Downtown Puerto Vallarta
When you hear the name “Puerto Vallarta” what images come to your mind? Certainly miles of sandy beaches, the Malecon seaside boardwalk with its signature stone arches, outdoor amphitheater and its eclectic collection of bronze sculptures mounted at regular intervals along with it, but what else does our city have in store every year for its millions of visitors?
Downtown Puerto Vallarta at night
The answer, of course, depends on your age, or at least, how old you actually feel. For the young or the young at heart, Aquaventuras, with its endless water slides and Swim with Dolphins Adventure is an experience of a lifetime.
Aquaventuras
Another is the Marigalante Pirate day or night cruise in a Columbus-era replica tall ship and with an impressive pirate show in the evening.
Pirates of the Bay
Puerto Vallarta has now also become a Spring break staple amongst the University crowd, who return year after year to worship at the many beaches, hotels, and nightclubs that cater to them and their needs, including the Mandala, Strana, and the famous Señor Frogs theme entertainment bar.
Mandala
Vallarta has an extremely diverse nightlife offering for just about everyone and every taste.
Fun for the whole family is available at every turn, including daily excursions into the jungle or on the water with Ecotours Vallarta or Vallarta Adventures.
Quimixto waterfall
Thrilling canopy zip-line rides, boat excursions to small villages in the south and stunning waterfalls accessible only by sea, and lush cultural experiences with traditional song and dance with shows such as Rhythms of the Night or dinner and party at many local restaurants and hotels.
Rhythms of the Night
If you are a sports fisher, there is no shortage of vessels available by the day or week, led by experienced skippers for world-class sports fishing, sailing vessels or catamarans, and international sailing competitions with the annual J24 and other regattas. And don’t miss checking out the new marina at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
If you, and your special someone, are looking for something little more relaxed, fewer cities boast the wealth and variety of dining options than PV, with several world-class restaurants that participate in lavish events throughout the year, including the Altruism Festival, Restaurant Week, the International Gourmet Festival, Wine Festival and more, most of which combine exquisite dining opportunities with important fundraising activities for the many important local charities. Most of these restaurants also feature professional musical acts from traditional Mariachi to Jazz.
Streets of Puerto Vallarta
The only thing you will have trouble finding in beautiful Puerto Vallarta is enough time to do it all!
Buen Viaje!
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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