13 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a mesmerizing destination renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and myriad of activities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, adventure in lush jungles, enjoying a show from one of Puerto Vallarta’s talented entertainers, or cultural immersion in historical sites, Puerto Vallarta offers something for every traveler. Let’s delve into an exploration of 13 things to do in this captivating coastal city.

1. Nightlife and Entertainment: Discover the vibrant nightlife of Puerto Vallarta, where a variety of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues offer something for everyone. Top spots including Act2PV Theater, The Palm Cabaret & Bar, Coco Cabaret, and La Catrina Cantina showcase exceptional talent, each adding its own unique energy to the scene. Puerto Vallarta comes alive after dark, offering endless entertainment options and unforgettable experiences fueled by the incredible artistry of its performers.

Things Happening Today:

March 2026
Mar 12 2026

Where Jazz Plays and Spirits Soar
  • Details: An upscale, vintage-inspired speakeasy with four rooms, two terraces, an outdoor bar, craft cocktails, dim lighting, and Elizabeth Taylor estate décor.
LOCAL PICKHAPPENING NOW!

The Social Club
Mar 12 2026
12:30 PM

Whale and Dolphin Watching With a Biologist
  • Details: You'll see humpback whales up close, as well as dolphins, turtles, and giant mantas in their natural environment and participate in a research project to protect them.
FEATUREDHAPPENING NOW!

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Click Here to View a Full List of Things to Do

2. Banderas Bay Beaches: Begin your Puerto Vallarta adventure by exploring its iconic beaches along Banderas Bay. Playa Los Muertos is a popular spot, offering soft sands and a lively atmosphere with beachside bars and water activities. For a quieter experience, head to Conchas Chinas Beach, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

3. Water Sports: The warm waters of Puerto Vallarta beckon travelers to indulge in various water sports. Try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving to discover the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Surfing enthusiasts can catch waves at Sayulita or Punta Mita, renowned surfing destinations near Puerto Vallarta.

4. Puerto Vallarta Malecon: Stroll along the iconic Puerto Vallarta Malecon, a bustling boardwalk lined with sculptures, street performers, art galleries, and vibrant restaurants. Admire the stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean while savoring local street food like freshly grilled seafood and traditional snacks.

5. Ziplining and Canopy Tours: For adrenaline seekers, Puerto Vallarta offers exhilarating ziplining and canopy tours through lush jungles. Feel the rush as you zip past treetops, enjoying panoramic views of cascading waterfalls and verdant landscapes. Popular zipline parks include Canopy River and Los Veranos Canopy Tour.

6. Vallarta Botanical Garden: Escape to nature at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, a verdant oasis showcasing diverse plant species native to Mexico. Wander through themed gardens featuring orchids, agave plants, and tropical flora, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

7. Day Trips to Nearby Towns: Explore the charm of nearby towns like Sayulita and San Sebastián del Oeste on day trips from Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita, a bohemian surf town, offers colorful streets, artisan shops, and a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxation. San Sebastián del Oeste, a colonial-era town nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains, boasts cobblestone streets, historic haciendas, and traditional Mexican cuisine.

Other Things Happening This Month:

March 2026

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12th

Where Jazz Plays and Spirits Soar
  • Details: An upscale, vintage-inspired speakeasy with four rooms, two terraces, an outdoor bar, craft cocktails, dim lighting, and Elizabeth Taylor estate décor.
LOCAL PICKHAPPENING NOW!

The Social Club
12:30 PM

Whale and Dolphin Watching With a Biologist
  • Details: You'll see humpback whales up close, as well as dolphins, turtles, and giant mantas in their natural environment and participate in a research project to protect them.
FEATUREDHAPPENING NOW!

Events for March

13th

9:00 AM

Islands of Los Arcos Boat and Snorkel Tour
  • Details: Your guide takes you to the best places for snorkeling in the marine park and the park’s five islands, famed for sea caves a natural bird sanctuaries.

9:00 AM

Sayulita & San Pancho Tour
  • Details: Enjoy a relaxing excursion to two picturesque local villages (Sayulita and San Pancho). Experience a foodie paradise and indulge your senses.

Events for March

14th

9:00 AM

Olas Altas Farmers Market
  • Details: Visit the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market for local produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, and crafts every Saturday at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.

Lazaro Cardenas Park
10:00 AM

Yoga Classes
  • Details: Yoga for beginners and intermediate yogis at the beautiful community center space right by the cuale river!

Vallarta Gay+ Community Center
Events for March

15th

9:00 AM

Sunday Prime Rib Brunch
  • Details: Join us for an unforgettable Sunday morning brunch experience while the breathtaking views and violin serenade transport you to a world of elegance and charm.
DEAL OF THE DAY

Hacienda San Angel
Events for March

16th

10:30 AM

Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour
  • Details: A small-group guided tour to explore lush subtropical habitats, learn about butterfly life cycles, and release newly hatched butterflies in Banderas Bay.

