20 Unique Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico (That Many Travelers Miss)
Looking for the best Puerto Vallarta THINGS TO DO?
You’re in luck because there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta — and we’re going to explore them all right here.
Keep scrolling to find out everything from the best places to snorkel and shop, to the cutest cafes and best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and much more.
This amazing coastal city, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, welcomes millions of visitors each year.
In fact, Puerto Vallarta is among the most visited and best beach towns in Mexico. It is also a popular destination for LGBTQ+ Mexico travel.
Jalisco state is known as one of Mexico’s cultural capitals. Puerto Vallarta, unlike other popular beach towns in Mexico, still has strong ties to the people who inhabited the land in centuries past.
In short, Puerto Vallarta gives visitors a nice taste of fun, local culture, popular beaches and more.
Ready to discover the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta? Let’s dive in — and after you discover these unmissable Puerto Vallarta experiences, check out the Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide & FAQ at the end of the article.
[lwptoc]
Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
1. Stroll the Puerto Vallarta Malecon
I had the good fortune of spending two months as a house-sitter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I was in a beautiful colonial home, right in the heart of Viejo Vallarta (Old Town), one of the best areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
Viejo Vallarta is known for its vintage feel, great restaurants and art galleries, but best of all, its vicinity to Malecon.
The two-mile-long Malecon (3.2 km), sometimes referred to as the Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, is a paved walkway along Banderas Bay.
The Malecon promenade stretches all along the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta — beginning at one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Hotel Villa Premiere in Viejo Vallarta (Old Town).
It ends at Playa los Muertos beach in Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone). Along the Malecon, you’ll find great bars, restaurants and beautiful statues.
Don’t miss the Boy on the Seahorse sculpture, made by Francisco Rafael Zamarripa and located by the large, colorful Puerto Vallarta letters sign — one of the best Puerto Vallarta Instagram photo spots.
Contributed by Isabella of Let’s Travel to Mexico
FREE things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
2. Free Walking Tour of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) is a great place to just wander around.
However, those wanting a more structured way to learn about Puerto Vallarta culture, history, and architecture, can join a guided walking tour.
🚴♀️ Prefer a bike tour of the Puerto Vallarta Malecon? Book the More Than A Bike Tour in the Malecon!
Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9am and 12pm, and Saturdays at 9am, head to the Municipal Tourism Office, located in the Old City Hall Building in Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) to join on one of their free tours.
Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, as the tour lasts about two hours. Reservations aren’t required, but try to show up 10 minutes before departure.
Note: The Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica is also called Viejo Vallarta (Old Town) and Centro (Downtown Puerto Vallarta).
FREE things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
3. Malecon Sculpture Art Walk
If you’re looking for free things to do, Puerto Vallarta has some great options — including this Sculpture Walk. On it, you’ll learn about the famous sculptures on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta.
Note: Though free, it’s customary to tip your guide about $100+ pesos ($5+ USD) per person.
Tours take place Tuesday mornings at 9:30am, from about mid-November through mid-April, and depart from the north end of the Malecon in front of the Millennium sculpture next to Hotel Rosita. Reservations are not required.
On the tour, you’ll visit about 15 sculptures before ending the walk at the Galeria Pacifico Art Gallery. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and your hat, for this two hour walking tour.
free things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
4. Puerto Vallarta Art Walk
Love art? There are more art galleries in Puerto Vallarta than any other Mexican coastal city.
In fact, Puerto Vallarta and the state of Jalisco are well known for several unique styles of art, including huichol (wee-chole), a traditional bead art that originated in this part of Mexico.
🎨 Want to learn about Puerto Vallarta street art? Book the Vallarta Street Art Stroll & City Info!
During the Free Puerto Vallarta Art Walk, 15 galleries and art shops open their doors to the public to see a mix of contemporary and local Mexican folk art.
Check it out if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta Mexico from late-October through late-May, on Wednesday evenings from 6pm-10pm.
This is the Puerto Vallarta high season, but there’s also more fun activities, like the PV Art Walk.
Best things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
5. Visit Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, or Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most iconic buildings in Puerto Vallarta, and its bells, one of the most recognizable sounds in the city.
