Guidebook for Puerto Vallarta

Michael
Guidebook for Puerto Vallarta

Entertainment & Activities

Popular Gay beach, usually fills up and spills next door into Ritmos, which I actually prefer. My favorite waiter is Osvaldo. Music can be very loud.
112 místní doporučují
Blue Chairs
4 Malecón
112 místní doporučují
Popular Gay beach, usually fills up and spills next door into Ritmos, which I actually prefer. My favorite waiter is Osvaldo. Music can be very loud.

Sightseeing

Totally happening street for cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, dining and nightlife. Many fun bars (gay & straight) and an unbeatable spot for people watching. Day or night, there's always something happening on Olas Altas.
Olas Altas
Olas Altas
Totally happening street for cafes, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, dining and nightlife. Many fun bars (gay & straight) and an unbeatable spot for people watching. Day or night, there's always something happening on Olas Altas.
The main drag in the Romantic Zone for shopping, dining and art galleries. Every other Friday is South Side Shuffle. Things open late, free drinks and snacks as the shop owners and art galleries show off their wares.
Basilio Badillo
The main drag in the Romantic Zone for shopping, dining and art galleries. Every other Friday is South Side Shuffle. Things open late, free drinks and snacks as the shop owners and art galleries show off their wares.
Funky, artsy village only accessible by boat. Water taxi ride is great fun and leaves from Boca de Tomatlan and Los Muertos Beach about every hour. Beautiful waterfall a short walk from main pier.
173 místní doporučují
Yelapa
173 místní doporučují
Funky, artsy village only accessible by boat. Water taxi ride is great fun and leaves from Boca de Tomatlan and Los Muertos Beach about every hour. Beautiful waterfall a short walk from main pier.
Stunning colonial mountain mining village. Authentic, historical Mexico to the core. About 1.5 hours drive from PV, but worth it! Terrific little silver shop and a 45 minute walk to the old mines.
114 místní doporučují
San Sebastián
114 místní doporučují
Stunning colonial mountain mining village. Authentic, historical Mexico to the core. About 1.5 hours drive from PV, but worth it! Terrific little silver shop and a 45 minute walk to the old mines.
Typical Mexican Pacific Coast beach village. Authentic, no crowds, alongside a river. The launch point for water taxis heading down to the beach village of Yelapa. ($130 pesos round trip.)
90 místní doporučují
Boca de Tomatlan
90 místní doporučují
Typical Mexican Pacific Coast beach village. Authentic, no crowds, alongside a river. The launch point for water taxis heading down to the beach village of Yelapa. ($130 pesos round trip.)
The largest tour company in the area - whale watching, ziplining, scuba diving, jungle tours, boat rentals, horse back riding, etc., etc. They have offices and staff all over the bay.
213 místní doporučují
Vallarta Adventures
39 Las Palmas
213 místní doporučují
The largest tour company in the area - whale watching, ziplining, scuba diving, jungle tours, boat rentals, horse back riding, etc., etc. They have offices and staff all over the bay.
Beautiful, colonial farming town about 2 hours from Vallarta. Good day trip through mountainous countryside. Used to be the State capital before Guadalajara. About 4000 ft (1200 mtr) elevation.
Mascota
Beautiful, colonial farming town about 2 hours from Vallarta. Good day trip through mountainous countryside. Used to be the State capital before Guadalajara. About 4000 ft (1200 mtr) elevation.
Colonial city about 2.5 hours from Vallarta. Known for apparition of the Virgin of Talpa. Many Mexicans make pilgrimages to this town. Typical central plaza with old cathedral, many typical foods.
Talpa de Allende
Colonial city about 2.5 hours from Vallarta. Known for apparition of the Virgin of Talpa. Many Mexicans make pilgrimages to this town. Typical central plaza with old cathedral, many typical foods.
Botanical Gardens 30 min south of the condo, 5 minutes past Chico's Paradise. Lush jungle with pathways, rivers, regional plants, including many orchids. Beautiful restaurant with views, gift shop.
187 místní doporučují
Botanické zahrady Vallarta
Km 24 Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad
187 místní doporučují
Botanical Gardens 30 min south of the condo, 5 minutes past Chico's Paradise. Lush jungle with pathways, rivers, regional plants, including many orchids. Beautiful restaurant with views, gift shop.

