Puerto Vallarta doesn’t need much of an introduction. Set between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, it’s one of Mexico’s most reliable beach destinations. It’s a working city, not a manufactured resort town, which means you get real Mexican culture alongside everything you’d want from a coastal escape: beaches, jungle hikes, boat trips, good food, and late nights that can be as quiet or as loud as you want them to be.

Hollywood first pushed Puerto Vallarta onto the global stage in the 1960s when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor carried on their affair there during the filming of The Night of the Iguana. Far removed from its days as a sleepy fishing village, you’ll find cobbled streets, local markets, hole-in-the-wall taco joints, and inviting neighborhoods. Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the food, the mountain vistas, or the energy of the city itself, the city doesn’t make you choose. It’s all here. You just have to decide how you want to spend your days. Here are seven excellent things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

1. Stroll the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s open-air soul

Begin your journey where the city pulses most: the Malecón. This lively seaside promenade is a walking path and vibrant showcase of local life. Spanning nearly a mile along Banderas Bay, the Malecón is lined with playful bronze sculptures by artists like Sergio Bustamante and Alejandro Colunga. Throughout the day and into the balmy evening, you’ll find buskers, street artists, and families out for a stroll. The soundscape ranges from mariachi bands to the hum of conversation, the clinking of cocktail glasses, and the distant rush of waves.

Stick around long enough, and you might catch the Voladores de Papantla performing their breathtaking pre-Hispanic ritual. These elaborately costumed men climb a 30-meter pole before launching themselves backwards, spinning in the air as they descend by ropes. The act is visually arresting and deeply symbolic as it is said to call on the gods for rain and fertility.

Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón leads naturally into the historic center, where you can lose yourself among historic buildings, colorful plazas, and the striking Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe with its iconic crown-topped spire.

2. Soak up the sun on Puerto Vallarta’s beaches

It wouldn’t be a trip to Puerto Vallarta without a bit of beach bliss. Whether you’re looking for people-watching, swimming, or a slice of something slower, there’s a stretch of sand to match your mood. Playa Los Muertos is the most famous, and while it’s not the quietest, it’s full of local energy. Here, you can rent a lounger, order a michelada, and watch pelicans dive for fish while vendors pass by selling everything from coconut candies to handmade jewelry. Mariachis and Aztec warriors also make an appearance.

A short walk away, the scene shifts. Playa Conchas Chinas feels more intimate, with rocky outcrops and natural tide pools. Las Gemelas, a bit further south, is a pair of small, pristine beaches with turquoise water and few crowds. And Playa Mismaloya is steeped in history—this is where Hollywood descended in the 1960s to film The Night of the Iguana, thus solidifying Puerto Vallarta’s international fame.

If you’re feeling a tad more adventurous, you can hire a water taxi and glide across the bay to remote beaches like Quimixto, Las Animas, or dreamy Yelapa. If you find yourself in Yelapa, keep an eye out for the local women selling homemade pies on the beach (banana cream is a favorite).

View of Banderas Bay from Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

3. Take in the view from Cerro de la Cruz

When craving a little elevation, trade your flip-flops for sneakers and hike up to Cerro de la Cruz (Cross Hill), one of Puerto Vallarta’s most rewarding viewpoints. The climb takes anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace, and includes a steep set of stairs that aren’t for the faint-hearted, but the views are entirely worth it. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by sweeping panoramas of terracotta rooftops, turquoise ocean, and the gentle curve of Banderas Bay. Time your visit with sunset for an especially magical experience.

4. Sleep like old Hollywood at Casa Kimberly

Once the love nest of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Casa Kimberly is now a nine-suite boutique hotel dripping with glamor and nostalgia. Burton famously connected their twin villas with the Puente del Amor, a pink-arched “Bridge of Love” that allowed him to visit Taylor without prying eyes catching on. Today, you can sleep in Taylor’s former suite, soak in her iconic heart-shaped marble tub, and dine under the stars at The Iguana, the hotel’s refined open-air restaurant. Even if you’re not staying overnight, stop by for a sunset cocktail. This spot is steeped in romance and cinematic lore.

5. Get your adrenaline pumping

Puerto Vallarta isn’t all hammocks and happy hours; it’s also a playground for thrill-seekers. Zipline high over jungle canopies, rappel down waterfalls, and navigate forest trails on foot with Vallarta Adventures’ Outdoor Zip Line tour. If you prefer wheels over ropes, you can book an ATV adventure with Canopy River, which includes a ride across the dramatic Jorullo Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Latin America. You’ll wind through lush terrain, swim in natural pools near waterfalls, and return dust-covered, happy, and filled with stories to tell. While these experiences require moderate fitness, they offer an unforgettable way to experience the wilder side of Puerto Vallarta.

6. Wander the Market on Isla Cuale

Tucked between the downtown bustle and the Romantic Zone, Isla Cuale is a quiet, tree-shaded island in the middle of the Cuale River, perfect for a relaxed shopping stroll. Its pedestrian-only paths lead to the city’s beloved flea market, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and embroidered textiles to hand-painted ceramics and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. With shaded benches, swinging bridges, and the sound of the river nearby, this is a lovely escape from the more touristed corners of town.

7. Unwind at a Beach Club

Beach clubs are a quintessential part of the Puerto Vallarta experience. Mantamar is lively and LGBTQ+-friendly, complete with DJs, daybeds, and an infinity pool. For something more laid-back, try Ritmos Beach Café, a local favorite with strong margaritas and fair prices. El Solar, tucked at the northern end of the Malecón, serves up mezcal cocktails with a boho vibe and sunset DJ sets.