The beautiful building dominates the downtown skyline, and has become one of the symbols of the city.
📸 Puerto Vallarta Travel Tip: It’s ok to take photos inside the church if there’s no service going on; just remember to be quiet and respectful.
By its look, you may think the church has stood for centuries, but it is less than 100-years-old.
It’s still one of the most important icons of Mexican heritage in the city, and the history of the church mirrors that of the city itself — from its beginnings as a small village to a bustling resort town.
You will likely be amazed by the beautiful facade of the church, built in a mix of architectural styles, with a Neoclassical main building and Renaissance-style towers, topped with an impressive crown.
It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Puerto Vallarta, and also free to enter and visit the inside of the church as well.
The interior is also stunning, filled with carved confessionals, a beautiful marble altar with an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and images of various saints painted on wooden panels.
There is always going on around the church, in the square outside, to the side streets surrounding it.
It is a popular gathering place in the city. It is especially lively on the weekends, when there are lots of street vendors, and people dancing in the streets to traditional Mexican music.
One of the best times to visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is during the Feast of Guadalupe festival, which takes place every year in December.
The atmosphere is especially lively during this time, with candlelight processions, colorful parades, music, dancing and more.
Contributed by Caroline of Pictures and Words
FREE things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
6. Climb Mirador Cerro de la Cruz
Looking for the best views of Puerto Vallarta, and the best place to see the sunset in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?
Then you’ll want to head to the top of the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz lookout point.
🌺 Love being outdoors? Don’t miss the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, the perfect spot for a peaceful day.
This observation tower offers 360° panoramic views of the Bay of Banderas in front of you and the Sierra Madre mountains behind you.
It is most popular during sunrise and sunset, though the views are amazing all day long.
Depending on your fitness level, this climb can be a challenge. Below you’ll find options for getting there and directions to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz.
how to get to mirador cerro la cruz
• Walk to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz: Start at Calle Mina on the Malecon at the Triton and Mermaid statue, and walk towards the mountains.
After a few blocks, turn left on Calle Emilio Carranza, then go right onto Calle Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez. Here, you’ll start seeing hand-written signs directing you to the Mirador.
This is a pretty steep climb to the entrance, and then you’ll still have to climb to the top of the lookout, so the other option is to take a taxi to the bottom of the stairs.
• Taxi to Mirador Cerro de la Cruz: Grab a cab and ask them to drive you to the entrance of the Mirador.
There’s not a physical address, but all the locals know where it is. From the Zona Romantica or Centro, this should cost no more than $100 pesos ($5 USD).
Once you arrive either by walking or by car, you’ll then climb the 100 or so stairs to the top.
Once you get to the top and see the views, you’ll realize why the trek was worth it.
FREE things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
7. Shop at Isla Rio Cuale Market
This outdoor mercado (market) has the best shopping in Puerto Vallarta to buy souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
The Río Cuale (Cuale River) runs down the center of town, and separates the Zona Romantica from Centro near the Malecon.
From the Malecon in the downtown area, head to Restaurant Oscar, then walk over the pedestrian bridge to the little island.
This charming tree-lined area has cafes, a small museum, cultural center and a colorful mercado with vendors selling everything from works by local artists to dresses.
adventurous things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
8. Puerto Vallarta Skydiving
Skydiving in Puerto Vallarta is the most thrilling activity that you can do.
Not only is skydiving a bucket-list experience, but doing it over one of the world’s most gorgeous coastline only adds to the overall experience.
Head to Skydive Vallarta, in the Zona Hotelera Norte (North Hotel Zone), to jump with this company’s experienced instructors who have tens of thousands of jumps under their belt.
🪂 Parasailing more up your alley? Book a Puerto Vallarta Parasailing Tour now!
You won’t need to worry about safety standards, as Skydive Vallarta follows the United States Parachute Association (USPA) standards.
This means they operate under the same safety standards as U.S. skydiving companies.
Choose to simply do a tandem jump, or if you dare, take the skydiving course to learn how to jump on your own! This is a longer process though, and you’ll need several days to dedicate to a solo jump program.
For those looking to jump with a professional, a one-time tandem skydiving in Puerto Vallarta jump with an experienced instructor will cost you about $5,000 MXN pesos ($250 USD).
