26 Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico In 2023

Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast Puerto Vallarta is best known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and watersports but tourists will also find cultural things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is a regular winner when people vote for Mexico’s friendliest city and one of the safest places to visit. Its good vibes are infectious, and the amount of Puerto Vallarta attractions makes for an exciting vacation itinerary.

Top Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

The Mexican coastal city has a laidback, fun atmosphere. From art galleries to Puerto Vallarta food tours and a secret beach or two, check out our top 26 things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Make your arrival easy with a private airport transfer. Once you land at Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) your driver will be waiting with your nameplate to take you to your accommodations in an air-conditioned vehicle to Puerto Vallarta city.

1. Free Walking Tour Around Downtown Puerto Vallarta

The free walking tours of Puerto Vallarta are some of the best ways to get acquainted with the city. What better way to get a taste of a new place than by walking it with a friendly face and knowledgeable tour guide? Walking tours are excellent for meeting new people and seeing a new location on a budget. You could explore Downtown Puerto Vallarta or the classic Old Town. Guru Walks has a list to of the best free walking tours that you can join.

In Puerto Vallarta, the downtown region is perfect for sightseeing on foot. It is compact and boasts attractions like Malecon and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You’ll also be whisked past street art, historical landmarks, and delicious spots for food. All for free – although, we suggest saving a tip for the guide at the end.

When visiting Puerto Vallarta, ‘safe’ fun is essential. Despite the town being one of the safest places in Mexico a walking tour is a great introduction to the city. This city tour isn’t free, but this 6-hour walking tour, lets you stroll the cobblestone streets with an expert guide. Follow your guide along the Malecón boardwalk and see the monuments, The Seahorse, Los Tapatíos, Los Arcos and the sculptures of Leonora Carington. You’ll also visit downtown Vallarta and the Church Guadalupe. more details here.

Hidden Beach is one of the best day trip ideas near Puerto Vallarta. The nature reserve is part of the Marietas Islands and looks like the sea cave beaches in Portugal. The beach is only accessible by boat. You sail through to the beach by entering a cave-style opening. However, once you pass through, you realize there is a vast crater-shaped hole in the cave ceiling. It is a beautiful beach, and the region’s layout is incredibly unique.

Visiting Hidden Beach takes a bit of extra organizing, but is it worth it? Absolutely. We highly recommend planning a day trip to this isolated beach day spot. Many speedboat tours run from Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta – so take your pick. The tour duration is usually around 5 hours, although this does vary somewhat tour by tour. This highly rated tour takes you snorkeling to the Marietas Islands

3. Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is a thriving beach in the Zona Romantica. This southern neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta is trendy and full of art galleries and nightlife. The ‘Romantic Zone’ is somewhere to go when you want a buzz. And Playa Los Muertos is no different. Visiting is one of the best Puerto Vallarta things to do.

Playa Los Muertos is one of the best beaches for watersports and activities. Forget sunbathing; you are here to enjoy yourself and create memories. From the beach itself, you can hire jet skis and surfboards from the operators along the shoreline. You can take boat trips from Playa Los Muertos Pier to spot whales, snorkel, or see Los Arcos. But more on all that later. All you need to know for now is that Los Muertos beach is where to go for a beach day with spontaneity. It also has a killer sunset—the perfect reward after a day of activities and adventure.

First time visiting Puerto Vallarta? The hop on hop off bus is the perfect way to see the highlights of the city. Ride the top deck and stop at the attraction of your choice. Tickets include entry to the chocolate factory, a lounge chair on Mangos Beach and tequila tasting.

4. Los Arcos

Los Arcos is another one of the most classic things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos is Spanish for The Arches – which is self-explanatory. Los Arcos is a group of granite rock formations with distinctive arch shapes. Of the giant arches, you can sail through them on small boats. A popular thing to do in Puerto Vallarta is to get a boat tour to see the formations up close to famous, iconic landmarks. However, there are other ways to see these arches.

If snorkeling or scuba diving caught your eye earlier, it’s worth seeing if you can choose a tour incorporating Los Arcos. Los Arcos is renowned for having tons of marine life, including octopuses, rays, eels, and turtles. The area around the formations is a protected region, and you can even spot more unusual wildlife like penguins. Depths around the arches can reach 480 meters, so there is much to see beneath the waves.

This snorkeling tour takes you from the Los Muertos Pier to the famous natural landmark for snorkeling. You’ll have lunch at a secluded beach and also visit Las Animas Beach.

