The Best of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Curated By
Lindsay Rawitscher
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International Travel
Mexico
Beaches
Couple’s Travel
Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
Barefoot Luxury
Beach Town
Relaxation
Curator’s statement
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is an incredibly vibrant city. There are so many places to stay no matter if you want something relaxing in the hills or right in the heart of the city. Beaches, food, clubs and culture are the main themes when traveling to Puerto Vallarta, and it's easy to see why upon arrival. There are typically fewer tourists here than Cancun or Cabo, so you can often get more for your money!
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Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta
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Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Beaches
Go down south towards Zona Romántica if you want beaches with more people. Playa de los Muertos is particularly famous. To get there, you just need to walk past the Malecón (boardwalk) in Zona Romántica. From Playa de los Muertos, you can continue down the beach and find more secluded spots.
Markets
The Malecón has lots of restaurants that range from casual to more upscale. Malecón also has a sign for pictures and vendors, think of the area like a flea market combined with a farmers market. Make sure to go before 1pm or vendors will start closing up shop!
Activities
You can take a boat tour to Yelapa where you'll find beautiful beaches and waterfalls. The boat is usually $20pp and takes about 45 minutes.
There are lots of food tours in Zona Romántica, easily bookable by an online search or with your Fora advisor! Similarly, you can book tequila tasting tours where you visit the distillery or they come to your home.
Once on the beach, there are tons of vendors that all host water activities, such as jet skis, paragliding, fishing and sunset cruises.
Day Trips
Nearby towns Sayulita, Punta Mita and San Francisco are great for a day out of the city.
Places to Eat & Drink in Puerto Vallarta
Restaurants
Tuna Azul (Zona Romántica) serves great aguachiles and seafood options.
La Traviata (5 de diciembre) serves Italian food on a rooftop.
Vivero (5 de diciembre) is an excellent local wine bar.
Memo’s Pancake House (5 de diciembre) makes great breakfast— especially pancakes.
La Fina is a casual cozy Mexican restaurant serving regional food.
Tintoque is a fancy and fun Mexican restaurant near the main strip in Puerto Vallarta.
Nightlife
Mandala is a flashy nightclub with bottle service and colorful cocktails.
La Viquita is a fun club with a pole for dancing.
Come to Zoo for a fun foam party and/or enjoy the swings.
Bar Morelos is a swanky cocktail club turns lounge with flashy chandeliers.
Industry is a fun gay club that always plays good music.
La Cantina Vallarta is a good place to start you night with drinks.
Mr. Flamingo is always lively if you're in town on off nights.
Need to Know
Looking for more travel inspo? Check out my guide Exploring Healdsburg, California — Wine Country's Best Kept Secret.
Travel Advisor
Lindsay Rawitscher
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