Zona Romantica or Old Town – Bustling cobblestone streets, art galleries, excellent dining options, quaint shops, good bars and cafes, LGBTQ friendly and fun! This is the centre of "Gay Vallarta". The Pier and Los Muertos beach are here. Most of the hotels are smaller boutique type hotels. Walking distance to most attractions and public transportation.

Amapas/Conchas Chinas – Just south of Zona Romantica, very close but a bit removed up in the hills. Very lush and can be expensive. Conchas Chinas is considered the “Beverly Hills” of PV. Walking distance or a short taxi ride to the center of PV. We will be staying in a private villa in this area.

South Zone – along the main highway where the ocean meets the Sierra Madre foothills. Excellent beaches with more privacy and fewer vendors. There is a public bus to take you into town or you can take a taxi. Some resorts are more modern and can be expensive.

Centro/ Downtown – this is where you’ll find the famous Malecon, a seaside boardwalk with public art. The Malecon is not to be missed! During the day it is a peaceful walkway with beautiful public art, at night it comes alive with excellent street food, live music and people of all ages. This area has a lot of art galleries, good restaurants and boutique hotels. “Gringo Gulch” and the lookout can also be found in this area. It is across a small river from Zona Romantica. This is an old part of the city so expect lots of cobblestone streets and hills/stairs.

Marina Vallarta – upscale, modern planned community very close to the airport. This area is quiet and has excellent shopping and dining options but it requires a 15-20 minute taxi ride into the center of PV. Most of the hotels here are all-inclusive resorts but there are some smaller hotels and condos available.

North Zone – Hotel area very close to Puerto Magico where the boat for the wedding will depart. These large hotels were mostly built in the 1970s and some rooms can be musty. Hotels here are more likely to have modern resort amenities.

Nuevo Vallarta* – Modern, mega all-inclusive resorts and large sandy beaches in the neighboring state of Nayarit, across the river from Jalisco and the rest of PV. Requires a long taxi ride (an hour) to reach the main areas of PV. Staying here will feel like a beach resort anywhere.

Bucerias* - charming coastal small town, popular with Canadian expats in the neighboring state of Nayarit, across the river from Jalisco. Very long taxi ride to the center of PV (depending on time of day can be 2 hours).

Photos