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PlayaBueno
  • Jalisco
  • City

Puerto Vallarta

A real Pacific city on Banderas Bay, with a malecón, a cobbled old town and beaches both in town and down the coast to the south.

Good for
  • Art galleries
  • Eating out
  • Sunsets
Los Arcos, Mismaloya, Puerto VallartaPhoto: The Cosmonaut · CC BY-SA 2.5 ca

In pictures

Around town

Los Muertos Beach Pier, Puerto VallartaPhoto: daryl_mitchell · CC BY-SA 2.0
Playa Los Muertos, Puerto VallartaPhoto: Melikamp · CC BY-SA 3.0

The numbers

At a glance

State
Jalisco
In the directory
24 beaches
Within 20 km
8 hotels
Population
291,839

Before you go

Common questions

Where is Puerto Vallarta?

In Jalisco, on Mexico's Pacific.

How many beaches in Puerto Vallarta are in the directory?

24 beaches are listed for Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, most-reviewed first.

Which beaches in Puerto Vallarta do visitors review most?

Los Muertos Beach Pier, Playa Los Muertos, and Los Arcos, by number of Google reviews.

Where can I stay near Puerto Vallarta?

8 hotels are listed within 20 km, among them Hotel Rio Malecon, Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, and Hotel Delfin PV Beach Resort.

What is Puerto Vallarta best for?

Art galleries, eating out, and sunsets. The vibe: arty and easygoing.

Getting there

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Most reviewed

Top beaches

Los Muertos Beach Pier: Playa Los Muertos Pier 3Photo: daryl_mitchell · CC BY-SA 2.0

Los Muertos Beach Pier

Los Muertos Beach Pier offers a lively atmosphere. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the ocean views.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 14,130 reviews.

Playa Los Muertos: Playa de Los Muertos (16280162494)Photo: David Stanley · CC BY 2.0

Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is a welcoming beach in Puerto Vallarta. You can enjoy good swimming and relax under the sun.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 6,980 reviews.

Playa Camarones: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (February 2024) - 360Photo: Another Believer · CC BY-SA 4.0

Playa Camarones

Playa Camarones is a lovely beach with good water quality. It's perfect for a relaxing day.

Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Google from 1,848 reviews.

Mismaloya Beach: Mismaloya Beach (17301693072)Photo: David Stanley · CC BY 2.0

Mismaloya Beach

Mismaloya Beach offers a relaxed vibe. It's a great spot for swimming and enjoying local food.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 1,440 reviews.

Pacífico · 20.50° N · 105.38° W

Las Caletas, Cabo Corrientes

Las Caletas, Cabo Corrientes is a secluded and beautiful beach located south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, renowned for its stunning natural setting and unique history. It’s primarily experienced through the "Las Caletas" all-inclusive tour operated by Vallarta Adventures. The beach consists of four small coves nestled amongst rocky outcroppings and lush tropical vegetation, creating a truly unique and idyllic environment. It resembles a small fishing village within the jungle, offering a blend of rustic charm and superior amenities designed for a full day of adventure, sports, relaxation, and entertainment for all ages. Guests can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). The area is known for abundant marine life, making it ideal for observing local wildlife. Las Caletas holds a special place in cinematic history. It was once the home of renowned American filmmaker John Huston during the last years of his life in Mexico. Access to Las Caletas is exclusively via sea on the "Las Caletas" all-inclusive tour provided by Vallarta Adventures. This ensures the preservation of the natural environment and offers a curated experience. Vallarta Adventures currently leases and operates Las Caletas, transforming it into a premier destination for tourism. Overall, Las Caletas offers a memorable day trip, combining natural beauty, exciting activities, and a touch of historical intrigue. It’s a popular destination for those seeking a tranquil escape and a taste of authentic Mexican charm.

Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from 1,088 reviews.

Pacífico · 20.64° N · 105.24° W

Playa del Holy

Playa del Holy is a lovely beach in Puerto Vallarta. It's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google from 579 reviews.

Pacífico · 20.59° N · 105.24° W

Playa Amapas

Playa Amapas offers a secluded and tranquil beach experience in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. This charming spot, nestled south of the Los Muertos Pier, is a favorite among those seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist areas. The beach’s unique shade provided by the Amapa trees creates a relaxed atmosphere, while the clear waters and rocky shoreline offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors should be aware that the path to the beach involves a short, rocky climb and descent, and there are no lifeguards or vendors on site – guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. The beach is known for its calm waters, making it suitable for swimming when the tide is low, and it’s a popular spot for observing local wildlife, including pelicans diving for fish. With its stunning natural beauty and serene ambiance, Playa Amapas is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a truly authentic Mexican beach experience. Parking is available nearby, though limited, and can be crowded during peak season. The beach is known for its beautiful sunset views and is a great place to relax and unwind. It’s a truly special place to experience the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 424 reviews.

Pacífico · 20.60° N · 105.24° W

Olas Altas Beach

Olas Altas Beach offers a laid-back vibe in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy the soft sand and gentle waves.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 292 reviews.

Where to stay

Hotels near Puerto Vallarta

Pacífico · 20.61° N · 105.24° W

Hotel Rio Malecon

1.3 km awayRated 4.2 out of 5 on Google from 1,327 reviews.

Hotel occupancy · Puerto Vallarta

When it's busy

DataTur hotel occupancy for Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco). Busy months mean fuller hotels; quiet months mean more room on the sand.

Busiest, on average
February, March, December

Occupancy averages about 82% in February. Book ahead.

Quietest, on average
August, September, October

Occupancy averages about 53% in September, so rooms are easier to find.

In 2024: busiest February (85.6%) · quietest September (51.4%)

January 2024 to December 2024, 0–100% occupancy scale.

Source: Official hotel occupancy statistics from DataTur (SECTUR Mexico). Aggregated across registered lodging categories.