badillo 419, Zona Romántica) or pop over to the iconic Mr. Flamingo Bar for a night of dancing (Lázaro Cárdenas 247, Zona Romántica).
Beach hop
It would be a shame to visit Puerto Vallarta and spend all your time at just one beach—even more so if that one beach is the main one downtown. In addition to many awesome day trips in the area, Puerto Vallarta itself has a slew of awesome beaches to check out:
- Playa Garza Blanca
- Playa Punta Negra
- Playa Palmares
- Playa Mismaloya
In my humble beach-going opinion, the best stretches of sand are south of the city (try saying that five times fast). The aforementioned spots feature swimmable waters and fewer crowds since they’re off the beaten path. These beaches are accessible by car or bus. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, Uber will drop you off and pick you up from any of these spots.
Party
Without a doubt, Puerto Vallarta is a party destination & you can find people making merry every night of the week. From big nightclubs and fun beach bars to understated speakeasies, the city offers a wide range of options. One of my favorite spots is El Colibri Cocktail Bar (Morelos 582, Centro)—a hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy on Calle Morelos. On the weekends, a live DJ spins vibey house music while the bartenders mix up craft cocktails.
Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and if you’re a big group hoping to have a wild night out, La Vaquita, Mandala, La Santa & Strana are worth checking out. Learn more in this guide to the best nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta including what to wear to comply with dress codes.
Snorkeling
While it’s possible to snorkel year round in Puerto Vallarta (the ocean never gets THAT cold), the best time of year for snorkeling are the winter and spring months. That’s when the water is clearest making for optimal visibility. On a December trip to Puerto Vallarta, my husband saw a sea turtle while snorkeling in the calm waters of Playa Garza Blanca.
This highly-rated snorkeling tour takes you out to Los Arcos National Marine Park where you’ll have a chance to see a variety of fascinating marine life including sea turtles and manta rays.
Even in the summer months, snorkeling is still one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. While there’s a chance you might have to contend with a bit of rain, snorkeling in the summer means you won’t have to deal with crowds. Some tour operators even offer deals on snorkeling tours during the slower summer months.
Check out this post to learn about the best snorkeling spots in Puerto Vallarta plus detailed instructions for how to get to each one WITHOUT a tour. If you are looking for a snorkeling tour in Puerto Vallarta, the post also shares my recommendations.
Get a massage
Puerto Vallarta is known for having an engaged wellness community with opportunities to learn about and practice yoga, meditation, biohacking, nutrition & more. One of the best places to network and learn about various wellness events happening in and around Puerto Vallarta is Facebook.
Another wellness option available (and my personal favorite) is booking a massage in Puerto Vallarta. There are many options around the city to choose from, but here are my recommendations:
ArtePil: Located in the Zona Romantica, this spa offers a variety of services including various massage techniques. My 90-minute “Balance” massage incorporated seven different techniques including aromatherapy, deep tissue and hot stones. It was one of the most relaxing massages of my life. Be sure to book your spa service at least a day ahead of time since this is one of the most popular spas in Puerto Vallarta.
Lupita Lopez: During one of my trips to Puerto Vallarta, I was wandering around the hotel zone and had an hour to kill before our dinner reservation. I popped into one of the small massage studios in Plaza Pelicanos, and Lupita Lopez went to work on a knot in the upper left quadrant of back that had been plaguing me for weeks. A certified massage therapist, Lupita will also come to your hotel or Airbnb if you ask via WhatsApp: +52 322 142 6002.
Go hiking
Because even sipping cerveza by the pool can get boring after a while, hiking is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Not only is it an active way to start your day (that dip in the ocean will feel even better after you’ve worked up a sweat), but hiking offers an opportunity to explore Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area.
One of the best hikes near Puerto Vallarta starts in the small fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan just south of the city. Boca is easy to reach using public transportation, and the trail itself is well-marked. You will follow signs to Playa Colomitos—a secluded beach that serves as the halfway point. From there, follow signs to Playa Las Animas.
The hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas is medium difficulty with some steep inclines and occasional scrambling. Definitely pack water and wear sunscreen—the hike will take around two hours (more if you stop to swim at one of the many beautiful beaches along the way). If you don’t feel like hiking back, you can take a panga (water taxi) from Playa Las Animas to Boca de Tomatlan for around $100 MXN per person.
Off-the-beaten-path adventure near Puerto Vallarta
For an off the beaten path adventure, the Yelapa waterfall jungle hike is one of the best hikes in the Puerto Vallarta area and a total hidden gem. Lots of people go to Yelapa (this fishing village is only reachable via water taxi) and just do the waterfall hike in town.
I put together a detailed guide for how to get to the lesser-known Yelapa waterfall in the jungle. The trail is mostly flat and decently packed down, but this hike could be significantly more challenging depending on the time of year you go since it does involve several river crossings. If this kind of off-the-beaten- path adventure sounds right up your alley, check out the post for more info.
