Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

There are no dull moments in Puerto Vallarta. It has something to offer for everyone, young and old, laidback and adventurous, food lovers and art collectors. So what are the things that will make you relaxed or exhilarated when you visit this heavenly side of Mexico?

Hit the beach

Sun goddesses, beach bums, and fun-loving families have miles and miles of golden pristine Puerto Vallarta beaches to choose from. The sweeping 24-mile wide Banderas Bay provides scenic beaches, wide sandy stretches jam-packed with tanned tourists, as well as remote sandy spots accessible only by boat.

Try watersports

The city certainly knows how to optimize its prime location. The ideal waves for surfing, and windsurfing, and other watersports crash along the Banderas Bay’s northern locations such as Punta de Mita and Sayulita. You can also just take a walk down to the shores for scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, waterskiing, fishing, sailing, banana boats and much more.

Experience nature

While many tourists are bound to spend a huge chunk of their time hitting the shops or relaxing on the beach, do not pass up the great opportunity to discover and explore the natural wonders that await you just outside the city center.

Appreciate nature by marveling at newly hatched sea turtles as they crawl to the ocean, their first journey in their lives. Also explore charming mountain villages and lush jungles. You can even get a lovely kiss from a dolphin. If you are the adventurous type, you might want to swing through tree-tops like Indiana Jones.

Party hard

While strolling along the boardwalk and relaxing on the beach set the laid-back Puerto Vallarta daytime atmosphere, a whole new tone takes the reins when the sun sets. The city’s diverse nightlife scene caters to every lifestyle, mood, and price range. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax in a jazz bar or fasten your shoes for a night hitting the dance floor, you will definitely have a blast.

Revel in gastronomical offerings

Just because you are trying to hold on to your budget does not mean you cannot indulge in the gastronomical offerings in the city. Because Puerto Vallarta is an international hotspot, many of the restaurants here are quite pricey. Take heart. There are also numerous traditional and international eateries where you can please your palate, while keeping everything on budget.

Another less expensive but delicious option is the city’s street food. Food stalls that sell authentic tacos and many other traditional Mexican foods such as “flan” and “tamales” pop up like mushrooms throughout Puerto Vallarta, especially in the evening in Zona Romántica.

Shop till you drop

From traditional Mexican crafts to souvenir gifts to designer duds and world-class art, the shopping scene in this booming Mexican city is as diverse as its world-famous cuisine.

Visit the “Old Town”

The flock of visitors has not chipped away at the Old Town’s historic charm, located partly in the Zona Romántica and partially in the downtown neighborhood. Stucco houses, winding old cobblestone streets, and colorful potted flowers all create a lovely atmosphere that speaks volumes of the city’s past as a old-world sea town.