Sand
Beach after tropical beach stretches for over 60 miles (100km) of coastline, where the Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit meet, to outline the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags) that encompasses Puerto Vallarta. And then, because this is the coast, more beaches still meet with Pacific waters both to the north and south of that mouth. And it’s this kind of oceanfront -- you know, the kind that looks even better for real than in the postcard -- that makes Mexican beaches so famous.
Just head straight towards the water from Vallarta’s Zona Centro or “Old Town” to hit the principal Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead). Meander up or down the sand, or the Malecón boardwalk, to discover another one of about 15 other beaches along the bay, each with its own personality.
Hop on a bus or hail a water taxi to reach some farther-away ones that you’ll hear about:
- Mismaloya – Brought Vallarta into its fame as shooting location for classic film, The Night of the Iguana. Also site of Los Arcos eco-reserve (in the water).
- Las Animas – Savor a fresh seafood comida on the sand under a palapa (thatched roof).
- Yelapa – Once a quaint fishing village, now a popular cruise stop.
Water
Take advantage of the wet stuff to go diving (bring your PADI license if you have one), snorkeling, surfing, sailing, or waterskiing. Never done it? No worries. Learn here!
Or get up close and personal with a humpback whale on a whale-watching tour. Just like the smart humans who go south to winter in Puerto Vallarta, these giant, graceful beauties do too. The warmer water heats things up; breeding season runs December to March, which is the best time to spot them. Playful, showy dolphins also abound.
You won’t (thank goodness!) get a humpback on a hook, but if deep-sea fishing is your sport, you’re in the right place. Indeed, the well-established Marlin and Sailfish Tournament reels in both award-winning fish and anglers every year. Charter your line to massive marlin, yellow-fin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, grouper, and more from the Marina Vallarta at the north end of the bay.
Like to be on the water but not in it? Board an afternoon or evening cruise to enjoy spectacular views of the bay, relax, drink, and maybe dance, depending on the one you choose. And choices there are! (Open bar, anyone?)
Land
Clearly a beach town, Puerto Vallarta is every bit “beach” and “town.” Stroll down the Malecón, the 10-block boardwalk north of the Old Town -- the physical merger of the two. At the south end, the iconic Arcos frame the ocean’s horizon while the dolphins of the Fuente de los Delfines and the “El Caballito” seahorse statue keep them company. Across the way, life centers around the central Plaza de Armas town square, watched over by the uniquely crowned church bell tower of La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. And do cross that bridge, now you’ve come to it -- the one that takes to you the cute Isla Cuale!
It’s not hard to get a real taste for Puerto Vallarta; you could go there for the cuisine alone! And foodies actually do, especially for the Festival Gourmet, when master chefs from around the world dive onto local kitchens to whip up delicious Mexican and international dishes. There’s a wine festival too! Dress up to dine at a first-rate restaurant or don your flip-flops to consume the catch of the day on the beach. It’s up to you.
Shop ‘til you drop (onto a lounge chair on the beach, mind you). Upscale boutiques, tourist trinkets, WalMart? P.V.’s got it all. And my favorite, what I call “the best of Mexico”: loads of colorful, handmade crafts (textiles, wood carvings, baskets, stamped tin, tiles, etc.) that represent, well, what I think of when I think of traditional, artisanal Mexican decoration.
Depending on the time of year you go, you may wish to attend that season’s festival events. We’ve mentioned some already -- gourmet, wine, fishing -- but the town also hosts environmental, film, jazz, and photography festivals; a writers’ convention; not to mention an international sailing regatta.
Numerous impressive golf courses quilt the land, including three signature ones (one by Jack Nicklaus). But Puerto Vallarta does the other kind of “green” particularly well too. The pure abundance of jungle, mountains, and natural wonders allows for eco-friendly hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and adventure outdoor sports.
Back in town in the earlier evening, show up for a show or concert. Catch bigger-time names, musicals, or plays at the Teatro Vallarta, a 900-plus-seat state-of-the-art theater in the city’s center. Or savor a copita de vino and the trova music of a smaller-time local troubadour. On weekends in particular, delight in folkloric dance, concerts, and other free performances in the outdoor theater Aquiles Serdán, the Plaza’s bandstand, or the Arcos.
Late in the evening -- maybe if you caught a siesta on the beach first -- experience another main draw of Puerto Vallarta: its nightlife. Choose from an extensive menu: bars, lounges, clubs, discos complete with the disco ball. From the decade you want. And the scene you want: young, adult, foreign, Mexican, gay or lesbian. Then, as the song says, have a good time!
People
Okay, this isn’t really “things to do,” but we have to mention that Puerto Vallarta’s history includes a “most friendly city” award -- and it wasn’t because of all the activities. While the beach burg welcomes everyone with open arms, some people find it really caters to them in particular, including:
- Seniors. Vallarta also has won a “best place to retire” award. There’s a reason for that.
- Gays and lesbians. Exclusive clubs, cruises, and even a beach just for you.
Of course Puerto Vallarta embraces young party-goers for its nightlife, as well as families with children (or for the kid in you) with its fun like a water park and pirate-themed cruise.
That’s one of the many joys of this seaside haven: there’s just a lot of buena onda (good vibes) to spread around!
Other Activities in Puerto Vallarta
As if there weren’t enough to do in Puerto Vallarta, take cooking or Spanish slang classes, attend cross-lingual social events, play soccer, and enjoy language exchanges through your Spanish language school there.
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