Guidebook for Puerto Vallarta
Parks & Nature
The most beautiful beach in Puerto Vallarta (and your closest). White sand, perfect turquoise water and absolutely nothing commercial. You will not be bothered by street vendors (except for the odd guy with shrimp on a stick). There are lots of fish and sometimes turtles so take your goggles.
57 locals recommend
Conchas Chinas Beach
The most beautiful beach in Puerto Vallarta (and your closest). White sand, perfect turquoise water and absolutely nothing commercial. You will not be bothered by street vendors (except for the odd guy with shrimp on a stick). There are lots of fish and sometimes turtles so take your goggles.
This is one of our favorite places. The gardens are a serene paradise, enjoy a beautiful walk through the grounds or split off on the more challenging trails and head down to the river and take a refreshing swim in a natural cold water pool. We highly recommend the restaurant that is perched on a cliff overlooking the tropical valley and river. The menu is quite small but everything is absolutely delicious. The highlights are the quesadillas made from handmade tortillas and the wood-fired pizzas. There is always a delicious breeze and lots of hummingbirds feeding next to the terrace.
187 locals recommend
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Km 24 Carr. Costera a Barra de NavidadThis is one of our favorite places. The gardens are a serene paradise, enjoy a beautiful walk through the grounds or split off on the more challenging trails and head down to the river and take a refreshing swim in a natural cold water pool. We highly recommend the restaurant that is perched on a cliff overlooking the tropical valley and river. The menu is quite small but everything is absolutely delicious. The highlights are the quesadillas made from handmade tortillas and the wood-fired pizzas. There is always a delicious breeze and lots of hummingbirds feeding next to the terrace.
A very popular beach with the tourists. You'll find a huge selection of restaurants and activities. The north end leads onto the Malecon - a seawall path through to downtown Puerto Vallarta.
397 locals recommend
Los Muertos Beach
A very popular beach with the tourists. You'll find a huge selection of restaurants and activities. The north end leads onto the Malecon - a seawall path through to downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Food Scene
Always a fantastic experience, the food is high quality and delicious - that’s why they have been in business since 1959. The menu is inspired by local ingredients and what they call ‘Tropical Mexican Cuisine’ that successfully combines Mexican, french and asian influences. You can almost guarantee everyone will find something they want and will be very happy when they leave. We recommend La Palapa for dinner, they do a fantastic job of breakfast and lunch too but you will get constantly bothered by passing street vendors (there are usually none at nighttime). They also have superb and inventive margaritas.
474 locals recommend
La Palapa Restaurant
105-3 PúlpitoAlways a fantastic experience, the food is high quality and delicious - that’s why they have been in business since 1959. The menu is inspired by local ingredients and what they call ‘Tropical Mexican Cuisine’ that successfully combines Mexican, french and asian influences. You can almost guarantee everyone will find something they want and will be very happy when they leave. We recommend La Palapa for dinner, they do a fantastic job of breakfast and lunch too but you will get constantly bothered by passing street vendors (there are usually none at nighttime). They also have superb and inventive margaritas.
A stunning location and high quality food. The menu is inventive and a nice relief from the overabundant stereotypical Mexican food options in most of the tourist traps. The menu is really balanced and will be a crowd pleaser. So far we have never had a bad experience. You must try one of their Mezcal Margaritas, the combinations used were exquisitely chosen - a total party in your mouth.
58 locals recommend
El Dorado Restaurant
102 PúlpitoA stunning location and high quality food. The menu is inventive and a nice relief from the overabundant stereotypical Mexican food options in most of the tourist traps. The menu is really balanced and will be a crowd pleaser. So far we have never had a bad experience. You must try one of their Mezcal Margaritas, the combinations used were exquisitely chosen - a total party in your mouth.
Absolutely stunning location on the cliffs of Los Colomitos beach. It is regularly regarded as having the best food in Puerto Vallarta and it isn’t overpriced at all. You can make a lovely day-trip by taking a boat from Boca de Tomatlan (free for Ocean Grill guests) or hiking for 30/40 on a beautiful trail through the jungle. Relax on the beach, have a swim, watch the boats come and go then head back.
Reservations: Essential, must reserve online at oceangrillpv.com Three seating times available 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. NOTE kids under 14 are not allowed at Ocean Grill. Closed Tuesdays.