Drink craft beer
As much as I love Mexican domestic beers (especially Pacifico when I’m at the beach), sometimes I want a cerveza with a little something more going on. One of the best places to drink craft beer in Puerto Vallarta is Monzón Brewing Company (Venustiano Carranza 239, Zona Romántica). Situated in the Zona Romantica, this artesanal brewery serves food and has a variety of tasty beers on tap. On my last trip to Monzón, I sipped a refreshing tamarind sour.
Put together your own tasting tour and visit these other popular breweries in Puerto Vallarta:
Take a free walking tour
When you first get into town, head on over to the Municipal Tourist Office to get the lay of the land. While the days of paper maps might be over, friendly city ambassadors can still provide helpful information about happenings around Puerto Vallarta during your stay. Visiting the tourism office is one of my favorite office is one of my favorite ways to get tips and recommendations from locals.
If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta during high season, join one of the free walking tours departing daily from the Municipal Tourist Office located in the Plaza Principal. The approximately two-hour tour is led by an English-speaking guide who will show yow around Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic neighborhoods and fill you in on the city’s fascinating history. While the free walking tour doesn’t have a fixed price, tips are appreciated.
Enjoy a pool day
When I’m searching for where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, I gravitate toward accommodation with a pool. That’s why I stayed at this boutique hotel on the edge of the Zona Romántica and this gorgeous Airbnb just south of town near Garza Blanca. However, it’s no secret that having a pool onsite jacks up the price & given that there are so many awesome beaches to explore in Puerto Vallarta, booking accommodation with a private pool isn’t really necessary.
Another reason that booking a hotel or Airbnb with a pool isn’t necessary is that many hotels in Puerto Vallarta have day passes available. So when you do feel like skipping the sand, you can opt for a pool day at one of these hotels or resorts:
- Hotel Melia
- $800 MXN
- Day pass includes access to the swimming pool & jacuzzis.
- Hotel Westin Resort
- $500 MXN
- Day pass includes access to swimming pools, beach club areas & $350 MXN food/drink credit.
- Hotel Club Regina
- $25 USD
- Day pass includes access to the swimming pool & beach club. Entrance fee can be refunded toward food and drink. Reservations required.
- Hotel Vamar Vallarta
- $849 MXN
- Day pass includes swimming pool access, towel service & unlimited domestic drinks.
Eat seafood
Since Puerto Vallarta is located on the ocean, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the most popular and well-known dishes feature mariscos (seafood). To sample all the best local eats, check out this highly-rated food tour of authentic Puerto Vallarta cuisine.
One of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for seafood is Tuna Azul, We enjoyed aguachile– a Mexican dish that consists of shrimp “cooked” in a spicy mixture lime juice, chiles, salt, cucumber & red onion. You also can’t go wrong with the shrimp tacos, tostadas de pulpo & house special lobster tacos.
Your BEST bet for enjoying seafood with a sea view is getting out of town a ways…
Head south on Highway 200 to Playa Palmares. While it might not look like much from the road, Canto Palmares serves up some seriously tasty plates including the yummiest huachinango (red snapper) I’ve eaten to date in Puerto Vallarta. Everything we ordered was exceptional, and even though we were stuffed after our long lunch, we ordered a tostada de pulpo for the road 🐙
Shop at the Olas Altas Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., local vendors set up shop in the Zona Romántica. Not only is this weekly market a great chance to pick up fresh produce & artisan products, but for those planning on a longer term stay, it’s the perfect opportunity to get plugged into the Puerto Vallarta community. The Olas Altas Farmers Market is only open during high season (approximately November through April).
In addition to organic products, baked goods, handicrafts and hot foods from different cuisines around the world, the Olas Altas Farmers Market features live music and activities for children. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds. Bring pesos & an empty stomach!
Paddleboarding
One of the best places for paddle boarding in Puerto Vallarta is just south of the city around Los Arcos de Mismaloya. These impressive rock “islands” are the dominating feature of the Parque Marino de Los Arcos. Paddle boarding and kayaking are the best ways to explore the caves of this protected wildlife refuge.
Paddle Zone offers eco-adventures that leave from Playa Mismaloya where you will get an introductory lesson in case it’s your first time paddle boarding. The tour lasts around three hours, and in total, you’ll paddle about three kilometers. If you’re up for it, you’ll also have to chance to snorkel. Paddle Zone is a locally-owned business.
Explore the surrounding area on day trips from Puerto Vallarta
If you’re in Puerto Vallarta for more than a few days, consider taking a day trip to explore the surrounding area. It’s fun to get off the beaten tourist track and see what life in a small beach town is like. These are the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta:
Sayulita
Arguably the most popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta, it takes about an hour to get to Sayulita depending on where you’re staying & traffic. The quickest way to get there is via Uber, but there’s also multiple buses daily.
Known as a surfer’s paradise, Sayulita is a good place for beginner and advanced surfers alike. The calm waters of Playa Los Muertos make for relaxed swimming. While it doesn’t have the big clubs of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita’s nightlife is vibrant and a bit funky with many people looking to party.
