Puerto Vallarta

City · Jalisco, 🇲🇽 Mexico

Population 291,839

Area 682 km²

Time zone America/Mexico_City

Official website www.puertovallarta.gob.mx

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Featured Lists

Cintyafloars / CC BY-SA 4.0

Puerto Vallarta Unmissables

Puerto Vallarta spans the edge of Banderas Bay, anchored by the historic cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta and the iconic crown-topped Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The mile-long Malecón boardwalk features contemporary sculptures and open-air performances at Los Arcos Amphitheater. Natural highlights include the granite rock formations of Los Arcos National Park for snorkeling and the lush River Cuale Island. From the golden sands of Playa Los Muertos to the panoramic Cerro de la Cruz lookout, the city combines colonial heritage with diverse coastal landscapes.

15 places

Melikamp / CC BY-SA 3.0

Best Beaches

Puerto Vallarta’s coastline offers a diverse range of shorelines, from the bustling urban sands of Playa los Muertos to the secluded coves south of the city. Southern beaches like Mismaloya provide a dramatic jungle backdrop and served as the primary filming location for the 1964 film "The Night of the Iguana." Further south, Boca de Tomatlán acts as a fishing village and a gateway for water taxis and coastal hiking paths. For those seeking high environmental standards, Playa Palmares features Blue Flag certification and dedicated accessibility ramps.

5 places

Nelson Fonseca / CC-BY-SA

Authentic Mexican Restaurants

This selection of Puerto Vallarta eateries showcases a range of culinary styles, from the high-concept, monochromatic interior of La Leche to the traditional regional recipes found at El Arrayan. The list includes riverside dining on the Cuale River and specialized seafood grills. These establishments highlight diverse Mexican cooking traditions, incorporating ingredients from Oaxaca and Yucatán alongside modern international fusion techniques and casual local dining staples.

5 places

Parks and Plazas

This collection features community-focused green spaces and urban squares throughout the Puerto Vallarta and San Vicente areas. These locations range from sports-centric facilities like Canchas de la CTM to traditional town squares such as Plaza de San Vicente, which features a central gazebo. These spots serve as local hubs for recreation, providing playgrounds, multi-use sports courts, and shaded seating for residents and visitors exploring the region's residential neighborhoods.

5 places