Puerto Vallarta is one of the most beloved destinations in Mexico, where golden beaches, jungle-covered mountains, incredible cuisine, and authentic culture come together. It first became a tourist spot in the 1930s but it was the legendary 1964 film The Night of the Iguana starring Richard Burton that truly put it on the map as a must-visit locale1.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or someone special, you'll find plenty of unforgettable things to do beyond the resort. Adventure travelers, romantics at heart, and families looking for quality time can enjoy strolls along the legendary Malécon and opportunities to learn about local sea turtle conservation efforts. Pack your hat and sunscreen—Apple Vacations is here to help you plan an epic trip with insider tips on things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
What to See and Do in Puerto Vallarta
Take a Sunset Stroll Along the Malécon
One of the most iconic Puerto Vallarta activities is a post-beach sunset walk along the boardwalk, a 1.6-mile trek from the Zona Romántica neighborhood down to the Centro area. Watch the sky glow with brilliant shades of orange and pink as the sun sets over Banderas Bay before browsing local artisan shops and enjoying live street performances. It’s a delight for the senses and includes unique sculptures and the breathtaking Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a cultural and spiritual hub of the city2.
Eat All the Tacos on a Food Tour
With an incredible range of restaurants, street stands, and cafés to explore, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by so many options in this foodie paradise, so we recommend signing up for a food tour early in your trip. It’s a fun way to get to know the city and its culture with options for both evening or morning, families or groups of friends3.
Get to Know Puerto Vallarta Through Eco-Tourism
If you’re a nature lover searching for what to do in Puerto Vallarta, consider an eco-friendly adventure. From December through March, you can see humpback whales migrating to the Bay of Banderas to mate. Make sure to choose a tour with a focus on conservation that ethically interacts with these majestic marine mammals.
From June through December, you can also sign up to help with a baby sea turtle release with Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates. Another bucket-list option is to go night-kayaking at Los Arcos National Marine Park to experience the otherworldly bioluminescence in the bay4.
Find Souvenirs at the Isla Río Cuale Crafts Market
When you need a break from all that glorious beach time, cross one of the bridges and wander over to the bustling island within the city. Pedestrian-only with wide paths for strollers and filled with all sorts of local artisan vendors, it’s a wonderful place to grab a casual bite amid lush greenery and spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs5.
Have a Romantic Dinner & Experience Puerto Vallarta’s Art
Make a reservation to experience fine dining at La Iguana, a five-star restaurant housed in Casa Kimberly, the gorgeous former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Here, you’ll find unparalleled views of the bay, delectable contemporary Mexican cuisine, and memories that last1.
If you’re traveling from October to May, check out the city’s self-guided Art Walk through the Historic Center on Wednesday evenings from 6–10 p.m. and explore local galleries, meet the artists, and experience vibrant culture. Another option is to go mural hunting, which can be done at any time of day.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re searching for where to stay in Puerto Vallarta, we have you covered. Set on a golden sand beach just five minutes from downtown, Dreams® Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa offers an all-inclusive resort getaway for the whole family and includes a children’s pool, eight restaurants, babysitting services, and a world-class spa.
Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta offers a luxurious adults-only experience complete with romantic packages and wedding services, world-class dining, and a spa.
Sunscape Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is perfect for families, couples, and singles—guests can take advantage of an Unlimited-Fun® getaway, which includes luxurious rooms with balconies or terraces, buffet and à la carte dining, extensive kids’ programming, and a waterpark.
Melia Puerto Vallarta is a great choice for families and couples looking for a relaxing all-inclusive getaway close to the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
Apple Vacations Makes Dream Getaways a Reality
Whether you're looking for adventure, authentic culture, or time to reconnect with the people who matter most, Puerto Vallarta has something for every traveler. Apple Vacations makes planning easy with vacation packages that include flights, all-inclusive resorts, Exclusive Perks—like complimentary amenities—and trusted destination services, so you can spend less time planning and more time making memories together. We also partner with Amstar DMC so every step of your journey, including airport transfers and excursions, is effortless. Write your epic Puerto Vallarta story with Apple Vacations.
Sources:
- Your Ultimate Guide To Visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico + Top 21 Things To Do. Cultural Foodies. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://culturalfoodies.com/top-21-things-to-do-in-puerto-vallarta/
- Alexander, R. (7 August 2024). 13 Wonderful Things to Do and See in Puerto Vallarta. Journey Wonders. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://www.journeywonders.com/the-best-things-to-do-and-see-in-puerto-vallarta/
- (7 October 2025). 29 Non Touristy & Unique Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta. Sally Sees. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://sallysees.com/unique-things-to-do-in-puerto-vallarta/
- Smalls, A. (8 January 2026). 17 Most Unique Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta. Like Where You’re Going. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://likewhereyouregoing.com/unique-things-to-do-in-puerto-vallarta/
- Prado, L. (28 November 2024). 9 best things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids. Lonely Planet. Retrieved June 15, 2026, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/puerto-vallarta-with-kids
