What to do in Puerto Vallarta

Activities, attractions and tours
Puerto Vallarta featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and a bay or harbour

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


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)

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.

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 La Isla.

Hotel Zone
Malecon which includes a coastal town, markets and street scenes

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
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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 Marina Vallarta Golf Club and El Faro Lighthouse.

Marina Vallarta
Great vacation place

Emiliano Zapata

If you're spending some time in Emiliano Zapata, Olas Altas Street and Los Muertos Pier are top sights worth seeing.

Emiliano Zapata
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Conchas Chinas

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

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.

Conchas Chinas

Day trip destinations from Puerto Vallarta