When you land Puerto Vallarta, you immediately notice you are somewhere new, the warm humid air, the smell of the tropics, it’s something special in itself, and you start to grasp why PV is such a popular destination.
Zone Map
In this section, we’ll show you the attractions and interesting sightseeing options organized by zone from north to south.
North Zone
We’re including the main places to visit north of the Ameca river (Puerto Vallarta’s northern limit), this includes many great beaches and small towns in the Banderas Bay area and a few interesting towns and beaches north of Punta Mita (the northern edge of the bay), from North to South.
Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta is a relative new invention of the northern state of Nayarit. Piggybacking on Puerto Vallarta’s fame and the airport seemed a good idea at the time. Since then both sides of the state line have started to work more together and promoting the impressive array of attractions the Bay area includes.
Because Nuevo Vallarta was built on a clean slate, they took a more resort-oriented stance to tourism, so it’s here you’ll find the bigger All-Inclusive options. The beach here is also wider, longer and with much more and finer sand than what you’ll find southward. I recommend it for avid beach-fans, those that will not necessarily walk out of the resort (though if you ask me, I would say that’s a shame!).
Nuevo Vallarta’s attractions are mostly:
- Flamingo Beach (Nuevo Vallarta Beach)
- Splash Water Park
- Aquaventuras Water Park
- Paradise Village Mall
- Golf Courses: Mayan Palace, Flamingo’s, El Tigre
- Marina Nuevo Vallarta
- Vallarta Adventures
Marina Vallarta
When PV really started booming in the ’80s there was an obvious lack of a marina area and adding a residential area to the project really made it take off. Now, 40 or so years in the future, Marina Vallarta is where many of the best resort hotels are located and the Marina area is a great place to enjoy and visit during the day and night.
Marina Vallarta offers these attractions:
- Marina Lighthouse
- Marina Boardwalk (Restaurants, bars and nightclubs)
- The Vallarta Whale statue
- Marina Vallarta Golf Course
- Plaza Marina
Hotel Zone
Sandwiched between the Marina Area, and downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Hotel Zone is, as would be expected by the name, the place with the highest concentration of hotels in the city. Many of the well-known names in international accommodation options intermingle with local names and smaller hotels.
The area has also grown with many shopping options and malls, the main attractions in this area are:
- Cruise terminal area, currently the starting place for most day cruises and the docking place for large cruise ships that visit the city
- Playa de Oro (Gold Beach) the beach of the northern hotel zone
- Plaza Galerías (Galerías Mall)
- Plaza Península (north of the Pitillal River)
- La Isla (large mall just south of the Pitillal River)
- Playa Los Tules
- Playa Las Glorias
- Playa Tranquila
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
As you might expect from the oldest and historically significant part of town, downtown Puerto Vallarta has many things to offer, both culturally as well as for your entertainment.
The cobble-stone streets descend from the lush and green hill to the beautiful boardwalk that edges along the shore of the emerald-colored sea.
The Plaza de Armas and the Parish clearly establish the history and traditions of this former fishing-village that thanks to their humility and hospitality have invited the world to share their beautiful coastal paradise.
Romantic Zone (Old Vallarta)
Despite the name, this part of town is younger than the downtown area. Even so, it embodies much of what visitors would consider as real “Mexico”. Small cafes, bars, restaurants mingle with humble taco and tostada street carts. The streets are always full of life, and walk a few blocks up away from the beach and you’ll get to where the locals live and relax, you get a feel of what it is to be a Mexican and what makes it all so appealing.
Some of the main attractions of the Romantic Zone include:
- Los Muertos Beach
- Los Muertos Pier
- Old Farmer’s Market (only in high season)
- Olas Altas street
- Las Pilitas
- El Púlpito
- Las Amapas
South Zone
Starting south from the Romantic zone, you’ll start off in Amapas and Conchas Chinas, this highway was just a small dirt trail in the early 60s, now a nice small two-lane highway taking you to, or closer to, the many and distinct attractions that this large area has for you.
The list is long and we’ll have to jump some, the main attractions we can mention are:
Conclusion
Natural and cultural things to see and enjoy in Puerto Vallarta and the Banderas Bay area are many (no way you can see them in one visit). No matter where you choose to stay you’ll find beautiful locations, views, and nature, there are miles and miles of beautiful beaches, bathed by the calm emerald waters of the Mexican Pacific coast, fish are abundant, golf is world-class with signature courses designed by the best, you can enjoy endless activities on land, air, and sea.
Blessed with 25 miles of golden beaches within spectacular Banderas Bay, Vallarta presents limitless possibilities for enjoying the Pacific Ocean.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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