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Puerto Vallarta on a Budget: 5 Things to Do for Free
When superstars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought a spotlight to town while filming The Night of the Iguana, Puerto Vallarta transformed from a seaside fishing village into a world-class travel destination. Vacation travel is supposed to be fun and help relieve stress. Take some of the stress off of your wallet with these free things to do while you’re exploring Puerto Vallarta - Opens a dialog .
Triton and Nereid greet visitors at Malecón.
Malecón Boardwalk
Art, culture and entertainment can all be found at Malecón. Considered one of the “first things to do in Puerto Vallarta”, this boardwalk offers stunning views of Banderas Bay, the largest and deepest bay in Mexico. Photo opportunities pop up everywhere, from the beautiful beach to the oceanside sculptures. From November to April, you can take part in the Historic Center Art Walk on Wednesday nights. November to April is also a prime time of the year for whale watching on the beach.
Bring the family along! We recommend Dreams® Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . This All-Inclusive resort is located in the hotel zone and features three pools, a variety of restaurants and bars, a kids' club, a teens' club, and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit.
A sandy beach in Zona Romántica, a nice place for a romantic picnic lunch.
Romantic Zone
Located in southern Puerto Vallarta you’ll find Zona Romántica. This unique area maintains an identity all its own, and welcomes all visitors. Here you can enjoy art installations such as the colorful Mozayko Mural on Pino Suarez street, which offers a fabulous backdrop for Instagram photos. On Saturdays take a stroll through the Olas Altas Farmers Market. Day or night you’ll find something interesting in Zona Romántica.
For a truly romantic experience we recommend Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway - Opens a dialog . This boutique, adults-only hotel enjoys an ideal setting near downtown Puerto Vallarta, and features personalized service, a tranquil ambiance, an oceanfront pool, three restaurants and a relaxing spa.
Romantic Zone
Located in southern Puerto Vallarta you’ll find Zona Romántica. This unique area maintains an identity all its own, and welcomes all visitors. Here you can enjoy art installations such as the colorful Mozayko Mural on Pino Suarez street, which offers a fabulous backdrop for Instagram photos. On Saturdays take a stroll through the Olas Altas Farmers Market. Day or night you’ll find something interesting in Zona Romántica.
For a truly romantic experience we recommend Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway - Opens a dialog . This boutique, adults-only hotel enjoys an ideal setting near downtown Puerto Vallarta, and features personalized service, a tranquil ambiance, an oceanfront pool, three restaurants and a relaxing spa.
A sandy beach in Zona Romántica, a nice place for a romantic picnic lunch.
Enjoy panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta at El Faro Lighthouse.
Marina Vallarta
Looking for elegant resorts, sandy beaches and a marina filled with luxury yachts? Look no further than Marina Vallarta. Stroll along the pedestrian boardwalk and visit El Salado Beach. The striking El Faro Lighthouse provides panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. On Thursday nights between November and April you can enjoy Art at Market Marina Vallarta.
This high-end destination is a little tough to get into, so if you are looking to stay in the heart of Marina Vallarta, we recommend Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens in Marina Vallarta, this beachfront resort features a large free-form pool and a lavish spa offering an expansive menu of indulgent treatments as well as a spacious wellness area.
Local wildlife such as colorful macaws can be found on Cuale River Island.
Cuale River Island
City parks are an important feature for any large city, examples are in Central Park in New York City, and for Vancouver B.C., it’s Stanley Park. An oasis in the city can also be found in Puerto Vallarta on Cuale River Island. As advertised, this island can be found surrounded by the Cuale River, and is home to hiking trails where you might see local wildlife such as iguanas and colorful macaws.
For an all-inclusive value an easy 30-minute drive from Cuale River Island, we recommend Hilton Vallarta Riviera - All-Inclusive - Opens a dialog . Located a scenic stretch of coastline, this resort provides a destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Puerto Vallarta.
Cuale River Island
City parks are an important feature for any large city, examples are in Central Park in New York City, and for Vancouver B.C., it’s Stanley Park. An oasis in the city can also be found in Puerto Vallarta on Cuale River Island. As advertised, this island can be found surrounded by the Cuale River, and is home to hiking trails where you might see local wildlife such as iguanas and colorful macaws.
For an all-inclusive value an easy 30-minute drive from Cuale River Island, we recommend Hilton Vallarta Riviera - All-Inclusive - Opens a dialog . Located a scenic stretch of coastline, this resort provides a destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Puerto Vallarta.
Local wildlife such as colorful macaws can be found on Cuale River Island.
Los Muertos Pier is a work of art, and is spectacular both day and night.
Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach is a favorite beach amongst locals. Located in Zona Romántica, this long beach features sand and clear water, a great place to walk in the surf with your loved ones. Close by is the Los Muertos Pier, a work of art in modern engineering. The Boy on the Seahorse sculpture is right on the beach for onlookers to enjoy.
Here we recommend Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . Located south of Los Muertos Beach, this resort enjoys a tranquil and relaxing setting, spacious rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, two pools and a spa. An excellent location for your Puerto Vallarta adventure!
