Features & amenities
Restaurants
Bars
Hotels
Sculptures
Cultural Performances
Walking Tours
Water Activities
Downtown
Summary
- The Malecon beach is a small, rocky beach that runs from the Hotel Rosita to the sculptures known as “The Rotunda of the Sea” and provides direct access to the beach.
- The beach is conveniently located near a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, and art galleries.
- While not suitable for swimming, the beach is ideal for sunbathing, enjoying a drink, or building sand castles.
- The Malecon Beach is part of the heart of Puerto Vallarta and is very much integrated with the fisherman spirit of the town.
- It’s a popular spot for watching the sunset and is located in the Historic Downtown area, close to various restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Art exhibitions and a buzzing nightlife are key attractions, with travelers coming from all over to experience them.
Introduction
The Malecon Beach (El Malecon Beach, Playa del Malecón) is not one of Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches, it just happens to be right by the boardwalk. Furthermore, the new promenade design included paths down to it from the seaside walkway, so now it’s readily accessible.
Even so, it’s not a beach that the locals normally use for swimming (plus there are no lifeguards!), even so, you’ll find people sunbathing here, kids also enjoy it, but it is not the best of beaches. Depending on the tides it’ll be wide or not, when the tide is low, you may even enjoy a walk from the Millennia statue to more or less Corona Street by the “Ladder” statue.
El Malecon Beach’s south end by Corona Street
Where is the El Malecon Beach?
The Malecon Beach is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, starting off on the north side right by The Millennia statue and Hotel Rosita, it runs alongside the Malecon/Boardwalk in one piece to Corona Street, where “In Search of Reason” ladder statue is located. The beach’s curve by Galeana street is very rocky and hard to walk from the northern part to the last little piece of beach between Galeana St and Iturbide street.
El Malecón Beach location map
What to do on the beach
As mentioned, the beach is a good place to relax, watch the waves, go for a walk, enjoy a beautiful sunset.
On the northern end there is a restaurant, Restaurant El Malecón, that has tables on the beach, so that’s a good place for a meal or a drink enjoying the beach.
There seems to be someone renting kayaks there too, so that’s another option, though I am not sure taking off and landing on this beach is a good idea… I wouldn’t do it.
You’ll have another perspective of the Voladores de Papantla (the pole flyers) if you watch them from the beach, just hold a good distance from them (they normally have a rock circumference to define a safe distance too.
They have shows from around 10 AM to 2 PM and then from 6 PM to 10:30 PM every day every 15 minutes on the Malecon (boardwalk) between Leonora Vicario and Pipila street.
You are steps away from innumerable restaurants, bars and stores, so there’s no reason to worry about that. A shortlist right off the top of my head: La Dolce Vita (Italian), Paradise Burger, Bar Oceano, EL Patrón, Lobster House, Oyster Grill, Señor Frog’s, La Bodeguita del Medio, etc.
On the northern side of the beach, you’ll find public washrooms (toilets) below the Origin and Destination statue (corner of Allende street).
How to get there
There’s no way you’ll miss this beach! Just go to the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk and walk/”jump off” at almost any point along the walkway. There are gently sloping paths that, ever so often, branch off the Malecon down to the beach.
Though I have not experienced it, if it’s the rainy season (June-October), be careful with the rainwater drainage exits along the boardwalk by each street, furthermore, if there is a storm warning, walking along the beach will be impossible and maybe even dangerous.
A little bit of history
Before Puerto Vallarta’s harbor was inaugurated to ships in 1978, cargo ships would arrive in front of the El Malecón beach close to the Coamecates Creek (where the 31 de Octubre street is and the Millennia Statue stands).
This place was called “El Embarcadero”. An embarcadero is defined as: “Place on the shore of the sea, a river or a lake that is conditioned or used for the loading and unloading of people and goods.” The exact term in English seems to not exist, but jetty and pier are given when you search for a translation.
Where to stay
El Malecón Beach, Hotel Rosita in the foreground (bottom left)
There are a number of hotels in the downtown area and most of them are small, budget and not far from the Malecon. The only one directly on the Malecon and right by the Malecon Beach is Hotel Rosita. In the past, there were two more, Hotel Océano, right on the corner of Galeana and the Malecon and Hotel Paraiso on the corner of Iturbide and Morelos. too bad they no longer are available…
Hotels in the Downtown Zone
Conclusion
El Malecón Beach, though not an actually beautiful beach, is part of the heart of Puerto Vallarta, in the past very much integrated with the fisherman spirit of the town, it’s now a worthy companion to the Malecon, what is truly the heart of the city.
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.
Book tours & support us
- Best prices
- 100% Local Support
- 2 decades+ of experience in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta news, tips & content
- New info every two weeks
- Free content, news, videos
- Unsubscribe at any time
Contact us via WhatsApp
- Talk with our reservations expert
- Real local and human support
- Book tours, hotels, transfers, and more.
Last updated on:
Share this article, choose your favorite option!