Looking for where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta?

Secrets Vallarta Bay Todo Incluido is one of the best inclusive resorts Puerto Vallarta offers. The five-star property is just minutes from the famous ‘El Malecon’ boardwalk and right next to the Marina Vallarta Golf Club. The resort sits oceanfront on Camarones Beach. Check it out on TripAdvisor

Casa Velas is the getaway that you’ve been dreaming of. It has a fantastic location just 10 km from Los Muertos Beach. If you want something slightly different from Mexico’s popular oceanfront resorts, this hotel offers a leafy, tropical experience just a little inland from the coastline. Check reviews and rates on TripAdvisor

5. Scuba Diving

So Banderas Bay is one of the deepest in the world. It is also world-renowned for its marine life, including manta rays, dolphins, whales, turtles, eels, and sharks. Putting two and two together, it’s no wonder that diving is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The underwater terrain is magical. Divers have shipwrecks, coral reefs, caves, and even underwater mountain ranges to explore. And scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta has some of the highest success rates of animal encounters.

The best way to go diving in Puerto Vallarta is to already have a PADI certification. This way, you can maximize your diving time in the coolest places with the most diverse underwater terrain and animals. However, if that isn’t possible, you can also book a PADI course when you arrive. For around $400, you can get your PADI scuba diver certification in under four days – leaving you plenty of chances to see what’s going on under the waves. If visiting for longer than a week, this is a good option when visiting Puerto Vallarta.

6. Playa Las Gemelas

Playa Las Gemelas is beautiful. The beach is less than 250 yards long, but the fact that it’s south of Puerto Vallarta means that Playa Las Gemelas has fewer crowds. For a beach day, you can’t fault it. It has clear blue waters and soft white sand. All the classic factors you look for in a tropical beach. It is a brilliant beach day trip, just a 30-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta.

Playa Las Gemelas means ‘the twins’ beach, and this spot is one of two little beaches. The north beach is accessible to everyone. You can use the beach access point and car park to reach the north beach. However, the south beach is only accessible to the residents of the hotels around it. It is locked off by private properties, which means, for the most part, those visiting Las Gemelas stick to the north twin. The brave amongst visitors can attempt to scramble across the rocks that divide the two beaches – but that’s on your head.

7. Snorkeling

Los Arcos National Marine Park in Mexico near Puerto Vallarta is great for snorkeling

Scuba diving is one of many ways to see the beautiful underwater world of Puerto Vallarta. Snorkeling is a beginner-friendly alternative that allows you to engage with marine wildlife. If you are lucky, you can spot large animals like turtles or humpback whales. Puerto Vallarta has some of the most populated waters of marine life in the world, and on a snorkeling tour, your guides will take you on a boat tour to the best places.

We recommend choosing a snorkeling tour for safety reasons. You will have support the whole time and snorkel in a large group where you can quickly get help. It is also wise to go as part of a tour, as the guides take you to the best places and use boats to get you there. You’ll access areas you could never access independently. Whereas, if you are dead set on an independent snorkeling experience, rent gear and head to one of the best beaches.

8. Playa Las Animas

Playa Las Animas is a stunning beach in southern Puerto Vallarta. The green waters around Playa Las Animas are incredibly photogenic. You can snorkel, paddleboard, or sunbathe along the shoreline. It is famously best reached by water taxi or boat and is one of the most adventurous beach day trips. Just hop on a ship at Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone – the journey takes less than an hour.

Visiting Playa Las Animas is one of the most classic things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The fun way to reach the beach gives it a more adventurous vibe. And if you want a beach day, it is nice to escape the busier beaches in central Puerto Vallarta.

9. Cuale Museum

Cuale Museum is one of the most unassuming attractions in Puerto Vallarta. The tiny museum is an absolute goldmine, though. Cuale Museum documents pre-Hispanic ceramics through the centuries – dating from 400 BCE to 1200 CE. It is an intimate, often-overlooked addition to our things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Unlike the large history museums with glossy walls and endless corridors, Cuale Museum has a much more authentic appeal. For instance, while much of its information is translated into English, some sections are still displayed only in Spanish.

For a taste of history, Cuale Museum is a fascinating place to visit in Puerto Vallarta. It provides terrific archaeological insight and plenty of educational opportunities. It is best tailored to adults, or at least older children, as it is more of an archaeological exhibit than your standard museum.