Arts & Culture

I'm putting this under Arts & Culture because a walk along the Malecon, especially on a Sunday night is the best place in Vallarta to see observe local family culture. With the bay on one side & restaurants, cafes, historical sites, shopping & entertainment on the other. Many impressive sculptures, several by famous artists including Bustamante.
770 místní doporučují
Malecon Puerto Vallarta
S/N Paseo Díaz Ordaz
770 místní doporučují
I'm putting this under Arts & Culture because a walk along the Malecon, especially on a Sunday night is the best place in Vallarta to see observe local family culture. With the bay on one side & restaurants, cafes, historical sites, shopping & entertainment on the other. Many impressive sculptures, several by famous artists including Bustamante.

Parks & Nature

Island in the Cuale River with fab restaurants, local crafts shopping and the beautiful Cultural Center with arts workshops and a theatre. Under the bridges you can frequently find painters and my favorite is Mariza. The west end of the island drops you at the beach and the Malecon. There's a quiet park at the east end of the island and I love to take a break here surrounded by the sounds of the river, the birds and the tropical gardens. My favorite restaurant is River Cafe.
41 místní doporučují
Río Cuale
41 místní doporučují
Island in the Cuale River with fab restaurants, local crafts shopping and the beautiful Cultural Center with arts workshops and a theatre. Under the bridges you can frequently find painters and my favorite is Mariza. The west end of the island drops you at the beach and the Malecon. There's a quiet park at the east end of the island and I love to take a break here surrounded by the sounds of the river, the birds and the tropical gardens. My favorite restaurant is River Cafe.
Chicos Paradise is about 30 minutes south of the condo and you can take the bus from right in front of the condo. You are in the midst of verdant tropical jungle here. A restaurant is located above a river and local boys will do serious dare-devil dives off ther huge boulders into the rushing river. They will expect tips. There's also zip lining and you can play in the river yourself.
19 místní doporučují
Restaurante Chicos Paradise
Verano
19 místní doporučují
Chicos Paradise is about 30 minutes south of the condo and you can take the bus from right in front of the condo. You are in the midst of verdant tropical jungle here. A restaurant is located above a river and local boys will do serious dare-devil dives off ther huge boulders into the rushing river. They will expect tips. There's also zip lining and you can play in the river yourself.

