There are an astounding number of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and we've listed many of them here in this section. This is a good place to discover what it is you may want to do during your vacation, be it a few days or, if you are lucky enough, a full month! From bikes and beaches to sail and surf, from delicious dining and seductive shopping to mini-makeovers and never-ending nightlife, Puerto Vallarta has just what you need to make your vacation perfect. Most activities do not need reservations prior to your arrival. You can contact them once you have settled into your room, either through a travel agent in the hotel, via your tour operator or by calling the company directly. You'll most likely find a copy of Vallarta Lifestyles magazine in your hotel room or rental property, which offers comprehensive information on what's happening in Puerto Vallarta.
39 Vallarta Essentials: You cannot visit Paris, no matter how brief a stay, and miss the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, or spend any time in San Francisco without succumbing to the temptation of crossing its majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Each popular world destination has its very own list of must-see/must-do items and Puerto Vallarta is no exception.
Banderas Bay Trading Company: Chock-a-block with antiques, art and crafts, this South Side store has a continually changing collection from all over Mexico, Central America and Indonesia.
Cassandra Shaw Jewelry: This elegant two-story gallery and jewelry store offers contemporary and unique pieces for both men and women. Using stones and other objects from nature, owner Cassandra Shaw’s jewelry designs, as well as her striking paintings, arouse with an individual, powerful statement.
ANdante: This new Galleria Dante spinoff features the works of three Jalisco sculptors, Guillermo Gomez, Oscar Zamarripa and Israel Zzepda, who now have a separate space to showcase their works, which, collectively, have been exhibited in Puerto Vallarta for over 78 years.
Elements of Design: A diverse mix of Mexican designer lighting, artistic accessories and decoration products with innovative designs of a contemporary and classical nature in "Defining the Home" created by international interior designers with a passion for quality and design.
Colectika: Kevin Simpson of Peyote People ups the ante, as far as Mexican folk arts are concerned, by creating Colectika, a separate gallery space devoted exclusively to a new generation of artists who combine traditional arts with new materials, ideas and technological influences.
El Gran Mueble: Gran Mueble is a furniture manufacturer with more than 15 years of experience handling assorted styles, from elegant classics to contemporary, including rattan and tropical furniture.
Galería Contempo: Galeria Contempo showcases contemporary Mexican art with an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by recognized artists, as well as emerging talents. With a wide range of prices sure to delight art collectors and enthusiasts, the gallery features the work of painters such as Lucille Wong and Irma Griza.
Galería June Rosen López: June, jewelry designer and silversmith, invites you to her studio-gallery, where you’re welcomed like an old friend and treated to a unique shopping experience.
Los Mercados: Los Mercados features a lively combination of small shops within the same space offering a variety of products.
Galería Omar Alonso: Recognized as a leading contemporary art dealer and well known as the first in Puerto Vallarta to handle fine photography, this gallery has become a space for today´s emerging artists, the promising trademark names of tomorrow. It proudly represents highly credentialed artists such as Luis González Palma and Flor Garduño.
Mountain Wave Concrete Sink and Design: Mountain Wave Concrete Sink and Design is a custom concrete sink and design studio located in the village of Sayulita, Mexico. We work with designers, architects and homeowners to create unique pieces for their special projects.
Galería Pacífico: Gary Thompson founded Galeria Pacifico in 1987 and since then has been providing a refined blend of sculptures and paintings of a collectible level by leading Mexican artists and foreigners residing in Mexico, such as the late Ramiz Barquet, Brewster Brockmann, Luis Espiridion and several others.
No Name Boutique: Elegant Mexican-influenced clothing designs for women and men can be purchased at any branch of this locally-recognized store.
Tatehuari Jewelry y Galería: In San Pancho, unique pieces come to life through the imagination of Galeria Tatehuari owner Susana Sanborn and the craftsmanship of Luis Narvaez.
Galerie des Artistes: The eclectic display of objets d'art draws you from room to room until you find the perfect piece for that special place in your home. The exhibit ranges from small decorative items to works by Evelyne Boren to extraordinary masterpieces by some of the all-time masters, such as Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco.
Galleria Dante: A must visit! Having celebrated its 15-year Anniversary in 2010, Gallería Dante is Vallarta's largest and most eclectic gallery, residing in an old hacienda with an outdoor sculpture garden. They feature the works of more than 50 artists, ranging from museum quality to emerging, the majority Mexican.
Chico's Dive Shop: Most of our diving and snorkeling tours take place among Puerto Vallarta's underwater reserve, a stretch of coast located in the south of the bay between Los Arcos and Yelapa were we have 20+ Scuba diving and snorkeling sites to pick from: Los Arcos, Mismaloya, Boca, Colomitos, Quimixto, Caletas, Caletillas, Majahuitas, Cerro Bola, Colimillas and Yelapa.
La Patrona Polo Club: Enjoy fine mexican cuisine, polo matches, equestrian shows and live music performances at one of Riviera Nayarit's most enchanting towns.
Pacific Paddle: Pacific Paddle is committed to providing you and your mates with the best SUP surf guides, SUP trips, SUP charter boats in Banderas Bay. High end SUP rentals from leading manufacturers, so you don't have to worry about dings on the airplane and expensive baggage fees. From 7ft wave machines to 14ft distance race boards.