10. Sierra Madre Mountains

Fancy a fun day trip? The Sierra Madre mountain range are a brilliant outdoor activity option near Puerto Vallarta. The mountains are full of hiking trails – so pack some lunch, grab your hiking boots and water, and go. While if you book an organized tour, you can go rafting, ATV riding, visit cultural villages, and zipline. Puerto Vallarta’s tourism scene leans into its proximity to the Sierra Madre mountains. Visit the Municipal Tourism Office or check out tours online. 

The Sierra Madre mountain range is Puerto Vallarta’s closest. The range comprises limestone, shale, and deposits like copper and lead. At around 60 million years old, the Sierra Madre mountains are fascinating from a geological perspective. You should also note that the Sierra Madre mountains are one of the most biodiverse places in the region.

Book this ATV Tour for a half-day adventure in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Leave the resort to explore jungles, villages and the beautiful Puerta Vallarta countryside.

11. Sample Delicious Street Food

Taking a street food tour is so much fun. With this Puerto Vallarta food tour and mixology class, you zip around the street food markets and food stalls, sampling some of the best Mexican dishes. It includes food tastings from tacos to desserts and Mexican cocktails made from mezcal, tequila, and raicilla by expert mixologists.

It is a fantastic combination of a walking tour and culinary experience – helping you get to grips with a new place while introducing you to delicious cuisine. Food tours are a great place to ask questions and get adventurous with your eating. In Puerto Vallarta, you should try seafood. And, of course, all the classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tacos should be top of your must-try list.

Mexican food is so tasty it is one of the main reasons most people visit Mexico. Taking one of Puerto Vallarta’s food tours is a brilliant idea for any foodies. It is also easy to squeeze it into a busy itinerary. You have to eat anyway. Why not allocate half an hour and make it a tourist experience?

12. Hill of The Cross Viewpoint – La Cruz Del Cerro

By Another Believer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Who doesn’t love a good viewpoint? The Hill of The Cross Viewpoint is a scenic observation deck that grants visitors sweeping views over Puerto Vallarta. The climb starts way below, and it takes between 30 and 45 minutes for visitors to reach the top. It is a lot of stairs – luckily the views make it worthwhile. Plenty of street art along the hike creates natural rest points as you stop to catch your breath and admire the art and scenery.

For anyone who wants a bit of a challenge, the Hill of The Cross Viewpoint is a great way to get a sense of accomplishment. Fitness and health-conscious tourists will appreciate the workout, especially as it is so near Puerto Vallarta. If you want to feel smug, coincide your hike with sunset or sunrise for incredible views over Puerto Vallarta. You’ll see the entire town, plus the ocean and greenery-covered curve of Banderas Bay.

13. Visit Casa Kimberly

Casa Kimberly is pretty famous. The house-turned-hotel is the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The couple was quite the romantic scandal. Elizabeth Taylor fell for Richard Burton, who was engaged to someone else. Richard was starring in a film called Night of the Iguana, and Elizabeth relocated to be with him. Now, you can book a stay at the same house their forbidden romance blossomed.

As one of our more extravagant things to do in Puerto Vallarta, we suggest booking a single night’s stay at Casa Kimberly. You can lap up the ultra-romantic architecture and beautiful suites – treading in legendary footsteps. Alternatively, stay elsewhere and book in for dinner. The hotel welcomes non-hotel guests for dinner between 5 pm and 11 pm.

14. Boca De Tomatlan

Boca De Tomatlan is a little fishing town and a fun day trip from Puerto Vallarta. Just 11 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, it’s accessible by bus, Uber, or water taxi. Only 20-30 minutes away, it is ideally situated for an easy-to-navigate day trip. Boca De Tomatlan is an insight into real Mexico. It has that small-town authenticity into which even Puerto Vallarta struggles to fit the mold.

Hungry? Excellent. It’s safe to say that its beach has an on-site restaurant or two. Boca De Tomatlan has a reputation as a beachside dining destination. Visiting the town is one of the best things to do near Puerto Vallarta if you love fresh seafood. Boca De Tomatlan is somewhere to eat, drink, and relax. The town is split across both Horcones River banks and surrounded by tropical rainforests. You can hike around the town and enjoy the beautiful views when you aren’t on the beach.

