Travel News

21 Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

things to do in puerto vallarta visit the beach

Puerto Vallarta is a destination that has been welcoming travellers for many years, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit in Mexico. There are numerous fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta — it has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a digital nomad in Mexico looking to spend a month, a couple wanting a week-long vacation, or an expat looking to settle down, you’ll find activities in Puerto Vallarta to keep you busy. 

The city is split up into neighbourhoods (zones), with the endless things to do in Puerto Vallarta spread out along Banderas Bay and beyond. In reality, it doesn’t really matter which part of the city you stay in, as getting around is easy.

You will, however, want to choose your zone carefully based on the vibe you’re after and the budget you have.

Here’s my list of the top 21 things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Here’s a quick rundown of the zones in Puerto Vallarta starting at the airport and going south:

  • Marina – more upscale than the hotel zone, with the Marriott Hotel, Westin & more.
  • Hotel Zone – just a few mins drive from the airport, this area has many hotels, restaurants, malls, a Walmart & Sams Club.
  • Centro (Old PV) – smaller homes, residential area, the Malecon (oceanfront promenade) runs along here, many restaurants and bars. This area is on the north side of the River Cuale and offers affordable accommodation.
  • Centro (Romantic Zone) – located on the south side of the River Cuale, you’ll find numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and Playa Los Muertos Beach. This is a popular area with a large LGBTQ community. The accommodation ranges from budget to top end.
  • Conchas Chinas – meaning “Chinese Shells” based on the seashells found here, this is a more affluent/posh area of Puerto Vallarta with gated communities and high-end condos.

Learn more about where to stay in Puerto Vallarta with our accommodation and neighbourhood guide. And, for a complete rundown on travelling to the city of PV, check out our detailed guide here.

1. Walk…Everywhere!

I have to put walking as #1 on the list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring on foot is the best way to get a feel for the city, and most areas of PV are reachable by walking.

Mexico is already one of the cheapest countries to travel to, but when you can do things for free, like walking and sightseeing, you can save even more money.

walking the streets is the best thing to do in puerto vallarta
Walking the streets of Puerto Vallarta is the best way to see it all

This is a great way to see what the vendors…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Goats On The Road…