On Mexico’s Pacific coast is where you will find a charming beach town called Puerto Vallarta. The former fishing village is now a world class tourist destination that receives millions of visitors each year. There are breathtaking beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of water sports to enjoy all year round. In Old Town Puerto Vallarta, the streets are cobblestone, and you will see charming boutiques, numerous restaurants, and beachfront bars. The high season for tourism occurs during the winter months, but the summer months are also an excellent time to enjoy a Puerto Vallarta vacation. The flights are cheaper, and there are less people and smaller crowds. Also, the water is much clearer because the currents aren’t as strong during the summertime, so snorkeling is ideal. Read below to learn more about fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Top Tour in Puerto Vallarta
One of the top tours in Puerto Vallarta is the Rhythms of the Night Show. This exciting musical and dance performance pays homage to Mexico’s rich heritage and culture. The tour will begin where guests take a calming boat ride across the waters of the Banderas Bay until they arrive at a romantic, private beach. There, you will get to enjoy a tasty dinner while watching the wonderful performances. There will be dancers, music, and so much more.
Playa del Amor Hidden Beach
Secondly, Playa del Amor is a hidden beach that is located at the Islas Marietas National Park. Playa del Amor means “Beach of Love” in English. From Punta Mita which is 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, you will take a boat ride that takes about an hour to reach the hidden beach. You can only visit this stunning beach during the summer months when the tide is low. The hidden beach is located within a cave type formation that is also home to lush greenery and wildlife as well.
Food Tours
Next, Food tours are very popular during the summer months. Puerto Vallarta is home to hundreds of great restaurants, and it would be impossible to visit each of them. However, if you take a food tour you will give you a chance to sample a wide variety of the best foods from many of the top restaurants. Plus, the guides will give you history facts and it is a fun and delicious way to get to know about Puerto Vallarta. Vallarta Food Tours is a great company to work with and they have been recognized by TripAdvisor as the #1 tour in Puerto Vallarta.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is probably one of the prettiest places to visit in Puerto Vallarta. They preserve, protect, and display a vast collection of the native plants of Mexico. The Vallarta Botanical Garden tours will include fragrances, colorful flowers, plants, and more. There are garden trails, exhibits, and conservatories to explore. There is also a freshwater stream on the grounds where you can take a dip. If you work up an appetite, the onsite restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine and has lovely views of the lush Sierra Madre jungle, too.
Casa Kimberly
Are you traveling with your sweetheart on your Puerto Vallarta vacation? If so, Casa Kimberly is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic meal with your loved one. The boutique hotel and restaurant were once the former home of actor Richard Burton and actress Elizabeth Taylor. This restaurant is open-air and the dishes are simply delicious. Plus, they often have live Mariachi music that adds to the upscale and divine ambiance.
Malecon Boardwalk
The iconic Malecon Boardwalk is 12 blocks in length and no Puerto Vallarta vacation would be complete without a stroll along the boardwalk. Along the way, you will see contemporary sculptures made by local artists, boutiques and shops, a variety of restaurants, pubs, and more. It’s also a great place to go running or biking as well. In the evenings, there are often cultural events held at Los Arcos which is located next to the central plaza and main church.
Mirador de la Cruz Hike
The Mirador de la Cruz hike is a great way you can still be active while on your Puerto Vallarta vacation. To start your hike, you will need to head to the Malecon Boardwalk and start walking inland until you see a set of stairs that are white. Continue to climb those stairs until you reach the top. This challenging workout requires a fair amount of conditioning, and make sure you wear a hat and bring water with you. At the top, there are breathtaking 360-degree views of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta that you can’t find anywhere else.
Skydiving
Do you enjoy adrenaline adventures? If so, then you will want to go skydiving in Puerto Vallarta. You will be completely safe as the Skydive Puerto Vallarta follows the USPA “United States Parachute Association). Many people say that thanks to the incredible views from above Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay are some of the best skydiving experiences they have ever had. Are you ready to start skydiving?
Are you currently booking a getaway this summer to Puerto Vallarta? Make sure you pack plenty of summer clothes as it does get very hot and humid from July through October. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy. Let us know below what your favorite outdoor activity was. As far as accommodations, Garza Blanca Resorts is an upscale property located south of downtown on a private and pristine beach. They are owned and operated by the award winning Tafer Hotels & Resorts and were recently rated among the “Best Mexico Hotels and Best All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts” by U.S. News magazine. Everyone in the family will love their luxurious accommodations, world class amenities, and VIP services. Likewise, staff members are always on hand to make sure guests have the time of their lives. They also have an exclusive vacation club membership for qualified travelers.