15. San Sebastian del Oeste Jalisco

San Sebastian Del Oeste is another one of our top day trips from Puerto Vallarta. San Sebastian Del Oeste was a leading mining center during the colonial period. In the tiny town, there was once a staggering 30 different mines. Its history is so extensive that UNESCO recognizes it as a world heritage site. With the last mine abandoned in 1921, it is now purely a tourist and agricultural site.

San Sebastian Del Oeste is a beautiful place to visit for insight into the Puerto Vallarta region’s history and colonial past. Plus, nowadays, if you book a tour to San Sebastian Del Oeste, you get to taste all sorts of locally produced goods. For instance, tequila, raicilla, and coffee are all made in San Sebastian Del Oeste. If you have half a day to spare in your itinerary, definitely research tours.

16. Catch Live Music

Puerto Vallarta is the life of the party. In case you didn’t know, the Mexican coastal town has a booming nightlife. And when it comes to listening to live music – you are in luck. Listening to live music is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. It is also one of the easiest activities to organize.

Piano Bar & Jazz Garbo always has live music blaring. Roxy Rock House, Incanto Vallarta, and Colectivo Hueco are also good options. In Puerto Vallarta, it is worth checking local restaurants to see if they have live music events. This is particularly true if you want a quieter, busking-style experience rather than a concert crowd.

Of course, you also have your standard bars and nightclubs, which blare popular music way into the early hours. Whether you listen to live jazz or bassline, Puerto Vallarta has music at every corner.

17. Visit Local Markets

If you took a food tour, chances are you’ve already seen a market or two in Puerto Vallarta. But if not, welcome to the more exciting part of the shopping culture in this Mexican town. Puerto Vallarta has a lot of markets. So buckle up and jot these best options down.

Saturdays are prime market days. If you want things to do in Puerto Vallarta on a Saturday, heading to the market is your best bet. There are the Olas Altas farmers’ market and the Saturday Market on Saturdays. Both markets have vendors selling everything from food to hats and shoes. Regarding local culture, these Saturday markets offer an excellent immersion.

On other days, there’s still plenty of market action. Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale is famous for its craft jewelry and street food. Cuale Island Flea Market is best known for cheap clothes and souvenirs. Downtown Rio Cuale Craft Market is similar, with many trendy clothes and sweet trinkets. A wander around any of these markets is a worthy itinerary addition.

18. Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Vallarta Botanical Gardens are one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta if you prefer to stay above water. At 1,300 feet above sea level, you are well and truly out of the water. The 79 acres are full of hiking trails dedicated to diverse flora and fauna conservation. The botanical gardens are split into sections, including the Cactus House and the Vanilla Plantation. Along the way, the hiking trails are engaging and varied. You’ll cross swing bridges and pass pond features.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a fantastic way to embrace the diversity of Mexican flora. It is also an excellent place to spot wildlife like birds. We suggest bringing a pair of binoculars and a good camera so that you can spot the harder-to-see non-human visitors to Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

19. Go Whale Watching

Whale watching is easily one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. How often can you say that you see a humpback whale? From Puerto Vallarta, you jump on a boat that takes you out to sea. With an expert guide and skipper, you’ll track down the nearest whales and quietly sit tight while viewing them from a respectful distance. Many regulations enforce whale-watching boats to switch off their boat engines to avoid disturbing the whales. You can research the most ethical experiences beforehand and ask lots of questions to learn more throughout the tour. It is an insightful experience.

If this sounds like one of the most amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta, book your holiday between November and March. This period is the whale season, e.g., when you can see humpback whales. Your chances are incredibly high if you visit between November and March, with many tours having over 90% whale sighting success rates.

20. Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Lady of Guadalupe is a fascinating figure in Catholicism. According to legend, the virgin Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a man called Juan Diego in 1531. And after Pope John Paul II officiated this in 2002, a feast is held for Our Lady of Guadalupe every 12th of December. If your trip overlaps with this date, fantastic; attending is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. If not, though, don’t fret. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a beautiful all-year-round attraction in Puerto Vallarta.

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the host of the annual festival. But the church is also used for daily prayer and is a beautiful example of Renaissance-style architecture. We highly recommend a visit if you are interested in culture, religion, or architecture. Despite being a practicing church, it caters fantastically to tourists. You can purchase rosaries as souvenirs and sightsee inside if no prayer session is running. And at night, the beautiful tower is illuminated dramatically against the skyline.

