21 Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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 of Puerto Vallarta is the best way to see it all

This is a great way to see what the vendors are selling, to people watch, and get a lay of the land. You never know what you’ll stumble across when discovering the city on foot — just make sure to wear good shoes as the sidewalks and roads are very uneven. 

Note: the best time to travel to Mexico if you want to walk around cities would be in the winter months, or in the shoulder season. Otherwise, it can be unbearably hot and you’ll most likely want to be at the beach all day.

2. Join a Food Tour

Did you know that Mexico’s cuisine has made the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO? This award hasn’t been granted to any other national food group.

Mexican food is so much more than tacos and quesadillas and the best way to learn more about the tasty cuisine is to join a tour. This is a must do in Puerto Vallarta for foodies.

We’ve done food tours all around the world, and our favourite ones are in Mexico.

In Puerto Vallarta, check out Vallarta Food Tours. This company offers a mix of culture, walking, and food tours, making it a great way to learn about the city of PV while simultaneously feasting and working off the calories.

Visiting the taco stands is a highlight of a food tour in Puerto Vallarta!

There are a few foodie tours on offer with Vallarta Food Tours, but we went on the “Original Downtown Tour“, which took us through the center of PV on both sides of the river. We ate numerous dishes and tried some drinks as well. You can also join their evening taco tour.

We highly recommend this tour. Click here to learn more and check out the video we made:

3. See Rhythms Of The Night (one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta)

If you’re looking for a mini Cirque de Soleil-type cultural show and dinner experience, then Rhythms of The Night will be something you won’t want to miss.

We saw this performance and although we’re not big fans of large group tours, this show was spectacular and worth every penny. This is one of the top tours in Puerto Vallarta.

The evening starts with a sunset cruise (including an open bar) across Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, which is a beautiful private cove. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully lit area with tiki torches and candles.

You’ll then be shown to your seat in the outdoor auditorium, which is surrounded by palm trees. The seats are all staggered, so even though there are people sitting in front of you, you’ll have no issues seeing the show.

Watching Rhythms of The Night – we don’t usually love touristy shows, but this one was great!

The show depicts various stories of the ancient Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore. During the performance, there’s live music, dancing, contortionists, fire twirlers, and more.

Following the show, you’ll enjoy a large buffet dinner before returning to Puerto Vallarta by boat.

If you’re wondering what to do in Puerto Vallarta at night, this is it. Don’t miss this show. Click here to learn more about the tour and to book tickets.

⇒ See Also: Things To Do in Mazatlan – 21 Experiences You Don’t Want to Miss

4. Watch Sunset

There’s just something about the sunsets on the Pacific Coast, and in particular, Puerto Vallarta. Some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen have been from here. Grab a drink and enjoy the show.

Great viewing places include anywhere along the Malecon, up the hill behind the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or from El Barracuda which is our favourite beach bar.

Once the sun goes down, the party starts in PV — there are so many bars and clubs, the nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is legendary. Enjoy the sunset, it’s one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 

The sunsets in Puerto Vallarta are spectacular

*Note: Puerto Escondido is another epic Pacific Coast destination for sunsets in Mexico. If you have a chance, try to visit there as well.

5. Relax on Playa las Gemelas

Surprisingly, just about 20 minutes drive south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find beaches that look like they should be Cancun or Playa del Carmen rather than the Pacific. I think this is one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Playa las Gemelas has turquoise water and whitish sand. When we visited, there were quite a few waves, but no riptides or undertow, and the waves were fun to swim in.

Other visitors have experienced completely calm water here, so it really just depends on the weather and the time of year.

There are just 2 condominium complexes on the beach and nothing else…not even any toilets. Bring a cooler filled with beer, water, and snacks, and spend the day.

The walk to the beach is fairly steep and down some uneven steps, but it’s worth it when you see the view.

To reach here, you’ll want to park at Condominios Girasol Sur (in front along the road). There is no actual parking for the beach, so you’ll need to find some on the street, or in the few roadside spots in front of Girasol Sur Condos.

Alternatively, you can take a local bus and get dropped off here. This is by far my favourite beach in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss it. Click here for directions.

Hiking down the steps to Playa las Gemelas

6. Join a Booze Tour (with a side of food)

For those of you who like to drink tequila – it’s Mexico, who doesn’t?! – this tour is for you.

During our recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, we joined the highly rated Mex-ology tour and enjoyed a late afternoon of Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, craft beer, Kahlua coffee, and other handcrafted cocktails.

