Puerto Vallarta is an oceanfront city on the west coast of Mexico. The area began as a collection of sleepy fishing and pearl-diving villages. Today, the city and surrounding parts of the Bay of Banderas (Bahía de Banderas) are popular with tourists as a resort destination. You will find a range of outdoor family activities here, from water sports to secluded beaches and botanical gardens.
The Bay of Banderas is a 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of beach with rocky outcrops, white sand and clear water. Puerto Vallarta is the largest community here, and is home to the elegant Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Snorkel or scuba dive off the coast and see manta rays, sea bass and dolphins.
Las Caletas is a small, private beach accessible only by water. Take the Vallarta Adventures catamaran to go on hikes in the jungle, visit a small zoo and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. The beach is the former private residence of Hollywood director John Huston.
Take an evening stroll along the Malecon, the pedestrian promenade that lines the Puerto Vallarta coast. The area is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists and is lined with restaurants, street performers and food vendors. Enjoy a cool tejuino, a local drink made with fermented corn, or buy grilled fish by the skewer.
The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens give insight into the local wildlife and vegetation. The gardens include conservation areas dedicated to the blue agave plant, used in tequila production, as well as native vanilla orchids.
Puerto Vallarta is particularly popular between January and March. Gostavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport is a short bus trip from the city center. Get around the city on foot or by local buses, which are cheap and run frequently. Try taco stands for cheap street food, or the cafés and restaurants in the old town for sit-down meals.
Puerto Vallarta
Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
Romantic Zone
Olas Altas Street and Los Muertos Pier are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Romantic Zone. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops.
Hotel Zone
Travelers to Hotel Zone praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Cruise Ship Terminal and La Isla.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Downtown Puerto Vallarta is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Malecon or Camarones Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.
Marina Vallarta
A noteworthy feature of Marina Vallarta is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Marina Vallarta Golf Club and El Faro Lighthouse.
Emiliano Zapata
If you're spending some time in Emiliano Zapata, Olas Altas Street and Los Muertos Pier are top sights worth seeing.
Conchas Chinas
Conchas Chinas is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Conchas Chinas Beach and Bay of Banderas.
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Popular places to visit
Malecon
Sip coconut water, eat grilled fish and check out the shopping and entertainment at this beachside promenade.
Los Arcos
Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Los Arcos, a lovely green space in Mismaloya. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
International Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at International Convention Center during your trip to Puerto Vallarta. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.
Olas Altas Street
During your trip to Puerto Vallarta, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Olas Altas Street. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Cuale Island
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cuale Island during your travels in Puerto Vallarta. Stroll along the beaches or experience the area's entertainment venues.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
You can learn about the history of Puerto Vallarta when you stop by Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.
Things to do
Hop On Hop Off Tour with Free Stops in Puerto Vallarta
Los Arcos, Animas and Quimixto Snorkel Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
Private Tour: Puerto Vallarta ATV Adventure
Other places like Puerto Vallarta
- Cruise Ship Terminal
- Malecon
- Playa de los Muertos
- Playa Gemelas
- Los Arcos
- Los Muertos Pier
- La Isla
- Olas Altas Street
- Cuale Island
- Camarones Beach
- Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Marina Vallarta Golf Club
- El Eden
- Vista Vallarta Club de Golf
- Olas Altas Beach
- Vallarta Zoo
- El Faro Lighthouse
- Galleria Dante