Puerto Vallarta wins hands down every time when you are deciding which beach destination to choose in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is not called Mexico’s Pacific playground for nothing, nor did Conde Nast crown it as the world’s friendliest city on a whim. With so many fabulous things to do, it is no surprise that Puerto Vallarta is an award winning destination.

Top 10 Fabulous Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Take a look at our favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta while on vacation in Banderas Bay. Number 4 is a must do for family fun while No 7 is the perfect activity for lovebirds. You will also find some free activities too.

  1. Walk the Malecon at Sunset
  2. Puerto Vallarta - Malecon (Boardwalk)The best thing about Puerto Vallarta’s no.1 attraction is that it won’t cost you a penny, unless you include the cost of ice-cream and tips for the street performers. The Malecon is peppered with amazing sculptures, performers, caricature artists and balloon sellers. After the sun has set, the Malecon comes to life with music and is the perfect place to watch the Marigalante Pirate Ship’s nightly fireworks.

  3. Out and about on a boat
  4. Marina VallartaEnjoying boat trips of some kind should certainly be top of your list when choosing things to do in Puerto Vallarta. There are many ways to enjoy the ocean; for example, a cheap way to enjoy a boat trip would be to take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán to one of the beaches along the south coast that can only be reached by boat. For the more adventurous, you might charter a yacht for snorkelling and diving or join a larger excursion. Whale watching boat tours are a must during the winter months when choosing things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

  5. Los Arcos
  6. Puerto Vallarta - Los ArcosWhether you are appreciating them from land or up close and personal on a snorkelling or paddle boarding tour, Los Arcos rock formation is an iconic landmark that deserves a selfie or two.

     
     
     

  7. Pirate Ship
  8. Puerto vallarta pirate showThe Marigalante Pirate Ship dinner and show is one of the highlights of Puerto Vallarta at night, with an open bar and gourmet fare. Certainly deserving of heading the list of top things to do in Puerto Vallarta, you can also take a tour on this replica Spanish galleon during the day with the whole family, enjoying snorkelling and treasure hunts on the beach.

     

  9. Fishing Trips
  10. Puerto Vallarta - Fishing tourSports fishing and leisurely fishing trips alike keep the fishing fanatics that visit Puerto Vallarta more than happy. Charter a fishing tour and you will be surprised what you will catch. Could it be time for the big one?

     
     
     

  11. Treat your taste buds
  12. Puerto Vallarta Dinning
    Source: Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta
    Puerto Vallarta comes second only to Mexico City for cuisine and fine dining in Mexico. Besides a wide choice of gourmet restaurants, you can also enjoy various gourmet and wine festivals throughout the year. But don’t worry if your kids turn their noses up at fine dining, there are plenty of bistros and cheap eats for all budgets. Dining is certainly one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

     

  13. Couples massage
  14. Puerto Vallarta Spa
    Source: Bay Breeze Spa via Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta
    Puerto Vallarta’s selection of spas is incredible. Most likely your hotel will have an amazing spa where you can indulge in a couple’s massage to reignite the romance in your relationship; otherwise choose from a wide selection of day spas.

     
     
     
     
     

  15. Golf – Tee Time!
  16. Puerto Vallarta Golf CoursesThere are a number of award winning golf courses in and around Puerto Vallarta; just imagine playing a round of golf on a course overlooking the beach! This Pacific playground is also a popular destination for golfing trips and tournaments.

     
     
     

  17. Get your Blood Pumping
  18. Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Activities
    Source: Canopy El Indio
    Some of the most fabulous things to do in Puerto Vallarta on vacation are related to adventure and getting your blood pumping. Why not take a canopy zip line tour which will see you flying over ravines in the jungle, speed off-road on ATVs and even skydive over the ocean falling from 10,000 feet.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

  19. Swim with dolphins
  20. Puerto Vallarta Activities
    Source: Extreme Dolphin
    Whether you want to swim with dolphins in the wild for a totally natural experience or in a pool where you can get a photograph of you kissing one of the world’s most friendly mammals, Puerto Vallarta will fulfil this dream that is popular with so many.