Marina Vallarta: Charm and Lifestyle

Marina Vallarta is a micro-destination built around two anchor points: a large 450-slip marina and an 18-hole

golf course, offering a half-mile-long beach and well-known hotel chains, as well as luxury condominiums, boutiques and much more. A not-to-be-missed photo op is the monumental sculpture La Ballena y su Cría (The Whale and Her Child), an icon of Puerto Vallarta that welcomes you to this uniquely charming area.

To Start

A short morning walk along the marina’s malecón is an excellent way to begin. While strolling and enjoying the view, you will likely see both residents and visitors getting their exercise. And when you get an appetite, your options include having breakfast at one of the various restaurants you’ll find along the way or inside one of the hotels, which are open to the public, for the most part. When finished, you can opt for a round of golf on the course across the street or taking a private yacht ride to some of the destination’s most enchanting beaches. If you’re looking for something more thrilling, a specialized boat will be happy to take you sport fishing on the high seas.

Beaches

You can get to the Marina Vallarta beach via a public access on Albatros Street, but the parking area is small. Although most of the accesses are limited, through hotels and condominiums, resorts in this area offer day passes, ideal for enjoying all their amenities.

Dining

Marina Vallarta’s culinary offering is as diverse as it is exquisite. Most of the restaurants to consider are found on Popa Street, as well as on the malecón and inside the hotels. The specialties range from reinterpretations of the bay’s typical recipes to Mediterranean, Asian, Italian, Brazilian and Venezuelan cuisines, among others. You can also find some more traditional establishments that offer fish and seafood dishes.

Shopping

The vast majority of boutiques, as well as galleries with different types of art, spas and shops with prestigious brands are located on the Marina Vallarta malecón, and a visit to this area should undoubtedly be included in your itinerary.

Nightlife

El Faro (The Lighthouse) is another emblem of Marina Vallarta, this lofty restaurant providing stunning views of the yachts and their surroundings. Consider visiting it a little before sunset to enjoy the amazing colors that appear in the sky as the sun goes down.

A romantic dinner can be had at one of the many restaurants in the area, and if your plan is more family-oriented, there are options for all tastes. On the other hand, if you want to party, you can spend an entertaining evening at any of the area’s bars and clubs.

Marina Vallarta is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most exclusive micro-destinations and one of the best places to stay. Your vacation can’t be complete without a visit to this charming area that is ready to welcome you with open arms.