Puerto vallarta and nuevo vallarta, 8 must-see stops on your road trip
Along Banderas Bay on Mexico's west coast are two of the country's most popular beach destinations: Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, also known as Nuevo Nayarit. Both boast incredible beaches, exciting jungle tours and warm Mexican hospitality. Do you want to know the must-see places in both destinations? In this article we tell you the must-see stops from one point to the other, so you can have the best road trip possible with a rental car from Hertz Mexico.
From Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Vallarta by car
As we were saying, both destinations are located in the Bay of Banderas, minutes away from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Although they are separated by less than 20 km, they are located in different states: Nuevo Vallarta to the north in the state of Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta to the south, in the state of Jalisco. To start your road trip we recommend car rental with Hertz Mexico that you can pick up directly at their airport offices. Then, head south to start your Puerto Vallarta road trip that will end in the wonderful destination of Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Nayarit).
First stop: Puerto Vallarta's Malecon (boardwalk)
The Malecon of Puerto Vallarta is an iconic boardwalk that borders the Bay of Banderas, offering an experience full of art, culture and entertainment. With its monumental sculptures, colorful murals and panoramic ocean views, it is the vibrant heart of the city. There you can enjoy a relaxing stroll while watching the hustle and bustle of coastal life, explore craft stores and art galleries, and sample delicious local cuisine.
Second stop: Muelle y Playa de los Muertos (Pier and Beach of the Dead)
The Muelle and Playa de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta are two emblematic places in the city. On the one hand, the beach is known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere and for being a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. With its soft sand and turquoise waters, it invites you to relax, swim and enjoy the sun. The spiral-shaped pier juts out approximately 100 meters into the sea and offers breathtaking views of the bay. This is an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Third stop: The Romantic Zone
The Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta is a charming neighborhood that captivates with its bohemian and vibrant atmosphere. Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses and rich gastronomic offerings, it is an unmissable place to explore the local culture. Art galleries, boutique stores and charming cafes abound in this quaint corner of the city. At night, the Romantic Zone comes alive with a lively nightlife scene, where bars, nightclubs and restaurants offer live music and a fun atmosphere. It is a perfect place to get lost and enjoy the authentic spirit of Puerto Vallarta.
Fourth Stop: Mismaloya
Mismaloya is a charming beach located on the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta, approximately 45 minutes away by car. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and rugged mountains, it offers an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is popular with nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, with excellent opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. In addition, Mismaloya is famous for its role in the filming of the movie "Night of the Iguana", which adds a touch of history and charm to this coastal destination.
Fifth Stop: Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are a protected natural paradise located off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Known for their incomparable beauty and marine biodiversity, these islands offer a unique experience for nature lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts. To get there, you can take an exciting boat tour from the Puerto Vallarta marina. During the trip, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and, once in the Marietas Islands, explore its white sand beaches, hidden caves and the famous hidden beach.
Sixth stop: Nuevo Vallarta Marina Promenade
The Nuevo Vallarta Marina Promenade offers a mix of luxury, entertainment and spectacular views. Surrounded by luxurious yachts and sailboats, this promenade is an ideal place to stroll and enjoy the views of the marina. It also has a wide variety of stores, boutiques, restaurants and bars offering everything from gourmet food to traditional Mexican dishes. It is the perfect place to enjoy a waterfront meal, do some exclusive shopping or just relax and watch the activity of the marina.
Seventh Stop: Nuevo Vallarta Beach
Nuevo Vallarta (Nuevo Nayarit) is a rather exclusive destination with an upscale hotel zone and a very extensive beach. This makes the beach services very upscale. Located in the spectacular Banderas Bay, this beach offers an idyllic setting to relax and enjoy the sun with its soft golden sand and calm waters. Its wide and calm shores are perfect for swimming, water sports and strolling along the seashore. In addition, this area and its surroundings stand out for their vegetation and beautiful landscapes. Another very important fact is that there are paid parking lots at the entrance to the beach, but a few meters away there are also places to park your car for free.
Eighth Stop: Paseo de los Cocoteros, Pirámide and hotel zone
The Paseo de los Cocoteros in Nuevo Vallarta is an oceanfront boulevard lined with palm trees and beautiful coastal scenery. It is perfect for biking or walking while enjoying the ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. In addition, the area is home to the Nuevo Vallarta Pyramid, an architectural attraction that offers nightly shows and cultural activities. The Nuevo Vallarta hotel zone completes the experience, offering a wide range of luxurious resorts, world-class spas and world-class golf courses. It's a tour you can take with your rental car to tour this luxurious destination. With these 8 stops, you will have a complete experience exploring the best of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Enjoy your trip with a rental car from Hertz Mexico!