Puerto Vallarta's Malecón: What to do on your first visit
Destinations 04/11/2025
If you're thinking of Puerto Vallarta's Malecón as just a beachfront promenade, you couldn't be more wrong. The Malecón is the heart of the city, where culture, gastronomy, art, and history merge. Whether day or night, its atmosphere captivates everyone.
It's a boardwalk stretching over a kilometer along the coast of Banderas Bay. Along its promenade, you'll find iconic structures, art galleries, bars, and restaurants that make it a vibrant space. Plus, the sunset views are one of those things you'll never forget.
The Malecón connects with the famous Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), also known as the most traditional part of the city. This neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, retains an authentic essence that blends perfectly with its bohemian atmosphere. Here you can feel the history of a Puerto Vallarta that has captivated artists, travelers, and filmmakers for decades.
Every corner of the Malecón has something special, but there are places that stand out for their history, art, or landscapes.
One of the most famous stops is La Rotonda del Mar, a group of sculptures by Alejandro Colunga. Its surrealist figures are striking and create a unique picture of the sea.
Nearby is the famous Casa Kimberly, the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Today, it has been converted into a boutique hotel that preserves the memory of this romance, which is part of the history of Puerto Vallarta in the 1960s.
Between downtown and the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, Cuale Island is a haven of tranquility surrounded by the river of the same name. Here you will find a unique contrast between culture and nature, as you walk along its paths and find art galleries and local craft markets.
Another of its great attractions is its gastronomy, making its restaurants a must-see if you're on the Puerto Vallarta Malecón. There's a wide variety of options, from fresh seafood prepared in the traditional way to gourmet dishes, all with ocean views. So, if you want to enjoy the full experience, you can't leave without savoring ceviche, seafood tacos, or even a good coffee at sunset.
Very close to the Malecón, separated by the river, lies Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, another of the city's most famous areas. Strolling through here will surprise you with its cobblestone streets and colorful facades. Plus, the ambiance created by the mix of shops and art galleries invites you to stroll leisurely.
It's a vibrant, bohemian, and cosmopolitan area, where every corner has something special to offer. You can have breakfast at a traditional restaurant, browse the craft markets, enjoy a bar with live music, or relax on Playa de los Muertos.
After a day exploring the Malecón or the Romantic Zone, there's nothing like returning to your hotel and feeling like relaxation is part of the trip. At Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta, everything is designed for worry-free enjoyment.
This all-inclusive resort features spacious rooms with ocean views, outdoor pools, and a culinary offering that ranges from local cuisine to international flavors. If you're traveling with your family, you'll also find activities designed for all ages.
What is Puerto Vallarta's Malecón and why should you visit it?
It's a boardwalk stretching over a kilometer along the coast of Banderas Bay. Along its promenade, you'll find iconic structures, art galleries, bars, and restaurants that make it a vibrant space. Plus, the sunset views are one of those things you'll never forget.
History and Charm of Old Vallarta
The Malecón connects with the famous Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), also known as the most traditional part of the city. This neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, retains an authentic essence that blends perfectly with its bohemian atmosphere. Here you can feel the history of a Puerto Vallarta that has captivated artists, travelers, and filmmakers for decades.
Places Not to Be Missed on the Malecón
Every corner of the Malecón has something special, but there are places that stand out for their history, art, or landscapes.
La Rotonda del Mar and its sculptures
One of the most famous stops is La Rotonda del Mar, a group of sculptures by Alejandro Colunga. Its surrealist figures are striking and create a unique picture of the sea.
Casa Kimberly: The Story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Nearby is the famous Casa Kimberly, the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Today, it has been converted into a boutique hotel that preserves the memory of this romance, which is part of the history of Puerto Vallarta in the 1960s.
Cuale Island: Nature in the Middle of the City
Between downtown and the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, Cuale Island is a haven of tranquility surrounded by the river of the same name. Here you will find a unique contrast between culture and nature, as you walk along its paths and find art galleries and local craft markets.
Restaurants on the Puerto Vallarta Malecón
Another of its great attractions is its gastronomy, making its restaurants a must-see if you're on the Puerto Vallarta Malecón. There's a wide variety of options, from fresh seafood prepared in the traditional way to gourmet dishes, all with ocean views. So, if you want to enjoy the full experience, you can't leave without savoring ceviche, seafood tacos, or even a good coffee at sunset.
Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone: Tradition and Modernity
Very close to the Malecón, separated by the river, lies Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, another of the city's most famous areas. Strolling through here will surprise you with its cobblestone streets and colorful facades. Plus, the ambiance created by the mix of shops and art galleries invites you to stroll leisurely.
It's a vibrant, bohemian, and cosmopolitan area, where every corner has something special to offer. You can have breakfast at a traditional restaurant, browse the craft markets, enjoy a bar with live music, or relax on Playa de los Muertos.
Enjoy the Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta
After a day exploring the Malecón or the Romantic Zone, there's nothing like returning to your hotel and feeling like relaxation is part of the trip. At Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta, everything is designed for worry-free enjoyment.
This all-inclusive resort features spacious rooms with ocean views, outdoor pools, and a culinary offering that ranges from local cuisine to international flavors. If you're traveling with your family, you'll also find activities designed for all ages.
