Puerto Vallarta beaches
Puerto Vallarta wraps around Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast—malecón sunsets, a real town center, and beach pockets from the hotel zone north and south.
Who it is for
- Travelers who want culture + beach, not only a gated strip
- LGBTQ+ friendly reputation and a strong US repeat visitor base
- Pacific preference over Caribbean
Beach areas (overview)
Zona Hotelera / north bay — Resort-friendly sand and easy services.
Centro / malecón — Walkable; beach blocks vary.
South shore / Conchas Chinas direction — Often quieter cove energy; transport helps.
For a small surf town day trip, see Sayulita.
Getting there
Fly PVR.
Frequently asked questions
Caribbean or Puerto Vallarta?
Caribbean (Cancún corridor) usually means turquoise shallow water; PV means Pacific bay vibes and a mountain backdrop. Pick by water color preference and flight convenience from your city.
Is Sayulita a suburb of PV?
No—it is a separate Riviera Nayarit town, commonly reached by road from the PV area.