Food Scene

Excellent fresh fish at good prices. We prefer to sit upstairs. Lots of nightlife all around, so a good place to start off a party evening.
319 místní doporučují
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
212 Basilio Badillo
319 místní doporučují
Excellent fresh fish at good prices. We prefer to sit upstairs. Lots of nightlife all around, so a good place to start off a party evening.
Currently closed, but hopefully will reopen. Pricey, but very good with excellent service and views. Good wine cellar. Try to time your dinner for after 9pm so that you can watch the nightly fireworks show over the bay.
83 místní doporučují
Vista Grill
102 Púlpito
83 místní doporučují
Currently closed, but hopefully will reopen. Pricey, but very good with excellent service and views. Good wine cellar. Try to time your dinner for after 9pm so that you can watch the nightly fireworks show over the bay.
Good food, very reasonable prices, with stunning bay view. Good service. Not elegant like Vista Grill, but also 1/2 the price. Coconut shrimp yummy! The owner, Isabella, is a hoot!
14 místní doporučují
Casa Isabel
483 Privada del Bosque
14 místní doporučují
Good food, very reasonable prices, with stunning bay view. Good service. Not elegant like Vista Grill, but also 1/2 the price. Coconut shrimp yummy! The owner, Isabella, is a hoot!
Very good restaurant, on the sand on Los Muertos Beach. Romantic, good food, not cheap, but worth it.
474 místní doporučují
La Palapa Restaurant
105-3 Púlpito
474 místní doporučují
Very good restaurant, on the sand on Los Muertos Beach. Romantic, good food, not cheap, but worth it.
My favorite Italian restaurant with great service, excellent prices and good wines. A good spot for people watching too and in the heart of Old Town's nightlife. A good place to start off an evening out with friends. If you like spice, the Penne Arrabiata is excellent.
54 místní doporučují
La Piazzetta
219 Av Fluvial Vallarta
54 místní doporučují
My favorite Italian restaurant with great service, excellent prices and good wines. A good spot for people watching too and in the heart of Old Town's nightlife. A good place to start off an evening out with friends. If you like spice, the Penne Arrabiata is excellent.
Authentic Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. Great art -much of it dedicated to Frida Kahlo. Lola, owner, will be happy to tell you about her collection. I love the Chiles Enogada. Tell Cuco, the head waiter, that Miguel says hello!
20 místní doporučují
Red Cabbage Café
204A Rivera del Río
20 místní doporučují
Authentic Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. Great art -much of it dedicated to Frida Kahlo. Lola, owner, will be happy to tell you about her collection. I love the Chiles Enogada. Tell Cuco, the head waiter, that Miguel says hello!
Located on a roof top on the main plaza, right near the hisoric Guadalupe Church and across from the Malecon. Great views of the bay and the nightly fireworks show. Excellent innovative menu. Owners Laura & Marisol will take good care of you. Pricey but worth it. A great place to launch a night out, especially if it includes a walk along the Malecon, the seaside boardwalk. Tell them "Miguel" sent you.
46 místní doporučují
Conchas Chinas
46 místní doporučují
Located on a roof top on the main plaza, right near the hisoric Guadalupe Church and across from the Malecon. Great views of the bay and the nightly fireworks show. Excellent innovative menu. Owners Laura & Marisol will take good care of you. Pricey but worth it. A great place to launch a night out, especially if it includes a walk along the Malecon, the seaside boardwalk. Tell them "Miguel" sent you.
In jungle, watch the boys do dare devil dives into the river, while zipliners zip by above. Food is decent, if a bit pricey for typical Mexican food, but you're really paying for atmosphere.
Restaurant Chico Paradise
Verano
In jungle, watch the boys do dare devil dives into the river, while zipliners zip by above. Food is decent, if a bit pricey for typical Mexican food, but you're really paying for atmosphere.
My favorite place for breakfast or brunch. Beautiful garden setting with orchids, palm trees and shady, brick patios. Good service, great menu.
157 místní doporučují
Coco's Kitchen
157 místní doporučují
My favorite place for breakfast or brunch. Beautiful garden setting with orchids, palm trees and shady, brick patios. Good service, great menu.
Popular place for morning coffee, muffins, bagles, plus...
37 místní doporučují
Dee's Coffee Company
111-117 Francisca Rodríguez
37 místní doporučují
Popular place for morning coffee, muffins, bagles, plus...
Coffee, breakfasts, light meals throughout the day. Indoor/outdoor sidewalk cafe on popular Olas Altas St.. Great people watching.
30 místní doporučují
San Angel Burgers And Tacos
449 Olas Altas
30 místní doporučují
Coffee, breakfasts, light meals throughout the day. Indoor/outdoor sidewalk cafe on popular Olas Altas St.. Great people watching.
Truly Authentic French bistro. Owners are very friendly - Christophe (French) and his Panamanian wife. Excellent food, great decor, friendly service. Good location in historic center of PV.
13 místní doporučují
La Cigale
398 Hidalgo
13 místní doporučují
Truly Authentic French bistro. Owners are very friendly - Christophe (French) and his Panamanian wife. Excellent food, great decor, friendly service. Good location in historic center of PV.
Vallarta's cuisine is second only to Mexico City but even so, this restaurant stands out. Internationally famous chef, excellent service, great decor from lush garden patios to ultra modern interiors.
192 místní doporučují
Café des Artistes
740 Calle Gpe. Sánchez
192 místní doporučují
Vallarta's cuisine is second only to Mexico City but even so, this restaurant stands out. Internationally famous chef, excellent service, great decor from lush garden patios to ultra modern interiors.
Good Mexican food at reasonable prices. Mostly a gringo crowd. On a busy street, so you might ask for a table away from the door.
34 místní doporučují
El Brujo Vallarta
510 Venustiano Carranza
34 místní doporučují
Good Mexican food at reasonable prices. Mostly a gringo crowd. On a busy street, so you might ask for a table away from the door.
Great beach club on Los Muertos Beach. Free chairs/umbrellas with understanding that you will order food/drink. Jorge & Andres will take good care of you! Tell them "Miguel & Joel" recommended them!
19 místní doporučují
Swell Beach Bar
182 Amapas
19 místní doporučují
Great beach club on Los Muertos Beach. Free chairs/umbrellas with understanding that you will order food/drink. Jorge & Andres will take good care of you! Tell them "Miguel & Joel" recommended them!
(This Airbnb tool is not updated to include this restaurant, so it's loading as the Casa Kimberly Bridge. Casa Kimberly was Elizabeth Taylor's PV home.) Located in what used to be Elizabeth Taylor's PV home, The Iguana has earned its place as one of our most acclaimed restaurants. The food is quite good, but the atmosphere, decor, view, impeccable service and the unbelievably good mariachi are what makes this place stand out. This is my favorite special occasion restaurant, equally good for a large party of friends or an intimate dinner for two. When making reservations, be sure the mariachi will be playing. You don't want to miss them.
7 místní doporučují
Casa Kimberly Bridge
Calle Zaragoza
7 místní doporučují
(This Airbnb tool is not updated to include this restaurant, so it's loading as the Casa Kimberly Bridge. Casa Kimberly was Elizabeth Taylor's PV home.) Located in what used to be Elizabeth Taylor's PV home, The Iguana has earned its place as one of our most acclaimed restaurants. The food is quite good, but the atmosphere, decor, view, impeccable service and the unbelievably good mariachi are what makes this place stand out. This is my favorite special occasion restaurant, equally good for a large party of friends or an intimate dinner for two. When making reservations, be sure the mariachi will be playing. You don't want to miss them.
Great food, easy on the budget. Located just off busy Olas Altas, this place serves great tapas and lighter meals with a full bar. There's an air conditioned interior plus a row of sidewalk tables. Good people watching. Very convenient for heading out to the area nightlife.
28 místní doporučují
116 Pulpito
116 Púlpito
28 místní doporučují
Great food, easy on the budget. Located just off busy Olas Altas, this place serves great tapas and lighter meals with a full bar. There's an air conditioned interior plus a row of sidewalk tables. Good people watching. Very convenient for heading out to the area nightlife.