40 locals recommend
Ocean Grill Vallarta
Absolutely stunning location on the cliffs of Los Colomitos beach. It is regularly regarded as having the best food in Puerto Vallarta and it isn’t overpriced at all. You can make a lovely day-trip by taking a boat from Boca de Tomatlan (free for Ocean Grill guests) or hiking for 30/40 on a beautiful trail through the jungle. Relax on the beach, have a swim, watch the boats come and go then head back.
Reservations: Essential, must reserve online at oceangrillpv.com Three seating times available 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. NOTE kids under 14 are not allowed at Ocean Grill. Closed Tuesdays.
Very popular with vacationers, they serve Mexican and american dishes (eggs, waffles, pancakes) that are good quality for the low cost. It is busy pretty much every day - especially on the weekend. You can sit out in their little garden area or head inside to the refuge of air conditioning if it gets too hot.
355 locals recommend
Restaurante Fredy's Tucan
245 Basilio BadilloVery popular with vacationers, they serve Mexican and american dishes (eggs, waffles, pancakes) that are good quality for the low cost. It is busy pretty much every day - especially on the weekend. You can sit out in their little garden area or head inside to the refuge of air conditioning if it gets too hot.
The first craft brewery in Puerto Vallarta - it did take the town a while to catch onto the trend but it’s now booming. Aside from the large selection of beer, their pizzas are a favorite and very reasonably priced.
200 locals recommend
Los Muertos Brewing
302 Lázaro CárdenasThe first craft brewery in Puerto Vallarta - it did take the town a while to catch onto the trend but it’s now booming. Aside from the large selection of beer, their pizzas are a favorite and very reasonably priced.
Sports bar and restaurant-grill with seven satellites and twenty-five televisions with capacity for some 250 fans and revelers. Showing all NCAA, NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC and NASCAR. It is well known for their BBQ ribs and chicken wings. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm.
26 locals recommend
El Torito Sports Bar & BBQ House
243 Venustiano CarranzaSports bar and restaurant-grill with seven satellites and twenty-five televisions with capacity for some 250 fans and revelers. Showing all NCAA, NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC and NASCAR. It is well known for their BBQ ribs and chicken wings. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm.
If you want to give street food a try, this is a good start. The Baja Californian fish taco has won the hearts of North Americans, this is the P.V version and the best you will find. This stand has a variety of very good seafood options.
55 locals recommend
Marisma Fish Taco
320 NaranjoIf you want to give street food a try, this is a good start. The Baja Californian fish taco has won the hearts of North Americans, this is the P.V version and the best you will find. This stand has a variety of very good seafood options.
A pretty infamous gay bar and restaurant (and hotel) located right on the beach. They have organized events every day with no cover (gogo’s, drag shows, gay cruise, karaoke). It’s always busy.
112 locals recommend
Blue Chairs
4 MalecónA pretty infamous gay bar and restaurant (and hotel) located right on the beach. They have organized events every day with no cover (gogo’s, drag shows, gay cruise, karaoke). It’s always busy.
A sweet cafe, a block away from Playa de Los Muertos. You'll find organic coffee, salads, sandwiches, breakfast, smoothies, baked goods, gluten free and vegan options.
25 locals recommend
Barra Light
134 C. Rodolfo GómezA sweet cafe, a block away from Playa de Los Muertos. You'll find organic coffee, salads, sandwiches, breakfast, smoothies, baked goods, gluten free and vegan options.
A hotel with a beachfront restaurant just south of Conchas Chinas Beach. The menu has a selection of typical Mexican dishes as well as seafood and pasta. A great budget friendly place to enjoy the sunset looking out over ocean and lush, tropical hills.
29 locals recommend
Lindo Mar Resort
Km. 2.5 Carr. Costera a Barra de NavidadA hotel with a beachfront restaurant just south of Conchas Chinas Beach. The menu has a selection of typical Mexican dishes as well as seafood and pasta. A great budget friendly place to enjoy the sunset looking out over ocean and lush, tropical hills.
A very popular bakery with lots of delicious offerings. You can get pies, cookies, cakes, flans, cupcakes and cakes for occasions. A must try is their signature 'Beso' - a melt in the middle chocolate brownie.
27 locals recommend
Pie In The Sky
121 Av Paseo de la MarinaA very popular bakery with lots of delicious offerings. You can get pies, cookies, cakes, flans, cupcakes and cakes for occasions. A must try is their signature 'Beso' - a melt in the middle chocolate brownie.
