Located on beautiful Banderas Bay, Nuevo Vallarta is an excellent option for travelers in search of a soothing tropical escape. Puerto Vallarta, its nearby neighbor, offers a lively downtown, while Nuevo Vallarta delivers a more relaxed ambiance with easy access to postcard-perfect beaches or lush rainforests. If you’re looking to unwind and unplug in a spectacular setting, this destination is for you. Check out RedWeek’s tips for what to do in Nuevo Vallarta below, along with the best Nuevo Vallarta vacation rentals.
What To Do in Nuevo Vallarta
- Nuevo Vallarta Beach: Spanning the length of Nuevo Vallarta’s coastline, Nuevo Vallarta Beach offers 3.5 miles of golden sands and turquoise waters. It’s a very family friendly spot, with shallow waters and gentle waves, making it ideal for young swimmers.
- El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary: Located in the Riviera Nayarit’s mangrove forests, this eco-attraction gets you up-close (but not too close!) with incredible crocodiles. The sanctuary is dedicated to protecting these reptiles and educating the public about them via fascinating tours.
- El Tigre Golf Club: A world-class golfing experience is available at this 18-hole course in Puerto Vallarta. Designed by the renowned architect Robert Von Hagge, El Tigre is scenic and challenging in equal measure, giving even the most dedicated golfers the challenge of a lifetime.
- Aquaventuras Water Park: If you and your family are in the mood to make a splash, Aquaventuras won’t disappoint. This sprawling water park features a 500-foot lazy river, waterslides that range from mellow to thrilling, and a Dolphin Discovery experience that showcases these marine mammals in a respectful fashion.
- Marieta Islands National Park: Located just off the coast of Nuevo Vallarta, the Marieta Islands are a pristine natural landscape, with gorgeous beaches, secluded coves and sparkling waters. The Hidden Beach here is one of the most photographed locations in the area — and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why.
Where To Eat In Nuevo Vallarta
- Eddie’s Place Nopal Beach: Eddie’s is Nuevo Vallarta’s most popular restaurant — but don’t let the crowds scare you off. This beachside spot is worth the wait for fresh-caught seafood, generous cocktails and nightly live music.
- Fajitas Republic: For classic Mexican food in Nuevo Vallarta, you can’t beat Fajitas Republic. Here, you’ll enjoy an expansive menu (specializing in sizzling fajitas, of course), attention-to-detail service and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Mediterraneo: When you’re in the mood for perfectly prepared Italian cuisine, make reservations at Mediterraneo. But it’s not all pasta here — the Lebanese dishes are just as good, including lamb skewers, hummus and more.
- The Blue Shrimp: Seafood aficionados will fall in love with The Blue Shrimp, thanks to its Mexican-inspired spins on classic dishes. Order the restaurant’s lobster chile relleno or jumbo garlic shrimp and you’ll be a fan for life.
Where To Shop In Nuevo Vallarta
- Paradise Plaza Shopping Center: Boasting more than 100 shops and restaurants, this Nuevo Vallarta spot is truly retail paradise. Browse handcrafted jewelry, stylish swimwear and Mexican art in a comfortable and elegant setting.
- Art & Market Marina Vallarta: Every Thursday evening October through May, the streets of Puerto Vallarta transform into an open-air art market, with a vast array of vendors selling traditional goods and freshly made masterpieces.
- Plaza Caracol: Go on a shopping spree at this Puerto Vallarta destination, which is home to dozens of shops specializing in apparel, cosmetics, electronics and more.
Where To Stay In Nuevo Vallarta
- Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta: Luxury is the name of the game here, with sumptuous suites, private pools, rooftop bars with panoramic views, indulgent spa treatments and much more.
- The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta: Located on the northern edge of the Vidanta estate, the Grand Mayan’s spacious suites offer either mountain or ocean views — both options are spectacular. Guests will also love the Aqua Park, home to the famed Mayan Pyramid water slide.
- Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa: With a prime beachfront location, Paradise Village make it easy to relax in the sun and sand. But if that’s not quite enough relaxation, the full-service spa will do the trick.
Start planning your Nuevo Vallarta vacation with RedWeek.