Prices can vary, depending on the season, day and time of week you book.
When you do your skydive you will likely land on the beach. Puerto Vallarta skydives offer epic views the whole way down!
This is not always the case in all places with skydiving drop zones, so take advantage of the amazing views a Puerto Vallarta skydiving adventure offers.
For those with an open schedule, opt for a sunset skydive, when the colors of the sky are most beautiful, for a truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Contributed by Bailey from Destinationless Travel
adventurous things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
9. Waterfall Hiking in Puerto Vallarta
Want to go chasing waterfalls!? (Sorry, I had to 🥸).
Though Puerto Vallarta is known mostly as a beach town, that’s only half the story. While you have the beach on one side, the other side of the city is full of rainforests, jungles and waterfalls.
💦 Head to the best waterfall near Puerto Vallarta on the Yelapa Horseback Riding, Waterfall & Whales Tour!
One of the most popular and best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is head up to the Sierra Madre mountains, for a nice escape from the city out into nature.
This majestic range is known for its beautiful hikes, hot springs, and of course, waterfalls.
Nearby Yelapa, Mexico, has one of the best waterfalls to see in the area.
The Yelapa Waterfall is not hard to get to, and a Yelapa to Puerto Vallarta day trip is popular to also explore the beaches in this virtually-untouched pueblo (small town).
adventurous things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
11. Snorkeling at Los Arcos
Los Arcos (The Arches) is a famous rock formation in Banderas Bay, and one of the top things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
It is very popular with boat tours and photographers alike, and known for having the best snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta.
🏖 Wondering, What are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta? When visiting, don’t miss Playa los Muertos, Playa las Gemelas, Playa Conchas Chinas, Playa Mismaloya (South Zone), Playa Las Animas and Boca de Tomatlan.
There are many Puerto Vallarta snorkeling tours to Los Arcos National Marine Park at all times of the day, though the sunrise or sunset trips are amazing.
On this Bioluminescent Eco-Experience Tour, you’ll usually have the water all to yourself to enjoy bioluminescence in Puerto Vallarta.
Book a Puerto Vallarta Los Arcos Tour
adventurous things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
12. Puerto Vallarta Zip Lines & Rappelling
Although most people visit Puerto Vallarta with the hopes of relaxing by the pool with a piña colada in hand, you will most definitely want to venture off the beaten path for a day to experience some adventure.
The company I used has the best zipline tours in Puerto Vallarta. They also offer experiences to swim with dolphins, scuba dive, snorkel, ATV tours, and canopy/zipline adventures.
Although it may be tough to choose, I highly recommend the Canopy Tour, Ziplining, Tequila and Speed Boat Ride.
At about $100 USD, you don’t want to miss this. You’ll begin with a speedboat ride, passing Los Arcos, and maybe even seeing some dolphins and whales.
Then, enjoy two-miles (3.2 km) of ziplines through the jungle — with 15 of the longest, highest, fastest and best ziplines in Puerto Vallarta.
After that, there’s lunch and even a tequila tasting, before a swim in natural river pools.
Next, you’ll go down the water slides, where kayaks and water toys will be waiting for you, and also visit an animal sanctuary to see marmosets, squirrel monkeys, toucans, iguanas and more.
Contributed by Jordan from The Homebody Tourist
Puerto Vallarta Zipline Tours
best things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
13. Eat the Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta
Looking for the best food in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? For many, that means tacos.
When searching for the best tacos, Puerto Vallarta has so many amazing choices that it’s hard to pick just one favorite taqueria (taco shop).
Start your Mexico taco journey in the Zona Romantica, where you can decide on a single place or hop from eatery to eatery until full.
The food in the area is affordable, and portions are generous, so if you’re ready, here are five recommendations.
🌮 Book your spot on this Puerto Vallarta Food Tour with a Local Foodie — among the best Puerto Vallarta food tours!
Pancho’s Takos Puerto Vallarta
Pancho’s Takos is a local favorite — and considered by some to have the best Mexican food in Puerto Vallarta.
In fact, you might want to consider arriving when they open, as the line gets long. Even if you don’t, it’s worth the wait for this delicious food.