Imagine the perfect picture of paradise - then live it at Casitas Maraika. Beautiful palapas sit on white sand beach looking out to the turquoise ocean. The food is divine and even better are the refreshing cocktails. You can either catch a boat from Boca de Tomatlan (5 mins, cost around 30 pesos/person) or walk from Boca de Tomatlan on a beautiful hiking path (it takes around 45mins). A true hidden gem.
47 locals recommend
Casitas Maraika
1 Las AnimasImagine the perfect picture of paradise - then live it at Casitas Maraika. Beautiful palapas sit on white sand beach looking out to the turquoise ocean. The food is divine and even better are the refreshing cocktails. You can either catch a boat from Boca de Tomatlan (5 mins, cost around 30 pesos/person) or walk from Boca de Tomatlan on a beautiful hiking path (it takes around 45mins). A true hidden gem.
A great little deli, they have a lot of ready-to-eat items, euro-style meats, cheeses and sandwiches. They also have half-and-half which a lot of Americans have a tough time finding.
8 locals recommend
Mikey's Fine Foods & Delicatessen
A great little deli, they have a lot of ready-to-eat items, euro-style meats, cheeses and sandwiches. They also have half-and-half which a lot of Americans have a tough time finding.
Drinks & Nightlife
The only rhythm and blues venue in Puerto Vallarta. You can also hear Rock, Latin, Reggae, Jazz, Salsa, even Mariachi, nightly by the house or guest band. Often a lively crowd, especially on the weekends. Pool table. Music generally starts late at 10pm-11pm until 3am during week and 4:30am on weekends.
104 locals recommend
Roxy Rock House
217 Ignacio L. VallartaThe only rhythm and blues venue in Puerto Vallarta. You can also hear Rock, Latin, Reggae, Jazz, Salsa, even Mariachi, nightly by the house or guest band. Often a lively crowd, especially on the weekends. Pool table. Music generally starts late at 10pm-11pm until 3am during week and 4:30am on weekends.
Fun times without the hardcore club vibe. You can karaoke and dance the night away. Open 9PM - 4AM Closed Mon & Tues
9 locals recommend
La Regadera
666 MorelosFun times without the hardcore club vibe. You can karaoke and dance the night away. Open 9PM - 4AM Closed Mon & Tues
An idyllic setting for sunset. The bar is set above a cliff with the waves crashing below. They have an ever changing menu of creative cocktails that can be accompanied by the seasonally-inspired tapas they offer daily. Find peace and calm before indulging by walking their labyrinth to the sound of the ocean.
6 locals recommend
Casa Karma
1247 México 200An idyllic setting for sunset. The bar is set above a cliff with the waves crashing below. They have an ever changing menu of creative cocktails that can be accompanied by the seasonally-inspired tapas they offer daily. Find peace and calm before indulging by walking their labyrinth to the sound of the ocean.
A fantastic liquor store in a handy location on the quaint shopping street of Basilio Badillo. As the name implies, they do have a pretty good wine inventory but also hard to find imported scotches, whiskeys and other "top shelf" booze.
17 locals recommend
Vinos América Basilio Badillo (Puerto Vallarta)
284 Basilio BadilloA fantastic liquor store in a handy location on the quaint shopping street of Basilio Badillo. As the name implies, they do have a pretty good wine inventory but also hard to find imported scotches, whiskeys and other "top shelf" booze.
Probably the hippest place in the downtown area. It’s a high-tech club, restaurant & video bar. Quite popular with the tourist and upscale crowds for its Hindu style-concept interior and the Spanish pop, electronic and party music selections. Has a Sky Bar lounge rooftop for drinks with a view. Dress code is flashy/formal.
Hours: Daily, 6PM-6AM
Cover: 100 pesos (US$6) usually (depends on the night) ladies often get in free.
222 locals recommend
Mandala Puerto Vallarta
633 Paseo Díaz OrdazProbably the hippest place in the downtown area. It’s a high-tech club, restaurant & video bar. Quite popular with the tourist and upscale crowds for its Hindu style-concept interior and the Spanish pop, electronic and party music selections. Has a Sky Bar lounge rooftop for drinks with a view. Dress code is flashy/formal.
Hours: Daily, 6PM-6AM
Cover: 100 pesos (US$6) usually (depends on the night) ladies often get in free.
