It took less than 24 hours during my week-long vacation in Puerto Vallarta to realize that this coastal city doesn’t get the love it deserves. People will chase romance in Cabo and the beach parties in Cancun. They travel to Mexico City for its history and gastronomy, and to the Riviera Maya for its nature. Yet, Puerto Vallarta offers all of these things and more.

If I had to define Puerto Vallarta, it would be along the lines of a place with unmatched natural charm and the kind of welcoming warmth from locals that feels like you’re returning to your grandmother’s home for a weekend.

We vowed to find a home outside the tourist districts (where most hotels and resorts are located) and immerse ourselves in the neighborhoods where locals live. What we found while getting lost during our daily walks in the Versalles neighborhood is that Puerto Vallarta still has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit that visitors can discover in three ways: by land, sea, and in the mountains. Here’s how to explore the magic of Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta’s Weather, Explained

Warm and sunny — that’s what travelers can expect year-round in Puerto Vallarta. There’s an average of 300 sunny days per year, according to the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. Expect temperatures in the high 70s and 80s.

Yet, even with the sun, there is a rainy season that can dampen plans from June to October. August and September are the wettest months of the year. The summer season is the worst, and it’s not because of the rain, but rather the heat and humidity. While it’s not impossible, the rain during the wet season makes it harder to explore the mountains and may disrupt any plans you have on the water. While visiting Puerto Vallarta in late December, locals confirmed with us that November through April are the best months to travel here.

Experiencing Puerto Vallarta On Land

It feels like every street corner and nook in Puerto Vallarta is steeped in art, tradition, history, and culture as you walk through the city. The good news is there is no right or wrong way to experience this vibrancy. Make it your mission to get lost and be open to what the day brings.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Artwalk with hanging umbrellas — Mitti Hicks

Art Galleries

It’s clear that Puerto Vallarta has a strong art community and serves as an essential hub for art enthusiasts. From galleries and art museums to street art, the city offers a diverse mix of styles, including contemporary works, traditional Mexican art, sculptures, photography, and indigenous crafts. You can take part in the Vallarta Art Walk or visit the more than 30 art galleries. Many of the galleries are located in the Romantic Zone and along the Malecon, the famous 1-mile oceanfront pedestrian boardwalk.

Galleria Dante is the largest art gallery in the city, featuring over 50 painters, sculptors, international, and Mexican artists. For a unique experience, head to Qulture. It’s where art, culture, and gastronomy converge into a visually appealing, culinary experience. You don’t need a reservation to explore the galleries and the artists working on the second floor.

Gastronomy and Festivals

There’s also no shortage of entertainment in PV. The city hosts various festivals and events each year, including Gourmet International, the Fiestas Guadalupanas, Day of the Dead, Vallarta Pride, and the wine and food fest, Vinoma Fest. The biggest challenge is trying to accomplish so much within your timeframe.

As a culinary capital, it could take you years to taste the good eats found around town, especially as more places open up. Some restaurant highlights during our stay were Coco’s Kitchen for brunch (try the churro pancakes), La Cappella, one of the most romantic restaurants with breathtaking rooftop views, and the famous Pancho’s Takos that consistently has at least a one-hour wait for its local tacos.

Other honorable mentions worth visiting include the Brazilian steakhouse Brasero, Bonito Kitchen & Bar in Zona Romántica, and Margarita Grill. The margaritas are so potent that it may be the only place where you can arrive alone and leave with a new set of friends within minutes. End your day on land in the Romantic Zone for nightlife. It’s easy to bar or lounge hop in this area, where there are countless bars and clubs. This area is also known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.

Pro tip: There is a farmers’ market on weekends in the Romantic Zone that’s ideal for sampling local fare and shopping.

Exploring Puerto Vallarta On The Sea

Puerto Vallarta shoreline on a sunny day — Miguel Naranjo / Unsplash

One benefit that Puerto Vallarta has over destinations such as La Paz and Cabo is that you can create your own adventure on the water. Other cities limit the fun to diving, snorkeling, or even a yacht experience, but Puerto Vallarta allows travelers to enjoy as much or as little water adventure as they prefer.

For us, our water experience involved renting beach chairs at Playa Los Muertos and lying on them for hours while eating and drinking at a nearby restaurant. However, parasailing, jet skiing, and catamaran cruises to Yelapa for snorkeling are all offered at the beaches.

Another experience that is worth the time is taking water taxis (pangas) to nearby beach towns, including Quimixto, Yelapa, Colomitos, or Las Animas. From the Los Muertos Pier, most water taxis cost between 200 and 300 pesos round-trip ($10-$15) and run at least three times daily.

Head For The Hills And Mountains

ATV Experience in Puerto Vallarta to Jorullo Suspension Bridge — Mitti Hicks

Some of our best moments in Puerto Vallarta were during our time in the Sierra Madre Mountains, but it’s not for everyone. Most mountain activities, such as the canopy zip-lining, waterfall tours, or ATV/UTV riding excursions, are not for the faint of heart.

Hiking to Jorullo Point is an exhilarating experience through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. You will encounter breathtaking views and unique fauna, flora, and wildlife. The experience ends with the newly built Jorullo Point. This glass platform structure offers a panoramic view from above, along with an adrenaline rush as you observe the world from an unmatched perspective.

For even more thrill, ride deep into the Sierra Madre on a rugged ATV adventure. The tour starts with winding dirt paths across rivers and hills until you reach the jaw-dropping Jorullo Bridge. The bridge is the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge, reaching a height of more than 490 feet. It is not recommended to drive the ATV by yourself if you are afraid of heights.

After the thrill, cool off in the nearby natural swimming pools.