Puerto Vallarta is a great family-friendly place in Mexico, to spend time and relax. Puerto Vallarta is a gorgeous beach area that you will find on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
There are many five-star hotels in Puerto Vallarta as well as luxury home rentals, delicious restaurants, exciting nightlife, and even world-class shopping for all tastes and ages.
15 Best Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta
But the prime charm of the area is its natural beauty and plenty of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, you will probably be able to spend at least a week or two exploring the area.
Below is a list of fifteen of my favorite ones.
1. Swim with Dolphins
Dolphins abound in the waters off of the area’s coast making a swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta not only possible but a common and fun activity for the whole family in Mexico. It can be either in the controller environment of a park or on open water for the more experienced swimmers.
You can get a rental boat from (marinero.mx) and explore the open waters with relative ease! Interacting with these friendly and loving animals is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can’t miss.
2. The Romantic Zone (Downtown Puerto Vallarta)
This is the name that a part of downtown Puerto Vallarta has received due to its beauty and how many couples it attracts.
It is the Old Town and is filled with colorful, old homes, and cute and narrow streets combined with a relaxed ambiance that will ensure amazing opportunities for a romantic getaway. Plus, it is close to most of the major attractions of the area.
Its cobblestoned streets are also lined with many cafes, restaurants, and shops that will keep you busy for a while. Lastly, add the gorgeous views of the nearby beach lined by green mountains.
Plus, it is the place to be if you want to get away from the large resorts and experience boutique hotels or cute Airbnb.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out 10 Best Snorkeling Spots in Mexico You Need to Visit
3. May Cultural Festival
May is one of the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta for culture lovers. That’s because, during that month, a huge festival is put up to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the town.
During this time the place explodes with musical shows of all kinds, mostly local music like mariachi. You need to be ready to party!
But more relaxed cultural experiences like film festivals also happen. They celebrate the many years of Mexican cinematography. You will also find documentaries, short films, and all kinds of visual expressions, both current and from years past
Street entertainment and circus shows readings, workshops, and even conferences were also common during this time.
4. Tsunami Jet Boat adventure
This one is for adventure lovers. This is basically a ride onboard an aerodynamic boat that reaches speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Needless to say, it will be a bumpy ride where you will definitely get wet.
Some locals even call it the roller coaster of the sea. Mainly because it makes crazy turns at high speeds. but the best part is that it isn’t as short as a roller coaster ride, this adventure takes up to one hour.
5. Release baby sea turtles
These are conservation programs which, in addition to the education that both locals and visitors receive about the value of this animal, include: monitoring and protection of the beaches and nesting of the sea turtles from poachers and the hatchlings on their way to the ocean.
During the season between July and December, after the hatchlings are born, visitors, for a small fee, are given the opportunity to take a newborn and put it on the sand and closely follow it to avoid the sun or be carried away to the sea.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out Cave Swimming in Mexico: Why It Should Be on Your Bucket List
6. Go On A food tour
Puerto Vallarta is a food lovers’ heaven. Feast on their tasty fares including tacos, ceviche, mole, pozole, and much more, as well as regional cuisine such as birria, a spicy goat or lamb stew, and raicilla, an agave distilled beverage.
Naturally, a food trip provides you the chance to explore the gastronomy of the city while discovering its marks and tales.
7. Visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Most of the people who travel are as fascinated by nature and various plants as me. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens form a 64-acre garden and a tremendous floral kingdom.
More than 3,000 species of plants, such as orchids, cacti, bromeliads, and palms, as well as birds, butterflies, and a whole collection of insects, reside here.
In case you are genuinely fortunate to visit the place, make sure to hike the paths and swim in the river before heading back to the restaurant and shop. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are available every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and charges 300 pesos which is around $17.
8.Hike To Mirador de la Cruz
Another opportunity to witness the city and the bay is by hiking to Mirador de la Cruz, a viewpoint situated at the top of a hill. The difficulty of the path is moderate, and it will take you approximately 15 minutes from the city center.
By bus or taxi, head to the foot of the hill and hike up the rest of the way. Once you make it to the top, you will enjoy a birds eye view of Puerto Vallarta and its environment.
A massive pro tip here is to come early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the scorching sun and too-saturated colors.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out 10 Must-Know Tips for Exploring Mexico Like a Pro
9. Ride an ATV in the jungle
Riding a round on an ATV is an amazing experience that one shouldn’t miss while visiting the lush jungles in Puerto Vallarta.
With a variation of routes, one can hit dirt roads, cross rivers, and even climb mountains while enjoying the amazing views surrounding the whole place.
In addition, there are several routes to pick from, relying on one’s experience level and expectations.
10. Visit Sayulita
Just over an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta is the beachside town of Sayulita. It is a popular destination for surfers, hippies, and bohemians. because it has a cool, laidback vibe and a beautiful beach.
Try your hand at surfing or simply relax on the sand and soak up the sun.
Also, explore the colorful streets lined with unique shops and cafes. Spend a day in Sayulita to experience a different side of Mexico.
11. Go Scuba Diving
There are several other known spots in Puerto Vallarta, there’s a lot to choose from. Additionally, the marine life is quite diverse, consisting of vibrant fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and the occasional whale.
Strap on some scuba gear and discover the marine life Puerto Vallarta has to offer under its clear blue waters.
12. Watch a sunset cruise
Sunset is one of the best things which Puerto Vallarta can offer. And the best way to meet it is to take a sunset cruise!
Get on the boat, take an aperitif in your hand and swim along the sea shore and the dolphins; the sky is gradually turning pink, orange and purple! It is a wonderful event that cannot be missed.
13. Day Trip To Tequila
Located about 3 hours east of Puerto Vallarta, Tequila is known, among other things, as the birthplace of the famous drink with the same name, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can go there for a single day and get acquainted with the history and technology of making the famous drink, and try a few of the best brands and varieties. Also, in addition to the above, visit the agave fields and distilleries; Tequila’s museums and shops selling this product and other souvenirs hare are worth a visit.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out:
14. Visit San Pancho
Another lovely and peaceful town barely takes a 50-minute ride from Puerto Vallarta. San Pancho is a way smaller and quieter version of Sayulita.
It is as lovely and nice but much less crowded. The best way to explore San Pancho is by bike, so rent one and ride around the town.
San Pancho is a cool place to spend the afternoon. The way to get there is so much easier. I would RENT A CAR and drive by yourself.
15. Join A Mountain Biking Trip
Apart from lounging by the beach and trying out delicious cuisine, it’s a decent idea to do some exercise while on vacation. For that reason, mountain biking in inland Puerto Vallarta is a great option.
The guests should travel through the trails and paths that path the Sierra Madre Mountains and find out different types of flora and fauna.
The pathworkers go past waterfalls, villages, pine rivers, and many types of trees and plants. Finally, however, they all get to the ranch point where people may lay on a hammock or swim in a pool.
Conclusion
Puerto Vallarta is a destination that has it all: adventure, relaxation, culture, and delicious food. With these 15 activities, your trip will be unforgettable.
Pack your bags and get ready for a unique experience!
Last Updated on June 29, 2025
