Mexico has many destinations to offer, but if you want to have a vacation full of fun and adventure, book a flight to Puerto Vallarta. We’ve compiled a selection of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta.
Best things to do as a tourist in Puerto Vallarta
In the Mexican Pacific, you can find Puerto Vallarta, a destination known for its beaches. But this destination has more than just beaches. Here we want to show you the 10 best tourist places in Puerto Vallarta.
Malecon of Puerto Vallarta
If you are wondering where to go in Puerto Vallarta, your first option to consider is the Malecon. This mile-long pedestrian boardwalk represents the city’s essence and has many things to do.
On the Malecon, you’ll find many palm trees, sculptures, and the sea. And if you want to delight your eyes with a unique show, we recommend you watch the ritual of the Papantla Flyers at nightfall. They fly down 30 meters to the ground, representing an ancestral ritual dedicated to rain and fertility.
And if you want to do more, don’t forget to go to the Arches of the Malecon, which are made of stone. Here you can find all kinds of activities. This is one of the liveliest places to visit in Puerto Vallarta. You can’t miss it!
Marina Vallarta
The Marina Vallarta is where Puerto Vallarta has luxury hotels and resorts and several golf courses. But just because it is an upscale area, it does not mean that it is closed to tourists.
This area is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta because you can find shops, restaurants, and even supermarkets here. We recommend taking a walk in the afternoon or night since it’s perfect for taking photos with beautiful views of buildings, the sea, and yachts.
The Naval Museum is one of the places to visit in Puerto Vallarta. Located on the Malecon, this museum highlights everything that has happened in the maritime history of Mexico. And yes, we are referring to maritime history from the Conquest to the present day.
At this interesting museum, you will find two floors with 14 rooms showing everything from small to large-scale models. Here you can learn a lot about the evolution of Mexican naval history. In short, this is one of the best cultural attractions in Puerto Vallarta.
Muelle de los Muertos
A great attraction to visit in Puerto Vallarta is the Muelle de los muertos. This pier is impressive because it is designed to look like a sail, which seems to extend more than a hundred meters into the sea.
This pier operates as a dock for boats. It’s designed with functional, modern architectural nuances and harmonized with natural beauty. We recommend visiting at night as it looks much more striking due to the lighting.
Also, from the pier, you can rent fishing boats or water taxis that take you to other bays to visit in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Another thing to do in Puerto Vallarta is to visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, one of the most iconic sites in the city. Located in the very center of Puerto Vallarta, close to the main square, this place is perfect for admiring architecture and religious art.
This church does not have a defined architectural style but rather a mixture of different periods. You will find neoclassical, renaissance, and baroque details in this work of art. It will surprise you. Remember that this church is always in session, so visit with due respect and be amazed by its beauty. This is truly one of the best tourist attractions in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches
As we mentioned before, Puerto Vallarta has several of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Colmitos Beach, Yelapa Beach, Beach of the Dead, and Sayulita. These beaches are talked about quite a bit, and rightly so.
If you are looking for touristy places in Puerto Vallarta, its beaches are a mandatory stop. With more than 35 different beaches, you can choose one based on your tastes and preferences. There is a beach for everyone.
Zona Romantica or Viejo Vallarta
One of the places to visit in Puerto Vallarta that is absolutely worth visiting is the Romantic Zone, also known as Old Vallarta. Locals say as soon as you cross the south side of the Cuale River, the atmosphere becomes ideal for lovers.
Take advantage of outdoor benches and cafes designed to spend time together. If you are traveling as a couple, do not forget to visit one of the attractions of Puerto Vallarta, where you can feel love in the air.
Places near Puerto Vallarta: Bahia de Banderas
If you are still wondering what areas to visit near Puerto Vallarta, we have a surprise for you. Considered one of the best touristy places in the Riviera Nayarit, Banderas Bay stretches 115 kilometers and is crowned as one of the largest bays in the country.
Legend says that during the Spanish Conquest, the indigenous people went to defend their land with weapons, but above all, with many flags. Giving the bay its name.
Enjoy the beach with a backdrop of spectacular green mountain ranges and take many photos. We assure you that Bahia de Banderas is one of the beautiful places near Puerto Vallarta that you cannot miss.
Islas Marietas
One of the quintessential natural attractions near Puerto Vallarta is Marietas Islands. Two uninhabited islands of volcanic origin, located northwest of Puerto Vallarta. Due to their proximity, the islands are recommended by many tourists. The main attraction is to enjoy one of the many tours to these beautiful archipelagos.
Boca de Tomatlan
Finally, another destination with things to do near Puerto Vallarta is Boca de Tomatlan. Located in a fishing village about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find this pearly-white beach with soft sand and calm waters.
Spend an afternoon enjoying the beach and the excellent restaurants located under palapas.
In addition, this is a good starting point to get to know other beautiful beaches such as Playa Colomitos and Las Animas. Do not miss the opportunity to get to know the beautiful places near Puerto Vallarta.
Travel to Puerto Vallarta!
You’re all set! You now know several places to visit in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. We recommend booking your flights to Puerto Vallarta now and enjoying the newest planes in Mexico at the lowest fares. We assure you, with these options, you will not run out of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy!
