Discover Puerto Vallarta with GoTravelDaily: A Guide to Amazing Experiences

The sun-soaked Pacific paradise of Puerto Vallarta calls out to outdoor enthusiasts, with its palm-fringed emerald coves, thrilling wildlife-watching opportunities, and delightfully walkable downtown. Top that off with buzz-worthy cuisine, loads of public art, and Mexico’s most accessible and relaxed LGBTQ scene, and you’ll see why this is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. Here are some of the best things to do on your next visit to Vallarta.

Bask on the Southern Beaches

Vallarta’s southern beaches hug a spectacular jade-green coastline, dotted with secluded coves, making this an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. One of several lovely coastal hamlets, Yelapa features fine sandy beaches and jungle trails leading to quiet hillside B&Bs and a cascading waterfall. It’s a perfect alternative to the busy beaches in town. Most visitors reach the coves around Puerto Vallarta via water taxis departing from Playa de los Muertos pier.

Discover the Hidden Charms of Islas Marietas

The secret is out about this national marine park’s hidden beach (Playa Escondida), which appears unexpectedly inside a collapsed sinkhole. However, these uninhabited islands also provide some of the best wildlife-watching on the bay. Sea turtles, rays, and dolphins are easily spotted in the Marietas’ pristine waters, while on land, you’ll encounter a variety of tropical bird species, including the charismatic blue-footed booby. To visit on a snorkeling, diving, or kayaking outing, explore tour options available.

Watch Baby Turtles Make for the Surf

If you’ve never participated in a sea turtle release, experiencing the thrill of watching tiny hatchlings scurry into the ocean for the first time is a must. Vallarta Adventures runs private tours to nearby beach towns from August to December, coinciding with turtle nesting season, offering visitors the chance to witness egg-laying and guide hatchlings on their journey to the surf, which is a mesmerizing experience for all ages.

Explore an Underwater World at Playa Majahuitas

Snorkelers rave about the wildlife-rich waters at Playa Majahuitas, one of Vallarta’s top beaches. The clear visibility in this small protected cove is teeming with marine life, including parrotfish and angelfish, making it an ideal escape from downtown. If you have your own snorkeling gear, water taxis departing from Playa de los Muertos pier can drop you at the beach. Alternatively, numerous operators offer equipment rentals and transportation services.

Fall in Love with the Zona Romántica

Also known as Old Town, Zona Romántica is the center of the action in Puerto Vallarta. There’s never a dull moment in this vibrant neighborhood, filled with pulsating bars, lively discos, and stalls offering delicious street food. Additionally, it proudly hosts downtown’s best beach, Playa de los Muertos. Another major attraction for travelers is the thriving LGBTQ scene, featuring numerous gay-friendly places to enjoy, socialize, and unwind.

Escape to San Sebastián del Oeste

For a change of scenery, rent a car and head for San Sebastián del Oeste, a centuries-old mining town perched over 4,855 feet above sea level. The journey is equally enjoyable as you make stops along the winding mountain roads for freshly baked pastries and sips of raicilla (a mezcal-like agave drink). The intriguing former silver-mining haciendas also offer opportunities for overnight stays.

Take an Agave Spirits Tasting Tour

You’ve certainly heard of tequila, but have you explored lesser-known distilled agave drinks such as sotol, bacanora, or raicilla? A delightful agave spirits session led by local experts will introduce you to the subtle differences among various agave beverages produced throughout Mexico.

Soak Up the Green Spaces of Vallarta Botanical Gardens

For a unique botanical garden experience, venture to the tropical highlands of the Sierra Madre mountains and explore the well-curated Jardín Botánico de Vallarta. Home to one of Mexico’s most extensive orchid collections, this stunning garden also features a wide variety of native plants and birds. After a leisurely stroll through the grounds, take a refreshing dip in the river that winds around the gardens.

Dive in Los Arcos National Marine Park

Renowned for its iconic arched rock formations and deep, vibrant waters teeming with marine life, Los Arcos is the most popular snorkeling and diving destination in Puerto Vallarta. A must-visit for scuba enthusiasts is Devil’s Canyon, which allows you to hover above an astonishing abyss. Arriving early is ideal to beat the midday rush of tour boats; several operators are available to facilitate your diving adventure.

Surf the Bay’s Northern Coast

Ideal surfing conditions on the scenic peninsula of Punta de Mita attract both beginner and intermediate surfers, promising long, rideable waves. Numerous surf shops offer lessons and board rentals near the beaches of Playa El Anclote and Stinky’s. Experienced surfers prefer the more challenging breaks at El Faro, La Lancha, and Punta Burros.

Go Whale-Watching

If you’re visiting from December to March, take the opportunity to witness majestic humpback whales leap from the sea. Tour companies conduct four-hour whale-watching expeditions aboard boats equipped with hydrophones, allowing you to listen to the whales’ intricate mating calls.

Take a Coastal Hike

Starting from Boca de Tomatlán, a fishing village located 16 km south of Vallarta, a scenic trail hugs the coast to a series of quiet jungle-backed coves, some featuring shady seafood palapas (low-key restaurants). The hike can be extended as far as Playa Quimixto for those seeking a longer adventure. Buses to Boca de Tomatlán depart from the Zona Romántica.

Explore Vallarta’s Food Scene

Vallarta’s culinary scene is diverse and delightful, with plenty to please any palate. From street stalls serving fish and birria (goat) tacos to restaurants offering fresh seafood and innovative international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Participate in a themed food tour to experience the ultimate gourmet adventure, including popular taco crawls.

Discover Art and Crafts on the Streets

Art springs to life in Vallarta, with larger-than-life bronze sculptures adorning downtown and beautiful, sea-themed murals adding character to the vibrant city. The Centro area is especially known for its exceptional art galleries and craft stores, where unique ceramics and striking bead and yarn art can often be found.

Enjoy a Relaxing Isla Cuale River Walk

While exploring downtown, consider spending time on Isla Río Cuale, a peaceful sandbar lined with shady rubber trees, riverside restaurants, and stalls selling everything from colorful Huichol crafts to fun souvenirs. Don’t miss the tiled Iguana bridge at the island’s east end, which leads you to the upscale neighborhood of Gringo Gulch, known for its historical connections to Hollywood celebrities.