8 things to do in the family destination that has it all: Puerto Vallarta

Golden coasts facing the Pacific, ecotourism activities, cultural journeys, culinary tours and natural paradises, all this and more is found in Puerto Vallarta, the destination that has it all for you to spend an outstanding family vacation.

You decide what’s on your itinerary: building sand castles in the most stunning beaches, visit an outdoor adventure park, or learn more about traditions in Mexico. After you’ve registered at yourfavorite hotel with special amenities for the little ones and services for the entire family, head out to make the most of the best activities and live an amazing family vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

1. Beach, beach, and beach!

Just a few steps from Historical Downtown you can find Los Muertos Beach, where you and your little ones can enjoy a volleyball match and banana boat rides; Camarones Beach is the perfect place to practice parasailing; Gemelas Beach will enchant you if you’re looking for a peace oasis.

2. Strolling through the Malecon boardwalk

Mexico’s most emblematic boardwalk, the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, has something for everyone. Really! Grown-ups can explore its vast selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, whilst the smallest ones can enjoy a bike ride along this beautiful corridor and stop by a bench to have ice cream. The entire family can admire the sculptures that are placed all along this famous boardwalk and pick their favorite, or enjoy the work of artists and performers, sharing magic tricks or mimes.

3. For that “sweet tooth”

It’s not surprising that kids love chocolate – and more that one adult in the family loves it as well! – so visiting the Chocolate Museum in Puerto Vallarta will be a hit in your agenda with your little ones. Access is free of charge and you get the opportunity of learning more about cocoa, its history, its production process, and being able to get the hands-on experience of making your very own chocolate bar, in one of the workshops organized at the museum (with an additional cost). How about preparing traditional mole, chocolate truffles, or hot cocoa? Workshop for kids lasts 45 minutes, and they can take (and savor!) their creations at the end.

4. A close encounter with adventure

If you’re still young at heart, you’ll surely enjoy along the little ones in the family – guided by the tour operator of your choice – a fun-filled day swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat, or getting to meet sea lions in a private cove, or sliding down water slides whilst laughing and having great adventures with your family.

5. Local charm

If you want to get a good taste of what life in Puerto Vallarta is like, wander the cobbled streets in the Romantic Zone, or visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish to admire its iconic bell tower. When you’re done and hungry, be captivated by the aromas from the nearby restaurants that we’ll certainly delight you with their local delicacies. After that, make sure to visit the local shops, boutiques, and markets to find the perfect souvenir of your family trip to this enchanting town.

6. Private dinner with open-air show

Imagine travelling by boat alongside your family, to a private cove. A dinner show will be waiting for you there: Rhythms of the Night. This cultural show offers a combination of representations of ancient Hispanic civilization and Mexican folklore, with the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine.

7. Horseback riding

Horseback riding along the mountain paths in the Sierra Madre is something everyone in the family will surely enjoy. Trot towards the rivers through the tropical forests, dip in the pools formed at the feet of waterfalls, and learn more about the history of the place. 

8. A day on a remote beach

Change the scenery a little, visit the beautiful coves of Yelapa and Majahuitas, where you can comfortably arrive on a water taxi leaving from Boca de Tomatlan. The hospitality that the locals bring will make you feel at home, so set out with your family to spend the day in a hammock in front of the ocean, snorkel and kayak, and, if you’re lucky, admire whales and dolphins when in season.

Are you bags packed yet? We’re waiting for you!