21. Parasail Over Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is the bay that Puerto Vallarta sits in. There are tons of fun facts about this tropical area, including the fact that it is one of the deepest bays in the world. It is beautiful from the ground, but Banderas Bay is even more jaw-dropping from the air. You can see the different colors of water, lush greenery, and all the shoreline of white sand beaches. Parasailing is the best activity to get this experience of Banderas Bay.

For most parasailing experiences, you get an average of 6 minutes in the air. In that 6 minutes, though, you get the ultimate views of the bay – so make sure to bring a camera (strapped to your hand, so you don’t drop it). If you are lucky, you can spot manta rays and dolphins in the ocean below. Parasailing is a part thrill and part unmatched vantage point.

22. Nuevo Vallarta

If Puerto Vallarta has an authentic coastal town appeal, Nuevo Vallarta is its glitzy inner city cousin. Nuevo Vallarta has that golf course and luxury resort atmosphere. The town has a large modern marina that showcases plenty of yachts. And if you want a luxury retreat, it is the perfect place to take a day trip to when staying in Puerto Vallarta. Just a 30-minute drive away, it is easy to access and an excellent option for somewhere peaceful and exclusive near Puerto Vallarta.

Nuevo Vallarta has that enforced peacefulness. Rather than being under-visited, it just demands a specific type of visit. You can play golf, get day passes for the resort spas, or lounge on the private beaches. Visiting Nuevo Vallarta is a treat that you deserve.

23. El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary

This sanctuary is one of the best options to get involved with conservation in Puerto Vallarta. El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is categorically not a zoo. Leave any expectations of a people-centered experience at the door (a positive, in our opinion). Instead, the nature preserve allows crocodiles to roam local mangroves, taking people to see them on private one-hour tours.

It isn’t just crocodiles either; the sanctuary rescues many animals. On arrival, the animals receive veterinary care and rehab until fit for release. Because it takes in animals as and when needed, there’s no guarantee what other animals you’ll see at El Cora. Turtles, macaws, boars, and squirrels are the most common animal guests. But it depends on the day.

24. San Pancho

Once you’ve ticked off many things to do in Puerto Vallarta, make time to take day trips. And when you make time for day trips, consider another little foodie town – San Pancho. Only 50km north of Puerto Vallarta, the coastal town also goes by San Francisco, although you can use its names interchangeably. Pancho is the Spanish nickname for Francisco, and the fishing town is named after its patron saint.

San Pancho is much quieter than Puerto Vallarta, so you can escape the crowds and get a more relaxing coastal experience for a day. The town is relatively unplugged – expect a different amount of tourism infrastructure. San Pancho’s strengths are its fantastic cuisine, community, and chilled vibe. For a laidback afternoon, it is the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a potter before heading to a lovely evening meal.

25. Jorullo Bridge

Crossing Jorullo Bridge is easily one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. The bridge stretches across the Cuale River and a vast jungle section. The Jorullo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Latin America. It has a floor of wooden planks that don’t entirely give the impression of being break-proof, and of course, it has a bounce that will get your heart in your mouth. The experience of crossing the Jorullo Bridge is immense. The views are beautiful if you are brave enough, and the adrenaline kick is massively rewarding.

You can cross Jorullo Bridge on foot. Or, if you are feeling even braver, you can cross by ATV. ATV tours run all around Puerto Vallarta, and you can drive straight across this suspension bridge as part of many guided tours. If you love off-road driving experiences, definitely keep it in mind. It is exciting to spend a few hours out of a Puerto Vallarta itinerary. Just a 40-minute drive away, it is also one of the best things to do near Puerto Vallarta. You can even pass Mirador Cerro de la Cruz on the way, too – the Hill of the Cross Viewpoint. Book this highly rated tour here.

26. Majahuitas Beach

Majahuitas Beach is another of the region’s most popular beaches, only accessible by boat. The secluded spot has bright blue and green waters, and if you have ever wished you could get abandoned on a tropical island, Majahuitas Beach is a dream come true. It feels cut off from the mainland and a spot to unplug and unwind. Perfect.

Of course, in actuality, Majahuitas Beach is attached to the mainland. However, it is backed by so much tropical jungle that it is impossible to reach by a road vehicle. You can catch a boat from Playa De Los Muertos Pier in Zona Romantica. Alternatively, head down to Boca de Tomatlan and catch a water taxi. Visiting Majahuitas Beach is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, especially if you fancy a day trip to a more peaceful beach. Allow a whole day to visit Majahuitas – it is one of our most ambitious activities duration-wise in this guide. Luckily it is worth every minute of travel time.