This small restaurant specializes in tacos al pastor (marinated pork cooked on a spit) and volcanes (crispy tortillas topped with melted cheese and meat).
Still hungry? Try Pancho’s quesadillas, fajitas, and guacamole, garnished with different types of salsas, limes and roasted onions.
TAQUERIA HORMIGA Puerto Vallarta
If you want to continue hitting the Mexico taco trail, Taqueria Hormiga should be your next stop. This taco stand is known for its tacos al pastor, the classic Mexico taco.
You can have tacos de cabeza (head) and tortas ahogadas (“drowned sandwiches”) as well. This place is ideal for a late night snack.
Birria Chanfay Puerto Vallarta
Birria Chanfay serves birria (goat), the most famous taco in Jalisco state.
They also have shredded beef, and pork tacos, which you can order as tacos dorados (crispy tacos) so you can dip them better in the consome (thick meat broth) that comes with your order.
Seafood tacos in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city, so you can’t leave without trying the seafood. Mariscos Cisneros serves amazing fried fish, shrimp and smoked marlin tacos.
Marisma has some of the best seafood in Puerto Vallarta, so don’t miss their fried fish, spicy squid, and crab tacos.
Contributed by Ruth of Tanama Tales
Puerto Vallarta Taco Tours
best things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
14. Go Vegetarian at Planeta Vegetariano
Open since 1995, and named one of the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in the World by Bon Appetit Magazine, Planeta Vegetariano is a Puerto Vallarta hidden gem.
Though the name says vegetarian, this is also one of the best vegan restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, with a largely vegan menu.
Nestled on the lovely, hilly street decorated with flower arrangements, head to Planeta Vegetariano for a buffet style restaurant in Centro (Downtown).
This cozy, colorful place is a feast for the eyes as well, with its artistic appearance with painted wall murals depicting joyous stories.
The buffet menu changes daily, so the chefs cook whatever’s freshest and in season.
There are two menus offered, a breakfast buffet and a lunch/dinner buffet. Both have a large selection of choices, with everything from chilaquiles made with soy meat, to red beet salad and desserts.
Head to Planeta Vegetariano for a vegan breakfast from opening until noon, for $95 pesos ($4.75 USD).
Lunch/dinner runs from noon to closing, at around 5pm, and costs $145 pesos ($7 USD).
Contributed by Gabrijela of Under Flowery Sky
best things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
15. Try an Acai Bowl at Ono’s
Puerto Vallarta is, well, hot! It is very important to stay well-nourished and hydrated with water and superfoods, like acai berries, one of the Earth’s most nutritious foods.
If you’re looking for vegetarian food and healthy places to eat in Puerto Vallarta, head to Ono Smoothie Bowls.
Ono is a cute little walk-up cafe on Basilio Badillo street in Zona Romantica. They specialize in açaí bowls and smoothie bowls that are too good to be true.
Besides a variety of superfood bowls, they also serve healthy toasts, local coffee and yummy matcha drinks.
Grab one of the tables in front of the cafe to sit down and enjoy your bowl. If you arrive at a busy time, you might have to wait a bit for a seat — but the wait is worth it.
The service is flawless, and the owner and her staff are sweethearts that make you feel welcome.
Ono Smoothie Bowls makes the best breakfast in Puerto Vallarta, so start your day with local tropical fresh fruits, oatmeal, chia and healthy options.
After eating, there’s some cute shops nearby, and you can also walk to Playa de los Muertos to spend the day at the best beach in Puerto Vallarta.
Contributed by Maria from A World of Destinations
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
16. Take a Puerto Vallarta Cooking Class
Jalisco state, where Puerto Vallarta is located, is fast becoming one of Mexico’s foodie destinations.
Something not everyone knows about Mexico is just how regional the cuisine is — and that it’s not all about tacos in every Mexican state.
🌮 Book your spot on this Mexican Cooking & Tequila Tasting — the best of all Puerto Vallarta food tours!
Within Tapatío food, the cuisine of Jalisco and Puerto Vallarta, you will have birria (meat stew) tacos, but there’s so much more to sample.
