What to do in Puerto Vallarta: a paradise of golden beaches
It is a famous destination on the Mexican Pacific coast, with proposals for all tastes. What to do in Puerto Vallarta and what are its best beaches.
Framed by the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental of the State of Jalisco and the immense Mexican Pacific, there is a charming tourist destination with golden beaches, red roofs, golden sunsets and cobbled streets. What to do in Puerto Vallarta on vacation, at a cruise stop, or on a few days off for work.
Puerto Vallarta is a seaside resort on the Pacific coast of Mexico, famous for its beaches, water sports, and nightlife. It is one of the destinations chosen by cruise ships for its many attractions.
What to do in Puerto Vallarta
Those who are unaware of the potential of this destination search the web for things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The answer is difficult to summarize because it is a place that has everything to spend an incredible vacation. Beautiful beaches, hotels, variety of restaurants and many cultural activities.
It is also one of the cities with great proposals in terms of adventure and ecotourism. That is why it is a prominent destination when talking about the types of tourism in Mexico.
Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
- Visit the historic center: in the center of the city of Puerto Vallarta, on its traditional cobblestones, is the ornate church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as fashion stores and a variety of restaurants and bars.
- Stroll along El Malecón: it is a coastal promenade with contemporary sculptures, bars, lounges and nightclubs.
- Get to know the beach and the pier of Los Muertos: it is an icon of Puerto Vallarta, located in the so-called Romantic Zone, where the famous pier is located. There you can live an interesting mix between the traditional and the new trends within the destination. There are numerous gourmet restaurants, inns, bars and shops on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
- Go up to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint.
- Gringo Gulch: it is, without a doubt, an emblematic place to visit. Known for being the site of one of the most famous love stories of the 20th century (between Liz Taylor and Richard Burton), it is a residential area located in the historic area of Puerto Vallarta, north of the Cuale River. It preserves the architecture and traditional atmosphere of a Mexican town.
- Botanical Garden: it is a very nice place for nature lovers. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the gardens and tropical paths, as well as learn more about the Mexican flora.
- Water Sports: Puerto Vallarta is a mecca for water sports. There are many options, from surfing to diving.
- Cultural activities and gastronomic tours. It is a must to visit some places dedicated to chocolate.
- Dolphin watching. There are many tours and excursions that you can enjoy throughout the year. In some months, whales are also seen.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches
Since its conception in pre-Columbian times, the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta has welcomed its golden beaches, pretty bay, and bustling marina. Visitors today stroll along the malecón, a beachfront boardwalk, sipping tequila as they wander.
From the handicrafts you'll find at the flea market to the ephemeral creations that artists make with the sand on the beach, Puerto Vallarta offers you a surprising variety.
Its art galleries, its boardwalk, the calm waters of Banderas Bay, excellent for diving, and its endless nightlife, are some of the contrasts that Vallarta hides.
In Puerto Vallarta, the famous destination on the Mexican Pacific coast, there are countless impressive beaches that offer visitors everything they want on vacation. The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta are located in various parts of the bay:
Garza Blanca Beach
Garza Blanca Beach is one of the most beautiful in Puerto Vallarta and ideal for resting. Its exclusivity makes it the ideal place to spend a relaxing day on the sand. Being one of the few white sand beaches in the region, the water surrounding Garza Blanca shines brighter than any other and its proximity to the islet of Los Arcos offers you incomparable natural beauty.
At Playa Garza Blanca, the impressive natural environment will amaze the most seasoned travelers.
Chinese Shells Beach
Conchas Chinas Beach is often the scene of beautiful weddings because it is undoubtedly ideal for romance. The golden sands, crystal clear waters and sparkling rock formations of Playa Conchas Chinas create the ideal spot for a romantic day by the sea. The natural pools that form between the rock formations invite you to explore the many corners of the beach. Undoubtedly one of the best beaches for romance in Puerto Vallarta.
Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach, at the southern end of downtown Puerto Vallarta, is one of the most visited beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can use a beach chair, stretch out on a towel or simply settle on the golden sand for a day of full entertainment.
As one of the most famous and frequented beaches in the area, Los Muertos is the hub of a variety of beach activities, including volleyball games, banana boat rides, and the availability of merchandise galore hawked by street vendors.
There are a large number of restaurants of all kinds, serving everything from gourmet meals to fish on a rod. Made popular by the celebrated Hollywood couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Los Muertos Beach is definitely a must-see in the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.
Shrimp Beach
Playa Camarones is located in the heart of the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta, and it is a beach where there are numerous activities designed to provide you with the best in fun and entertainment in the water: parasailing, Banana Boat excursion or paddleboarding in one of the beach clubs among many others.
Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit
The quaint town of Sayulita has gained popularity over the years for its trendy boutique shops, laid-back atmosphere, and great surfing. Although the city is well known for its exhilarating yoga and stellar surfing retreats, it is also becoming one of the most popular places to spend the day with the family.
Travelers of all ages can enjoy swimming and surfing in an ideal environment for beginners who want to try paddle boarding or longboarding for the first time.
The shallow waters provide the perfect sand for the little ones who are often seen building castles at the water's edge. Sayulita is also a great place for horseback riding on the beach, camping on the sand, and exploring both the water and the ocean shores.
Beaches for adventure: From Boca de Tomatlán to Playa Las Ánimas
At the southern end of Bahía de Banderas is home to several different beaches. Beginning at Boca de Tomatlán, the last entrance to the sea along the route out of the city, visitors can find a trail that leads to the neighboring towns of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Yelapa.
The adventurous route will take you along the cliffs, through secluded beaches and some of the most beautiful scenery in the bay.
Marietas Islands, the Galapagos of Mexico
A visit to the spectacular Marietas Islands is without a doubt almost mandatory if you visit Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit.
It is a small group of uninhabited islands and islets located a few kilometers south-west of the north coast of the bay, in the Municipality of Bahía de Banderas. Most of the visitors arrive from Puerto Vallarta.
The islands have become famous thanks to the power of the internet, especially for the so-called Playa Escondida or "Playa del Amor", which can be seen through a crater on one of the main islands.
