What are the must-see / do attractions and experiences in Puerto Vallarta for a week?

I'm a travel writer who will be visiting Puerto Vallarta next week with a multi-generational family.

What are the absolute must-do activities and places to see?
Which tours/places are worth avoiding?

Give me your recs please!

• Places in the town to check out
• Eco-tours
• Foodie experiences (including nice restaurants)
• Nightlife
• Unique local experiences

Happy to chat with tour operators too — I can interview them for my articles or even book them for family tours.

Hi Amritha,

Hope you and the family have a blast in Vallarta! I spend a lot of time further up the coast in San Pancho and Lo De Marcos, and admittedly not much time in Vallarta. But from the time I have spent there, here are some standouts:

Place to check out:
- Tierra Huichol on the malecón to view some of the local huichol bead art (believe they have some of the string art in there too, which I also adore). Then to Galeria Colectika which has in the past showcased really beautiful high end versions.
- Mercado Emiliano Zapata is small, but still a nice example of a local Mexican markets. Get some produce, fresh tortillas, etc.

Foodie:
- Find a birria taco stand in the morning to enjoy a savoury breakfast, and be sure to get the cocome.
- Assuming you're flying in, Tacón de Marlin across from the airport does pescado al pastor that is so, so good. (Also other seafood burritos, but the al pastor is the star.)
- If you have a car, Restaurant Don Fernando in San Vicente has excellent pescado zarandeado, a Nayarit-style grilled fish (Nayarit being the state just on the other side of the airport)
- Should still be mago season in the area, so eat your weight's worth

Nightlife:
- Look up the week's drag shows and have a blast.

Unique local experience:
- If you can get out to Boca de Tomatlan, there's a hike from there to Playa Las Animas where you'll find a load of beach restaurants. You can then hike back or take a boat (cost sometimes covered if you've eaten at a restaurant).
- There are various boat trips, depending on time of year and what you want to do. Look into them based on your interests, budget, family needs, etc.