So you're heading to Puerto Vallarta? Smart move. I've spent months exploring every corner of this place (lucky me, right?), and let me tell you – most "what to do in Vallarta" lists miss half the good stuff. Forget those generic roundups. We're diving deep into what actually matters: secret beaches locals fight to keep quiet, which taco stands will ruin all other tacos for you, and how to avoid tourist traps charging triple the price.
Beach Adventures You Can't Miss
Sunburn alert! Vallarta's beaches aren't just pretty backgrounds for Instagram. They're living playgrounds. Last Tuesday, I watched a pelican dive-bombing fish right beside paddleboarders at Los Muertos - that's the real Vallarta magic.
Playa Los Muertos: The Social Hub
Address: Between Calle Olas Altas & Amapas
Hours: Beach access 24/7 (umbrella rentals 9am-6pm)
Cost: Free public access, chairs $5/day
Don't miss: The blue-flag pier at sunset. Grab a coconut from Luis (he's near the lifeguard tower) and watch parasailers paint the sky.
Honestly? It gets crowded by noon. Go early if you hate elbow-to-elumbrella situations. The water's calmer than Cancún but still fun for splashing.
| Beach | Vibe | Best For | Food Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conchas Chinas | Secluded rocky coves | Snorkeling, privacy | Pack your own picnic |
| Boca de Tomatlán | Fishing village charm | Boat trips, fresh seafood | Mariscos Tino's ceviche ($8) |
| Garza Blanca | Resort luxury | Swimming, cocktails | Beachside service (pricey but convenient) |
Cultural Gems Beyond The Resort Zone
My biggest pet peeve? Visitors who never leave the hotel pool. Vallarta's soul lives in these spots:
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Address: Hidalgo 370, Centro
Hours: 6:30am-8:30pm daily (mass schedule varies)
Fun fact: The crown was damaged in an earthquake and replaced with... a concrete replica? Yeah, looks weird but it's history.
Around the corner, León Corona's studio (Libertad 336) sells surrealist art from $50. The artist is usually there painting – cooler than any souvenir magnet.
Malecón Boardwalk Sculpture Hunt
Free 24/7 outdoor gallery! Must-finds:
- "The Seahorse": Near Los Arcos amphitheater
- "In Search of Reason": Bronze man on ladder (perfect for goofy photos)
- Sand sculptors: Tip $2 if you snap pics of their ephemeral art
Thursday nights mean fire dancers near the Rosita Hotel. Show up around 8pm.
Adrenaline Fixes Worth Waking Up For
My brother visited last month and demanded "real adventure, not some lame tourist ride." Challenge accepted:
Canopy River Ziplining
Location: 45 min drive from Centro
Hours: Tours at 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Cost: $89 (includes transport/lunch)
Truth bomb: The "extreme" 1km line feels slower than expected. But the river rappel? Legit terrifying fun.
Whale Watching That Doesn't Suck
Season: December-March
Best operator: Ocean Friendly (small groups, marine biologists onboard)
Cost: $75 (4hr tour)
My fail: Booked a $35 "budget" tour last year. Saw one whale tail... from 300 yards away. Pay for quality.
Food Experiences That Justify Elastic Pants
Confession: I gained 7 pounds researching this section. You're welcome.
| Must-Eat | Where To Find It | Price | Local Hack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tacos al pastor | Pancho's Takos (Basilio Badillo) | $1.50 each | Line starts at 6:30pm - send 1 person to grab beers nearby |
| Shrimp tamales | Tamales Doña Clema (Río Balsas) | $2.75 | Only available Fri-Sun - get there by 11am |
| Churros con cajeta | Churrería de la Roma (Juárez) | $3 | Ask for "media porción" if you're not starving |
For fancy dinners, Tintoque (Perú 1274) does modern Mexican right. Their duck carnitas? Holy moly. Budget $65/person with cocktails.
Day Trips That Beat Lounging By The Pool
Look, I love piña coladas too. But these spots make leaving your resort worth it:
Sayulita: Surf Town Vibes
Getting there: Uber ($25 each way) or bus ($2.50)
Skip: Main beach (crowded & dirty)
Go instead: Playa de los Muertos (hidden cove, 15-min walk north)
Eat: Chocobanana's fish tacos - trust me.
San Sebastián del Oeste
Getting there: Guided tour recommended ($75)
Why go: 17th-century silver mining town frozen in time
Weird fact: Local cemetery has graves with... glass windows? Creepy but cool.
Must-do: Coffee tasting at Hacienda Jalisco
Practical Stuff They Don't Tell You
- Uber vs Taxi: Ubers are 40% cheaper but can't pick up at airports. Taxis from airport have fixed zones ($10-25)
- Best months: November-April (dry season). May-October means cheaper rates... and daily 4pm downpours.
- Water safety: Don't drink tap water. Not even locals do. Brush teeth with bottled.
- Cash rules: Street food & markets = pesos only. ATMs near Walmart give best rates.
What to Do in Vallarta: Your Questions Answered
Is Vallarta walkable?
The Romantic Zone and Centro absolutely. But bring good shoes - cobblestones murder flip-flops. For Nuevo Vallarta? Rent a car.
How much does a Vallarta trip cost?
Mid-range traveler: $120/day (decent hotel, local meals, activities). Budget backpacker: $40/day (hostels, street food, buses). My splurge day? $300 (catamaran tour + fancy dinner).
What to do in Vallarta when it rains?
Three words: chocolate making class. Vallarta Chocolate Factory (Badillo 285) does 2hr workshops ($35). Or hit the flea markets - they cover up fast.
Is the Vallarta food safe?
Generally yes. Stick to:
- Places with crowds (high turnover)
- Cooked foods served hot
- Peeled fruits
What to do in Vallarta at night beyond clubs?
Hidden gem: Rhythms of the Night dinner show ($99). Cheesy costumes but the jungle setting? Unreal. Or join locals playing lotería (Mexican bingo) at Plaza Lázaro Cárdenas.
Final Reality Check
Look, not everything here is perfect. The sargassum seaweed can stink up some beaches by June. Some areas feel overdeveloped. And yes, you will get hassled by timeshare salespeople near the cruise pier - just say "ya compré" (I already bought).
But here's why I keep coming back: Where else can you watch whales breach at breakfast, eat life-changing tacos for lunch, hike to a waterfall by afternoon, and salsa dance with abuelitas by night? Exactly. Your turn to experience it.
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