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November 13, 2025
Picture this: you're celebrating Thanksgiving, and you're surrounded by palm trees with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. In your hand, you have a tropical cocktail. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco’s premier beach destination on Mexico's Pacific coast, has emerged as a top choice for American travelers seeking a unique experience that still celebrates the Thanksgiving spirit.
For the fifth year in a row, Puerto Vallarta has been named one of the top three most popular destinations for American travelers seeking a Thanksgiving vacation, as reported by Allianz Partners USA.
Here in the Friendliest City in the World, the warm weather is combined with delicious food, live music, and people who love to welcome visitors. The November season is perfect, with mild weather, calm beaches that have been reclaimed after the summer, and local restaurants preparing offerings that blend tradition and culinary creativity.
To celebrate Thanksgiving with your feet in the sand and your heart full of gratitude, consider these five experiences with lots of flavor and Mexican flair.
Those seeking an elegant dinner with a natural touch will find a classic stop on the banks of the Cuale River: The River Café. Thanksgiving 2025 will feature a special four-course menu, including options like Roasted Turkey Medallions with Traditional Stuffing or Brisket, Pumpkin Cream Soup, and Warm Apple and Cinnamon Strudel. The exotic ambiance, illuminated trees, and live jazz tunes generate an extraordinary atmosphere for an unforgettable night.
This Los Muertos beachfront restaurant brings the charm of Old Town Vallarta together with contemporary international cuisine. This year, the special menu at Daiquiri Dick's on the Beach features seasonal appetizers, comforting main courses, and delicious desserts. Guests can choose between Butternut Squash Apple Soup or Harvest Salad as a starter, followed by your choice of an All-Natural Roast Turkey Breast, or Grilled Salmon, or Homemade Goat Cheese & Truffle Ravioli. The menu also includes a selection of wines to complement the meal. The best part? You get to literally dine with your feet in the sand as the sun sets over the Pacific.
The renowned Vallarta Botanical Garden, located in a nature reserve south of Puerto Vallarta, is also joining in the festivities. Thanksgiving Day at the garden is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and entertainment, which includes live music and a folk ballet performance. A special menu for children and vegetarian/fish-based options will be available, in addition to the usual dishes such as Roast Turkey with Traditional Stuffing, Sweet Potato Soup, and Traditional Pumpkin Pie. Thanksgiving at the Vallarta Botanical Garden is the perfect choice for visitors traveling with family or those who want to celebrate in one of the most stunning natural destinations in the Puerto Vallarta area.
Those seeking a more sophisticated experience will find it at La Palapa, which offers one of the most coveted Thanksgiving dinners. The menu features a unique blend of local ingredients and traditional American holiday recipes, including Grilled Fig Salad and Smoked Tomatillo and Chickpea Cream Soup. The Traditional-Style Turkey is undoubtedly the star of the evening, and it's sure to be the highlight of your dining experience. At sunset, the spectacle of colors that can be seen at the Los Muertos Beach pier is the perfect backdrop for a dinner that's sure to be unforgettable.
Those seeking to broaden their Thanksgiving experience may want to consider Vallarta Food Tours, which offers culinary tours that highlight the region's unique flavors. These culinary adventures feature popular taco stands, family-owned seafood restaurants, and a variety of traditional desserts. The tours cover areas such as El Centro and the Romantic Zone, the foodie district of Versalles, and traditional neighborhoods like El Pitillal. Themed food tours are another option, including seafood, tacos, and mixology, as well as bike tours. Although it's not a formal Thanksgiving dinner, choosing Vallarta Food Tours would be a different way to celebrate the holiday weekend and discover the many delicious foods of Puerto Vallarta.
As you can see, celebrating Thanksgiving in Puerto Vallarta is about much more than just eating a big piece of turkey and pumpkin pie. It's about enjoying life to the rhythm of the waves and being grateful for what you have experienced in a beautiful place.
Puerto Vallarta takes this American tradition and transforms it into an immersive experience that engages all your senses and fosters a deep connection with your loved ones. Bon appétit!
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