Puerto Vallarta’s pretty downtown sits nestled neatly between the deep blue waters of the Bay of Banderas and the rising coastal foothills of the verdant Sierra Madre Occidental, where its winding colonial walkways and bustling Malecon promenade enjoy Pacific breezes and the cooling shadows of swaying palms to boot.
With hardly a better-looking resort town conceivable, it’s perhaps not surprising that this one remains amongst the cream of Mexico’s seaside destinations. Aside from the sun-kissed beaches of Playas Gemelas and Flamingos, the coast here offers up whale watching, waterskiing, scuba diving and even surfing at nearby San Pancho and Punta de Mita. Then there are the inland pursuits—from conquering the sprawling golf resorts on the slopes of the Sierra Madre, to exploring the dusty horse trails throughout the hills.
For a dash of culture and history, your Puerto Vallarta guide will point you to the art galleries and museums of the historic El Centro district, and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the vicinity, while Old Vallarta comes alive each night with thumping tequila bars, tasty taco joints and friendly locals crowded around live band performances at a zocalo.