Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in the state of Jalisco. It’s an old fishing port turned resort city of about 280,000 — the cobblestone Zona Romántica (Old Town) is genuinely old, the Malecón boardwalk along the bay is lined with bronze sculptures and street performers, and the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains drop into the ocean within minutes of downtown. North of the city, the bay rolls into Riviera Nayarit (Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Pancho); south, it gets wilder and quieter (Yelapa, Mismaloya).
Quick Facts: Puerto Vallarta is in Mexico. Best time to visit: November–April for the dry season and best beach weather. Summer rains are dramatic afternoon storms; the jungle goes electric green.
🌴 Save on Your Puerto Vallarta Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Puerto Vallarta for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Puerto Vallarta Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
Top 11 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Malecón Boardwalk
1.6-mile pedestrian seawall through downtown — bronze sculptures (Sergio Bustamante’s, others), street performers, sand-sculpture artists, sunset views over the bay.
Zona Romántica (Old Town)
South of the Cuale River. Cobblestone streets, the Los Muertos Beach pier, Olas Altas restaurants, and most of the city’s gay-friendly bar scene.
Yelapa
Boat-only beach village south of the bay. 45-minute water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán. Waterfall hike, fresh-fruit pies on the beach, palapa-roof restaurants.
Marietas Islands
UNESCO biosphere about an hour by boat. The ‘Hidden Beach’ (Playa del Amor) inside a collapsed-roof cavern — visits are now permit-controlled.
Botanical Gardens
30 minutes south of town. Mountainside garden over a river — orchid greenhouse, jungle trails, swimming hole, restaurant on a hill.
Whale Watching (Dec–Mar)
Humpback whales calve in Banderas Bay each winter. Half-day boat tours from the marina; sightings are nearly guaranteed in peak season.
Mismaloya & Los Arcos
South-bay beach where ‘Night of the Iguana’ was filmed. Adjacent Los Arcos rock formations are a marine park — best snorkeling in the bay.
Cuale Island Market
Shaded artisan market on a small island in the river dividing downtown. Silver, leather, sarapes, and a few decent food stalls.
Sayulita Day Trip
About 45 minutes north into Riviera Nayarit. Surf town with a beach break that suits beginners, food trucks, and a much smaller-town energy.
Vallarta Food Tour
Walking tours through Old Town hit pozole, birria, raicilla (Jalisco’s smaller-batch agave spirit), and chocolate. Late afternoon is the move.
Boca de Tomatlán & River
Fishing village at the south end of the bay highway. Water taxis hub here. The river beach upstream is a local hot spot.
When to Go
November–April for the dry season and best beach weather. Summer rains are dramatic afternoon storms; the jungle goes electric green.
Combine It With a Discounted Resort Stay
Puerto Vallarta is one of the destinations where qualified visitors can stay at resort-quality properties for a fraction of retail in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. Packages typically include 4 nights / 5 days in suite-style accommodations.
🌴 Save on Your Puerto Vallarta Resort Stay
Qualified visitors stay at resort-quality properties in Puerto Vallarta for a fraction of retail — in exchange for a short vacation ownership presentation. No obligation to purchase.
View Puerto Vallarta Packages →
Must be 26+, meet household income requirements, and attend a vacation ownership presentation. Full terms provided at booking.
View Puerto Vallarta Timeshare Promotions →