Top 10 Romantic Experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Summary
- Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of romantic experiences for couples, including sunset sailing, private boat charters, ATV adventures, and private snorkeling tours to Los Arcos. Other romantic activities include hiking to hidden beaches, taking a scenic cruise through the Bay of Banderas at sunset, and enjoying sensual and exciting activities under the twinkling stars of Puerto Vallarta.
Introduction
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most romantic places on Earth, or so we hear, and anyway, even if it’s not the MOST romantic, with its cobblestone streets, beautiful views and landmarks, colorful sunsets and great tours and restaurant options, you can’t be completely calling it that.
Anyway, it’s always good to have some inspiration before you travel and while you are in town, so we’ve collected a few of the best ideas, hopefully, you’ll find some that inspire you too. Enjoy!
Our Top 10 Romantic Experiences are:
- The Stroll of Love
- Dance the night away
- Romantic sunset cruise
- Dinner at Los Muertos Beach
- Sunset with a view
- Picnic at Las Amapas
- Be still my beating heart!
- A treat for the senses
- A romantic dinner at The River
- Explosive love
1- The Stroll of Love
Puerto Vallarta Malecon at dusk
Take a stroll along the Malecón, the seaside boardwalk, hand in hand, with ice cream or some other sweet or tasty treat. Then have a drink by the beach in one of the many seaside-beachside bars and restaurants. Most active time: weekends, best hour: late afternoon, less sun, the sunset, more options, and entertainment. Read more.
2- Dance the night away
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife
A night out dancing romantic and exotic Latin music at, for example, the Kokopelli Karaoke & Dance Bar or the J&B Salsa Club. If you are into more standard music, there are many clubs in town and in the hotel zone, including Zoo, Mandala in downtown PV or Strana and Xtine in the hotel zone, plus many others. Read more.
3- Romantic Sunset Cruise
Rhythms of the Night
Take a sunset cruise on the bay, there are quite a few options. One of the most popular is the always romantic “Rhythms of the Night”, which includes a bay cruise, dinner, and show at Las Caletas, a secluded beach in the southern part of the bay. Read more.
4- Dinner on Playa Los Muertos
El Dorado Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta
Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants with an evening view of the new and colorful Los Muertos Pier, perfect for photos and a stroll too. The restaurants and bars include for example at La Palapa, Coco Tropical, El Dorado or Daiquiri Dick’s.
5- Sunset with a view
Sunset and panoramic view from El Panorama Restaurant, downtown Puerto Vallarta
View the town, the bay and the impressive sunsets from a vantage point, one great example is the Panorama Restaurant at La Siesta Suites: great food and a unique and arguably the best view in town. Another very recommended restaurant with an impressive view is El Palomar de Los Gonzalez. Read more.
6- Picnic at Las Amapas
Las Amapas Beach, Puerto Vallarta
Walk along Los Muertos beach, take a photo at Las Pilitas with the original Seahorse statue, continue up past El Púlpito and have a picnic on the “hidden beach” of Las Amapas on the other side. Read more.
7- Be still my beating heart
Zipline Canopy Tours
Share (suffer ;-)) an adrenaline rush together with your couple on one of the many Canopy Tours in Vallarta. A great experience to share, jungle and nature, great views from above, lots of fun once you get over the initial doubts and fear of heights. Read more in our recommended Top 10 tours section.
8- A treat for the senses
Puerto Vallarta Spas
Visit a spa for two, get your favorite treatment (suggest one for your inexperienced partner) and then have stress-free fun at your hotel afterward. There are quite a few options in Vallarta, we can recommend Metamorfosis and Terra Noble Spas.
9- A romantic dinner at The River
The River Café
A dinner (or one of their famous coffees and desserts) at the River Cafe on the small patch of jungle in the middle of town, the river Cuale Island.
10 – Explosive Love
Marietas Islands, Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor)
Visit the “hidden beach” at the Marieta Islands, snorkel and feed the fish, swim through the tunnel into the impressive beach inside the island and watch dolphins, whales and other creatures of the bay during the trip. Read more.
Conclusion
Hope you like our ideas, if you have any you prefer, don’t forget to add them in your comments or send them to us, and we’ll make a version 2.0 with your suggestions too.
Top 10 Romantic on a 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.
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