To go along with the booze, you’ll get some tasty food to help soak up the alcohol.

The dishes we had were full portions of fish tacos, meat tacos, seafood “enchiladas”, onion rings, crickets (yes, crickets!), and delectable dessert.

Not only will you be having fun, and feeling a bit tipsy by the end of it, but you’ll learn a lot about the traditions and creation of these alcoholic beverages.

Tasting Mezcal, with a side of crickets on our food & booze tour

We had a great day with our guide. So much fun in fact, that she took us out for some late-night shenanigans where the expats and locals like to hangout.

Click here to learn more about the Mex-ology Tequila, Tacos & Cocktails Tour, it’s one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. 

7. Eat Fresh Seafood

While Mexico is one of the best countries in the world for food and there’s definitely a Puerto Vallarta restaurant for everyone, sometimes it’s nice to eat street (beach) food.

If you’re an oyster lover, you’ll be happy to know that you can get fresh oysters on the beach. Just under the bridge that crosses the River Cuale, you’ll see many vendors selling these tasty morsels.

Plastic tables and chairs are set up so you can sit and enjoy your plate of food by the water, or you can take them to go. Squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle with some salt and add some hot sauce if you like.

Another option is to join this tasty seafood experience which includes the oysters listed above, and much more.

You’ll also eat ceviche and aguachile, fish fillets, tacos, quesadillas, soups…as many seafood dishes as you want! It’s all included. Plus, you can wash it all down with unlimited beer. This incredible tour sells out fast. Learn more here. 

☞ SEE ALSO: Playa del Carmen Mexico: The Ultimate Travel Guide

8. Visit San Pancho

About an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta is the beach town of San Pancho (San Francisco), which is one of the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta.

This small town isn’t as quiet as it once was, but it’s still a nice place to visit. What’s surprising is that even though it’s not a very big place, there are lots of things to do in San Pancho.

The best way to learn all about San Pancho is to meet up with Samuel and enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the town. Samuel will show you lots of hidden gems and tell stories about the area. This fun experience is highly rated and affordable and includes the biking gear, and some food and drinks. Learn more here. 

San Pancho is a cool place to spend the afternoon as it’s just an hour away from Puerto Vallarta. To get from Puerto Vallarta to San Pancho, you can rent a car, take the bus for around 50 pesos, or join a day tour of San Pancho and nearby Sayulita.

Note: the ocean here is quite rough and isn’t a great place for swimming. You could check out Bucerias for swimming.

9. Walk The Malecon

One of the many great things about Puerto Vallarta is the long Malecon (oceanfront promenade) which runs for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). This is the perfect spot to enjoy a stroll, without having to deal with the busy traffic that whizzes along the narrow streets.

Along the Malecon, you have the beautiful ocean on one side, and many shops, restaurants, and bars on the other (selling $1 margaritas and Coronas). There are also numerous art installations and street performances here.

The Malecon is the hot spot, especially in the late afternoon and evenings when it’s a cooler temperature. And actually, wandering along the Malecon is one of the most popular things to do in La Paz as well.

A great way to explore a more off-the-beaten-path area of the Malecon is to join this fun biking experience. Biking equipment and some drinks are included. Learn more here.

The Malecon always has something going on

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

There are numerous resorts, hotels, boutiques, hostels, Airbnbs, and apartments for rent in Puerto Vallarta. There really is something for everyone, with Airbnb and Booking.com being the most popular ways to book. 

10. Join a Chocolate Making Class

The Choco Museum is one of the many free things to do in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re interested in learning the history behind cocoa, plus finding out how chocolate is made (from harvest to production), then the museum is for you.

If you want to get your hands dirty and EAT some delicious chocolate, then make sure to join one of the classes at the Choco Museo.

Learn how to make traditional mole sauce, hot chocolate truffles, or individual chocolates. Click here to learn more about workshops and classes.

☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A List of The Top 21

11. Mountain Biking Trip

Although lounging by the beach and devouring tacos is always a good idea when travelling to Mexico, it might be a good idea to get some exercise every once in a while! This is one of the Puerto Vallarta activities you don’t want to miss.

Eco Ride is an eco-conscious company in Puerto Vallarta that offers mountain biking and hiking trips in the surrounding jungle trails of the Occidental Sierra Madre.

If you’re into adventure and being active, this is one of the things to do in Puerto Vallarta that should be at the top of your list. 

They have biking tours for beginners and advanced riders, plus they offer different length trips as well — from 15 to 48 kilometers (9.3 – 30 miles).

