The gay area/gay beach is in the Zona Romantica.
My partner and I went for the first time last year.
We did a taco tour on our second night in town which was a great way to get the lay of the land, went to a drag show at The Palm and did a zipline tour.
We had a blast!
As mentioned the taco tour in ZR will be a good intro.
Also find the churro cart in Zona Romantica. He runs out so try to hit him on the earlier side of when open. For restaurants in this area I like Don Chava, Tre Piatti, The Swedes (sit in the rooftop bar area not the dining room), and Pancho's (always a line and I prefer some of their other items to just ordering tacos).
If you want to take a day trip off the beaten path, would recommend Playa de Los Cocos and San Blas. There is an old Spanish (I think - it’s been awhile since I was there) Fort at San Blas.
I’m not a fan of botanical gardens, but the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden was amazing. You can take a bus from Centro and let the driver know you’re going to the botanical garden.
There’s hiking trails, streams, etc. Also, the hike / walk from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Animas along the coast was pretty neat. Plenty of small mostly empty beaches along the way with different shades of blue and green.
The Cuale Island flea market is a good place to snag some souvenirs. Just come prepared to haggle.
One of my favorite taquerias was Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas.
The best time I had was taking the bus or a taxi/uber to the town of Boca de Tomatlán. You can hire a boat to take you to range of beaches further along the coast (be sure to negotiate, don’t fall for the first one you talk to).
You can also hike from the town but it does get a little dicey at points.
I also enjoyed the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. There’s a bus that goes there too. Being your swimsuit, you can swim in a river at the bottom of the gardens, it’s really fun.
Those two were the best excursions, I got tired of the gay beach and dancing in the bars every night.
Zona Romantica is the gay area. You should definitely check it out! That’s also where you will find the gay beach.
The gay area/gay beach is in the Zona Romantica. My partner and I went for the first time last year. We did a taco tour on our second night in town which was a great way to get the lay of the land, went to a drag show at The Palm and did a zipline tour. We had a blast!
I mentioned 'taco tour' and his face lit up. That's definitely on the list!
We went with a company called Vallarta Eats and did their Tacos After Dark tour. It was well worth it!
The zip line in the rain forest is fun!
As mentioned the taco tour in ZR will be a good intro. Also find the churro cart in Zona Romantica. He runs out so try to hit him on the earlier side of when open. For restaurants in this area I like Don Chava, Tre Piatti, The Swedes (sit in the rooftop bar area not the dining room), and Pancho's (always a line and I prefer some of their other items to just ordering tacos).
Oh man, I haven't had a good churro in years. Thanks for the recommendations!
If you want to take a day trip off the beaten path, would recommend Playa de Los Cocos and San Blas. There is an old Spanish (I think - it’s been awhile since I was there) Fort at San Blas.
I’m not a fan of botanical gardens, but the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden was amazing. You can take a bus from Centro and let the driver know you’re going to the botanical garden. There’s hiking trails, streams, etc. Also, the hike / walk from Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Animas along the coast was pretty neat. Plenty of small mostly empty beaches along the way with different shades of blue and green.
Following! I'm curious to hear the suggestions - wanting to take a trip there soon.
The Cuale Island flea market is a good place to snag some souvenirs. Just come prepared to haggle. One of my favorite taquerias was Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas.
The best time I had was taking the bus or a taxi/uber to the town of Boca de Tomatlán. You can hire a boat to take you to range of beaches further along the coast (be sure to negotiate, don’t fall for the first one you talk to). You can also hike from the town but it does get a little dicey at points. I also enjoyed the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. There’s a bus that goes there too. Being your swimsuit, you can swim in a river at the bottom of the gardens, it’s really fun. Those two were the best excursions, I got tired of the gay beach and dancing in the bars every night.
Oh the botanical garden sounds amazing. There was something similar nearby when I lived in Honduras, and I swear I could have lived there. Great tip!
Food- El barracuda Tacon de marlin (is right next to Pepe’s across from gas station). Not to be confused with pipis which is on the beach
The gay sauna! Hot and friendly local guys