Puerto Vallarta's South Side - Zona Romantica

Puerto Vallarta Sightseeing:

Historical Sites

The Famous Malecon

Puerto Vallarta's Nearby Villages

Puerto Vallarta History

Statues and Monuments in Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta's Cultural Center

Off-the-Beaten-Path in Puerto Vallarta

Outdoor Activities in Vallarta

The making of "Night of the Iguana" in Puerto Vallarta

Villages and Towns near Puerto Vallarta

Old Town Puerto Vallarta is the traditional side of Vallarta, where the streets are still cobblestone and there are plenty of taco stands on every corner.  It is located just south of the Rio Cuale. 

There are several wobbly bridges to make your way to Old Town Vallarta, one located just east of the Flea Market.  Taking this route will place you on the path of the beautiful Isla Cuale, which is a strip surrounded by local vendors and lush tropical foliage with the occasional fine dining establishment along the way.  Heading all the way inland will take you to the Cultural Center, including the Museo Rio Cuale (Rio Cuale Museum.)  Heading the opposite direction will take you to the Malecon's south end including the magnificent views from the modern bridge where the Rio Cuale meets the ocean. 

Heading south along Los Muertos Beach, you will be met by smiling faces inviting you into their establishments for happy hour(s) or dinner.  Food at most of these restaurants is inexpensive, and the drinks along this strip are known to be very cheap.  For example, The Lazy Lizard Restaurant and Beach Bar offers a bucket of beer for around 5 dollars and margaritas are 2 for 3 dollars.  You will also notice a number of laptops on the ocean here- the lizard offers free wireless for their happy drinkers.

At the end of the boardwalk lies the famous La Palapa Restaurant, highly regarded as Puerto Vallarta's finest dining establishment and a favorite for retired Americans.  It is also a noted romantic hotspot, and ideal for honeymooners who want to enjoy the sunset and ambiance combined.

The beach stretches for about a mile.  Early morning goers can find plenty of shells and sea glass.  Joggers will enjoy the beach as well as the stairwell at the end of the beach- a popular treat for fitness seekers.  The stairs are located just past the famous seahorse statue pictured below.

Mariachis are famous for patrolling this area and will serenade you while you dine. 

Keep your camera ready for diving Pelicans.  When a school of fish are present the Pelicans will come by the dozens and dive in and out of the ocean for their dinner. 

The beach is packed with friendly faces ready to let you shop while you lounge on the beach, but just in case you don't see what you're looking for, the streets are lined with plenty of souvenir shops. 

A note about buying jewelry on the beach:  While still stamped with the .925, much of the jewelry sold on the beach is Alpaca, a lower quality silver metal.  While the jewelry is still beautiful and will last, if you're looking for quality, do shop in one of the local silver stores and expect to pay more than on the beach.