Curator’s statement
Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful and relaxing Mexico destination. Located on Bandaras Bay, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are the hubs of activity on sea and on land with many traditional dining establishments to enjoy. The small cultural communities of Sayulita and Bucerias are easily accessible and offer many dining and shopping experiences that are easily walkable. Nuevo Vallarta is a bit more relaxed and quieter than Puerto Vallarta, but you cant go wrong with the Puerto Vallarta area as your Mexico cultural destination.
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Where to stay in Nayarit, Mexico.
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Things to do in Nayarit, Mexico.
Walk and shop the Malecon
The Malecon includes artistic sculptures and is lined with various shopping and dining experiences.
Snorkeling
Travel to the south end of Puerto Vallarta for exceptional snorkeling and public parks.
Fishing
Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta offer many different types of fishing adventures from their marinas.
Beaches
The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are shorter and broken up with rock formations. The Nuevo Vallarta beaches are longer and more conducive to those long walks on the beach. Surfing is popular in the area with several small villages north of Puerto Vallarta that are know for their surfing experiences.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the reasons people have been coming to the Puerto Vallarta area. Many traditional, cultural and boutique shops are located here.
Day Trips
Bucerias for open air market.
Sayulita is know for its surfing! Many boutique shops and an open air flea market for shopping. Traditional beachside and upscale dining establishments.
Places to eat & drink in Nayarit, Mexico.
Eddies: Located on the Marina in Nuevo Vallarta is an incredible eatery for traditional Mexican cuisine and Lebanese dining options.
Pipi's located downtown Puerto Vallarta is the bomb! Margaritas and very good traditional Mexican food, what is not to like?
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Travel Advisor
Evan Brown
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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out my guide, Norway in a Nutshell and More (Southern Norway).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico.