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:

December 2025
Dec 12 2025

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 PICKHAPPENING NOW!

Nacho Daddy
Dec 12 2025
11:00 PM

Noche De Despecho
  • Details: Get ready for a night of heartbreak, come, sing and let yourself be carried away

La Catrina Cantina
Dec 13 2025
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
Dec 13 2025
10:00 AM

Weekend Artisan Market
  • Details: Over a dozen local artisans showcase the handcrafted products they make available for sale each Saturday on Isla Cuale.

Weekend Artisan Market

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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.

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Events for December

12th

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 PICKHAPPENING NOW!

Nacho Daddy
11:00 PM

Noche De Despecho
  • Details: Get ready for a night of heartbreak, come, sing and let yourself be carried away

La Catrina Cantina
Events for December

13th

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

Weekend Artisan Market
  • Details: Over a dozen local artisans showcase the handcrafted products they make available for sale each Saturday on Isla Cuale.

Weekend Artisan Market
Events for December

14th

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 December

15th

9:00 AM

Spanish Classes (Four Skill Levels)
  • Details: Boost your Spanish with expert, engaging instruction in a fun, supportive setting—perfect for all levels and flexible to start anytime!

International Friendship Club
10:00 AM

Oil Painting Class
  • Details: We will learn about oil, its main characteristics and ways of use, the student will level up at their own pace and with the teacher's support.

ART VallARTa
Events for December

16th

9:00 AM

Spanish Classes (Four Skill Levels)
  • Details: Boost your Spanish with expert, engaging instruction in a fun, supportive setting—perfect for all levels and flexible to start anytime!

International Friendship Club
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.

The Sea Monkey
10:00 AM

Introduction to Watercolor
  • Details: Learn watercolor basics—color theory, mixing, layering, and texture—through still life, landscapes, and wildlife. Perfect for beginners or practicing artists looking to strengthen fundamentals.

ART VallARTa
Events for December

17th

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 December

18th

Enjoy Sports, Music, Fun, and Great Food
  • Details: Enjoy sports, music, and fun with cold A/C, award-winning smoked wings, Mexican spirits, cocktails, and friendly service during daily happy hour!
LOCAL PICK

El Rey Bar & Grill PV
9:00 AM

Spanish Classes (Four Skill Levels)
  • Details: Boost your Spanish with expert, engaging instruction in a fun, supportive setting—perfect for all levels and flexible to start anytime!

International Friendship 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 December

19th

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
9:00 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
  • 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.

Tamale's Tours
Events for December

20th

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

Weekend Artisan Market
  • Details: Over a dozen local artisans showcase the handcrafted products they make available for sale each Saturday on Isla Cuale.

Weekend Artisan Market
Events for December

21st

Puerto Vallarta’s Animal Hangout
  • Details: Services include daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, and the region's only cat hotel and animal adoption center, promoting pet visibility and care. 
LOCAL PICK

Dog & Cat
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 December

22nd

10:00 AM

Oil Painting Class
  • Details: We will learn about oil, its main characteristics and ways of use, the student will level up at their own pace and with the teacher's support.

ART VallARTa
7:00 PM

Music Mondays with Anais Belloso!
  • Details: Enjoy live acoustic music with Anais Belloso every other Monday. Great covers, originals, smoked BBQ, and cocktails from 7–9pm.

El Rey Bar & Grill PV
Events for December

23rd

10:00 AM

Introduction to Watercolor
  • Details: Learn watercolor basics—color theory, mixing, layering, and texture—through still life, landscapes, and wildlife. Perfect for beginners or practicing artists looking to strengthen fundamentals.

ART VallARTa
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.

1:00 PM

Introduction to Drawing
  • Details: The drawing classes is designed with the beginner in mind and take you step by step to develop your skills with personalized attention

ART VallARTa
1:30 PM

Mayahuel Show
  • 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.

Events for December

24th

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.

1:00 PM

Freestyle Acrylic Painting Class
  • Details: Freestyle Acrylic Painting is a class where you get to do whatever theme of a painting you would like while learning.

ART VallARTa
Events for December

25th

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.

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.
FEATURED

Mariposario Jardin Magico
Events for December

26th

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
  • 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.

Tamale's Tours
Events for December

27th

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

Weekend Artisan Market
  • Details: Over a dozen local artisans showcase the handcrafted products they make available for sale each Saturday on Isla Cuale.

Weekend Artisan Market
3:00 PM

Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop
  • Details: This fun chocolate-making class is something a little different from the usual Puerto Vallarta activities.

Events for December

28th

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 December

29th

9:00 AM

Spanish Classes (Four Skill Levels)
  • Details: Boost your Spanish with expert, engaging instruction in a fun, supportive setting—perfect for all levels and flexible to start anytime!

International Friendship Club
10:00 AM

Oil Painting Class
  • Details: We will learn about oil, its main characteristics and ways of use, the student will level up at their own pace and with the teacher's support.

ART VallARTa
Events for December

30th

9:00 AM

Spanish Classes (Four Skill Levels)
  • Details: Boost your Spanish with expert, engaging instruction in a fun, supportive setting—perfect for all levels and flexible to start anytime!

International Friendship Club
10:00 AM

Introduction to Watercolor
  • Details: Learn watercolor basics—color theory, mixing, layering, and texture—through still life, landscapes, and wildlife. Perfect for beginners or practicing artists looking to strengthen fundamentals.

ART VallARTa
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.

1:00 PM

Introduction to Drawing
  • Details: The drawing classes is designed with the beginner in mind and take you step by step to develop your skills with personalized attention

ART VallARTa
Events for December

31st

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.

8:00 AM

New Year’s Eve
  • Details: Ring in New Year’s 2026 in Puerto Vallarta! Explore the best restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues for an unforgettable celebration.

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 January

1st

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.
10:30 AM

Butterfly Sanctuary Guided TourFEATURED

Mariposario Jardin Magico
  • Details: A small-group guided tour to explore lush subtropical habitats, learn about butterfly life cycles, and release newly hatched butterflies in Banderas Bay.
Events for January

2nd

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 January

3rd

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.
3:00 PM

Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop

  • Details: This fun chocolate-making class is something a little different from the usual Puerto Vallarta activities.

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.