Puerto Vallarta is not a single beach.  It's a long, long stretch of white sands featuring a number of some of the best beaches you'll find in the northwestern corner of Jalisco in Mexico.  Puerto Vallarta was once a small fishing village, but the pristine beauty of its beaches didn’t stay unnoticed for too long.  As more and more tourists discovered its quaint appeal, Puerto Vallarta began enjoying more attention and has since blossomed into one of the best and most famous resorts in the world.

Why you should visit

If you want beach, beach and more beach, Puerto Vallarta should give you what you're expecting, and even more.  Whether you're going for a weekend, several days or for an extended stay, Puerto Vallarta is a place where you'll find a thousand and one reasons to fall in love with the sea and sand over and over again.  Whether you want to swim in the waves, go snorkeling or fishing, soak up the sun or check out the local scenery, there are plenty of things to keep you busy and a hundred reasons to just lie back and watch the world go by.

The beaches of Puerto Vallarta

One of the most famous beaches is Playa de Muertas, literally Beach of the Dead, so named because it was the scene of some bloody battles in the past between the local Indians and invading sailors.  However, it has since left behind its violent past and has transformed itself to Playa del Sol, which is well-loved and popular among the tourists and the locals alike.  If you want a beach with a vibrant crowd, Playa del Sol is for you.

If you're looking for the company of fellow tourists, head to Conchas Chinas, which features a beautiful sandy beach and natural pools.  But if you want some adventure, go to Yelapa, easily a favorite Puerto Vallarta spot.  You'll love the beach in Yelapa, one of the small towns that dot the region.  It was THE place to be in the 60s if you were a hippie and it was not uncommon then to find some of the most famous and infamous congregating in the beaches and walking in the streets back then.  Today, it's still famous among celebrities, who sometimes come for a visit. 

Other than that, Yelapa is a magnificent place that boasts of a 100-foot tall waterfall.  You'll need a boat to get there and because it's so popular among tourists, it's also one of the stops for many cruises that operate in Puerto Vallarta.  At the foot of the hill that leads to its famous waterfall, you'll find a restaurant by the beach. 

You can try climbing the hill on foot if you're adventurous and raring for a (tiring) adventure, but you're better off hiring the services of one of the horses to take you up there.  The ride lasts an hour and you'll find another restaurant by the waterfall serving some local treats.  If you're up to it, climb on top of the waterfall and free-fall into a waiting pool, which features a natural spring.

Yelapa has some small shops you can buy souvenirs from and its beach is great for short walks.  If you like to get stranded, simply miss the boat and sleep under the night sky.
Souvenir hunting

Puerto Vallarta is a destination that offers many things beyond its famous sea and sand.  Soak up the culture in its art galleries or check out the local scene in its exciting nightlife.  If you're up for some souvenir hunting, there are numerous souvenir shops you can scour if you're looking to bring back a piece of Puerto Vallarta with you, although you might want to check out the flea markets in the downtown area if you want real bargains. 

You'll find wood and metal carvings, figurines and local wall hangings.  There are also plenty of woven blankets, hammocks and items made of leather.  Don’t forget the locally designed furniture and jewelry.  And what's a trip to Mexico without a tequila drinking set?  A decanter and a few shot glasses are a great reminder of your trip here.

And what about those Cuban cigars?  Yes, they can be found in Puerto Vallarta and yes, you may buy them but if you're coming from the U.S., you can't take them back with you.  Best enjoy them while you're in Mexico.  They're pretty expensive and there's a good chance you'll want to try them while you're still there.

Puerto Vallarta is a great beach destination, and if you’re looking for a nice relaxing vacation, stop by and visit!