15 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta You Cannot Miss!

Puerto Vallarta offers a ton of entertaining activities for all types of tourists. It is a well-known tourist destination for a good reason—the area provides luxuriant mountain rainforests, the best scuba diving experience you’ll ever witness, stunning beaches, a wide variety of culinary delights, and world-class entertainment.

Choosing what to do in Puerto Vallarta with limited time is the only challenge. There’s something to do for everyone here, whether you are looking for a relaxing boat trip or want your adrenaline pumping while you’re ziplining over the forest, Puerto Vallarta has it all.

Below are some of the top activities you can expect to find in this beautiful place. I’ve included some of the most popular activities as well as some that will take you through the quiet spots of the region, allowing you to truly soak up the experience.

1. Experience Zona Romantica

Experience the spirit and essence of ancient Puerto Vallarta by traveling back in time. Among the most aesthetically beautiful areas of the city is its historical center, Zona Romantica.

Historic buildings line cobblestone lanes and alleyways, and each is topped with distinctive red-tile roofs. Side streets are decorated with purple bougainvillea bloom arches, adding vibrant splashes of color.

At the Rio Cuale bridge, the Zona Romantica starts. The Old Farmers Market, as well as some of the city’s busiest beaches, eateries, art exhibitions, and boutique hotels, are all located here.

It is also the area with the highest percentage of ex-pats; therefore, it is particularly tourist-friendly.

One of the most famous sights in this region of the city is the Pier, from where you can take a water taxi to several of the nearby neighborhoods or charter a boat cruise to bring you all around the bay for a breathtaking perspective of the city from the sea.

2. Take a Cruise Around The Bay of Banderas

Due to its beachfront setting, Puerto Vallarta is thriving! Whether that’s fishing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the beach, life is centered on the sea. Getting out on the lake is one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the city.

One of the world’s largest bays is the one in which Puerto Vallarta is situated, the Bay of Banderas. It is abundant with wildlife, including dolphins, octopi, hawksbill turtles, whales, and a wide variety of fish. In fact, it’s uncommon to be out on the water without seeing a whale or a dolphin.

Many boat companies take tourists out on the waters for an afternoon, whether for a wildlife cruise, a tour of the Los Arcos natural monument, or a visit to beaches that can only be reached by watercraft, like Yelapa or Las Animas.

3. Go On a Food Tour

Joining a tour is the ideal method for learning more about the delicious cuisine of Mexico because there is so much more to Mexican food than tacos and quesadillas. Learning about the local cuisine is one of my best Mexico travel tips no matter where you visit and for foodies, this is a must-do activity in Puerto Vallarta.

There is so much variety of tours can take in Puerto Vallarta to enjoy walking, culture, and culinary excursions, making it a perfect opportunity to learn about the area while also eating delicious food and burning calories.

Chocolate-making classes, taco & tequila tours, or cooking workshops are just some examples of all the different types of food tours you have to choose from here!

If you want a little help deciding where to start, check out my guide to the best food in Mexico to try.

4. Do Not Miss the Rhythms of The Night Show

One of the things you cannot miss when visiting Puerto Vallarta is the Rhythms of the Night dinner performance, which has the highest ratings of any show there. But this isn’t simply a show; it’s much, much more.

The Rhythms of the Night tour is the best local nighttime event. A sunset cruise at dusk in the Bay of Banderas serves as the introduction. You may enjoy a drink, or a few, on a catamaran during this one-hour trip while taking in the renowned sunset.

After the performance, you’ll be driven to one of the many beachside eateries for a candlelit buffet meal. In addition to the excellent meals, cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine are available. The dinner left us feeling quite satisfied.

Afterward, you’ll be situated in the amphitheater at Las Caletas (a private beach) to witness the performance!

The co-founder of Cirque de Soleil created the Rhythms of the Night show,