The routes pass through villages, waterfalls, rivers, pine trees, and more. Click here to learn more about Eco Ride and the biking and hiking trips they offer.

*Note: if you’d rather combine exercise with eating, Vallarta Food Tours has a new tour called Bikes & Bites…check it out.

12. Chill Out on Los Muertos Beach

This is the beach south of the Los Muertos Pier. And, as with the stretch of sand north of the pier, there are a lot of activities going on — from swimming and surfing to parasailing and boating. Plus, you’ll find numerous beach restaurants and bars here.

There are vendors wandering up and down the beach as well, but they aren’t too pushy. Near the south side of the pier, you’ll find lots of local families spending the day (especially on weekends), while further south from there is considered the LGBTQ area, which is always busy and a lot of fun.

We’ve visited this beach a few times now. During December, the waves were massive and the surf and undertow were unbelievably strong. The rough water started from the pier and went north to the La Langosta Loca restaurant.

However, on the south side of the pier, the water was calm and children were swimming. When we hung out at Los Muertos beach in the summer, the water was calm everywhere — and we even spotted lots of small Manta Rays!

Always be mindful of the ocean and when in doubt, always ask a local if it’s safe to swim.

☞ SEE ALSO: 51 Awesome Things To Do in Mexico

13. Wander The Old Town

Puerto Vallarta has a beautiful old town with cobbled streets and colourful homes climbing up the hill. From near the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you’ll see rock/cement steps heading up the hill.

Take the steps and continue walking along the back roads towards the Romantic Zone. As most people take the Malecon or the main streets, you’ll have the quiet “upper” roads basically to yourself.

We recommend walking around the quieter streets behind the Romantic Zone!

You’ll come across homes draped in vines, cats sleeping on steps and pretty wrought-iron balconies. After you’ve finished exploring and enjoying the peace and quiet, you can come out near the Rio River.

For an amazing view, you can hike up to the Mirador Cerro de La Cruz. It takes about 30 minutes and is a bit strenuous, but the view is spectacular. Bring lots of water and wear good shoes.

14. Go Scuba Diving

Getting out on the water is always a good idea when travelling, but so is getting under it. Diving in Mexico is the next level. 

Whether you’re scuba certified or not, check out Banderas Scuba Republic. This company is PADI recognized and the team is PADI certified.

At this scuba shop, you can take classes and lessons to get your certification, or if you already have your Open Water, you can go for some dives. While scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta isn’t the best in Mexico, it’s always nice to get out for a dive.

Expect to see turtles, rays, eels, and more. Banderas Scuba Republic is located in the Romantic Zone, stop by and check them out.

Note: We did not personally dive with Banderas Scuba Republic, they were just highly reviewed on TripAdvisor. Always do your own independent research when choosing a scuba diving company.

15. Join a Free Walking Tour

Walking on your own is great, but if you want to learn a bit more about the city of Puerto Vallarta, including its culture, history, and architecture, then it’s best to join a walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.

This is the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta on your first day in the city so you can get your bearings.

Every Tuesday (9:00am and noon), Wednesday (9:00am and noon) and Saturday (9:00am), there are free tours put on by the Municipal Tourism Office.

The meeting point is at the Municipal Tourism Office, which is in the Old City Hall Building. The tour is about 2 hours long and no reservation is required. Click here for details.

16. Join the Free Art Walk

Puerto Vallarta has the most art galleries of any Mexican coastal city. On Wednesday evenings, many of the art shops open their doors and allow visitors inside to view the pieces.

All mediums of art are on display, including paintings, sculptures, pottery and folk art. A visit here is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Entrance is free, there is no guide, but there is usually wine and tequila given to visitors…for free. The “art walk” runs from the end of October to the end of May, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, every Wednesday. This is a yearly event. Click here to learn more about the Art Walk.

17. Visit the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe

You can’t miss the Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe when you visit. Towering over the center of Puerto Vallarta is this beautiful piece of architecture. If you’re wondering what to do in Puerto Vallarta when it’s raining, a trip to this church is a good idea.

Whether you’re religious or not, I recommend taking a peek inside, and of course, taking loads of photos of the ornate exterior. This church is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta.

If you find yourself in the city from December 1 – 12, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebrations for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival, which includes candlelight processions, colourful parades, and of course, food.

18. Visit Mismaloya

Located on the southern part of Banderas Bay, you’ll find the fishing village of Mismaloya. This is where tourism in the Puerto Vallarta area all started, back in 1963 with the filming of Night Of The Iguana. 

