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The coastal region around Puerto Vallarta gives you more than just scenic drives and resort beaches. If you’re planning a getaway to Mexico’s Pacific coast, you’ll find that the places to visit near Puerto Vallarta are just as captivating as the city itself. The places include quiet fishing villages, forested mountain towns, and offshore islands with coral-rich waters. Whether you’re into surfing, hiking, or just want to unplug by the sea, the surroundings of Puerto Vallarta offer easy escapes without the tourist bustle. All it takes is a short drive or boat ride to uncover something truly memorable.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Puerto Vallarta
You do not have to go far from the city to find beaches, jungles, and historic towns. These places to visit near Puerto Vallarta are perfect for short, rewarding trips.
1. Sayulita
Photo: Luis Magallón / Unsplash
If you’re searching for the most colourful and energetic places to visit near Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita should be high on your list. This coastal town balances a laid-back vibe with a steady pulse of surf culture and creative expression. You’ll see hand-painted boards stacked near taco stands, beachgoers carrying bowls of ceviche, and art galleries tucked behind palm-lined streets. Surfing dominates the scene here, but even if you’re not paddling out, it’s just as satisfying to watch the waves with a chilled coconut in hand. Walk up to the viewpoint at the north end of the beach for panoramic shots, or browse through Huichol beaded crafts in the plaza.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 41.1 km
Cost: $20 / ₹1700 (Surf Rental)
Major Attractions: Sayulita Beach, surfing schools, boutique shops, Sayulita Plaza, street art murals
2. San Sebastián Del Oeste
Photo: Laurentiu Morariu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tucked into the Sierra Madre mountains, San Sebastián del Oeste gives you a completely different atmosphere from the coast. Among the places to see near Puerto Vallarta, this one offers cooler air, cobblestone streets, and a quiet charm that feels like stepping into another era. Once a wealthy mining town, it now invites you to slow down and explore its well-preserved colonial buildings, tiled roofs, and peaceful town square. You can stop for coffee made from beans grown just a few kilometres uphill or take a local guide up to La Bufa for sweeping views above the clouds. Churches here are part of the town’s story, with faded frescoes and creaky wooden doors.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 67.7 km
Cost: $10 / ₹850 (tour)
Major Attractions: Old mining town architecture, Church of San Sebastián, La Bufa viewpoint, coffee plantations
3. Yelapa
Among all the tourist attractions near Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa feels the most like a secret. You’ll need to reach it by boat, but that short trip drops you into a place with no cars, no noisy beachfront clubs, and no fast pace. Instead, you’ll find sand paths, open-air restaurants serving fresh seafood, and locals moving about on horseback. The beach curves around a quiet bay where you can swim without the crowds, and behind the village, a 30-minute walk leads you to a waterfall that pours down mossy rocks into a natural pool. You can hike further uphill to find a second, taller fall hidden in the jungle.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 90.4 km
Cost: $15 / ₹1275 (water taxi)
Major Attractions: Yelapa Waterfall, beach dining, horseback riding, fishing village
4. Boca De Tomatlán
Photo: Andy Blackledge / Wikimedia Commons
Boca de Tomatlán is one of the easiest places to visit near Puerto Vallarta when you want a quick escape into nature without travelling too far. This small fishing village sits where the river meets the sea, and that blend creates a lush, tropical setting surrounded by green hills. Local boats line the shore, and the beach isn’t packed, making it perfect for a quiet morning. From here, you can catch a water taxi to southern beaches like Las Ánimas or Quimixto, or hike the coastal trail that runs above cliffs and through jungle patches. If you’re interested in kayaking or snorkelling in calm waters, this is a great base.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 24.9 km
Major Attractions: Jungle hikes, Los Arcos National Marine Park (nearby), beachside restaurants
5. Mascota
Photo: Adolfo Quintero (Adolfo Quintero) / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most culturally rich attractions near Puerto Vallarta, Mascota takes you deep into the Jalisco highlands. The town’s centre has cobbled streets, low-built stone houses, and a cathedral that resembles a fortified structure more than a typical church. The Templo Inconcluso, a large stone church that was abandoned before its roof was ever built, is a major attraction. Inside, weeds and vines now grow between columns and empty archways, creating an eerie but beautiful space. Just steps away, the local market buzzes with activity where women sell panela cheese, tamarind sweets, and homemade mole pastes under tarpaulin stalls.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 97.5 km
