8 Best Sights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Bucerías Beach

Riviera Nayarit

The stretch of sand right in front of downtown Bucerías is not as appealing as what you'll find if you just walk about 200 meters south. The shore break can get a bit sketchy when there's a swell, so you might just want to walk toward Nuevo Vallarta before planting your beach umbrella. Amenities: parking (free); food and drink; water sports. Best for: walking; windsurfing; sunset. 

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Marina

This modern marina may surprise visitors who arrive by land, as its modern design and large scale seems out of place. Boaters call it home for several months every winter, and it has a couple of very good restaurants.

Mercado del Mar

Dozens of fishing boats arrive here every morning to sell their catch of the day. It's a great place to stock up on some fresh seafood.

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Parish of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

This parish was recently upgraded and now has a/c and painted walls. It's not particularly beautiful, but still worth a visit.
Church
Calle Marlin 38, Mexico
329-295--5622

Parish of our Lady of Peace

It may not be as magnificent as other parishes, but it is probably the only architectural structure worth visiting in Bucerías. Mass is held here several times a day all year long, but it does get very hot in the summer months.
Church
Av. Héroes de Nacozari s/n, Mexico
329-298--0408

Playa La Manzanilla

Riviera Nayarit

This local beach is wide, busy, entertaining, and worth visiting if you’re here for a while. It's particularly crowded on Sundays as locals flock here to enjoy the ocean and the snacks at various food stalls. There's a big parking lot right in front, and if you want a somewhat quieter place to relax, just walk south for a few dozen meters. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Playa Tizate

Riviera Nayarit

The surf here is inconsistent, but when it happens it is superb. The beach is adjacent to the fishing port of La Cruz, along the south side, and the area closest to the port is great for swimming even when the surf is big. Farther south it becomes nicer, but swimming gets trickier because of the rocks at the edge of the water. Amenities: water sports. Best for: solitude; surfing; swimming; walking.

Plaza Central de Bucerías

This small plaza right in front of the Parish of our Lady of Peace is where local families come to hang out and spend time outdoors. Dozens of family-run taco stands are to be found, as well as a some basic restaurants and fresh juice shops.