Puerto Vallarta has it all: a walkable old town, golden beaches, the jungle of the Sierra Madre and one of the most beautiful bays in Mexico. We have been part of this town since 1997, so here is our local list of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, from free walks to boat trips, plus tips to plan your days.
For dinner, try our fine dining restaurant in Puerto Vallarta by the river.
Downtown and the Malecón
- Walk the Malecón: the oceanfront boardwalk runs from the hotel zone side of downtown to the Río Cuale, with bronze sculptures, street performers and the Los Arcos amphitheater. Go at sunset.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: the crown-topped church is the symbol of Puerto Vallarta, a few blocks up from the Malecón.
- Isla Río Cuale: a shady island in the middle of the river with artisan stalls, a cultural center and riverside restaurants, connecting downtown with the Zona Romántica.
- Zona Romántica: the old town south of the river, with cobblestone streets, galleries, cafés and the sail-shaped Los Muertos Pier. Read our Zona Romántica guide.
Do a Tequila Tasting at Oscar’s Distillery
Tequila was born in Jalisco, and you can taste it right in the center of town. At Oscar’s Distillery, in our agave garden on Isla Río Cuale, you can join a free walk-in tasting of Grand Bay by Oscar’s tequila every day from 11 am to 5 pm, no booking needed.
Want the full experience? Our guided Classic Tequila Tasting (MXN 900 per person) includes 4 premium tequilas, 3 flavored tequilas, a cupreata mezcal and a raicilla with pairings, and the Connoisseur Tasting (MXN 1,400) adds gourmet bites. See all the details on our tequila tasting in Puerto Vallarta page and read what to expect at a tequila tasting.
⭐ Check out Oscar’s Distillery reviews on Tripadvisor to see what other travelers say.
Beaches
- Playa Los Muertos: the liveliest beach in town, with beach clubs, palapas and the pier.
- Conchas Chinas: small coves and tide pools just south of the Zona Romántica, quieter and great for swimming.
- Mismaloya: a jungle-backed bay south of town, made famous by the film The Night of the Iguana.
- Las Ánimas, Quimixto and Yelapa: beaches you can only reach by boat; water taxis leave from Los Muertos Pier and Boca de Tomatlán.
Nature and Adventure
- Islas Marietas: a protected national park with blue-footed boobies and the famous Hidden Beach. Access is limited, so go with an authorized tour.
- Los Arcos: granite arches south of town, a marine park for snorkeling and kayaking.
- Whale watching: humpback whales visit Banderas Bay from about December to March.
- Sea turtle releases: during nesting season, roughly July to December, local camps release baby turtles at sunset.
- Vallarta Botanical Garden: orchids, jungle trails and a river to swim in, about 30 minutes south.
- Zip lines and ATVs in the mountains south of town, for a jungle adrenaline day.
Eat and Drink Like a Local
- Street tacos: look for busy stands at night for al pastor, fish tacos and birria.
- Seafood: aguachile, ceviche and pescado zarandeado are Pacific classics.
- Lunch by the river: a shady, breezy break from the beach. See our lunch in Puerto Vallarta guide.
- Sunset dinner: plan the perfect evening with our sunset dinner guide and dinner in Puerto Vallarta.
- Happy hour: Golden Hour 2×1 at Oscar’s bar, every day from 4 to 6 pm.
Day Trips
- Sayulita: a colorful surf town about an hour north.
- Bucerías: long beaches, galleries and a relaxed vibe on the north side of the bay.
- San Sebastián del Oeste: a historic mountain mining town, perfect for a cooler day trip.
- Yelapa: a boat ride to a village with a waterfall, no cars and a slow pace.
A Perfect Day in Puerto Vallarta
- Morning: beach time at Los Muertos or a boat trip to Los Arcos.
- Lunch: by the river on Isla Río Cuale.
- Afternoon: a free tequila tasting at Oscar’s Distillery, then a walk through the Zona Romántica.
- 4 – 6 pm: Golden Hour 2×1.
- Sunset: dinner by the river or a walk on the Malecón.
Looking for even more ideas? Browse Tripadvisor’s list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Tips for Your Trip
- Best time to visit: November to May is dry and sunny; June to October is hot, green and rainy, with fewer crowds.
- Getting around: downtown and the Zona Romántica are walkable; buses and taxis cover the rest of the bay.
- Book ahead for Marietas tours, whale watching and sunset dinners in high season.
FAQ
What is there to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Walk the Malecón, explore the Zona Romántica and Isla Río Cuale, relax at Los Muertos or Conchas Chinas beach, snorkel at Los Arcos, visit Islas Marietas, go whale watching from December to March and do a tequila tasting at Oscar’s Distillery.
What are free things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Walking the Malecón, visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, exploring Isla Río Cuale, the beaches and the free walk-in tequila tasting at Oscar’s Distillery, daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
Where can I do a tequila tasting in Puerto Vallarta?
At Oscar’s Distillery on Isla Río Cuale, about 5 minutes from the Malecón. Walk-in tastings are free daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and guided tastings start at MXN 900 per person.
When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?
Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay from about December to March.
What is the best month to visit Puerto Vallarta?
November to May offers dry, sunny weather; December to March adds whale season.
