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.

Nuevo Vallarta Nayarit, What To Do & See

RIU Nuevo Vallarta

Table of Contents

Nuevo Vallarta started off as a destination in the state of Nayarit which piggybacked on Puerto Vallarta’s fame. More recently it had become part of a larger concept under the Riviera Nayarit brand.

This Riviera includes all the towns and beaches north of Nuevo Vallarta in the state of Nayarit, all the way to places that fall outside the Banderas Bay, such as San Pancho, Sayulita, San Blas and places even further north.

Shopping center close to Nvo. Vallarta (Plaza Lago Real)

Nuevo Vallarta offers mostly All-Inclusive Resorts and High-end Hotels, but now little by little also offers a good-sized mall close to Paradise Village and a large one close by with cinemas at Lago Real, some smaller ones around the area and some quite good restaurants too.

This is also the place to golf or enjoy a trip in a kayak around a lagoon or swim with the dolphins.

Puerto Vallarta Malecon (Boardwalk) A City Favorite

Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone (AKA: Old Town Or South Side)

Mismaloya Beach, Puerto Vallarta, A Complete Guide

Los Muertos Beach The Most Popular One In Puerto Vallarta

Flamingos Golf Club

Flamingo Golf is located in the northern part of Banderas Bay, just eight miles from the airport, this picturesque 18-hole, 71-par course offers a driving range, putting green, snack bar, golf lessons, and tennis courts. It boasts a handsome, stucco clubhouse and pro-shop which overlooks rolling hills that fade toward the ocean.

It’s a public course and no reservations are necessary; players are served on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Flamingo Beach and Golf Resort offers a bus service starting at 7:30 a.m. from the bus stop in front of Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias (http://www.sheratonpuertovallarta.com).

Call the course directly to confirm the hours of operation when you arrive in Vallarta. Green fees start at around $75 in summer months, golf cart included, check current rates on the Flamingos website.

Phone: (329) 296-5006
www.flamingosgolf.com.mx

Vallarta Adventures

Dolphin Adventure

Vallarta Adventure is the best-known tour operator in the Bay area. They’ve always strived to offer the best, both in tours, activities as well as in service.

Their tours are safe learning experiences designed for people who want to have fun exploring all that nature in Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

They have a wide variety of options, that include: Las Caletas, Dolphin Adventure, Marieta Islands, Rhythms of the Night, Scuba Diving, Sierra-Madre Expedition, Canopy Adventure and more.

Their Dolphin Adventure provides a world-class dolphin experience in beautiful Vallarta. They are located in the Nuevo Vallarta marina, and their dolphin center offers a great place to enjoy a dolphin experience. Caters to visitors of all ages and abilities. An award-winning dolphin and sea lion program that offer you the chance to enjoy a lifetime experience with some of the ocean’s most incredible animals.

Vallarta Adventures on Google Maps
Dolphin Adventure on Google Maps

You can reserve Dolphin Adventures on our tours section

Address: Las Palmas 39
63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Phone: (322) 297-1212

Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf Course

Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta Golf

While the open fairways play well for recreational golfers, even the most experienced will find the seven lakes challenging, there is also a river and of course the ocean right beside the golf course.

Hole number 14 is the signature hole, a 153-yard par 3 with the Pacific Ocean on the left, and a pretty lake that surrounds the front and right of the green.

It’s a busy golf course and the staff makes an effort to keep things moving. Caddy and cart are mandatory, plus the caddy will help you avoid the pitfalls along the way and enjoy the natural surroundings without stepping on the local crocodiles.

Nuevo Vallarta Beach

Nuevo Vallarta Beach is a great family beach, it’s wide, clean, long, not steep, soft sand and offers everything you’d want from a beach. Waves are just the right size, you can boogie board, surf, practice wakeboard on the wet beach edge and do many other activities.

The beach is clean, with pristine white sand, the water is warm and welcoming. Beach vendors will come by and offer their goods, have fun bartering or just chat with them, they are friendly and enjoy a good talk just as much as they enjoy selling their stuff.

The beach offers breathtaking views of the mountains, the sea, and the beautiful sunsets. You can walk all along the beach and if you are a real walker, you can even reach the small towns along the way, all the way to Bucerías.

You can also enjoy nature, search for shells, starfish and sand dollars, watch the seabirds and if you’re lucky you can see dolphins and even whales in the bay.

Aquaventuras Water Park Nuevo Vallarta

Aquaventuras Water Park Nuevo Vallarta

Aquaventuras Park is located close to Nuevo Vallarta, enjoy a full day of family fun, you can relax floating around the lazy river or zoom down the many different exciting water slides.

Get your adrenaline rush on one of the 10 water slides. Kids have fun on their special playground while parents enjoy the swimming pool area. Swimming with Dolphins, another option available, will be an unforgettable moment for your vacation. You can also enjoy a show presented by both dolphins and charming sea lions.

You’ll find Aquaventuras Water Park right by the entrance to Nuevo Vallarta, Bahía de Banderas Nayarit tourist Zone km.155, just a 10-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport.
Aquaventuras on Google Maps.

How to get to Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta map

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.