What to do in Puerto Vallarta

Activities, attractions and tours

Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and a bay or harbour
Las Caletas showing a beach, tropical scenes and a luxury hotel or resort

Puerto Vallarta Attractions

Puerto Vallarta is a resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Things to do in Puerto Vallarta include relaxing on sun-splashed beaches, exploring in the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and playing golf at one of the many fine golf courses in the area. Puerto Vallarta excursions nature lovers enjoy include whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding on the beach, sailing, surfing, jet skiing, and kite surfing.

The latest thrilling trend in outdoor adventure in Puerto Vallarta tours is ziplining. Turtle watching is becoming an increasingly popular activity on the beaches of Mexico.

Although Puerto Vallarta receives a great deal of tourist activity, it also has a sizable community of retired Canadian and U.S. citizens, so you won't have a problem finding places to socialize with other English-speaking people. Puerto Vallarta also has a recently established English-speaking live theater scene. However, don't forget that some of the must see attractions in Puerto Vallarta are off the beaten path. For instance, if you love freshly prepared blackberry juice, your best bet is to slip away into a side street and find a little juice stand where the local people go.

One of the most famous Puerto Vallarta activities is the November Festival. You can find art exhibits, concerts, tequila, and wine tasting events, cocktail parties and festive dinners during this annual celebration that takes place in mid-November. All varieties of music are also well-represented in Puerto Vallarta, and one of the top electronic music festivals in the northern hemisphere is held here every year.

Your PV vacation will be much more enjoyable, if you contact our offices here at Expedia for assistance in planning your Mexican sojourn. You can book your stay through us, and we will also provide you with a map of the city as well as advice on Puerto Vallarta activities and local spots that may be of interest to you and your traveling companions.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Puerto Vallarta

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What to do in Puerto Vallarta


Discover the most popular places to visit in Puerto Vallarta

Explore areas of Puerto Vallarta

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Romantic Zone

4.5/5(553 area reviews)

Los Muertos Pier and Playa de los Muertos are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Romantic Zone. Travelers also love the stunning beaches, fantastic nightlife, and popular shops.

Romantic Zone
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Hotel Zone

4/5(29 area reviews)

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 Hotel Zone Beach.

Hotel Zone
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Emiliano Zapata

If you're spending some time in Emiliano Zapata, Los Muertos Pier and Playa de los Muertos are top sights worth seeing.

Emiliano Zapata
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Amapas

If you're spending some time in Amapas, Playa de los Muertos and Olas Altas Street are top sights worth seeing.

Amapas
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Marina Vallarta

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Marina Vallarta is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out El Faro Lighthouse and Marina Vallarta Golf Club.

Marina Vallarta
Malecon which includes street scenes, a coastal town and markets

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

4.5/5(311 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Puerto Vallarta

Frequently asked questions

Is Puerto Vallarta worth visiting?
Offering a blend of bars and pubs and coastal beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. When you're here, head to Malecon, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Puerto Vallarta?
Malecon and Playa de los Muertos are two great places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Puerto Vallarta while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta?
You can't leave without visiting Malecon, ranked the top tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta.
Is three days enough to stay in Puerto Vallarta?
You can easily tour top sights like Malecon, Playa de los Muertos and Camarones Beach with a three-day stay in Puerto Vallarta. On average, most travellers plan five days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Nuevo Vallarta.
Is Puerto Vallarta a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in Puerto Vallarta. Several key attractions, such as Malecon and Camarones Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Puerto Vallarta's neighbourhoods, Las Glorias is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Marina Vallarta is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids.

What to do in Puerto Vallarta for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Olas Altas Street or Puerto Vallarta City Hall.
Are there free things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Puerto Vallarta is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Malecon is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.