Bucerias
At a length of five miles, Bucerias has one of the longest beaches on Banderas Bay. The waters off Bucerias, which roughly translates to “a place for divers,” thrive with marine life, such as the olive ridley, a small, heart-shaped sea turtle. On shore, Bucerias retains an authentic slice of Mexican life with its main square and open-air seaside restaurants.
Conchas Chinas
Known as the Beverly Hills of Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas is a rich residential area filled with new, multimillion condos and grand, old villas. This locale’s name translates to “Chinese seashells.” Shell hunters comb the beach for prize finds; the beach was created over time by broken shells washed smooth by the tide. Calm, clear waters and natural coves make for safe swimming and snorkeling.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Downtown’s cobblestone streets lead to historic landmarks, such as La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. A crown tops this church’s bell tower, a lasting reminder of the short-lived Mexican monarchy. By the water, Triton dons a sombrero atop a seahorse. Downtown is also known for art galleries, Museo Arqueológico, and Casa Kimberly, once a love nest for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta is a large residential and tourist complex with a 500-slip marina. The marina’s lighthouse, El Faro, features a cocktail lounge that’s popular during sunset. The community’s namesake 18-hole golf course gives a new meaning to term water hazard: crocodiles inhabit its lagoons. Restaurants and shops line Marina Vallarta’s boardwalk.
Mismaloya
A smoldering, behind-the-scenes affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton put Puerto Vallarta on the tourist map. Burton was on location in Mismaloya for John Huston’s 1964 film, The Night of the Iguana. Today, visitors can see the ruins of the film site in the hills above town. Mismaloya remains a small town where beachside huts serve the catch of the day with cold cerveza (beer).)
North Coast
Remote and rugged, the North Coast is renowned for its secluded beaches, such as Destiladeras. Surfing is popular in San Francisco (San Pancho). At the tip of Banderas Bay, Punta Mita offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains. This area is an eco-tourist’s dream: sea turtles and humpback whales inhabit the waters, while the coastline is home to 100 bird species.
North Hotel Zone
Large resorts dominate the Hotel Zone, arguably the center of Puerto Vallarta tourism. This area includes the Maritime Terminal, where cruise ships dock. Across the street, visitors can see authentic bullfights at La Paloma Bullring. Like its southern half, the North Hotel Zone’s main attraction is the crescent-shaped bay. Water sports are in abundance, as are restaurants, bars, and shops.
Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta has several large resorts, a few of which are all inclusive of meals, drinks, and lodging. As a result, families and honeymooning couples alike favor this area. Some of the region’s best golf courses are in Nuevo Vallarta, a planned resort community a few minutes north of downtown and the international airport. A popular water park with animal shows sits near the resort entrance.
Romantic Zone
The Rio Cuale divides downtown and the Romantic Zone, an area brimming with bars, restaurants, and shops. Isla Rio Cuale features a river walk and a small museum with pre-Columbian artifacts. Stretching for 16 blocks along the shore, the Malecón boardwalk is lined with bronze sculptures and palm trees. Boats depart from a nearby pier to Yelapa and Los Arcos, favored by divers and snorkelers.
South Hotel Zone
Because of the surrounding resorts, this area’s beaches are among the most crowded in Puerto Vallarta. Playa las Glorias’ gray-sand beach is popular for boating and parasailing. Around hotel row, street vendors hawk silver jewelry and other small souvenirs. Nearby, daily soccer matches take place at the municipal sports stadium, which also has a top-notch track and field facility.
View hotels on a map