These days, Puerto Vallarta has more tourism, while the bay at Mismaloya is still relatively quiet. This is another great day trip from Puerto Vallarta.

The pretty bay is backed by thick jungle, there are restaurants lining the beach and you’ll have views of the Los Arcos Marine Park. There is, however, the Barcelo Resort which takes up much of the bay, but it’s still a nice place to visit.

☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz, Mexico – A List of the Top 21

19. Check Out The Markets

Visiting the markets in Mexico is always a treat. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find food, fish, clothing, and souvenir markets.

Don’t miss the Municipal Market of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, which is a great place to purchase fresh produce. This market runs from 6:00am to 3:00pm, 365 days a year. Click here for directions.

Also, if you want fresh produce and fish, check out the Municipal Market in December 5. Go early to get the best selection of seafood.

In the strip of vendors, you’ll find meats, vegetables, tortillas, and other items. This is a great place to take food away, or to create a delicious lunch! Visiting a local market is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Click here for directions.

20. Do Some Hiking

You won’t really find hiking in the city itself. But, if you take a bus, or drive your car out to Boca de Tomatlan, you can do a really great day hike to Las Animas. The path winds along the ocean, with the jungle on one side and the beautiful water on the other.

Have a look at this highly-rated, affordable day trip — which includes transportation from Puerto Vallarta, snacks, snorkelling gear, and a drink at the restaurant at the end. Find out more here. 

You’ll hike along stone stairs and narrow paths, while arriving at lovely secluded bays along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some whales or dolphins playing in the water.

The entire hike takes about 2 hours to complete, and once you arrive at Las Animas, all that’s left to do is enjoy the beach, and one of the many restaurants on offer.

To get back to Boca, you can take a boat from Las Animas, or hike back the way you came. This is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta for outdoor lovers. For more information on how to do this hike, click here. 

Since the trip can be a bit confusing to do on your own, a great option is to join this affordable experience with a local guide, which includes food, drink, and transport. Learn more about this fun day trip here.

21. Spend A Night On The Town

The Puerto Vallarta nightlife is awesome. No matter what sort of a party you’re looking for, you’ll find it in PV.

From beach bars and nightclubs to cantinas and breweries, a night out in Puerto Vallarta is sure to be memorable. While most of the happenin’ nightlife is around the Romantic Zone, you’ll find bars across the city.

Dance the night away at Co-De or one of the many popular Malecon nightclubs (Zoo, Mandala or La Vaquita) or watch your favourite sports team on the big screen at places like El Torito Sports Bar & BBQ House, Players and El Soñador. 

For live music, you can’t go wrong with Incanto, Roxy Rock House, and La Casa de Hugo. If it’s craft beer you seek, you have a couple of options in Puerto Vallarta. Don’t miss Monzon and Los Muertos. For cocktail lovers, check out El Colibri, Bar La Playa, and Twisted Palms.

To learn more about the best places to sip and dance, check out our post: Puerto Vallarta Nightlife – The Best Places to Drink and Dance.

Bonus Activities!

22. Volunteer With Dogs

If you’re an animal lover, why not spend a few hours of your vacation in PV volunteering with animals?

Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals need volunteers to spend time with the dogs (and cats!) at the shelter. You can help out by walking dogs, feeding them and of course, giving them lots of love and attention. 

The Acopio shelter is located just a little bit outside of the center of the city, but make sure you contact Friends of PV Animals first before arriving at the shelter. Learn more about how you can make a difference in a shelter dog’s life, here. 

Spend a morning walking the gorgeous rescue dogs in Puerto Vallarta

23. Visit Marietas Island

While this isn’t technically a thing to do in Puerto Vallarta, a trip to Marietas Island is an excellent day trip. Only 116 people per day are allowed to visit this gorgeous site — make sure you book online ahead of time.

Located about a 1-hour boat ride from the Puerto Vallarta marina, you’ll find the Marietas hidden beach. Not only is the snorkelling and the beach itself gorgeous, but on the boat ride out there you’ll most likely spot dolphins, manta rays, and whales. Find out more here.

Now You Know What To Do in Puerto Vallarta

I hope this list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta helps you plan your trip. While the city is quite touristy, it’s popular for good reason and we really enjoy our visits here.

Make sure to sample the tasty street food whenever you can, explore the local markets, and enjoy walking around the city. Let us know what you would add to this list in the comments below. Happy travels

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