Drinks & Nightlife

Popular gay bar/nightclub with many other bars and clubs within a couple blocks. Live shows most nights, a mostly Mexican crowd, mixed ages, all out for a good time. Usually packed on weekends. Don't even think about getting their before midnight.
148 místní doporučují
Paco’s Ranch
278 Ignacio L. Vallarta
148 místní doporučují
Popular gay bar/nightclub with many other bars and clubs within a couple blocks. Live shows most nights, a mostly Mexican crowd, mixed ages, all out for a good time. Usually packed on weekends. Don't even think about getting their before midnight.
A totally happening straight bar for a mature audience that knows how to party. Festive crowds typically spill onto the street til all hours of the night.
81 místní doporučují
Andale's Restaurant & Bar
425 Olas Altas
81 místní doporučují
A totally happening straight bar for a mature audience that knows how to party. Festive crowds typically spill onto the street til all hours of the night.
The extremely popular open air gay bar/nightclub plays the best mix of upbeat dance music from the last 30 years or so. On a busy corner, it's a great place to see and be seen and the people in passing cars always slow down and stare at how much fun we are all having! Upbeat, happy crowd of locals and tourists.
67 místní doporučují
Mr. Flamingo
247 Lázaro Cárdenas
67 místní doporučují
The extremely popular open air gay bar/nightclub plays the best mix of upbeat dance music from the last 30 years or so. On a busy corner, it's a great place to see and be seen and the people in passing cars always slow down and stare at how much fun we are all having! Upbeat, happy crowd of locals and tourists.

Everything Else

Quiet beach about 10-15 minutes south of the condo with a backdrop of stunning seaside villas.
6 místní doporučují
Hotel Playa Conchas Chinas
Km 2.5 Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad
6 místní doporučují
Quiet beach about 10-15 minutes south of the condo with a backdrop of stunning seaside villas.
PV is known for its arts scene and the many sculptures that line the Malecon (boardwalk) are a highlight. The boy riding the seahorse is one of the favorites.
16 místní doporučují
Socha mořského koníka
s/n Morelos
16 místní doporučují
PV is known for its arts scene and the many sculptures that line the Malecon (boardwalk) are a highlight. The boy riding the seahorse is one of the favorites.