Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Vallarta Vibes: From Lazy Beach Days to Fun 'Living Life' Nights

Purple Star emoji 17 items
Have been living in Puerto Vallarta (PV) for 3 months & am putting together  my top recs from having hosted many friends. This is my list from experiencing the most chill to the most lit/fun experiences that this beautiful Bahía de Banderas Bay has to offer.
Map
Sections
3
 
 
 

What to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Top attractions to see & experience if you are going to Puerto Vallarta or nearby.

 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Go for an evening scenic walk along this beachfront walkway (no cars); lots of Mexican antojitos (treats), artistic sculptures, shops, and local artists performances.
Explore the Malecón Boardwalk
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
It's the iconic symbol of Puerto Vallarta, such an architectural beauty and historical significance--also the crown top is just, magical
Visit the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
PV is a a lush haven of native plants, orchids, and tropical birds & this botanical garden all of its essence.
Plan a visit to the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Super fun, colorful neighborhood with an LGBTQ friendly vibe.
Take a stroll through Zona Romántica
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Majahuitas is a must if you like DJ music/day club experience in a remote shore beach that can only be accessed by boat. Went 4 times it was that fun!
Plan a Beach Club Majahuitas day
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Yelapa is an amazing all day trip that was one of the highlights of my time in Vallarta. You take a water taxi to Yelapa & get access to the beach, food, & can do side tours: highly recommend going on a quad into town, it's soooo adorable (li...
Plan a day trip to Yelapa Beach
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
I loved going to Sayulita; it's a surf/hippie town with lots to do, see, & explore. You can rent a car for the day & drive from PV (45min or so) but if you want to explore the weekend, I recommend staying there & visiting San Pancho (next...
Plan weekend (2-3) day trip to Sayulita
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
San Pancho is also a super adorable vibey town, next to Sayulita. There's surfing & a beatiful clean beach with local vendors but less crowded than Sayulita. Lots of restaurants as well! I loved San Pancho slightly more than Sayulita.
Explore San Pancho, Nayarit (1hr from PV)

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

A few local recs for where to stay. PV is a lush, magical place & offers a ton of beatiful stays. This are just some of my faves & I will continue to update this list as I uncover more beatiful spots.

 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
This lovely boutique is the former home of the queen herself, Elizabeth Taylor; this boutique hotel offers a romantic and luxurious experience for all.
Casa Kimberly Vallarta
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
This is an adults-only resort with a cutting-edge architectural design and absolutely breathtaking ocean views--definitely a dreamy lovers paradise.
Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
This is charming, elegant boutique hotel offering colonial charm in the heart of downtown. Gives a traditional hacienda vibe.
Hacienda San Angel Puerto Vallarta | Hotel boutique de lujo MX
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
I stayed here for a weekend trip with friends & had a fun time; this is a super budget-friendly option that has mostly shared accommodations; similar to hostels, it's great for solo travelers or young crowds.
Selina Sayulita
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
My friend stayed here with her family & had an incredible time. I've also heard other wonderful experience shared to me by locals. Garza Blanca is a secluded luxury resort with beautiful suites, infinity pools, and a pristine private beach.
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta

Where to Eat (food recs)

 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
This was such an upscale dining experience with a fusion of Mexican and French cuisines, set in a luxurious garden setting.
Café des Artistes
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Definitely an vibey upscale/luxury dining with a party atmosphere--located in a nicer part of PV.
La Madalena
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
This place was sooo good. Ate here a few times & their fresh tuna is----next level!
Tuna Azul Zona Romantica
 
Rosaura Alvarez profile picture
Ok so the tacos here are absolutely next level! But to find them you have to ty the local taco trucks--restaurants on this list will always be fine/oka but the local TACO TRUCKS is where its at!!
LOS MEJORES sitios de Tacos en Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco