Planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta? Get ready to experience its picturesque beaches, framed by swaying palm trees, the cobblestoned vibrant streets of Zona Romantica, and the timeless beautiful architecture that this city is filled with.
Here are 23 free things to do in Puerto Vallarta to make your trip budget-friendly but still filled with fun and unique activities!
1. Walk the Malecon
A popular activity, walking the Malecon, is a great way to get to know Puerto Vallarta. It’s free and offers great views of the ocean and art and you’ll find plenty of performers, restaurants, bars, shops, and food stands. We visited the Malecon almost every day on our trip to Puerto Vallarta, there is truly excitement to be found anytime there.
2. Release Baby Sea Turtles
This activity is free with Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates and you can read my full guide here, but you should bring a donation to help support their conservation efforts!
3. Free city walking tour
Every Tuesday and Wednesday (9 am and noon) and Saturday (9 am) enjoy a free city walking tour at the Municipal Tourism Office near the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Learn about the history and architecture of Puerto Vallarta.
4. Free Sculpture Walking Tour
Enjoy a free sculpture tour hosted by Gary Thompson owner of Galeria Pacifico. Tours take place every Tuesday from mid-November to mid-April and start at 9:30 am in front of Hotel Rosita. Learn about the art on the Malecon, hear about the artists, and their inspirations, and possibly even meet one of the sculptors!
5. Watch the sunset on Los Muertos Pier
A popular place to watch the sunset, and for good reason too. Enjoy watching the sunset fall right over the ocean.
6. Mirador de la Cruz
A popular hike to one of the best views in Puerto Vallarta. The hike starts about a 10-minute walk from the Malecon, head up the stairs and you’ll reach an amazing viewpoint. There’s a cafe at the top to get a drink to cool off after! I recommend going early in the day or near sunset to avoid the heat!
7. Isla Cuale
A great place to cool off on a hot day, Isla Cuale is located just off the Malecon and is very shaded. There’s a market located there, and it’s a beautiful area for a walk with lots of greenery surrounding it.
8. Watch the nightly firework show (pirate boat)
Most nights you can watch fireworks shoot off from the Pirates of the Bay Pirate Ship! You can see this from anywhere on the Malecon. Fireworks shoot off around 8:30 pm!
9. Plaza De Armas
Visit Plaza De Armas, there’s often live music and street food vendors here. In front, they have adult-sized rocking horses!
10. Visit Gringo Gulch
Gringo Gulch is a neighborhood with tons of beautiful houses to admire. Its most well-known houses are the homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. There’s even a ‘love bridge’ that Elizabeth Taylor had built to connect their houses!
11. Visit the ChocoMuseum
Located right on the Malecon this museum is free to visit. Learn about the history of chocolate and the process of making it.
12. Night Market
Almost every night you’ll find a Night Market on the Malecon around the Plaza De Arm. Shop local vendors, listen to music, try out some new foods and they often have dance lessons!
13. Olas Atlas Farmers Market
The Olas Atlas farmers market takes place on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 2 pm at the Lazaro Cardenas plaza. Shop fresh fruit, juices, souvenirs and more!
14. Umbrella Street
Visit Umbrella Street located on Iturbe Street, straight out from the Puerto Vallarta letters. A great place for pictures!
15. Puerto Vallarta Letters
A popular place to take pictures, stop by the Puerto Vallarta letters on the Malecon.
16. Relax on the Beach
A must-do for any vacation, relax on the beach! There are plenty of opportunities to spend a day relaxing on the beach in Puerto Vallarta.
17. Hike to new Beaches
There are plenty of beaches to discover! You can hike to some beaches that are hours away like Yelapa, or find ones closer. Some are better for swimming than others, so research before heading out!
18. Walk around Zona Romantica
Enjoy walking the cobblestone street of Zona Romantica, filled with lively entertainment and great ocean views there’s always something to see here!
19. Cat Park
Located just off the Malecon, Cat Park the Isla River Cuale has tons of cats roaming it. It’s located right on the river and is very shaded making it a great way to cool off on a hot day. Most of the cats are near the end of Isla River Cuale, it’s common for people to bring food and water for the cats!
20. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Admire the beautiful architecture of The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located just a few minutes walk away from the Malecon. Services are also held daily and open to everyone.
21. See the flyers of Papantla
Watch these amazing performers, any day of the week at the north end of the Malecon.
Tips are appreciated!
