For three years, I called “The Pearl of the Mexican Pacific” home. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico faced an unusual few hours of chaos earlier this year, but the city quickly reopened, and tourism is a crucial part of the recovery. Here are some of the best things to do to make the most of your trip to Vallarta.
Photo via Paddle Zone
What To Do In Puerto Vallarta
Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Paddle Zone at Playa Mismaloya in the morning and paddle out on the ocean while it’s calm. Or, rent a kayak and head to Los Arcos National Marine Park. This area is especially epic during the whale season from December to March when the gigantic mammals are often spotted nearby. Bring snorkel equipment to enjoy Vallarta’s reef and aquatic life at Los Arcos. For a fitness challenge, try a SUP yoga class out in the ocean to test your balance and inner zen.
For relaxing beach days, skip crowded beaches like Playa Los Muertos or Playa Holi. Head just south via Uber to Conchas Chinas for clear waters and small coves, or continue to Playa Gemelas or Playa Negra for less crowded, beautiful beaches.
While Vallarta may be best known as a beach destination, don’t miss out on the nature activities on land, too, in the Sierra Madre mountains filled with gorgeous waterfalls that can be reached without a guide, such as Qimixito, Palo Maria, and Nogalito. Learn about flora and fauna at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Be kind to wildlife in Vallarta and avoid booking tours with companies that offer dolphin rides. Despite legislation banning the breeding of dolphins for anything other than conservation, and prohibiting new marine mammals from living in concrete tanks or being forced to perform at dolphinariums, Vallarta Adventures still offers dolphin rides. Even going on one of their tours, unrelated to dolphins, still funds a company that holds animals in captivity, forces them to perform, and lets humans ride them. The company also runs Majahuitas Beach Club, but it’s best to avoid it entirely if you don’t want to fund the abuse of captive animals. Instead, you can enjoy the barefoot luxury beach club at Casitas Maraika.
For a truly ethical animal interaction, volunteer for the evening with Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates. It’s a legitimate wildlife sanctuary protecting Vallarta’s sea turtle nests from predators. The sea turtle hatchling releases are held most nights and are donation-based. The experience starts with an introduction to sea turtles and instructions on participating in the release in an ethical, hands-off way that doesn’t endanger the hatchlings. Endangered sea turtle species nest on the shores of The Bay of Banderas (where Vallarta is located), including Olive Ridley (locally called Golfina), Leatherback, and Hawksbill.
Save time for a day trip to the Pueblo Magico of San Sebastián del Oeste. It’s only about an hour and a half drive from Vallarta into the mountains, with much cooler temperatures. In town, you can hike to the Mirador de San Sebastián del Oeste and try Jalisico’s agave spirit, raicilla at Tesoro del Oeste.
Photos via El Solar
Where To Eat And Drink In Puerto Vallarta
Don’t fall for the free tequila tasting trap run by timeshares. Instead, book a tasting at El Tasting Room for an education on various agave spirits, including raicilla, mezcal, and tequila. The bar also serves Mexican wine and beer. Other great bars to hit up include El Solar for laid-back cocktails right on the beach, Casita & Garden for wine surrounded by a garden, and Coco Machete for craft cocktails in a beautiful open-air market.
Have the best brunch at Macareno, which offers a robust menu of Mexican and American breakfast favorites from chilaquiles to French toast. You can’t go wrong with La Mara for lunch at the Olas Altas location right on the beach. They offer dozens of ceviche varieties, which can all be made vegan by swapping the fish for quinoa and jicama. If you’re traveling with vegans, 100% Vegana Taqueria was rated one of the top 10 vegan restaurants in the world in 2026 and serves drool-worthy plant-based renditions of traditional Mexican guisos. For a stylish dinner, book a table at the upscale artsy bistro and bar, Mezcla y Sal. Their craft cocktails are one-of-a-kind, each served in a unique glass and adorned with elements like flowers or burning rosemary.
Photo via Westin
Where To Stay in Puerto Vallarta
Stay at The Westin Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort, or Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa, which are all beachfront resorts with wonderful swimming pools. For more luxurious accommodations, stay nearby in Punta de Mita at the Four Seasons or Susurros Del Corazón. If Airbnbs are your preferred accommodation, this stylish two-bedroom condo is located in Vallarta’s hippest neighborhood, Versalles.
