The resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife. Its cobblestone center is home to the ornate Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe church and boutique shops.
Explore the streets of Old Town, a historic neighborhood filled with charming colonial architecture and vibrant Mexican culture. Or head to Los Muertos Beach for a day on the sand or watch the stunning sunset from one of the many beachside restaurants.
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta is home to a stunning selection of beaches. From fun party beaches with world-class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife to wilder beaches accessible only by boat, there’s something for everyone.
The city is known for its sandy beaches, clear emerald-blue water and spectacular sunsets. The beaches are divided into several categories: Playa Conchas Chinas, Playa Caballo and Playa de los Muertos near Downtown PV; Playa Palmares in the Romantic Zone, and Las Animas.
Playa Conchas Chinas is a stunning beach that’s popular with couples for its romantic setting. The white-sand beach is set against natural pools, which are surrounded by towering rock formations.
The calm, crystal-clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This quiet, secluded beach is also one of the cleanest in PV. It’s a great option for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Hotel Zone.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone, from bars to party clubs. Here, the crowd is usually young and vibrant, with a mix of locals and expats.
The best part about this nightlife scene is that it's not as expensive as you might think. Many of the bars offer discounts and specials for certain days of the week, so you don't need to break the bank to have a good time!
You'll also find plenty of LGBTQ-friendly spots in Puerto Vallarta. If you're looking to have fun with your friends, these gay bars are the way to go.
Another popular LGBTQ bar is Top Sky, which is located on Los Muertos Beach and has great sweeping views of Banderas Bay. They have a pool and a bar with a DJ so you can dance the night away!
Shopping
Puerto Vallarta has a wide variety of shopping opportunities, from the traditional markets to trendy shopping centers. The city is full of shops selling everything from local souvenirs to high end clothing.
The cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta are home to many unique shops and art galleries. Explore Basilio Badillo street for interesting boutiques including Lucy's Cucu Cabana offering handcrafted items from around Mexico, Chantel's Vintage Spoon Jewelry & Boutique with its wide variety of handmade jewelry from repurposed silverware and Faith Colectiva, which has a large selection of clothing and jewelry made by local women.
The big flea market in town is the Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale (open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), on Insurgentes street along the Cuale River. It's a fun place to visit and buy many must-have Mexico souvenirs from Corona beer wall clocks to lucha libre masks, ponchos and key chains at reasonable prices.
Restaurants
Puerto Vallarta is a food lover's paradise. You'll find everything from the traditional to the contemporary in a variety of restaurants throughout the city.
- The area north of Zona Romantica, called Centro, is home to many of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. It's also home to the famed malecon or boardwalk.
- There are lots of good places to eat here, so take your time and sample a little bit of everything. You may just find a new favorite place!
- If you want a good, quality steak while in Puerto Vallarta, Serranos is one of our favorites. They have a range of options and the steak is cooked perfectly.
