Looking for things to do in puerto vallarta beyond a day on the sand? Start with a walk along Los Muertos Pier, a boat trip past rocky arches or a stop to admire the flowers.
These pictures give you plenty of reasons to leave a little room in your plans.
You can keep things simple or fill your days with outings. I’d mix a few sightseeing stops with time by the water.
There’s no need to squeeze everything into one trip!
Puerto Vallarta ideas worth saving
walk along Los Muertos Pier
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous view of Los Muertos Pier. I love the tall sail-shaped structure and the curved walkway over the turquoise water.
Take a stroll out toward the end, then pause to watch the boats. You don’t need a packed itinerary for a lovely start to your visit.
see the rocky arches by boat
How beautiful is this rock formation? The low arch at the waterline looks tiny beneath that huge green-covered peak.
Look into a guided boat outing around Los Arcos if you want a closer view. Let your operator choose a safe route rather than expecting to pass through an opening.
admire the crowned church tower
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe deserves a spot on your sightseeing list. That crown-topped tower is so pretty framed by the buildings and trees.
Walk toward the steps for a closer look at the clock and bell tower. If you go inside, follow the posted visitor guidance and be mindful of worshippers.
look for flower-filled streets
I am obsessed with these pink flowers spilling over the stairway. The blue sky and white walls make the color even prettier.
Leave some time to wander public streets rather than heading straight from one attraction to another. Keep private stairways and entrances clear when you stop for pictures.
plan a waterfall outing
If you’re looking for a break from the beachfront, a waterfall outing is worth considering. This cascade tumbles down a tall rock face into a pool surrounded by greenery.
The photo doesn’t identify the falls, so confirm your destination and trail conditions before setting off. A swimmer in the picture isn’t a reason to assume the pool is safe to enter.
look into whale watching
That raised flipper! Seeing a humpback whale from a respectful distance would be such a special addition to a trip.
Whale watching is seasonal, so check current dates and choose an authorized operator. A sighting isn’t guaranteed, let alone a glimpse of a raised flipper like this one.
consider a Las Caletas day
Don’t want every day to be about sightseeing? No problem!
The hammock, white umbrella and water all around this little platform make a pretty convincing case for slowing down.
The image identifies Las Caletas. Check current visit arrangements and what’s included before planning your day around a particular spot shown in a photo.
stop for tacos
Now this looks like a lively dinner stop. There are tables tucked beneath the roof, hanging lights overhead and a vertical cooking spit beside the open kitchen.
Make room for a taco outing between your sightseeing plans. I’d check the menu before settling in rather than choosing only by how busy a place looks.
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follow a leafy garden path
I love this little suspension bridge with its red posts and pineapple-shaped decorations. There’s greenery everywhere you look.
For a similar outing, consider a visit to Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Stick to marked paths and follow any posted bridge limits as you explore.
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return to the pier at sunset
This is the same pier idea with a very different mood. The sail-shaped tower turns into a dark silhouette against that orange sky.
If you’ve already visited during the day, consider coming back around sunset. I’d try a photo from the beach to include the curving walkway.
take a coastal boat ride
If you’re looking for a different view of the coastline, go with a boat outing. This small canopy-covered boat passes rocky shores with a trail of white water behind it.
Ask about the route, sea conditions and life jackets before booking. You can choose a sightseeing trip without adding a swim stop.
pause for the orchids
How gorgeous are these orchids? I love the white petals with pink centers and the speckled blooms cascading around the tree trunk.
Give the flower displays a little extra time on a garden visit. A close-up of the blooms would be lovely, but leave them attached and admire them without touching.
leave time for the shoreline
Don’t want to book another excursion? No problem there!
A shoreline walk gives you plenty to look at, from the palms to the buildings along the beach.
This wide coastal view is a nice reminder to leave an afternoon open. Pick an accessible stretch of sand and follow local beach flags if you decide to swim.
Read also: 20 Ideas for Things to Do in Isla Mujeres, From Beach Stops to Coastal Walks
learn about sea turtle conservation
This tiny sea turtle is such a sweet sight. You can see the pattern on its shell and the little flippers resting against the sandy hand.
If turtle conservation interests you, look for an authorized program with supervised viewing. Don’t copy the handling shown here; let trained staff guide any interaction and avoid touching hatchlings yourself.
save an afternoon for the pool
I love this pool view with the palms and beach just beyond it. The curved pool edge gives you a place to pause and look out toward the water.
Read also: 20 Things to Do in California From Coastal Drives to Forest Walks
If a beachfront pool is high on your wish list, check your accommodation options or ask about legitimate day access. You don’t have to plan an outing every afternoon.
browse a colorful souvenir stall
If you are looking for a little color to bring home, then this one is for you. There’s so much to look through, from hanging necklaces to painted bowls and bright floral bags.
The flower-shaped dishes are my favorite detail. Ask sellers about where pieces were made rather than assuming every item is locally handmade.
take a riverside nature break
This is another lovely reason to spend some time away from the beach. Sunlight falls across the shallow-looking stream, with rocks and hanging vines along the banks.
Choose a maintained nature trail if you want a similar leafy walk. Enjoy the water from the path unless local guidance confirms that access is allowed and conditions are safe.
enjoy Los Arcos from the shore
Not interested in a boat trip? A coastal view of Los Arcos is another option to look into.
I love how the green-topped rocks sit against all that deep blue water.
Find a designated public viewpoint rather than scrambling onto shoreline rocks. The wider view is worth enjoying in its own right.
try a guided tasting
Those lime-topped glasses make quite the lineup! The photo doesn’t tell us what’s being poured, but it’s a little inspiration for a guided tasting if that interests you.
For an adults-only stop, consider a tequila or raicilla tasting where someone can explain each pour. Keep the portions small and arrange transport if you’ll be drinking.
finish with a waterfront sky
Last but definitely not least, leave room for a quiet moment by the water. I love the dark palm fronds framing this golden sky and the sun sitting just above the distant land.
Find a permitted waterfront spot with a clear view. Put your phone down for a little while too. Not every part of the trip needs a photo.