Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, on Jalisco's Pacific coast, combines golden beaches with a charming historic center of cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs. The Malecón, its iconic seafront promenade full of sculptures and public art, connects the center to the Romantic Zone, a bohemian neighborhood with galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. Banderas Bay offers humpback whale watching in winter, snorkeling at the Marieta Islands, and water sports. The surrounding mountains allow zip-lining, horseback riding, and excursions to villages like San Sebastián del Oeste. The dining scene rivals that of major Mexican cities.