12 Romantic Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Obviously, just going to Puerto Vallarta with your significant other is pretty darn romantic. But how do you make sure your dream trip is filled with the romantic moments you hope for?

Start with the right place to stay, add some daytime fun, great food, then mix with some of the best tropical sunsets on the planet and you've got the recipe for romance.

Here's a list to help with the planning.

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Stay in a Romantic Hotel

When the words "romantic getaway" are part of a hotel's actual name, you know that you and your partner are in for a treat. Villa Premier Boutique Hotel and Romantic Getaway is the perfect spot to base your romantic stay in Puerto Vallarta.

With two pools, suites with outdoor hot tubs overlooking the Pacific, plus a spa that caters to couples, the adults-only hotel is in the heart of the city, just steps from the famed Malecon beach walk.

Swim and Snorkel at Los Arcos

Kiss your sweetie beneath the vine-covered rock arches as you search the clear water for tropical fish. Puerto Vallarta Tours can get you there; the romance is up to you.

Charter a Private Yacht

Imagine cruising the bay with your partner, seeing the sights of Puerto Vallarta from a whole new perspective. Mike's Charters offers private bay tours that will take you to secluded beaches, wildlife watching or just sightseeing.

Wander Through Lush Tropical Gardens

Meander together along the trails and through the buildings of Vallarta Botanical Gardens. They are filled with native flowers and succulents that attract brilliant butterflies and an array of birds. You can enjoy Mexican cuisine and fresh-fruit margaritas of all varieties in the open-air restaurant at the top of the garden.

Taste Some Tequila

Drinking good Mexican tequila is not about tossing back shots at the corner bar-- it's about savoring the flavors. Vallarta Tequila Tastings has options for both the novice tequila drinker and the true connoisseur.

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Stroll the Malecon

You haven't fully experienced Puerto Vallarta until you explore the beach walk, enjoying the vendors, the art and the blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Eat Fresh Oysters

An afternoon spent on the Malecon requires refreshments. La Cerveceria Union Oyster Bar and Grill serves up fresh oysters (and other seafood as well) plus ice-cold beer to wash it down with.

Have a Massage

We did mention the spa at Villa Premier, right? A relaxing couple's massage after a long day of sightseeing and water fun is romance in Puerto Vallarta at its finest.

Take in the Sunset

Wherever you find yourself in town when the sun sets across the Pacific, take time to enjoy the colorful show in the sky. Puerto Vallarta is known for its amazing sunsets and you don’t want to miss the romance of that. 

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Enjoy Fine Dining

The dining scene in Puerto Vallarta may surprise you. The Festival Gourmet International is held there every year in November, featuring world-renowned chefs (including locals) serving every imaginable cuisine year-round.

New on the scene is Tintoque at the marina, where local dishes are reinvented by Chef Joel Ornelas. Or check Vista Grill, serving seafood and modern Mexican food at their temporary (and quite romantic) home at the beach.

Take in Dinner and a Show

Dinner and entertainment by torchlight in a secluded cove? That's romantic.

Rhythms of the Night is the most popular evening theater program in Puerto Vallarta. It involves a boat ride, dinner on the beach and a cultural theatrical show you won’t soon forget.

Eat Street Tacos After Midnight

The juices of the spit-grilled pork tacos al pastor don’t even get flowing until close to midnight. Similar to Lebanese shawarma—where bits of meat are carved from the spit as it grills—these tacos are best enjoyed after an evening of fun in the city.

Fall Asleep to the Sounds of the Ocean

Most resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta are near the Pacific and feature plenty of ocean-view rooms. Villa Premier is no exception: Rooms and suites have sliding glass doors with screens that allow you to enjoy the fragrance and sounds of the sea.