Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta for a Memorable Father’s Day

Father's Day is the perfect time to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who've shaped our lives—and what better place to do it than Puerto Vallarta, Mexico's jewel on the Pacific coast? 

Puerto Vallarta offers an array of activities to cater to every type of father. Whether you are planning a serene beach retreat, an invigorating weekend of adventure, or a gourmet dining experience.

Here's your complete guide to the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta for Father's Day, including activities, events, and attractions that will make this year's Father's Day the best one yet.

Treat Dad to an Unforgettable Brunch or Dinner!

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of Mexico's best restaurants, and many of them offer specials for Father's Day or menus with new dishes that change with the seasons.

Our top picks include:

• La Capella: Hey, why not treat Dad to a nice rooftop dinner with a live classical guitar player? The view of the famous Church of Guadalupe is pretty hard to beat.
• La Palapa: Savor exquisite beachfront dining with unparalleled ocean vistas and a distinguished wine list.

• Café des Artistes: For fathers with a penchant for fine dining and a taste for artful presentation.
• Mezcla y Sal: a hidden gem in the heart of the Romantic Zone, is a great place for dads who prefer exceptional cuisine with a sophisticated and very chic touch.

Pro Tip: Reservations should be made well in advance, especially for sunset times, as Father's Day weekend can be busy. 

Embark on a Private Sportfishing Adventure

If your dad is a fan of the excitement of the open sea, consider booking a private sportfishing charter for an excursion that lasts half a day or the whole day.  World-class fishing is a major attraction in Puerto Vallarta, with species like marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna being caught there.

Charters usually include supplies like fishing equipment, bait, and a captain.  Sometimes they also include drinks and snacks.

Recommended charters:

• Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle.
• PV Sportfishing.
• Mike’s Charters & Tours.

Explore Banderas Bay by Boat

If you're looking for a relaxing experience that's also exciting, look no further.  One of the most beautiful bays in the world is Banderas Bay, and a great way to see it is on a boat cruise with your dad.

Some great options for a Father's Day boat trip include:

• Indulge in a luxurious sailing adventure aboard a catamaran.
• Exploring the underwater world at Los Arcos or Majahuitas.
• Sail away into the sunset on a private cruise.
• Whale watching is available in season, which runs from December to March.

Some cruise packages include amenities such as unlimited free drinks, fine dining, and live entertainment—ideal for making your father feel like a king for the day.

Tee Off at a World-Class Golf Course

Puerto Vallarta boasts championship-level courses with stunning ocean and jungle views, making it a perfect destination for the golf-loving father.

Top golf courses include:

• Vista Vallarta Club de Golf, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned designers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, is a paragon of golfing excellence.
• Marina Vallarta Golf Club, which is close to the North Hotel Zone and boasts lush tropical scenery, is an ideal destination for golfers.

Here's a helpful tip: Schedule a tee time in the morning to avoid the heat and then enjoy a spa or pool session afterwards.

Take a Day Trip into Nature

If your dad is more of a hiking boot guy than a sandal guy, plan a day of adventure for him in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains or along the coast.

Here are some ideas for outdoor activities:

• Make your way on foot from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas Beach.
• Take a water taxi to Yelapa and discover its jungle waterfalls.
• Embark on an ATV excursion or zipline adventure amidst the mountainous landscape.

Tour companies such as Vallarta Adventures and Canopy River offer guided excursions that prioritize safety and comfort.

Try a Tequila or Raicilla Tasting

Honor your father's sophisticated taste by embarking on a tasting journey through the local spirits. Indulge in the unique flavors of raicilla, a smoky, regional variation of mezcal, or savor the authentic essence of Jalisco tequila.

Here are some places you can try:

• Oscar's Tequila Distillery, situated on Isla Cuale, provides visitors with the opportunity to partake in tasting sessions and gain enlightenment through educational experiences.
• Chiro Taberna de Costa: The best place in the Versalles area to experience the fascinating world of raicilla, which the region of Cabo Corrientes, south of Puerto Vallarta, produces in an artisanal way; it is a unique and unmissable experience.

Afterwards, treat yourself to a cigar lounge visit for the ultimate gentleman's experience.

Kick Back on the Beach

At times, the most valuable gift is the opportunity to decompress. Puerto Vallarta's beaches are perfect for unwinding. Whether it's at a beach club, under a palapa, or with a beer in hand watching the waves, you can find serenity on these shores.

Dad-friendly beaches in Puerto Vallarta:

• Playa Los Muertos: Great for people-watching and nearby dining.
• Conchas Chinas: Quieter and ideal for a peaceful day.
• Camarones Beach: Long, wide, and great for a family picnic.

Celebrate Dad in Paradise: Puerto Vallarta 

Your father might be an adventurer. He might be a foodie. He might be a golfer. Or maybe he's a beach lover. Puerto Vallarta has endless ways to make Father's Day unforgettable. The Friendliest City in the World is the perfect place to show Dad just how much he means to you, with its stunning scenery, rich culture, and wide array of experiences.

So, go ahead and make those plans: book that boat ride, reserve that dinner table, or plan that round of golf. He totally deserves it!