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
When superstars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought a spotlight to town while filming The Night of the Iguana, Puerto Vallarta transformed from a seaside fishing village into a world-class travel destination. Vacation travel is supposed to be fun and help relieve stress. Take some of the stress off of your wallet with these free things to do while you’re exploring Puerto Vallarta - Opens a dialog .
Triton and Nereid greet visitors at Malecón.
Malecón Boardwalk
Art, culture and entertainment can all be found at Malecón. Considered one of the “first things to do in Puerto Vallarta”, this boardwalk offers stunning views of Banderas Bay, the largest and deepest bay in Mexico. Photo opportunities pop up everywhere, from the beautiful beach to the oceanside sculptures. From November to April, you can take part in the Historic Center Art Walk on Wednesday nights. November to April is also a prime time of the year for whale watching on the beach.
Bring the family along! We recommend Dreams® Vallarta Bay Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . This All-Inclusive resort is located in the hotel zone and features three pools, a variety of restaurants and bars, a kids' club, a teens' club, and a spa with a hydrotherapy circuit.
A sandy beach in Zona Romántica, a nice place for a romantic picnic lunch.
Romantic Zone
Located in southern Puerto Vallarta you’ll find Zona Romántica. This unique area maintains an identity all its own, and welcomes all visitors. Here you can enjoy art installations such as the colorful Mozayko Mural on Pino Suarez street, which offers a fabulous backdrop for Instagram photos. On Saturdays take a stroll through the Olas Altas Farmers Market. Day or night you’ll find something interesting in Zona Romántica.
For a truly romantic experience we recommend Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway - Opens a dialog . This boutique, adults-only hotel enjoys an ideal setting near downtown Puerto Vallarta, and features personalized service, a tranquil ambiance, an oceanfront pool, three restaurants and a relaxing spa.
Romantic Zone
Located in southern Puerto Vallarta you’ll find Zona Romántica. This unique area maintains an identity all its own, and welcomes all visitors. Here you can enjoy art installations such as the colorful Mozayko Mural on Pino Suarez street, which offers a fabulous backdrop for Instagram photos. On Saturdays take a stroll through the Olas Altas Farmers Market. Day or night you’ll find something interesting in Zona Romántica.
For a truly romantic experience we recommend Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway - Opens a dialog . This boutique, adults-only hotel enjoys an ideal setting near downtown Puerto Vallarta, and features personalized service, a tranquil ambiance, an oceanfront pool, three restaurants and a relaxing spa.
A sandy beach in Zona Romántica, a nice place for a romantic picnic lunch.
Enjoy panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta at El Faro Lighthouse.
Marina Vallarta
Looking for elegant resorts, sandy beaches and a marina filled with luxury yachts? Look no further than Marina Vallarta. Stroll along the pedestrian boardwalk and visit El Salado Beach. The striking El Faro Lighthouse provides panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. On Thursday nights between November and April you can enjoy Art at Market Marina Vallarta.
This high-end destination is a little tough to get into, so if you are looking to stay in the heart of Marina Vallarta, we recommend Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . Set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens in Marina Vallarta, this beachfront resort features a large free-form pool and a lavish spa offering an expansive menu of indulgent treatments as well as a spacious wellness area.
Local wildlife such as colorful macaws can be found on Cuale River Island.
Cuale River Island
City parks are an important feature for any large city, examples are in Central Park in New York City, and for Vancouver B.C., it’s Stanley Park. An oasis in the city can also be found in Puerto Vallarta on Cuale River Island. As advertised, this island can be found surrounded by the Cuale River, and is home to hiking trails where you might see local wildlife such as iguanas and colorful macaws.
For an all-inclusive value an easy 30-minute drive from Cuale River Island, we recommend Hilton Vallarta Riviera - All-Inclusive - Opens a dialog . Located a scenic stretch of coastline, this resort provides a destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Puerto Vallarta.
Cuale River Island
City parks are an important feature for any large city, examples are in Central Park in New York City, and for Vancouver B.C., it’s Stanley Park. An oasis in the city can also be found in Puerto Vallarta on Cuale River Island. As advertised, this island can be found surrounded by the Cuale River, and is home to hiking trails where you might see local wildlife such as iguanas and colorful macaws.
For an all-inclusive value an easy 30-minute drive from Cuale River Island, we recommend Hilton Vallarta Riviera - All-Inclusive - Opens a dialog . Located a scenic stretch of coastline, this resort provides a destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Puerto Vallarta.
Local wildlife such as colorful macaws can be found on Cuale River Island.
Los Muertos Pier is a work of art, and is spectacular both day and night.
Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach is a favorite beach amongst locals. Located in Zona Romántica, this long beach features sand and clear water, a great place to walk in the surf with your loved ones. Close by is the Los Muertos Pier, a work of art in modern engineering. The Boy on the Seahorse sculpture is right on the beach for onlookers to enjoy.
Here we recommend Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog . Located south of Los Muertos Beach, this resort enjoys a tranquil and relaxing setting, spacious rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, two pools and a spa. An excellent location for your Puerto Vallarta adventure!
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was compiled by Penny Anderson, mother of two young athletes, and Merchandising/Ecommerce Manager at Costco Travel. Penny has been a Costco employee for 27 years.
