Fall in love with Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica

With miles of beaches stretching along the Pacific coast, bustling nightlife, and vibrant Mexican culture, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular resort towns in the Mexican Riviera.

Visitors from all over the world vacation here each year to soak up the tropical sun. Those who venture beyond their hotel grounds discover a world of enchanting contrasts around town: palm trees and cobblestone streets, traditional and contemporary architecture, and native and foreign residents. No section better exemplifies Puerto Vallarta's juxtaposition of old and new better than La Zona Romantica.

Also known as Old Vallarta, Old Town, or South Side, La Zona Romantica is a lively part of town that's popular with locals and visitors alike. Framed by the Rio Cuale to the north and Los Muertos Beach to the west, La Zona Romantica is home to the greatest concentration of shops, restaurants, and bars in Puerto Vallarta. Here you can walk the cobblestone streets and mingle with diverse people from around the globe while experiencing the wonders of Mexican culture. The hotels and restaurants may be smaller in La Zona Romantica, but the heart of the city feels much bigger here.

The Southside Shuffle

Every Friday night from November to May, Basilio Badillo and Constitution Street show off their artistic sides for the Southside Shuffle "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.". This weekly street party gives everyone a chance to wander along the roads, visiting the businesses and exploring the art galleries in the area while sampling local food and drinks. Strolling musicians provide a bright accompaniment for impromptu street dancing, art viewing, and people watching.

The farmers' markets

After enjoying a late night at the Shuffle, skip the hotel breakfast on Saturday morning and stroll on over to the Old Town Farmers' Market to mingle with locals and nibble food you won't find anywhere else in the city (there are some to-die-for locally made jams and sauces that you'll want to tote home). You can sample an array of treats produced by local vendors who live within a few miles of the city, so pick up a crusty bolillo roll to dip in a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, or a breakfast taco made from a freshly made tortilla, scrambled eggs, onions, and peppers.

The original market at Pino Suarez between Basilio Badillo Street and Lazaro Cardenas is the oldest farmers' market in the area. A newer market, called the Saturday Market Co-op, takes place at the Paradise Community Center. In addition to refreshing aguas frescas, freshly pressed juices, and homemade tamales, you can find an assortment of crafts produced by local artisans along with jewelry and clothing.

Los Muertos Beach

Located at the end of Francisca Rodriguez Street, Los Muertos Beach (Playa de los Muertos "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.") is one of the most popular spots in town. This public shore is anything but boring, attracting locals and tourists who want to enjoy the sand and surf, parasail over the bay, and play games with street vendors. The focal point of the beach is the pier designed by Jose de Jesus Torres Vega with its easily recognizable sail.

During the day, the pier serves as a dock for water taxis, and at night, it illuminates the shoreline with its brightly colored lights lining the walkway and sculpture. All the activity at Los Muertos beach doesn't really lend itself to relaxing afternoons listening to the sounds of the sea, but it does promise plenty of activity and excellent opportunities for people watching. Grab some freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby cart before you head out on the pier to chat with local fishermen and survey their catches of the day.

Malecon

No visit to Puerto Vallarta is complete with a stroll along the Malecon "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.", a boardwalk along the edge of the Bay of Banderas. Start at the north end to get a glimpse of the Millennium statue, or sign up to get a free kayak or bike rental for a non-walking tour. Follow the colorful pebble path to see more statues that incorporate elements and themes from Mexican folklore, street artists, and local businesses or find a new restaurant or bar to try out. Just make sure you find your way back at sunset so you can watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange and pink as the sun sets over the bay.

Los Arcos

The Malecon ends at the Los Arcos amphitheater "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines.". Named for the four colonial-style stone arches that anchor it, Los Arcos is an open-air forum where the city hosts concerts and performances by local artists with the bay in background. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some music or dancing before walking down Indepencia Street to the Lady of Guadalupe Church. If you're in town during the month of December, traditional Aztec and Christian performances surround the church to celebrate the history of the people and the founding of the town. You can also attend English-language services on Saturdays.

The restaurants

From traditional Mexican cuisine to flavors from around the world, La Zona Romantica has restaurants to please just about everyone's taste buds. Blanca Blue "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." in the southern end of the neighborhood near Los Arcos features a modern twist on old Mexican classics; the chef replaces traditional cooking methods with contemporary techniques. Started as a simple stand on Playa de los Muertos, La Palapa "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." has the distinction of being the first restaurant on the beach in the city. Here, tropical Mexican cuisine blends with French and Asian influences to produce a meal no one in your party will soon forget, and the tropical haven is open to the sand and sea beyond. There are also smaller eateries located within buildings and food trucks lining the streets, like Pancho's Takos "This indicates a link to an external site that may not meet accessibility guidelines." on Olas Altas, that serves tacos and quesadillas with traditional sauces. This hole in the wall is a local favorite, and if you're in the mood for meat, try the tacos al pastor — the beloved recipe includes fresh pineapple.