Where jungle meets ocean, sunsets steal the show, and every meal feels like vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is one of those destinations that instantly slows you down. It’s a mix of charming Old Town streets, jungle-backed beaches, luxurious resorts, hidden beach clubs, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever try. After staying in different parts of PV — Garza Blanca and Nuevo Vallarta — I’ve realized this is a choose-your-own-adventure destination.

Below is everything we loved, from where to stay to unforgettable meals, beach clubs only accessible by boat, and the perfect places to wander.

STORY TIME

Our Most Unforgettable Puerto Vallarta Adventure

We’ve been to Puerto Vallarta a few times now, and every trip seems to leave us with a story that becomes legend among our friends. But nothing compares to the very first time we visited.

It was February, and we were meeting another couple to scout wedding venues. We were staying on the Nuevo side at a Secrets resort that was maybe 3% occupied, which meant long stretches of quiet beach time, endless bead bracelets and sunglasses purchased from vendors, and more massages than we probably needed. It was blissfully calm… until it wasn’t.

One afternoon, we met a DJ who invited the four of us to watch her set at an exclusive, boat-access-only beach club that evening. Of course, we were in. She gave us the address and told us it would be easy; just take a taxi to the marina and grab a boat.

Simple, right?

We hopped into a taxi expecting a short 15-minute ride. Instead, we slowly realized we were headed an hour and a half in the opposite direction. When the taxi finally stopped, we weren’t at a marina at all, we were in the middle of a tiny village where locals used small commuter boats to travel to and from work.

After a few confused conversations, we learned the truth: the beach club was typically accessed only by private yachts. But in the most generous act of kindness, the workers’ boat agreed to take us. We climbed in, squeezed into the front, and spent the next 45 minutes bouncing over massive waves while holding on for dear life. The silver lining? We spotted whales on the way in.

When we approached the club, the captain told us he couldn’t get close to shore or he’d never be able to get back out, so off we went, jumping into the water and essentially swimming the rest of the distance. Three hours after leaving the hotel, cold and soaked… we finally made it.

But once we arrived at Ánima Beach Club, it was magic. Our DJ friend had a lounge waiting for us, passionfruit margaritas were flowing, and the sunset behind the cliffs made the entire journey feel worth it.

Then reality hit: we had no way back.

The owner helped arrange another village boat because, as he casually mentioned, once the sun sets the area can get a bit dangerous. So while everyone else boarded their private yachts, we swam back out to our tiny boat — again — and climbed in. We weren’t allowed to use lights, and at one point we were told to stay low… just us four in the dark, in the middle of the ocean, trying not to think about the situation too much.

We eventually reached land, but again, not the marina or village we came from. The captain pointed us up a hill and told us we’d have to find a taxi somewhere in the village.

With stray dogs trailing behind us, we wandered until we found a sweet local family who reopened their kitchen just to feed us tacos and help us call a taxi. We drank beer, watched a local soccer match, ate some of the best tacos of our lives, and tried to process the night.

Finally, a taxi arrived, driving us through winding roads at what felt like 80 mph, but after nearly an hour, we were safely back at the hotel. It was a memory we’ll be retelling for the rest of our lives.

And as if the trip wasn’t already unforgettable, a massive winter storm hit DFW, one of the worst freeze events in Texas history, and all flights were canceled. We ended up stranded for another 48 hours, moving to a sister property while the city back home was frozen solid. When we finally boarded a nearly empty flight home, it felt like the journey had come full circle.

That first Puerto Vallarta trip had everything: chaos, adventure, unexpected kindness from strangers, wildlife sightings, and the kind of memories that make you laugh every time you tell the story. And honestly? That’s exactly why we keep going back.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa

If you want a luxury jungle-meets-ocean retreat, this is it. Garza Blanca is tucked away from the chaos, about 30–40 minutes from the airport, but worth every minute of the drive. You’re surrounded by mountains, nature, and immaculate resort grounds — it feels like a true escape.

Highlights include:

• Spacious ocean-view suites
• Multiple pools overlooking the water
• Beautiful private beach area
• Amazing service and incredible dining

This is where we stayed most recently, and it made the trip feel slow, relaxed, and indulgent.

Staying in Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta is a completely different vibe — wider beaches, newer resorts, calmer energy, and a more family-friendly feel. You’ll find beautiful all-inclusive options and great walkability depending on where you stay.

Best for: resort relaxers, families, and anyone who wants simplicity + beach time.

Downtown / Zona Romántica

The heart of PV. Cobblestone streets, nightlife, shopping, oceanfront restaurants, art galleries, and a walkable malecón.

Best for: food lovers, nightlife, culture, slow wandering.

Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a food destination — fresh seafood, beachside dining, local spots, and classic taco stands. These were the standouts:

La Palapa Restaurant

Order the coconut shrimp — trust me. It’s iconic, crispy, and one of the best things on the menu. Add a cocktail and a sunset, and it becomes the perfect PV dinner.

Pancho’s Takos

A must-stop. Local, flavorful, fast-moving, and always packed with both tourists and locals. Their tacos al pastor are a rite of passage here.

El Barracuda

Beachfront, casual, fresh seafood, and the perfect sunset dinner. Their ceviche and grilled fish are favorites.

Restaurante Barcelona Tapas

One of the best views in PV with incredible tapas. Great for a romantic dinner overlooking the city lights.

El Coleguita Mariscos (Marina Vallarta)

A fun, casual, seafood-heavy spot inside Marina Vallarta — and a great excuse to stroll the marina. We ate here for my husband’s birthday and loved it. The shrimp dishes were amazing, and watching the yachts pull in and out made the evening feel special. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Ánima Beach Club (Boat-Only)

One of the most unique beach experiences in PV. You can only reach Ánima Beach Club by boat, which makes it feel like a stylish hideaway tucked between cliffs and jungle. Expect great cocktails, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed-but-upscale vibe.

Explore Downtown + Zona Romántica

Walk the cobblestone streets, browse boutiques, take your time on the malecón, and pop into cafés and art shops. It’s lively, bright, and fun to explore — perfect on a sunny afternoon.

Marina Vallarta Walk

This area is gorgeous at sunset. Walk the marina boardwalk, enjoy the yachts, and grab dinner at El Coleguita Mariscos. It’s casual but full of energy.

Festivals & Seasonal Highlights

• Best Time to Visit: July–September for lobster season and peak beauty (lush greenery + warm ocean water).
• November: Vallarta Día de los Muertos celebrations.
• December–April: Whale watching season.
• May–June: Fewer crowds, warm weather, beautiful sunsets.

Keeping It EllaVated

There are so many options on where to stay in PV. You want the beach and the jungle, head to Garza Blanca. You want just the jungle retreat, head to The One and Only. PV will never disappoint.