From hidden beaches and ocean adventures to the best food, drinks, and places to stay, here’s how to experience Puerto Vallarta like someone who once called it home.
For three years, Puerto Vallarta was more than just a vacation destination.
It was home.
Known as “The Pearl of the Mexican Pacific,” this coastal city in Jalisco has long attracted travelers with its combination of golden beaches, vibrant culture, incredible food, and easygoing coastal lifestyle.
While Puerto Vallarta has grown significantly as an international destination, much of its magic still comes from knowing where to go beyond the most crowded tourist areas.
From quiet beaches and outdoor adventures to locally loved restaurants and authentic experiences, the best way to enjoy Vallarta is to experience it like a local.
Here are the places and activities that make the city worth returning to again and again.
What To Do In Puerto Vallarta
6
Explore the Coast by Paddleboard or Kayak
One of the best ways to experience Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty is from the water.
Start your morning by renting a stand-up paddleboard from Paddle Zone at Playa Mismaloya and heading into the ocean while conditions are calm.
For a bigger adventure, rent a kayak and explore Los Arcos National Marine Park, one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks.
The area is especially impressive during whale season from December through March, when humpback whales can often be spotted in the waters nearby.
Bring snorkeling gear and spend time exploring the reefs, colorful marine life, and underwater landscapes surrounding Los Arcos.
For those looking for a unique fitness experience, try an ocean SUP yoga class—a peaceful but challenging way to test balance while surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Find Puerto Vallarta’s Quieter Beaches
Puerto Vallarta has plenty of famous beaches, but some of the best experiences happen away from the busiest areas.
Instead of spending every beach day at crowded spots like Playa Los Muertos or Playa Holi, head south toward quieter coastal areas.
A short Uber ride brings you to Conchas Chinas, where clear water and small hidden coves create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Continue farther south to:
- Playa Gemelas
- Playa Negra
These beaches offer beautiful scenery with fewer crowds, making them ideal for travelers looking for a slower, more peaceful beach experience.
Explore the Mountains Beyond the Beach
Although Puerto Vallarta is famous for its coastline, the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains offer some of the area’s most rewarding adventures.
The region is filled with waterfalls, hiking routes, and natural landscapes that can often be explored without a guide.
Popular waterfall destinations include:
- Quimixto
- Palo Maria
- Nogalito
For travelers interested in local ecosystems, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens offers an opportunity to learn about native plants, flowers, and wildlife.
Puerto Vallarta’s beauty is not limited to the ocean—it extends deep into the surrounding jungle.
Choose Ethical Wildlife Experiences
Responsible travel matters, especially in destinations where tourism and wildlife often overlap.
When visiting Puerto Vallarta, avoid experiences that involve captive dolphins, animal performances, or direct animal interaction designed primarily for entertainment.
Instead, support conservation-focused experiences.
Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates provides an opportunity to participate in sea turtle conservation efforts.
During nesting season, visitors can learn about sea turtles and take part in ethical hatchling releases that prioritize the animals’ safety.
The Bay of Banderas is home to several sea turtle species, including:
- Olive Ridley turtles
- Leatherback turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
These conservation experiences offer a meaningful way to connect with local wildlife while supporting protection efforts.
Take a Day Trip to San Sebastián del Oeste
For a change of scenery, spend a day exploring San Sebastián del Oeste, a historic Pueblo Mágico located in the mountains outside Puerto Vallarta.
The drive takes around an hour and a half, bringing you into a cooler mountain environment filled with colonial architecture and scenic views.
While there, visitors can:
- Hike to the Mirador de San Sebastián del Oeste
- Explore historic streets
- Taste Jalisco’s traditional agave spirit, raicilla, at Tesoro del Oeste
It’s one of the best ways to experience another side of the region beyond the beach.
Where To Eat And Drink In Puerto Vallarta
8
Puerto Vallarta’s food and drink scene has become one of the city’s biggest attractions.
Beyond tourist-focused experiences, the city offers incredible local restaurants, creative cocktails, and traditional Mexican flavors.
Discover Mexico’s Agave Spirits
Skip the typical tourist tequila tasting experiences.
For a deeper understanding of Mexico’s spirits, visit El Tasting Room, where guests can explore different varieties of:
- Tequila
- Mezcal
- Raicilla
The bar also serves Mexican wines and craft beers.
For relaxed beachfront cocktails, El Solar offers one of the best sunset settings in town.
Other local favorites include:
- Casita & Garden — wine in a beautiful garden atmosphere
- Coco Machete — creative cocktails in an open-air market setting
Best Places to Eat
For brunch, Macareno is a standout choice, offering everything from traditional Mexican breakfast dishes like chilaquiles to classic American favorites such as French toast.
For lunch, La Mara at the Olas Altas location is a must-visit.
The restaurant is known for its wide variety of ceviche options, and many dishes can be adapted for vegan travelers.
Plant-based travelers should visit 100% Vegana Taqueria, which has gained recognition for creative vegan versions of traditional Mexican dishes.
For a stylish evening experience, reserve a table at Mezcla y Sal, an artistic restaurant and cocktail bar known for creative drinks served with unique presentations.
Where To Stay in Puerto Vallarta
5
Puerto Vallarta offers accommodations for every style of traveler, from beachfront resorts to stylish local apartments.
For classic beachfront comfort, consider:
- The Westin Puerto Vallarta
- Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort
- Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa
These resorts offer:
- Ocean access
- Swimming pools
- Full-service amenities
- Relaxed vacation experiences
For travelers looking for a more luxurious escape, nearby Punta de Mita offers some of the region’s most exclusive resorts, including:
- Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
- Susurros Del Corazón
For visitors who prefer a more local feel, vacation rentals can be a great option.
A stylish two-bedroom condo in Versalles, one of Puerto Vallarta’s trendiest neighborhoods, offers a chance to experience the city like a resident.
Final Thoughts: Experience Puerto Vallarta Beyond the Tourist Path
The best way to experience Puerto Vallarta is not by simply checking off attractions.
It is by slowing down.
Spend the morning on the water.
Discover a hidden beach in the afternoon.
Enjoy local food and cocktails at sunset.
Explore the mountains when you want a change of pace.
After three years of calling this city home, one thing becomes clear:
Puerto Vallarta’s greatest luxury is not just its beaches or resorts.
It is the combination of nature, culture, hospitality, and the feeling that there is always another place waiting to be discovered.