Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, entertaining visitors in year-round sunny weather while maintaining an eco-friendly environment fit for exciting activities and relaxation. It serves as a veritable vacation highlight reel in real-time, offering delight to the many guests who find their way to Puerto Vallarta’s storied shores. Below, please find some of this world-renowned destination’s biggest draws.

Beaches

The main attraction in Puerto Vallarta is the beaches. Combined with the good-natured populace (Puerto Vallarta has been referred to as the ‘Friendliest City in the World’), a day at the beach never sounded so good.

Beach culture permeates the overall scene, where the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains serve as the backdrop to your Pacific Coast adventure. The soft, golden sands offer reprieve from your everyday worries. Escape to the beach for a full day’s worth of basking in the sun and hanging out with your travel companions, meet new friends and enjoy the ever-evolving vibe that is Puerto Vallarta. Go swimming in ideal conditions, or catch waves on a surfboard at Marina Vallarta, Mismaloya, Quimixto or Yelapa.

No matter what your chosen activity at the beach, whether lounging in the sun, a catamaran ride, trying your hand at SCUBA, racing waverunners or riding above the Pacific on the exciting and innovative flyboard, you can expect the weather to cooperate. With average temperatures in the mid-80s in winter and the mid-90s in summer, you’re practically assured to catch some sun. The occasional thunder showers during the rainy season from June to October won’t be able to waylay anyone for very long, as the enduring forecast calls for sunshine 360 days of the year.

Romantic Zone
The Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, which is also known as Viejo Vallarta (Old Town) or Zona Romantica, is a cozy enclave of easy living. The charming atmosphere of the Romantic Zone draws many visitors and offers opportunities to relax and enjoy this flourishing neighborhood. Included in this part of town is the iconic pier with the sculpture El niño sobre el caballito de mar (Boy Riding a Seahorse, or El Caballito by Rafael Zamarripa, 1976) and the Malecon Boardwalk.

Malecon Boardwalk
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon Boardwalk is the quintessential pedestrian-only walkway in the Romantic Zone. This mile-long esplanade by the Pacific Ocean remains a popular meeting place where manifold opportunities exist to soak in Puerto Vallarta’s bustling scene with fellow travelers and locals. Along this stretch are myriad dining establishments, street vendors, performers, charming shops and all the good vibes that come with them.

The must-see crowd can be found lining the Malecon, where restaurants, bars and clubs provide nighttime entertainment. It’s also where Puerto Vallarta’s daytime revelry melds with the beach-friendly scene of this lively Mexican destination.  

Activities, Tours and Excursions
From leisurely hikes to extreme sports, Puerto Vallarta’s outdoor opportunities are plentiful and engaging. You can ride ATVs in the wild or over the world’s largest suspension bridge (El Jorullo) – an experience not soon forgotten. Set foot crossing the many trails in the Sierra Madre Mountain range. Or ride a horse or bike over the same challenging terrain. Kick the volume up to 11, skydiving over the bay to catch the unmistakable view of Puerto Vallarta from above. Deep-sea fishing tournaments, golf outings, ziplines and rappelling down rocky cliffs are just some of the many opportunities in the Puerto Vallarta area to experience the outdoors. Undergo a transformational sensory experience by swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat. Consider a massage therapy session by the beach and walk away feeling refreshed.

Dining
There are all sorts of opportunities to take in the culinary delights of Puerto Vallarta. You may elect to stay within the confines of your resort, taking advantage of the all-you-can-eat facet of the all-inclusive experience. Or make time to take in the many established restaurants around town. Choose to get tacos from a street vendor while perusing the many different opportunities to engage with friends and family while dining on authentic Mexican fare.

From the work of world-class chefs at many of the top-named restaurants to the unmatchable fresh seafood available daily, there are plenty of gastronomic avenues to explore. There’s a chance you may never want to leave Puerto Vallarta after tasting and indulging in the local flavor.

Art
Puerto Vallarta is home to the practice of Huichol art. Huichol art takes many forms, from prayer bowls to the caricatures of wild animals fashioned from the dazzling displays of colorful beads that trademark the practice.

There are also several museums, theaters and opportunities to hear live music. Festivals centering around cultural touchstones ensure that no matter when you visit Puerto Vallarta, there’s always something amazing to bear witness to.

Book your vacation to Puerto Vallarta now. Ask your travel advisor for details.