10 FREE THINGS IN PUERTO VALLARTA

  • 1. Malecón Boardwalk – This pedestrian-only boardwalk spans 12 blocks and is peppered with oceanfront eateries, tequila bars, and vendors selling street food—sip on a margarita as you take in the stunning ocean views. Also, check out the vendors selling regional handicrafts and traditional sweets. Travelers come from all over for the art exhibitions and buzzing nightlife. During your stroll along the ocean, you’ll come across impressive bronze sculptures and street performers like the acrobatic spectacle of Voladores de Papantla. Hit the boardwalk early for a spectacular sunrise and snap a photo with the vibrant block-lettered sign of Puerto Vallarta as a holiday keepsake.
  • 2. Zona Romántica – Despite its name, Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone isn’t just for couples. This vibrant area is lined with cool shops, street vendors, art galleries, restaurants, and queer-friendly bars, making it a popular spot for families, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and everyone in between. Stroll along the district’s cobblestone streets, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, or sit at an outdoor restaurant for drinks and to people-watch. Uncover all the best food stops in the Romantic Zone on a food tour of Puerto Vallarta. Los Muertos Beach is also a great stop, especially at sunset. You can also visit Cuale Island in the middle of the Romantic Zone, where you’ll find a flea market and a cultural center.
  • 3. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Beautiful cathedral featuring its trademark crown of angels.
  • 4. Marina Vallarta – Marina Vallarta operated by Bay View Grand, is considered a prime location marina located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta Jalisco. Marina Vallarta offers all our guests excellent customer service, 354 slips up to 160´, pump out services, power, water, oil disposal, dry dock, Internet Wi-Fi which is the best in the region, fuel station in the entrance channel, hotels, restaurants, bars, and much more, all these just 3 minutes away from the International airport and 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta downtown.
  • 5. Playa de los Muertos – “Deadmen’s Beach,” named for legendary pirate raids on the nearby village, is one of the most-frequented beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
  • 6. Bay of Banderas – The Pacific Ocean’s largest and deepest inlet.
  • 7. Playa Las Gemelas – Las Gemelas is actually a pair of small “twin” beaches (hence the name in Spanish) that are separated by a rocky outcropping on which the Girasol Sur Condos are nestled.  At this point you will find the pedestrian entrance on the side of the road leading down to the beach.  Be careful going down. The steps can be slippery. Playa Las Gemelas is a timeless favorite for its fine amber sand and blue-green waters.  The waves are usually gentle to moderate and are ideal for swimming – but also for enjoying a variety of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling and body boarding.  
  • 8. Mirador de La Cruz – This is an excellent hike through the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta and then up a series of steps to the top of Cerro de la Cruz. The most famous viewpoint in Puerto Vallarta is the Mirador del Cerro de La Cruz, starting point located on El Malecón.
  • 9. San Pancho – San Pancho is a nice beach town for both short and longer-term visits. It has a wide range of restaurants in price and food type. 
  • 10. El Centro – The half-mile long boardwalk that borders the shoreline.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT