One of the most popular activities in Puerto Vallarta is a walk along the city’s famous boardwalk, the Malecón. Packed with shops, restaurants, and works of art, the Malecón offers great entertainment for all ages and budgets. The young and trendy can shop during the day and visit restaurants and clubs at night. Families can enjoy the scenery, meet lots of friendly people and activities, and lounge on any of the many rustic benches on the boardwalk. There is something for everyone on the Malecón, one of the most popular attractions in Puerto Vallarta.

Most visitors start their walk at the north end of the Malecón outside the Hotel Rosita. Here you will find the first sculpture of the exclusive open air museum of Puerto Vallarta. “Los Milenios”, the work of Mathis Lidice, is one of the most popular and photographed works on the boardwalk. Another of the most famous sculptures on the Malecón is the “Rotonda del Mar”, a peculiar construction of chairs by the local artist Alejandro Colunga. Located at the midpoint of the Malecón, this sculpture is surrounded by benches and offers a great place to rest and enjoy the view.

On Tuesday mornings, Gary Thompson, owner of Galleria Pacifico, offers public sculpture tours along the Malecón. Thompson has been involved in the Puerto Vallarta art scene for over 30 years and offers an incredible perspective on both the sculptures and the artists behind them. Starting outside the Hotel Rosita at 9:30 am, tours end at the Thompson Gallery, where visitors are offered refreshments and additional information on the city’s unique works of art. As a bonus, Ramiz Barquet, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most renowned artists, whose sculpture “La Nostalgia” serves as the city’s international symbol, is often on hand to offer interested tourists a first-hand account of the artistic importance of the Malecón.

Recently, the Malecón was further expanded with the construction of a bridge over the Cuale River. In addition to offering a beautiful place to stop and watch the sunset or simply enjoy the water, the bridge connects the boardwalk to one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Playa de Los Muertos. A favorite with local families, Los Muertos is an excellent beach to relax or pack a picnic. If you want to do some beach shopping, the friendly vendors at Los Muertos sell everything from handmade souvenirs to freshly cooked seafood.

Like Los Muertos, there are many vendors offering freshly cooked specialties on the boardwalk. However, you should definitely try the excellent food offered in the Malecón restaurants. Serving everything from adventurous European cuisine to traditional Mexican fare, the Malecón’s restaurants cater to everyone’s tastes. Many restaurants and cafes also offer patio seating on the boardwalk. Tourists and locals alike agree that a patio seat on the boardwalk might be the best way to enjoy a majestic sunset over the Bay of Banderas.

The Malecón also offers many shops. In addition to the souvenir shops, you will see boutiques selling handmade jewelry and leather goods. There are even some upscale stores that offer haute couture clothing, fine jewelry, and truly distinctive souvenirs.

The Malecón is also the best nightlife destination in Puerto Vallarta. From dance clubs open until the early hours to relaxing lounges with live jazz, the Malecón adapts to any mood. It is even possible to take a night cruise in the Bay of Banderas along the Malecón. There are several ships catering to both families and couples, each offering dining and live entertainment. After the sun sets over the bay, you can watch the Malecón light up as fireworks shoot up into the sky.

On Sunday nights, the Malecón transforms into a family festival. While the crowd will be made up of many tourists, local families also come to the Malecón to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and fireworks displays. Los Arcos Amphitheater, the end point of the Malecón, is known for its free concerts and performances on Sunday nights. On the boardwalk, clowns and street performers also provide plenty of free entertainment. Most of the excellent restaurants on the Malecón will be open late and will offer special menus for children. For dessert, your family can enjoy cotton candy and fried plantains served by vendors on the boardwalk.

Although any time is perfect to stroll along the Malecón, November is a particularly good time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Marking the beginning of the Christmas travel season, Puerto Vallarta offers a great arts festival with many free events, all related to the Malecón.