Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourist location that is situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in Banderas Bay. The charming beach town has stunning beaches, endless water activities, and an exciting nightlife scene. The cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. While the high season for tourism occurs during the winter months, summer is also an excellent time to vacation in Puerto Vallarta. During the summertime, airfare flights and lodging at local resorts in Puerto Vallarta are more affordable. Likewise, there aren’t as many people visiting at that time, so it can be more enjoyable due to smaller crowds and less traffic. Plus, the ocean currents are more calm and water is clearer during the summer, so it is a great time to go snorkeling and scuba diving, too. Read below about Puerto Vallarta summer vacation ideas that can make your trip to the area even better.

Rhythms of the Night Show

For starters, a top tour in Puerto Vallarta is the Rhythms of the Night Show. This has been a long time favorite of vacationers that want to enjoy world-class entertainment during their vacation to Mexico. During the experience, visitors will need to go on a short boat ride across Banderas Bay to arrive at a private beach. There, they will feast on a delicious dinner while the impressive show performances start. There will be tons of incredible dancing, live music, and more.

Hidden Beach

Next, did you know that there is a hidden beach known as the Playa del Amor (Beach of Love) that is at the Islas Marietas National Park? This unique spot is becoming a popular place to visit if you want to see some of the area’s most stunning natural beauty. To get there, visitors will need to take a boat taxi from Punta Mita beach which is located in Riviera Nayarit about 30 minutes north of PVR airport. The water taxi or tour will take visitors across the Bay to Playa del Amor, and this is where visitors can truly relax. Note that you can only visit this hidden beach during low tide, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly during your Puerto Vallarta vacation.

Food Tours

Food tours are an excellent activity for the whole family to enjoy anytime of year and especially during the summer months in Puerto Vallarta. It is impossible to try all the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta because there are hundreds of them. However, the food tours have done a great job of selecting the best restaurants in one tour so you can really get a good taste of the top local dishes in one outing. On Puerto Vallarta Food tours, their knowledgeable guides will take you around Old Town Vallarta to sample some of the best dishes at some of the best restaurants. The guides will also cover interesting facts about the rich history of Vallarta as well.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Next, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is one of the most stunning places you should visit in Puerto Vallarta. There, you will see native Mexican plants, colorful flowers, and educational exhibits, too. The beautiful grounds are the perfect place to stroll with your loved ones as you admire the impressive flora that reminds you that you are in paradise. If you work up an appetite during your visit, they have an onsite restaurant available called the Hacienda del Ora Restaurant that makes authentic Mexican dishes and has amazing views, too. Want to cool off on a hot summer day? Head down to the freshwater stream where you can take a dip to cool off, too.

Casa Kimberly

Casa Kimberly is a boutique hotel that also has a fine dining restaurant and bar. It’s a great place to go if you want to enjoy a romantic meal with your sweetheart. Famous American actress Elizabeth Taylor and actor Richard Burton used to live in the home many years ago during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Today, the stunning property is an open-air restaurant that provides gourmet dishes and first class service.

Malecon Boardwalk

Simply strolling the iconic Puerto Vallarta Malecon Boardwalk is a must-do activity on your vacation. The Malecon Boardwalk is twelve blocks long and features stunning bronze sculptures, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars along the way. There are also tons of vendors selling handicrafts, food, and drinks, too. Near the main plaza and central church are Los Arcos which is the meeting spot for many cultural events including art expositions and folkloric dance performances, too. You will enjoy some of the delicious aromas, calming sounds, and vibrant colors that make Puerto Vallarta so special on the Malecon.

Mirador de la Cruz

Would you like to be active during your Puerto Vallarta vacation? If so, then make sure you try the Cerro de La Cruz Mirador hike. To begin this urban hike, you need to start at the Malecon Boardwalk near the Mandala nightclub. From there, you head inland and upward and keep walking until you see a set of long white stairs. From there, you will start climbing up, up and up! When you reach the top of the Mirador de la Cruz, you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Puerto Vallarta that you can’t find anywhere else.

If you will be visiting Puerto Vallarta this summer, make sure you bring summer clothes as it gets very hot and humid. There are plenty of activities you and your family can enjoy. Let us know which activity was your favorite one and why. As far as where to stay, a top choice for upscale travelers is Garza Blanca Resorts. Located south of downtown on a private and pristine beach, Garza Blanca is owned and operated by the award winning Tafer Hotels & Resorts. Recently rated among the “Best Mexico Hotels and Best All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts” by U.S. News magazine, Garza Blanca is the perfect place to stay during a Puerto Vallarta vacation. They have spacious accommodations, amazing amenities, and premiere services. Plus, the staff is super courteous and makes sure every visitor feels like a VIP. Contact them today to book your summer vacation to Puerto Vallarta!