From its humble beginnings as a silver mining village to its burst into Hollywood fame, Puerto Vallarta has grown into a city of luxurious resorts, fine restaurants, and sprawling shopping malls. Visitors flock to this charming village for a taste of its gorgeous sunsets, sparkling waters, sandy beaches, and sunny weather.

Colonial architecture dots the landscape offering a sampling of what the town looked like before its transformation into sophisticated resort life. Today, the landscape also includes a variety of European style hotels, small villas, and luxury condos available for vacationers.

Denim dress

Water aficionados will love Puerto Vallarta and its myriad of opportunities to play in the water under the warm gaze of a bright sun. Surfing, sport fishing, and swimming are only some of the highlights of this gorgeous city. Whale watching and dolphin sighting provide a taste of native sea life while jungle tours provide a visit to the native wildlife found on the land.

Authentic Mexican cuisine featuring quesadillas, tacos, and more add to the experience of this gorgeous resort town. Fine dining can be had in a number of restaurants, cafes, palapas, and castles. In fact, Puerto Vallarta is known as the culinary capital of Mexico. Every November, fine dining connoisseurs descend upon the city to attend the annual Gourmet Dining Festival.

Pencil dress

The world famous Bay of Banderas, a horseshoe-shaped bay partially protected by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, is home to forty miles of scenic coastline and pristine beaches, elegant resorts, luxury hotels, and more than a thousand restaurants. The South Side of the Bay of Banderas features a newer section of hotels and resorts known as the “Romantic Zone,” a veritable hot spot for honeymooners.

Leopard print dress

The Marina Puerto Vallarta offers the European style hotels along with an 18-hole championship golf course, Mexico’s largest marina, luxury yachts, and sailing vessels. This modernized area is only about twenty years old and offers smooth roadways, an oceanfront boardwalk, sailing charters, fishing charters, and more.