San Pancho
Sometimes described as “what Sayulita was like 15 years ago,” San Pancho is chilled out beach town just up the road from its more popular counterpart. This Mexican village has a hippie vibe & is home to an eco-conscious community.
When I visited San Pancho, I enjoyed an incredible vegan meal at Yasmina’s—trust me, even if you’re not vegan, you won’t want to miss eating here. The beach in San Pancho is gorgeous & great for strolling, but the waves can be strong so not ideal for swimming.
Bucerias
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Puerto Vallarta, then Bucerias is just the ticket. In fact, with the sprawl of Puerto Vallarta, it might take a second to realize you’re in a different town. The stretch of beach in Bucerias is one of the longest in the area, and the wind of the water makes it a popular area for kitesurfing (slightly rough for swimming).
Every Thursday evening from November to April, you can join the Bucerias Art Walk along Avenida Lázaro Cardenas in the Zona Dorada from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m (one of the best things to do in Bucerias). Then, head over to La Negra for a bite to eat!
Yelapa
My favorite day trip from Puerto Vallarta, getting to Yelapa will require a bit more effort, but I promise you it’s worth it. This small fishing village south of the city is accessible only by boat. To get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll first need to take the bus to Boca de Tomatlan. From there, you’ll take a water taxi. The roundtrip ticket costs $200 MXN, and the journey is about an hour.
One of the best things to do in Yelapa is hike to the town’s waterfalls—this post tells you everything you need to know about hiking to the hidden jungle waterfall in Yelapa.
This all-inclusive yacht cruise to Yelapa is the perfect option if you’d rather not DIY your day trip. The crew of the Chica Loca is professional, attentive & fun. Here’s what one reviewer wrote: The tour guides were energetic and enthusiastic, and we truly were never left without a drink in our hand despite having a good number of others on the cruise.
San Sebastian del Oeste
The travel time from Puerto Vallarta to this picturesque mountain town is just under two hours. San Sebastian is nestled in a valley with incredibles views of the Sierra Madre mountain range on all sides. The best things to do in San Sebastian del Oeste are visit a silversmith workshop (this was once an important mining town), wander around the colonial town center & see what life in Mexico used to be like when you visit a traditional hacienda.
Mascota
This popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta also takes you to a mountain village. While the colonial town is certainly worth exploring, many people travel to Mascota to take part in outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, biking & horseback riding. About seven miles outside of town, the Rincón de Ixcatán waterfall is a great for swimming.
Go whale watching
One of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is whale watching, but if your goal is to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures, you will need to plan your trip accordingly. The best time to see whales in Puerto Vallarta is between December and March. Of course, nature doesn’t operate on a human schedule so you will also need to have a bit of luck.
To give yourself the best opportunity to see whales in Puerto Vallarta, I recommend planning your trip mid-season (January or February). For my 30th birthday (Jan. 3), a group of my friends rented a boat in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle & saw both humpback and orca whales. It was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had, and this close encounter actually brought several of us to tears.
Banderas Bay is an important breeding and birthing ground for humpback whales. So, if it’s on your bucket list to see baby humpback whales, plan your trip closer to March. The closer you are to the end of the season, the more likely you are to see baby humpbacks.
For an extra special experience you’re sure to remember for years to come, this sunset whale watching tour is a fantastic way to spend an evening in Puerto Vallarta.
Take a Mexican cooking class
One of my favorite Mexico travel experiences to date was a Mexican cooking class just outside of Oaxaca City where I ground chiles on a metate & learned how to make mole. Since then, I’ve been eager to take another class during my travels around Mexico. Here are the Mexican cooking classes in Puerto Vallarta that I’ve found:
Located in Centro just a few blocks back from the malecón, Gaby’s Restaurant offers multiple Mexican cooking classes. Join Chef Julio and learn how to make popular dishes from the restaurant (vegetarian options available). There is also a special tortillas and salsas masterclass. If you happen to be visiting Puerto Vallarta on a Tuesday, check out the four-hour taco class.
Chef Enrique will teach make iconic Mexican dishes like birria and mole, but first, this tour begins with a trip the market to source the ingredients you will need for the meal. Cookin’ Vallarta prides itself on teaching students not only traditional Mexican recipes but also about the country’s culture and traditions. Classes are held at the chef’s home, and accommodation for private groups is available.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Regardless of what time of year you visit this popular vacation destination, there’s no shortage of awesome things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s a bad time to visit Puerto Vallarta—even in the lowest of low season (I’ve visited in both June and September) I had a blast. It’s a city that I keep going back to because Puerto Vallarta continues to surprise me.
If this will be your first trip to Mexico or a while since your last, check out this post with must-know Mexico travel tips. From how to stay healthy while enjoying street food to saving money withdrawing pesos, this post is packed with advice for how to make the most of your time in Mexico.
Got questions about any of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta mentioned in this post? Ask away in the comments below!
Leave a Reply