Major Attractions: Templo Inconcluso, archaeological sites, Sierra Madre landscapes, Mascota Museum
6. Talpa De Allende
Photo: LuRoPa / Wikimedia Commons
Talpa de Allende holds a special place among the places to visit near Puerto Vallarta, especially for those drawn to spiritual traditions, nature, and small-town culture. This mountain town is best known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which draws thousands of pilgrims each year, especially during Holy Week. The church interior is a striking contrast of gold accents, soft candlelight, and detailed religious iconography. Beyond its religious draw, Talpa surprises with a maple forest just outside the centre, a rare sight in Mexico, where wooden walkways lead through shaded trails and a vibrant green canopy.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 127 km
Major Attractions: Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, maple forests, religious processions, Talpa Museum
7. Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are one of the most striking places to visit near Puerto Vallarta if you want clear water, marine wildlife, and dramatic volcanic scenery. You’ll need to take a boat to get there, as the islands are completely uninhabited and part of a federally protected reserve. The most photographed spot is Hidden Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, which sits inside a cave-like crater and can only be accessed by swimming through a short tunnel during low tide. Tour boats often include snorkelling stops where you can see colourful reef fish, rays, and coral formations. Birdwatchers will spot blue-footed boobies and other seabirds nesting on the rocky outcrops.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 37 km (boat trip)
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM (tour)
Cost: $75 / ₹6375 (guided tour)
Major Attractions: Hidden Beach, snorkelling, marine wildlife, birdwatching
8. Punta Mita
Photo: interentals.com / Wikimedia Commons
Punta Mita is one of the more refined places to visit near Puerto Vallarta. It is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific and is known for its luxury resorts. Public beaches like Playa La Lancha are open to everyone and draw local surfers for their clean breaks and steady waves. You can paddleboard in the quiet bay, take a boat ride from the fishing pier, or simply walk the shore where pelicans skim the water. Golfers come for two oceanfront courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, while several beach clubs allow day access with shaded loungers, pools, and cocktails.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 43.3 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: N/A
Major Attractions: Luxury beaches, golf courses, paddleboarding, upscale dining
9. El Tuito
Photo: Roger Ce / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
El Tuito is one of the most authentic places to visit near Puerto Vallarta if you’re interested in rural life, local crafts, and slow rhythms. It is located inland and surrounded by green hills, and is known for its cobbled lanes, orange-toned buildings, and simple charm. Local artisans here are skilled in cheese making, and you’ll find wheels of panela and smoked varieties sold straight from home-based kitchens. There are also workshops where you can taste locally distilled raicilla, a traditional spirit similar to mezcal. Hand-painted signs point toward rustic restaurants that serve slow-cooked birria and handmade tortillas.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 52.4 km
Major Attractions: Artisan cheese markets, tequila tasting, art galleries, quiet town centre
10. Las Caletas
Photo: Ty Downs / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among all the places to visit near Puerto Vallarta, Las Caletas stands apart for being privately managed yet fully immersed in natural beauty. Accessible only by boat and operated through exclusive day tours, this secluded beach hideaway offers a full experience from the moment you step off the boat. You’re welcomed with tropical drinks and shown to shaded hammocks, thatched cabanas, or open-air lounges tucked into jungle clearings. The water is calm and clear, perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply floating without interruption. Trails wind through the jungle leading to small wildlife enclosures, a hilltop spa, and even a cooking station where chefs demonstrate regional dishes.
Distance From Puerto Vallarta: 37 km
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM (day tour)
Cost: $100 / ₹8500 (tour)
Major Attractions: Private beach, spa cabanas, adventure activities, wildlife interactions
The places to visit near Puerto Vallarta reveal a rewarding mix of surf towns, mountain villages, island reefs, and local heritage. From Sayulita’s waves to San Sebastián’s history and the hidden beaches of the Marietas, each spot brings something unique. These day trips let you explore more without straying far. Ready to go beyond the beach? Start planning with TripXL and discover what else your Puerto Vallarta holiday can hold.
Cover Photo: Jeffrey Eisen / Pexels
