8 Must-do’s in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of those places where there is never a dull moment. You can just wander around town and happen upon an interesting experience. No need to plan. But there are defintely a few things that you shouldn’t miss while visiting. There are the beaches, the jungle, and the quaint town itself and all should be enjoyed. Here are some of my favorite things to do while in Puerto Vallarta.
8 must-do’s while visiting Puerto Vallarta:
- Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens This is hands down one of my favorite spots in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll need to rent a car or hire a driver to take you deep into the jungle to reach this oasis. Once you arrive, you’ll see that you have come to a cool, green place. Yes, the garden is beautiful, but my favorite thing to do at the garden is to have lunch at Hacienda de Oro. The food and cocktails are delightful, but the best part about the restaurant is it sits elevated into the treetops with hummingbirds buzzing about while guests are entertained by the most talented classical pianist. It is Heaven.
- Eat with Vallarta Food Tours If you want to know where the best places are to eat, go on a food tour. We discovered the best beef tacos and salsas at Don Chava, divine crab tacos at Mariscos Cisneros, and the viral-worthy tacos and tortas from the family-run and ever-popular Tacos Memo’s Grill. We devoured street tacos, churros and ended with a “nightcap” at a swanky bar. Great food and fun!
- Fine Dining at Le Kliff This restaurant is a must – especially if you are celebrating something special. This beautiful dining venue sits on a cliff with the most amazing views. The menu features fresh fish and steaks – everything we ordered, from appetizers to dessert, was impeccable. The night we dined at Le Kliff, we witnessed the most spectacular lightning storm. It was an unforgettable experience.
- Take a Day Trip to Sayulita A little less than an hour away from Puerto Vallarta is the small village of Sayulita. Part of me doesn’t want to share this still secret getaway. Sayulita’s beach is a surfer’s delight. You can rent a surfboard for an hour for around $15. Sayulita is also a mecca for arts and crafts. If you want to purchase art or jewelry made by local artisans, Sayulita is the place to do it.
- Take a Boat to Yelapa Hail a water taxi and escape to Yelapa. Yelapa is a secluded fishing village with no roads, no cars, and no ATM’s, so bring cash. You will need cash to pay for a kayak, ride a banana boat, go on a guided tour via a mule or donkey, or buy a tasty pie from one of the “pie ladies” who sell a variety of fresh pies right on the beach. We hiked to the waterfalls and went swimming at the base of one of the waterfalls. Wear a swimsuit and bring bug spray.
- Participate in the local festivals and holidays. During my last visit, I arrived just in time to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. There was a special art exhibition on the hotel grounds and, downtown, an outdoor art gallery of sorts where more than 80 Catrinas (sugar skull) figurines were lined up along the Malacon where the centerpiece was a magnificant Catrina that measured over 75 feet tall. There were special treats like Pan de muertos (sugary bread) and Mexican hot chocolate and the hotel held a special art class where guests could paint ceramic skulls to take home. A beautiful way to celebrate the local culture.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. A premier snorkeling and diving spot in Puerto Vallarta is Los Arcos where you will spot turtles, cool rock formations, and colorful fish. Los Arcos is excellent for beginners and is a very popular tourist spot, but definitely worth a splash. The Marietas Islands are perfect for novice snorkelers or people (like me) who are a bit skittish in the ocean as the water there is calm and serene and there are plenty of fish to see. There are several excellent snorkeling and diving spots to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta and there are several snorkeling and scuba diving operators who offer a variety of trips based on your skill level and comfort in the water.
- Explore the Zona Romántica. The Zona Romántica is a hip and trendy neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta, and, despite its name, it’s not just for honeymooning couples. Restaurants, bars, and cafes — many with charming outdoor courtyards — art galleries, quaint shops, boutiques and outdoor markets line the cobblestone streets. You can spend the entire day in the zone enjoying coffee in the morning at one of the cute cafes, delicous food, shopping, sunning and swimming at the beach in the afternoon, then topping off your day with cocktails and dinner as the neighborhood lights up and the area comes alive for the night. Zona Romántica is party central after dark!