Be on the lookout for pozole (hominy soup), tortas ahogadas (“drowned sandwiches,” similar to a French dip), sopes (thick masa tortillas), and much more.
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
17. Go Snorkeling at Los Arcos
Los Arcos (The Arches) are a series of large rocks in Banderas Bay that are part of Los Arcos National Park.
As the name implies, one of the rocks has a large arc you can swim under.
Of all the available boat tours and attractions in Puerto Vallarta, this one is the most popular.
🐠🏄♀️ Try both stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling at Los Arcos. Book this Los Arcos Snorkel & Beach Private Boat Tour now — one of the Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours!
The areas around Los Arcos are popular for snorkeling because there’s a beautiful reef under the water, but also for stand up paddle boarding.
The waters of Banderas Bay are calm year-round, making them the perfect place to try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
18. Visit the Mexico Hidden Beach at Islas Marietas
Yes, you read that right! There’s a “secret beach” near Puerto Vallarta on the Islas Marietas (Marieta Islands).
This beach is actually named Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach), and it’s something straight out of a movie — and one of the most unique places in Mexico.
You have to access the islands by boat, and there’s two available tours.
The first tour takes you near the island, but you’re only able to do water activities like snorkeling and paddle boarding.
On the other tour — which I did and highly recommend — you get a change to go onto the hidden beach itself.
In an effort to protect this natural treasure, the Mexican government restricts the amount of visitors to about 125 per day.
If you’re planning to cross the hidden beach of Islas Marietas off your Mexico bucket list, book your tour well in advance, especially in the high season in Puerto Vallarta, from about November to April.
Book an Islas Marietas Tour
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
19. Yelapa and Majahuitas Tour
Is Puerto Vallarta on your Mexico bucket list? If you’re planning to visit, don’t miss the amazing Yelapa and Majahuitas boat tours in Puerto Vallarta.
These popular and well known boat tours cost about $1,500 pesos ($75USD), though they are well worth the cost.
Tours usually last the entire day and even include an open bar on board and a delicious lunch.
No need to bring your own snorkeling equipment; everything will be provided by the company when you do a Yelapa tour.
So what can you see on this boat tour? You will get to see the Yelapa waterfall, which is one of the most famous ones in the area.
Then there is the Majahuitas beach and cove, which is perfect for paddle boarding and snorkeling. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales in this area.
This tour is perfect for solo travelers in Mexico who want to explore the coast beyond just Puerto Vallarta. With plenty of things to see along the ride you’ll never get bored during your time on the boat.
Submitted by Victoria of Guide Your Travel
Book a Majahuitas Cove and YELAPA Tour
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
19. Learn to Surf in Sayulita Mexico
Looking for the best beach towns near Puerto Vallarta, and the best Puerto Vallarta day trips?
Look no further than Sayulita, Nayarit — one of Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns).
Really, no Best of Puerto Vallarta guide like this would be complete without a mention of Sayulita, an Instagrammable, laid back, boho beach town.
To get from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita, head about one hour northwest up the coast and you’ll soon enter the lovely Riviera Nayarit.
On the drive, you’ll be crossing over into Nayarit state; Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco state.
This long stretch of pristine Mexico’s Pacific Coast shoreline boasts one of the most famous surf towns in Mexico — Sayulita.
Look for it between the groves of coconut trees and jungle-dressed hills, unfolding with its vibrant plazas and cobblestone streets, threaded with cantinas.
The surf in Sayulita is great for all levels. Beginners can make the most of the mellow sand break just in front of the town.
There’s also a fun reef section for intermediates, and a medley of more hidden waves to challenge the pros as you move around the Punta Mita headland to the south.
When you’re done on the surf breaks, you’ll want to hang around for an evening on the town.
Sayulita might not have the big city vibes of Puerto Vallarta itself, but it’s got salt-washed beach bars and surf shacks galore.
Settle in for a cerveza at Don Pedro’s for the golden hour and you can watch the body-boarders doing their thing as the sun sets over the ocean.
Alternatively, scramble over the hilltop to Playa de los Muertos to find a hidden cove washed by turquoise waters and a couple of low-key tequila bars.
