Puerto Vallarta: My Favorite Mexican Resort Destination

• Walk the Malecón - This long oceanside promenade lined with restaurants and bars is great to meander down at any time of day. Public art installations, snack vendors, performers and more can be found here. It's an excellent place to people watch and be a true tourist. For any public holiday or festival, this is surely the spot where all the action will be.

• Explore Isla Cuale - A pedestrian-only park area, situated on an island in a river in the middle of the city. It has a cultural center, public spaces, a kids park, restaurants and bars and a tourist market. I like going here when I need a break from the activity of the city.

• Hike to a Waterfall — There are a couple of places very close to downtown Puerto Vallarta where you can walk to a tropical waterfall and take a dip in a cold freshwater pool. My favorite waterfall is Palo Maria. The (unmarked) trailhead is just a 10 minute drive south of downtown, very close to Hotel Garza Blanca. The hike isn't too difficult (30 minutes) but there is no maintained trail or clear markings — you just follow the riverbed. Bring water shoes because you'll get wet! The best time to visit is after the rainy season, when the water is flowing the most - October through February are best.

• Explore Versalles — tourists do not frequent this neighborhood, but around here, it's known for having a lot of great places to eat. There are excellent breakfast taco stands, family-run affordable restaurants, hipster cafes and everything in between. If you want a break from the tourist areas, try walking around Versalles and finding a spot to grab a bite.

• Take a Boat Ride — The area looks even more beautiful when you see it from the water. Take a ride on a sailboat or luxury yacht from Marina Vallarta and enjoy the beautiful views. You can also take a water taxi or panga, from Los Muertos beach to the smaller towns just south of Vallarta that are only accessible by boat, like Yelapa.

• Go Whale Watching — From December to March, humpback whales make their yearly migration to the area and take refuge in the bay to mate and have their babies. It was a remarkable, unforgettable experience. Make sure to book your whale watching experience with a reputable operator who is respectful of laws and regulations to protect whales. I can help you get connected with the right tour.

• Baby Sea Turtles — From August to December, you can witness freshly hatched baby sea turtles crawling back into the ocean. Local conservation groups protect sea turtle nests and guard them for months to ensure the eggs are left undisturbed. When the eggs hatch, these organizations host events regularly, allowing locals and tourists alike to witness the tiny creatures scurrying into the ocean. Donations or entry fees for the events generally go directly to conservation efforts. It's a great activity for families with children!

• Cross the Jorullo Bridge — Up in the mountains outside the city, you'll find and incredibly long suspension bridge, approximately 500 feet above the Rio Cuale. The view from here is amazing and worth the trip if you're not afraid of heights! For adventurous travelers, there are a lot of ziplining and ATV tours in this area, too.

Day Trips:

• Botanical Gardens of Puerto Vallarta - About a 45-minute drive south, up into the mountains. The drive there is beautiful. Entry to the gardens is 200 pesos per person. Get there early to explore and hike around the jungle trails and then have a meal at their beautiful open air restaurant. Get a table on the balcony — you will never see more hummingbirds in your life!

• Islas Marietas - Take a boat tour out to this national park of small uninhabited islands. See the "Playa de Amor", a unique beach inside a hollowed-out island.

• Yelapa - A small fishing village that is only accessible by boat. You can get here by water taxi from Los Muertos beach in Puerto Vallarta.

• San Sebastian del Oeste — You'll feel like you're transported back in time in this small, picturesque village. Stop by a tequileria for tequila samples and a quick tour of the tequila making facilities. San Sebastian del Oeste is a 2 hour drive up into the mountains inland from Puerto Vallarta, so it is best to leave very early, or perhaps plan on an overnight stay.

• La Capella - An elegant open-air Italian dining experience with breathtaking views of the city and sea. Perfect for a romantic date night, on the roof top of one of my favorite hotels.

• El Campanario - A traditional Mexican eatery with home-cooked style meals. Affordable, casual and delicious. Right in front of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

• Cafe Des Artistes - An iconic restaurant, and one of the best in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy chef-crafted tasting menus in a unique garden dining space.

• Makal - Contemporary Mexican gastronomy, served artfully in a vibrant space.

• Mariscos El Guero — This traditional seafood spot that is popular with locals has been open for 35 years. Affordable prices, great for a casual lunch. I recommend the seafood stuffed pineapple!

• Tuna Azul — This seafood restaurant has 2 locations - one in Zona Romantica and the other is in Versalles. Here, try a regional specialty - Aguachile. This is a delicious, spicy spin on ceviche that you can find at most seafood restaurants around here.

• Porfirio's - For those staying in the hotel zone, this is a lively spot for a nice dinner.

• Pancho's Takos - Very popular taco spot with great food and drinks.