Mariposario Jardin Magico
Events for March

17th

Great Food, Sports, and Live Entertainment
  • Details: A lively Mex-Tex spot with famous nachos, signature margaritas, and nightly live entertainment in a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all.
LOCAL PICK

Nacho Daddy
9:15 AM

Home Tours from International Friendship Club
  • Details: Tour showcases unique homes. Travel in comfort on our air-conditioned tour bus while enjoying a narrative entertainment by our friendly tour guides.
FEATURED

The Sea Monkey
10:00 AM

Painting on Silk – 2 Day Workshop
  • Details: Paint your own silk scarf in this beginner-friendly workshop. Explore vibrant silk paints, experiment with original or abstract designs, and create a luminous, stained-glass–like piece of wearable art.

ART VallARTa
Events for March

18th

8:00 AM

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel (Open Bar, Lunch)
  • Details: Experience a luxurious half-day snorkeling cruise on a deluxe catamaran. Enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, a delicious Mexican lunch, open bar, and VIP service.

Events for March

19th

Where Jazz Plays and Spirits Soar
  • Details: An upscale, vintage-inspired speakeasy with four rooms, two terraces, an outdoor bar, craft cocktails, dim lighting, and Elizabeth Taylor estate décor.
LOCAL PICK

The Social Club
9:00 AM

Watch and Swim with Dolphins in the Wild
  • Details: Swim with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta on a guided eco-tour led by a biologist. Spot marine life, use a hydrophone, and support ocean conservation.

Events for March

20th

9:00 AM

Islands of Los Arcos Boat and Snorkel Tour
  • Details: Your guide takes you to the best places for snorkeling in the marine park and the park’s five islands, famed for sea caves a natural bird sanctuaries.

Events for March

21st

9:00 AM

Olas Altas Farmers Market
  • Details: Visit the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market for local produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, and crafts every Saturday at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.

Lazaro Cardenas Park
Events for March

22nd

9:00 AM

Sunday Prime Rib Brunch
  • Details: Join us for an unforgettable Sunday morning brunch experience while the breathtaking views and violin serenade transport you to a world of elegance and charm.
DEAL OF THE DAY

Hacienda San Angel
Events for March

23rd

10:30 AM

Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour
  • Details: A small-group guided tour to explore lush subtropical habitats, learn about butterfly life cycles, and release newly hatched butterflies in Banderas Bay.

Mariposario Jardin Magico
Events for March

24th

Great Food, Sports, and Live Entertainment
  • Details: A lively Mex-Tex spot with famous nachos, signature margaritas, and nightly live entertainment in a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all.
LOCAL PICK

Nacho Daddy
9:15 AM

Home Tours from International Friendship Club
  • Details: Tour showcases unique homes. Travel in comfort on our air-conditioned tour bus while enjoying a narrative entertainment by our friendly tour guides.
FEATURED

The Sea Monkey
12:00 PM

ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience
  • Details: Whip down Jorullo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Latin America, on your own rugged ATV or RZR vehicle during this half-day excursion.

Events for March

25th

8:00 AM

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel (Open Bar, Lunch)
  • Details: Experience a luxurious half-day snorkeling cruise on a deluxe catamaran. Enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, a delicious Mexican lunch, open bar, and VIP service.

Events for March

26th

Where Jazz Plays and Spirits Soar
  • Details: An upscale, vintage-inspired speakeasy with four rooms, two terraces, an outdoor bar, craft cocktails, dim lighting, and Elizabeth Taylor estate décor.
LOCAL PICK

The Social Club
9:00 AM

Watch and Swim with Dolphins in the Wild
  • Details: Swim with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta on a guided eco-tour led by a biologist. Spot marine life, use a hydrophone, and support ocean conservation.

Events for March

27th

9:00 AM

Islands of Los Arcos Boat and Snorkel Tour
  • Details: Your guide takes you to the best places for snorkeling in the marine park and the park’s five islands, famed for sea caves a natural bird sanctuaries.

9:00 AM

Sayulita & San Pancho Tour
  • Details: Enjoy a relaxing excursion to two picturesque local villages (Sayulita and San Pancho). Experience a foodie paradise and indulge your senses.

Events for March

28th

9:00 AM

Olas Altas Farmers Market
  • Details: Visit the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market for local produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, and crafts every Saturday at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.

Lazaro Cardenas Park
10:00 AM

Yoga Classes
  • Details: Yoga for beginners and intermediate yogis at the beautiful community center space right by the cuale river!