Contributed by Joseph of The Surf Atlas
Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita Tours
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
20. Head to Colorful San Pancho
Sayulita is one of Mexico’s best off the beaten path destinations, but in the age of Instagram, more and more people want to visit this colorful town, and it’s getting a bit crowded.
For those who want the laid back, surfer town, good vibes, but with less crowds, head to nearby San Pancho, Nayarit.
📍Mexico Travel Tips: The actual name of the town is San Francisco, though it’s commonly called San Pancho.
San Pancho, like Sayulita, is located in Nayarit state. The two towns are right next to one another, so it’s possible to check them both out on a Puerto Vallarta day trip.
These towns are quite similar, but some say the San Pancho of today is like the Sayulita of 5-10 years ago; before it got popular.
For a truly off the beaten path experience, take a Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho day trip, or head to Sayulita and San Pancho on the same day.
📸 Want to see both Sayulita and San Pancho? Book the San Pancho and Sayulita Tour now!
Puerto Vallarta FAQs
Is Puerto Vallarta safe for travel?
Yes, for the vast majority of travelers, Puerto Vallarta is safe.
It is known as one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, but in truth, the answer is both yes and no.
As this is clearly a complex subject, and there’s no definitive answer, head to this article, Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now?, for an in-depth analysis on the topic of Mexico travel safety.
🏝 Check out this first hand account of safe solo female travel in Puerto Vallarta from blogger Isabella, who safely traveled there solo.
However, as a general statement, Puerto Vallarta is safe and so are the nearby beaches of Riviera Nayarit, like Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita.
Now, just because Puerto Vallarta is safe for most, doesn’t mean you should let your guard down — the key to safe travel in Mexico is to make safety your highest priority.
There are some general and Mexico travel safety tips below in the accordion menus that will explain how, as well as a Mexico podcast about travel safety.
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
Where is Puerto Vallarta located?
Puerto Vallarta is located in Jalisco state, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, about 200 miles west of Guadalajara, the second biggest city in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta Map
As you can see on the Puerto Vallarta map above, the city sits between the Bay of Banderas and Sierra Madre Mountains.
Also in the state, you’ll find several Jalisco pueblos magicos, Mexico’s magical towns.
These unique towns all make great day trips from Puerto Vallarta: Tequila (where the infamous beverage is produced), Tlaquepaque, Ajijic and San Sebastian del Oeste.
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
How do I get to Puerto Vallarta?
Wondering about airports in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? The Puerto Vallarta International Airport (Code: PVR) is only about 25 minutes from the main areas of Downtown and the Zona Romantica.
You can often find direct flights with inexpensive airfare to Puerto Vallarta. Ready to book your flights to Puerto Vallarta? Head to Skyscaner to see what’s available!
🚐💨 Book your Puerto Vallarta Airport Transfer here!
There are several U.S. airlines that fly to Puerto Vallarta through major cities including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, LA and many more.
If you can’t find a direct flight, you can connect via one of the airports near Puerto Vallarta, like Mexico City Airport (code: MEX) or Guadalajara Airport (code: GDL).
You can also go the Cancun to Puerto Vallarta route through Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
What’s the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?
As with most Mexico beach towns, the best time of year to visit Puerto Vallarta is winter so that you get the best weather, and avoid the rainy season.
It is also the busiest time to visit, with December the busiest month for tourism during the year.
🌡️ Puerto Vallarta Weather
If you’re looking for a more festive, party atmosphere, the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta is either December or March-April, during Spring Break.
For those hoping to see the whales migrating, Puerto Vallarta’s whale watching season runs from December-March, a good time for nature lovers.
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
What do I pack for Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has a tropical climate.
As you can see by the weather chart above, this part of Mexico is hot and humid for most of the year, so definitely pack this Water-To-Go Bottle.
This will keep you hydrated, and filter your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico. Want your own water bottle with a built-in filter?!
Use code SOLO15 to get 15% OFF your purchase ▶ Shop now!
Mosquitoes are also an issue, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray, and bring reef-safe sunscreen so you practice responsible tourism in Mexico.
If you’re planning to drink a lot, these Anti-Hangover meds are a lifesaver (thank me later).
🧳 Need more Puerto Vallarta packing tips? Head to this article, Ultimate Packing List for Mexico.
FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico
Wondering exactly what to pack for Puerto Vallarta and all of Mexico? Download your FREE printable packing list for Mexico in this article.
This multi-page Mexico packing checklist covers everything you’ll want to bring, and more importantly, what not to bring to Mexico.
unique things to do in puerto vallarta, mexico
What are the best Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods?
Wondering where to stay in Puerto Vallarta? Looking for the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta? This city has a few neighborhoods that offer great accommodations to all types of travelers.
The prettiest one of all is the Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone, also called Viejo Vallarta or Old Town), located just across the river from Centro (Downtown).
For visitors who want to be where all the action is, these are the best places to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
The final options, perfect for those seeking posh accommodations in 5 Star resorts in Puerto Vallarta, there’s Marina Vallarta and the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone).
⛳️ Looking for a Puerto Vallarta golf course? Casa Velas has an on-site course, as well as a spa, restaurant and more.
Romantic Zone & Old Town
If you’ve seen photos of the charming, colorful streets of Puerto Vallarta, those have likely been taken in the Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) and Viejo Vallarta (Old Town).
These two Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods are among the oldest parts of the city — and still retain much of that vintage charm — as well as having some of the best options for hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
The Romantic Zone and Old Town (Downtown) are separated by the Río Cuale (Cuale River), and situated along the Puerto Vallarta Malecon beachfront walkway.
This whole area is walkable, and full of unique things to do and see, amazing beach clubs, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, live music and more.
Marina Vallarta & Zona Hotelera
Want to stay in the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta?
Look no further than these two neighborhoods, both located right next to the airport, so they are easy to get to, and have all the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta.
🌴🏨 Book your Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive Resort here!
Just a little further south, the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is where you’ll find the bungalows, boutique hotels and the biggest resorts with all the amenities you could ever want.
If you’re looking for the best all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta, this is the place you’re looking for.
Marina Vallarta, as the name might have cued you in on, is located on the marina.
There are two places Puerto Vallarta boat tours leave from, Muertos Pier and this marina, which is also where the cruise ships dock.
Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting?
Yes — Puerto Vallarta is one of the best resort towns in Mexico. However, there’s so much more beyond just beaches that makes Puerto Vallarta worth visiting.
Besides beautiful beaches, Puerto Vallarta has Old World charm — famously immortalized in the 1964 film, The Night of The Iguana, with Richard Burton.
You can stay in the home he and Elizabeth Taylor once owned, the Casa Kimberly Boutique Hotel, or visit it on the Old Town Hollywood Tour.
With the beaches along with the Bahía Banderas to one side, and the Sierra Madre mountain range on the other, this town will appeal to beach goers and adrenaline junkies alike.
For some adventure travel in Puerto Vallarta, there are ATV Jungle Tours and Zip Line Excursions.
Cancun vs Puerto Vallarta vs Los Cabos: Which is better?
Considering your options for a Mexico beach vacation: Cancun or Puerto Vallarta? Cabo or Puerto Vallarta? How do you choose?!
While the other two are amazing in their own right, and have some of the best beaches in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has a more authentic, cultural feel.
It is also unique as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations on Earth.
The historic neighborhoods of Zona Romantica and Viejo Vallarta have retained the old world charm that has drawn in visitors for decades.
For those who want the 5 Star luxury resorts in Puerto Vallarta and all inclusive beachfront hotels, there’s that too.
In short, Puerto Vallarta is a town that welcomes all types of visitors to its beautiful Pacific Coast shores. Which of these things to see in Puerto Vallarta will you do first?
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
I can tell you firsthand that there are many unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
If the suggestions in this article weren’t enough, here are a few additional Puerto Vallarta Travel Blogs with suggestions:
- Private Boat Tours in Puerto Vallarta
- Best Puerto Vallarta Fishing Charters
- Best Food Tours in Puerto Vallarta
- Best Puerto Vallarta Booze Cruises
- Top 10 Puerto Vallarta ATV Tours
- Best Marietas Islands Tours from Puerto Vallarta
- Best Yelapa Tours from Puerto Vallarta
- Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
- Puerto Vallarta Itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 Days