Essentials
The equivalent of 711, they have a large selection of chips, soda, snacks, alcohol etc.. Open 24hrs.
66 locals recommend
OXXO
Manzanillo - Puerto VallartaThe equivalent of 711, they have a large selection of chips, soda, snacks, alcohol etc.. Open 24hrs.
The equivalent of 711, they have a large selection of chips, soda, snacks, alcohol etc.. Open 24hrs.
66 locals recommend
OXXO
Manzanillo - Puerto VallartaThe equivalent of 711, they have a large selection of chips, soda, snacks, alcohol etc.. Open 24hrs.
A private hospital offering a fantastic level of care. English is spoken fluently.
19 locals recommend
Hospital Medasist
360 Manuel M. DieguezA private hospital offering a fantastic level of care. English is spoken fluently.
Banorte
ATM inside Oxxo Conchas Chinas
Banorte
ATM
A well stocked and clean gym that offers a variety of fitness classes. A day pass is MEX$150 (approx. US$8).
23 locals recommend
The Fit Club
130 Ignacio L. VallartaA well stocked and clean gym that offers a variety of fitness classes. A day pass is MEX$150 (approx. US$8).
Take your vacation to the next level of relaxation with an in-casa massage.
Choose from:
Deep Tissue
Aromatherapy
Swedish
Cda. de Los Pinos 133
133 Cerrada de Los PinosTake your vacation to the next level of relaxation with an in-casa massage.
Choose from:
Deep Tissue
Aromatherapy
Swedish
A very well-stocked little grocery store. You can find fresh produce, pre-made items like guacamole, salsas, beans and all sorts of packaged goods including hard to find imported items. US visitors love this place because you can find half-and-half.
Amapas 215
215 AmapasA very well-stocked little grocery store. You can find fresh produce, pre-made items like guacamole, salsas, beans and all sorts of packaged goods including hard to find imported items. US visitors love this place because you can find half-and-half.
The best produce store is actually opposite Fruteria California, it is called Fruteria Baca (the map wouldn't pick it up). It is a fantastic produce store with a big selection, the quality is always good and the owners are sweethearts.
8 locals recommend
fruteria California
560 Lázaro CárdenasThe best produce store is actually opposite Fruteria California, it is called Fruteria Baca (the map wouldn't pick it up). It is a fantastic produce store with a big selection, the quality is always good and the owners are sweethearts.
Entertainment & Activities
Located 10 minutes south of Casas Rio Amapas, El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort sits on a peninsula that overlooks a tranquil bay framed by dramatic cliffs. The course is situated amidst a natural reserve that sprawls across over 2,000 acres. The carefully preserved tropical rainforest is a stunning backdrop to the course.
El Tamarindo Golf Resort
Km. 7.5 Carretera a Barra de NavidadLocated 10 minutes south of Casas Rio Amapas, El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort sits on a peninsula that overlooks a tranquil bay framed by dramatic cliffs. The course is situated amidst a natural reserve that sprawls across over 2,000 acres. The carefully preserved tropical rainforest is a stunning backdrop to the course.
Shopping
A quaint cobbled stone street lined with interesting stores, restaurants and bakeries.
23 locals recommend
Basilio Badillo
Basilio BadilloA quaint cobbled stone street lined with interesting stores, restaurants and bakeries.
A great little market offering organic produce, artisan handicrafts, fresh flowers and ready to eat food. Every week there is a different live band. We highly recommend the artisan tamales - soooo delicious!! Saturdays 9:30 - 14:00
75 locals recommend
Olas Altas Saturday Market
Lázaro CárdenasA great little market offering organic produce, artisan handicrafts, fresh flowers and ready to eat food. Every week there is a different live band. We highly recommend the artisan tamales - soooo delicious!! Saturdays 9:30 - 14:00
Sightseeing
The Malecon is a hub of activity. It is a seawall path that starts in Zona Romantica and passes through Downtown PV. It is lined with shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are often street performers in the main square. It truly comes alive at nighttime, especially on the weekend.
770 locals recommend
Malecon Puerto Vallarta
S/N Paseo Díaz OrdazThe Malecon is a hub of activity. It is a seawall path that starts in Zona Romantica and passes through Downtown PV. It is lined with shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There are often street performers in the main square. It truly comes alive at nighttime, especially on the weekend.