Vallarta Gay+ Community Center
Events for March

29th

9:00 AM

Sunday Prime Rib Brunch
  • Details: Join us for an unforgettable Sunday morning brunch experience while the breathtaking views and violin serenade transport you to a world of elegance and charm.
DEAL OF THE DAY

Hacienda San Angel
Events for March

30th

10:30 AM

Butterfly Sanctuary Guided Tour
  • Details: A small-group guided tour to explore lush subtropical habitats, learn about butterfly life cycles, and release newly hatched butterflies in Banderas Bay.

Mariposario Jardin Magico
Events for March

31st

Great Food, Sports, and Live Entertainment
  • Details: A lively Mex-Tex spot with famous nachos, signature margaritas, and nightly live entertainment in a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all.
LOCAL PICK

Nacho Daddy
12:00 PM

ATV and RZR Jorullo Bridge Experience
  • Details: Whip down Jorullo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Latin America, on your own rugged ATV or RZR vehicle during this half-day excursion.

1:30 PM

Mayahuel Show and Tequila Tasting
  • Details: Embark on a journey through time while witnessing a captivating pre-Hispanic spectacle. Discover the never-before-told story of the Maguey goddess Mayahuel.

Teatro Vallarta
Events for April

1st

8:00 AM

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel (Open Bar, Lunch)

  • Details: Experience a luxurious half-day snorkeling cruise on a deluxe catamaran. Enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, a delicious Mexican lunch, open bar, and VIP service.
9:30 AM

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

  • Details: Create your own personalized itinerary for sightseeing on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Includes tequila tasting, a lounger on Mangos Beach, and entry to a chocolate factory.
Events for April

2nd

9:00 AM

Watch and Swim with Dolphins in the Wild

  • Details: Swim with wild dolphins in Puerto Vallarta on a guided eco-tour led by a biologist. Spot marine life, use a hydrophone, and support ocean conservation.
11:30 AM

Canopy Zipline Adventure

  • Details: This tour guides you through 11 different ziplines that vary in length, speed, and scenery, to give you the best birds-eye views of the sprawling rainforest.
Events for April

3rd

9:00 AM

Islands of Los Arcos Boat and Snorkel Tour

  • Details: Your guide takes you to the best places for snorkeling in the marine park and the park’s five islands, famed for sea caves a natural bird sanctuaries.
9:00 AM

Sayulita & San Pancho Tour

  • Details: Enjoy a relaxing excursion to two picturesque local villages (Sayulita and San Pancho). Experience a foodie paradise and indulge your senses.
9:30 AM

Tamale’s Premier LGBTQ+ Day Cruise

Tamale's Tours
  • Details: Step aboard our fabulous 75-foot private yacht and let your hosts, Tamale and Sugarbaker, treat you to a day of sunshine, laughter, and a touch of glam.
Events for April

4th

9:00 AM

Olas Altas Farmers Market

Lazaro Cardenas Park
  • Details: Visit the Olas Altas Farmers’ Market for local produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, and crafts every Saturday at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.

Click Here to View a Complete Calendar of Things to Do

8. Whale Watching (Seasonal): From December to March, Puerto Vallarta becomes a prime destination for whale watching as humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Banderas Bay. Join a guided whale-watching tour to witness these majestic creatures breaching and playing in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories.

9. Culinary Delights: Indulge in Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant culinary scene, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and international cuisine. Sample fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and grilled fish at beachfront restaurants, or explore local markets for authentic street food experiences such as tacos, tamales, and churros.

10. Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Puerto Vallarta’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites like the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Naval Museum. Attend traditional Mexican performances such as folkloric ballet and mariachi music concerts, showcasing the region’s artistic talents and traditions.

11 Sunset Cruises: End your day in Puerto Vallarta with a romantic sunset cruise along Banderas Bay. Sail aboard a traditional wooden boat or a luxurious yacht, sipping cocktails and enjoying live music as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

12. Eco-Tours and Wildlife Encounters: Discover Puerto Vallarta’s biodiversity through eco-tours and wildlife encounters in nearby natural reserves. Spot exotic birds, monkeys, and reptiles during guided jungle hikes or boat tours through mangrove ecosystems, offering insights into the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

13. Spa and Wellness Retreats: Unwind and rejuvenate at Puerto Vallarta’s world-class spas and wellness retreats, offering a range of holistic treatments and therapies. From oceanfront massages to yoga sessions overlooking picturesque landscapes, pamper yourself amidst tranquil surroundings for ultimate relaxation.

Puerto Vallarta is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational activities, making it a perfect getaway for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Whether you’re drawn to its sun-drenched beaches, adventurous excursions, or culinary delights, Puerto Vallarta promises an unforgettable vacation filled with exploration and relaxation.