Puerto Vallarta

Beach Coastal Beaches Riverfront

Population: 224k

Best Season to Visit:

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September–October

Famous For: Pacific beaches, Colonial Old Town architecture, Water sports and deep-sea fishing, Fresh seafood and culinary scene, LGBTQ+ friendly destination, Jungle canopy tours, Art galleries and cultural events

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (Local bus system with routes throughout the city and surrounding areas; primary public transit option)

Puerto Vallarta transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a resort destination after the 1963 film "The Night of the Iguana" was shot here, though the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Zona Vieja) still retain their pre-boom character. The malecón—a 4-mile waterfront promenade lined with bronze sculptures, street performers, and seafood vendors—connects the historic center to newer developments without erasing what came before. Wander into the Zona Vieja's narrow lanes to find Galería Dante, a contemporary art space housed in a colonial building, or grab fresh ceviche at one of the unmarked comedores tucked behind Cathedral Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, whose golden crown is visible from almost anywhere in town. The South Shore (Zona Hotelera Sur) sprawls with all-inclusive resorts and manicured beaches, while Sayulita—a 45-minute drive north—offers a grittier, bohemian alternative with surf breaks and a Thursday art walk. Jungle canopy tours depart from multiple operators along Highway 200, though the Río Cuale that bisects the city remains the quietest way to experience the landscape that drew filmmakers here in the first place.

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Weather: Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 75–90°F. The rainy season runs from June through October, while November through May offers drier, more predictable conditions.

Festivals: Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (December 1–12), Vallarta Pride (May), Tianguis Cultural del Vallarta (November–December)

Best Things for Kids to Do: Vallarta Adventures operates zip-line tours through the jungle canopy north of the city, with routes designed for different ages and fitness levels. Playa de Oro (Gold Beach) on the south shore has calm, shallow water and a cluster of beach clubs with kids' menus and shade structures. The Río Cuale Island (Isla del Río Cuale) in the center of town has a small museum, walking paths, and local artisan shops where children can watch craftspeople at work. Dolphin Discovery at Nuevo Vallarta (20 minutes north) offers supervised swimming and interaction with dolphins in a lagoon setting.

Hidden Gem: Biblioteca Municipal (Municipal Library) on Calle Miramar in the Zona Vieja is a restored colonial building that few tourists discover, housing a small but thoughtful collection of books on Mexican history and local art, plus a quiet courtyard where locals read. The building itself—with its arched ceilings and tile work—is worth the visit even if you don't speak Spanish, and the staff can point you toward lesser-known galleries and local spots that don't appear in guidebooks.

Accessibility: The malecón is paved and mostly flat, making it accessible for wheelchair users, though some sections have uneven surfaces and street performers can create bottlenecks. The Zona Vieja's cobblestone streets present significant barriers for mobility devices; most colonial-era hotels have stairs and narrow doorways. Newer resorts in the Zona Hotelera Sur and Marina Vallarta generally meet accessibility standards with ramps and accessible rooms, though it's essential to confirm specifics when booking. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive, though few are equipped with wheelchair lifts.

For the Runner: The malecón offers a flat, 4-mile out-and-back route with ocean views and water fountains at intervals, though it can be crowded with pedestrians during peak hours. Parque Hidalgo, a smaller park in the Zona Vieja near the cathedral, has tree-lined paths suitable for shorter runs. The South Shore (Zona Hotelera Sur) has a dedicated bike and running path that runs parallel to the beach for approximately 3 miles, with fewer crowds than the malecón.

Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta's dining landscape spans beachfront ceviches at casual marisquerías to upscale preparations of huachinango and camarones in the Zona Romántica. International cuisines—Italian, French, Asian fusion—operate alongside traditional Mexican regional cooking, with many restaurants sourcing seafood daily from the Pacific. The malecón and surrounding neighborhoods support everything from street-level taquerías to fine dining establishments with ocean views.

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from budget hostels and small posadas in the Zona Vieja to sprawling all-inclusive resorts along the Zona Hotelera Sur and Marina Vallarta. Mid-range options cluster around the malecón and in neighborhoods like Emiliano Zapata, where colonial-era buildings have been converted into boutique hotels. Luxury properties tend toward the north shore and south shore, with some high-end smaller hotels integrated into the Old Town's historic fabric.

Best Hotels: Casa Cupula sits on a hillside above the Zona Vieja with only six suites, each with private plunge pools and unobstructed ocean views; the property fe

Dog-Friendly Hotels: Hacienda San Ángel allows dogs in select rooms and has a courtyard where pets can move freely; the staff will provide water bowls and can recommend nearby walking routes. Casa Cupula welcomes dogs with advance notice and offers a private hillside setting where dogs can roam safely away from street traffic.

Puerto Vallarta

Planning Your Trip to Puerto Vallarta

Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Where to Stay

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