A Guide to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

A Guide to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Just a mere three hour flight from Denver, CO (and many other flight options from the US), Puerto Vallarta is a gem among the western coast of Mexico. With it’s incredible cuisine and stunning landscape, Puerto Vallarta deserves a spot of your bucket list.
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Table of Contents

◦ Where to Stay

◦ Restaurants

◦ Bars

◦ What to Do

Where to Stay (from North to South)

◦ Marina Vallarta - Best for families

◦ Hotel Zone - Best for those looking for an all-inclusive resorts

◦ El Centro/Downtown - Best for budget travelers

◦ Zona Romantica - Best for LGBTQIA+ travelers & couples

◦ Conchas Chinas - Best for groups and romantic getaways

◦ South Zone - Best for beach getaways

Restaurants

La Palapa Restaurant
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Delicious restaurant on the beach, in the Zona Romantica
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Iguana
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Open air restaurant serving Mexican cuisine, overlooking the city.
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Restaurante Barcelona Tapas Puerto Vallarta
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Spanish tapas located in El Centro
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River Cafe
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Upscale restaurant in downtown.
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La Dolce Vita Malecon
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Italian restaurant on the malecon
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Vitea Oceanfront Bistro
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European restaurant on the Malecon.
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Mar Y Vino
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Seafood restaurant on the beach, with the upstairs level located on water where you dip your toes in while eating.
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La Cappella
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Italian restaurant in El Centro.
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Gaby's Restaurant Bar
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Cuates y Cuetes
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Cash only traditional Mexican food spot.
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Restaurante Fredy's Tucan
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Daiquiri Dick's
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Hacienda San Angel
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Casa Lorenzo
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Ocean Grill Vallarta
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Cash only, reservations required, but located in Playa Colomitos in a beautiful setting.
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Cafes

Dee's Coffee Company
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A Page In The Sun
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Cafe Es Todo
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Café Catedral
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Cafe Del Mar
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Bars

Los Muertos Brewing
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Incanto
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Roxy Rock House
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La Vaquita
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Monzón Brewing Co. / Monzón Cerveceria Artesanal
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El Colibrí Cocktail Bar
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Bar La Playa
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Twisted Palms Rooftop Lounge
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Swell Beach Bar
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What To Do

One of the reasons I love Puerto Vallarta is the diverse activities you can partake in.  You want to lay on the beach and drink fruity cocktails all day? Perfect.  You want to hike, visit National Parks, and take boat rides? Great! You want to be a foodie and try every restaurant? Amazing.  All are options here!

Costco Wholesale
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I bet you weren't expecting to see Costco on this list? Tons of people choose to rent a house in Puerto Vallarta, and if that's you, stop by here to grocery shop to make your stay even more affordable!
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Beaches & Relaxation

El Solar
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Playa Las Gemelas
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Los Muertos Beach
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Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Culture & City

Malecon
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Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
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ART VallARTa
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Mercado Emiliano Zapata
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Los Arcos
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For the outdoorsy types:

Boca de Tomatlan
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Las Animas Beach
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Marietas Islands
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Chico´s Dive Shop
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Banderas Scuba Republic
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi! I'm Bethany, an explorer with a passport stamped in 52 countries. Having called three different nations home, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for the cultures our world offers. By day, I navigate a full-time job outside the travel sphere, which fuels my passion for crafting concise yet insightful guides to the remarkable places I've been lucky enough to travel to. Embarking on a journey with me means embracing a blend of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in local customs. As a solo female traveler, I've ventured through 21 countries, and I'm here to share insights on safety and the empowering experience of navigating the globe alone. A glimpse into my roots reveals an American spirit born in Seoul, nurtured in Germany during my childhood, and blossomed in the United States. A decade in the vibrant DC area enriched my life with a wealth of experiences that I'm eager to recommend. Now, I find myself based in Denver, Colorado, brimming with tips for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and camping in the summer. Whether it's strolling through historic cityscapes or savoring the diverse flavors of the world, I'm an enthusiast for walking tours and foodie adventures. Balancing a demanding full-time job with an insatiable wanderlust, I make it a goal to take at least three international trips a year, and monthly domestic trips. Join me on this adventure, and let's explore the world together—one destination at a time!
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