Why Go to Puerto Vallarta
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Puerto Vallarta is a beach resort with a small-town heart. Set on Mexico's Pacific coast where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the sparkling Banderas Bay, Vallarta, or PV, pairs a cobblestone old town with elegant resorts, fantastic food and one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Mexico.
Stroll the Malecon, the seaside promenade lined with sculptures, restaurants and bars, and watch the sunset over the bay. Explore the colorful Zona Romantica, full of boutiques, galleries and great restaurants, and visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with its crown-topped tower. Take a boat to secluded beaches like Yelapa and Las Animas, snorkel at Los Arcos marine park, and go whale watching from December through March. In the evening, enjoy everything from street tacos to fine dining and dance the night away. Puerto Vallarta is also known as one of Mexico's most welcoming LGBTQ destinations.
Nonstop flights reach Puerto Vallarta from many U.S. cities, and it's a favorite Mexican Riviera cruise stop. I'll help you choose the right resort and area, from Marina Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta, and plan your excursions.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, couples, foodies and outdoor adventurers
BEST MONTHS
November to April for generally drier weather; summer is hotter and wetter.
EXPLORE
El Centro and the Malecón form the historic waterfront core; the Zona Romántica has restaurants and beach access; Marina Vallarta lies to the north, with coastal villages farther south.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Puerto Vallarta
North America › Pacific Coast › Mexico › Jalisco
Pacific sunsets, cobbled lanes, vibrant art and beaches framed by mountains.
Coastal & Harbor
Nightlife
Mountains
Art
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Walk the Malecón in the late afternoon and stay for sunset; save boat trips for calmer-weather mornings when possible.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Walk the Malecón earlier in the day for cooler temperatures and use designated crossings along the waterfront.
Malecón Boardwalk
Stroll the seafront promenade past sculptures and performers.
Zona Romántica's lanes are busiest near dining hours; combine the neighborhood with nearby Los Muertos Beach.
Zona Romántica
Explore cobbled streets, galleries, cafés and nightlife.
Los Arcos marine excursions depend on boat and sea conditions; use an operator that protects wildlife and reef habitat.
Los Arcos Marine Park
See sea stacks offshore south of the city on an appropriate boat outing.
Los Muertos Beach has active watercraft areas; follow swim warnings and use caution near boat launches.
Playa Los Muertos
Enjoy a busy urban beach close to old-town restaurants.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is an active church; visit quietly outside services and dress respectfully.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Visit the landmark parish church near downtown plazas.
An intimate upscale all-inclusive boutique resort in the Marina Vallarta area. A practical option for guests who prefer resort dining and easy access to the airport; confirm beachfront arrangements and inclusions.
Casa Velas
Marina Vallarta
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A contemporary luxury property in the coastal hills south of the city, suited to adults seeking a resort-centered stay. Allow transfer time to the Malecón and historic center.
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
South Shore / Garza Blanca Preserve
Adults-Only · Boutique · Beach
A beachfront and hillside resort property south of central Puerto Vallarta, a good fit for travelers who prioritize resort scenery and onsite recreation. Confirm which room building and services are included.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
South Shore / Garza Blanca Preserve
Beach · Family
An all-inclusive beachfront resort south of downtown, convenient for guests who want beach time and resort activities. Check transfer time and dining reservation rules.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
South Hotel Zone / Playa Las Estacas
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An established beachfront resort north of the historic center, offering a useful balance between resort amenities and access to the Malecón area. Confirm meal plan and room category.
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center
Las Glorias / Hotel Zone
Value · City
A luxury peninsula resort with family programs, golf and beautiful beaches north of the city.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Punta Mita
Beach · Family
An all-inclusive with spacious suites and a kids' club near Marina Vallarta's restaurants.
Velas Vallarta
Marina Vallarta
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A romantic boutique hotel in historic villas above the Romantic Zone, with city and bay views.
Hacienda San Angel
Old Town / Romantic Zone
Boutique · City
An adults-only all-inclusive on the beach close to the Malecón.
Secrets Vallarta Bay
Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A good-value beachfront hotel in the heart of the Romantic Zone, close to restaurants and the pier.
Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa
Romantic Zone
Value · Beach · City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Puerto Vallarta
High 86°F · Low 71°F · Rain 1.9 in
The Festival Gourmet International brings top chefs to the city's restaurants.
November to April for generally drier weather; summer is hotter and wetter.
Best Times to Visit Puerto Vallarta
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
06
Walking the Malecón
The central boardwalk and Zona Romántica can be explored on foot. Cobblestones, heat and hills may affect mobility.
05
Water Taxis and Beaches
Some southern beaches are easiest reached by boats from Boca de Tomatlán or other departure points. Confirm last-return times and sea conditions.
04
Taxis and App-Based Rides
Use an authorized taxi rank or established ride service and confirm pickup points. Airport and hotel zones may have special rules.
03
Local Buses
Public buses run on main corridors around the bay, but destinations and schedules vary. Confirm the route before boarding.
02
Getting around locally
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport serves the city. Local buses, licensed taxis and rideshares cover most neighborhoods; boat excursions depart from several marina and beach areas.
01
Airport and arrival transfers
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport serves the city. Local buses, licensed taxis and rideshares cover most neighborhoods; boat excursions depart from several marina and beach areas.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport serves the city. Local buses, licensed taxis and rideshares cover most neighborhoods; boat excursions depart from several marina and beach areas.
Getting Around Puerto Vallarta
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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