Top 10 Things to See and Do in Puerto Vallarta
By Josef Kandoll W

Living in Puerto Vallarta is frequently compared with paradise, its only competition. But what really makes it exceptional is that not only are so many activities accessible for the first-time visitor, but that many colorful cultural offerings are free as well. Two that come to mind are the popular weekly Art Walk in Art Season from November through April and cultural events at Los Arcos Amphitheater downtown every weekend.

First on the "can't miss" list is the Malecón (seaside promenade). Running the length of downtown from Hotel Rosita to the Río Cuale, this elevated walkway is wheelchair accessible and the best place to start or end the day for visitors and Vallartans alike. Visit classic sculptures like the symbolic seahorse and Sergio Bustamante's enigmatic Searching for Reason, or sit on the whimsical collection of Alejandro Colunga's bronze chairs known as La Rotunda del Mar.

Go across the street to sample the charms of hip hotspots in this town of round-the-clock festivity. Neon lights flash, music pounds, smiles welcome and the cocktails are fabulous. Take your pick of dancing pleasures, whether it's the booming bass of house or hip hop, sinous salsa, hip-swiveling merengue or a laid-back reggae groove, here you're sure to find music that will get you moving.

Venture into the nearby streets where you'll discover outstanding restaurants that will match the fine dining you'd find in Paris, New York or San Francisco. What's more, they work together in one of the most successful Gourmet Festivals in the world. Restaurants include European, Asian and intriguing flavors of traditional as well as pre-Columbian Mexico. Even if you aren't here during the truly scrumptious Gourmet Festival, every meal is enchanting.

Right off the Malecón is a beach popular with morning dog-walkers, joggers and weekenders. Get out and explore more strands of shoreline north and south of the city, finding just the one that has what you want whether it's delicious solitude, nonstop action or ready-made adrenalin rushes. Pack a picnic lunch, towels and sunscreen.

While at the water's edge, test your adventurous spirit by harnessing on a parasail for a bird's eye view of the world below; don a wetsuit to enter into the magical underwater world where colors vibrate in the filtered light; balance on your sailboard and find the wind that walks across the waters; or paddle out on a board that stands you in rolling waves on the big blue. Whichever you choose, you're sure to find a water sport to your liking.

If you simply prefer to walk, slip on comfortable brogues and take out your map of walking tours. Let your feet lead you to easily accessible Old Town locations such as Casa Kimberley, purchased by the late Richard Burton for his passionate love Liz Taylor. Stop in at the museum on Isla Río Cuale, a magical island in the river at the center of town with restaurants, clubs, cafés and numerous stands for finding whatever you didn't know you just had to have. Saunter along Olas Altas and Rodolfo Gómez, or where cafés and clubs seem to outnumber taxis.

Change into hiking shoes and climb into the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains that surround the city. Characterized by river gorges and lush jungle vegetation, they remain surprisingly accessible for forays on traditional horseback, ATVs or on foot with a trusty guide. Go birding (some 360 regional varieties), orchid viewing (not for picking!) or maybe flying through the trees on the challenging zip lines of five different canopy tours (not for the faint-hearted!).

Snorkeling is another top-of-the-list activity that gets you up-close and personal with marine life. It's such an easy sport to learn or practice at Los Arcos, the rock formations visible along the southern coastline, that it's become really popular among families. Experts beyond the first stage of awe can also experience night dives here and elsewhere.

Take that set of clubs and follow that aerodynamic ball on some of the best greens on Mexico's Pacific Coast. Tournaments, competitions and playoffs (including the EMC2 World Cup in 2002 and the first annual Blue Agave PGA event in 2006) test your mettle. Refreshing sea breezes and views of the mountains, the sea and the jungle are par for the course. Seven professionally designed golf courses await you every day of the year, with three more presently under construction.

When you need a break from it all, consider shopping for gorgeous silver jewelry, lovely casual clothes made of the local cotton called manta, art from some of the most exciting artists in this hemisphere and footwear that ranges from flip-flops to sandals, hand-tooled boots and divine espadrilles. But before you consider going to sleep, make your appointment at your favorite spa for the next day. You'll feel like a million bucks, and everyone will be asking for your secret when you return to the real world.

Book your activities.
Golf courses.
Fishing and fishing charters.
Beaches.

Read unbiased opinions about Puerto Vallarta activities at TripAdvisor.