35 Great Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

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Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is part of the Mexican Riveria on the Bay of Banderas. If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting you are in the right place.  Puerto Vallarta is known for its 40 miles of coast and all-inclusive beachside resorts, but there’s more! This part of Mexico averages 300 days of sun and has many hidden and secluded beaches. You will find 15 beaches, waterfalls, jungle, cobblestone streets, street art, colonial architecture, and iguanas. Popular activities include snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, horseback riding, ziplining, hiking, ATV rides, and whale watching.  Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Puerto Vallarta bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Puerto Vallarta trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Malecon Promenade Puerto Vallarta Sign
Malecon Promenade

Things to Do in and Around Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Walk the Malecon promenade and take a selfie with the Puerto Vallarta sign

Stop for lunch in the old town’s Romantic Zone

Browse for souvenirs at Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale Flea Market

Photograph the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Hike up the hill to Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz for coastline views

Visit the Teatro Vallarta tequila museum

Watch the Papantla Flyers pole dance

See the art installations along the Malecon

Check out the yachts in the marina

Arches of the Malecón Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Arches of the Malecón

Take a Mexican cooking class at Gaby’s Restaurant

Explore the street art in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood

Hang out in the Plaza de las Armas listening to a free concert (Thursday and Sunday)

Wander the Vallarta Botanical Garden

Take a class at the Choco Museum

Have a cocktail and learn to salsa at Bodeguita del Medio

Take a sunset cruise and watch the Rhythms of the Night show

Enjoy cocktails and fresh oysters at a beach bar to watch the sunset over Banderas Bay

Participate in a turtle release party at Playa Holi (June through September)

Swim into the hidden beach on Marieta Island

Old Town Puerto Vallarta
Old Town Puerto Vallarta

Relax on the beach in Mismaloya

Go whale watching (December through March)

Check out the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta and hunt for seashells at Conchas Chinas

Take the kids on a pirate adventure at Majahuitas Island

Watch a rodeo and have dinner with Fiesta in the Mountains

Kayak or snorkel Los Arcos natural arches

Hike 1.7 miles RT to the Palo Maria waterfall

Check out the hidden cave at Playa Paredon Beach

ATV across the Jorullo Bridge suspension bridge

Take a jeep safari or zipline through the jungle

Swim under the waterfall in Yelap

Hike the coastal path from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas, 4.5 miles RT

Go mountain biking on the Occidental Sierra Madre jungle trails

Take a day trip to the surfing town of Sayulita

Be sure to check the Puerto Vallarta Board of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

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Plan Your Trip to Puerto Vallarta Mexico

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Puerto Vallarta Mexico Attractions and Day Tours

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