Puerto Vallarta FAQs

Now that we’ve covered things to do in Puerto Vallarta, let’s look at the essentials. These are our answers to the most commonly asked questions about Puerto Vallarta.

How to Get to Puerto Vallarta

The easiest way to reach Puerto Vallarta is by plane. Puerto Vallarta has an airport – Puerto Vallarta International Airport – which has plenty of connections. It is easy to reach from US destinations, most of which are direct flights. If you are only visiting Puerto Vallarta for a short time, we especially recommend flying. It is just the most time-effective and simplest option.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could drive to Puerto Vallarta. It takes approximately 26 hours to drive to Puerto Vallarta from San Diego. You’ll cross the US border, dropping down to the Pacific coastline. Plus, you can stop off at places like Nuevo Vallarta along the way. It makes reaching Puerto Vallarta a bit more of an experience with a ‘real’ road trip.

Book this round trip airport shuttle – this shared transfer helps you beat the long taxi lines and takes you to your hotel in style.

Make your arrival easy with a private airport transfer. Once you land at Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) your driver will be waiting with your nameplate to take you to your accommodations in an airconditioned vehicle to Puerto Vallarta city.

Getting Around Puerto Vallarta

Getting around Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. Most of Puerto Vallarta is walkable. The Puerto Vallarta activities in the downtown region are easy to reach on foot. And even if you want to get to some of the outskirt attractions, there is lots of public transport. In this section, we’ll take a look at the different options.

The most popular form of public transport in Puerto Vallarta is the bus. The bus line runs from 5 am until 11 pm and connects all the zones, including the town and the airport. The Hotel Zone, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta International Airport? All are accessible by bus. Better yet, it is budget-friendly, costing approximately $0.50. Just check the individual bus routes on timings, as there can be some irregularities.

Puerto Vallarta is also fantastic for Uber and taxis. You’ll have no issue hailing a taxi in the street, or you can download the Uber app and book rides like you would anywhere else. With taxis, take the usual precautions, like agreeing on a price beforehand.

Of course, another option is to rent a car or scooter. Honestly, it is a little unnecessary for the whole holiday. Most places in Puerto Vallarta are easy to reach on foot or public transport worst-case scenario. And since the beach town is so safe, it is good to do your bit for the environment and avoid racking up the miles on private vehicles. However, if you plan a day trip, hiring a car or scooter is an excellent option for a day or two. The attractions near Puerto Vallarta are sometimes accessible by group tour, but visiting in your rental car gives you extra freedom.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta

As a whole, avoid Puerto Vallarta’s rainy season. The rainy season lasts from July to October – which typically coincides with the period most people associate with the summer holiday season. Puerto Vallarta is still lovely in the rainy season, but the weather isn’t ideal for making the most out of the beach town. As one of the best beach destinations in Mexico, the last thing you want is to get seven days straight of rain. Instead, aim to visit between March and June.

March to June are the driest months in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll enjoy the best beaches and outdoor activities and get the chance to appreciate Puerto Vallarta in its best light. Deciding what you want to do in Puerto Vallarta is essential when narrowing down these months further. June is the warmest month – best for sunbathing and snorkeling. March is the final month of whale season, so if you want to spot whales, squeeze in a March holiday. April and May tend to be quieter, with mild temperatures.

Decide what you want to do in Puerto Vallarta, then take your pick from March to June.

To Conclude

Remote beach south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

There are so many things to do in Puerto Vallarta. We love the beach town authenticity. But we also love how Puerto Vallarta has many activities and attractions that go way beyond its small size. If you want free things to do in Puerto Vallarta, you could book a free walking tour or head to one of the beautiful beaches. After all, Puerto Vallarta is one of the top beach destinations in Mexico for a good reason.

While if you want to splash out, you could go scuba diving, dine in Zona Romantica, or spot humpback whales. Puerto Vallarta is easily one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Are you looking for more inspiration about Mexico? For couples who want that Zona Romantica, luxury condos style of holiday, check out our guide on the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. It has all the best inclusive adult accommodations in Mexico – ideal for a romantic holiday. Otherwise, we hope you enjoy these top things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

With all-inclusive resorts similar to the likes of Cancun, visitors can indulge in food and nightlife, beaches, and watersports. The colonial town sits among the jungle mountains reaching up from the sea and it is one of the premier places on earth to see humpback whales as they migrate through the Pacific Coast from December to March.