Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk - One of the Best Places in the World

Of all the things to do in Puerto Vallarta, walking the Malecon boardwalk is the best according to the Tripadvisor awards released in 2020. The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk took home a 2020 Traveler’s Choice Award and is ranked #1 of all the Puerto Vallarta attractions. Without a doubt, the Malecon is the cultural epicenter of the city and a favorite among both locals and visitors who are looking to spend an evening outdoors, but what exactly is it that makes the Malecon Puerto Vallarta boardwalk one of the best places to visit in the city? Read on and find out!

Best Places to Visit in Puerto Vallarta

With all of the exciting things to do in Puerto Vallarta and the countless sights to see, being named one of the best places to visit in the city is no easy feat, but for the Malecon Puerto Vallarta, the choice is easy. The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk has something for everyone. From sculpture tours to a local market, every traveler finds their own reasons to visit, making it easy to spend a day wandering the boardwalk and exploring its charms. Along the way, you’ll find some of the city’s top restaurants, inviting bars, and the best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta. Whether you come for the shopping or for an afternoon of exercise, the Malecon boardwalk is one of the places you won’t want to miss.

Local Puerto Vallarta Attractions

The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk is in the heart of downtown, and it meanders past some of the most iconic Puerto Vallarta attractions. Start your day at the northern end of the Malecon by Plaza Hidalgo, a quiet park that honors this leader of Mexico’s fight for independence. After checking out his bronze statue here, you’ll continue to see a variety of life-size sculptures along the Malecon, ranging from a man eating oysters to a swimmer preparing to dive. Snap a picture with the Puerto Vallarta letters by sculptor and artist Carlos Terre before checking out the iconic crowned cathedral. The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe is beautiful inside and out, and visitors are welcome to respectfully pop their heads in. Another one of best places to visit in Puerto Vallarta is the Rio Cuale. The boardwalk has a bridge over the river, but visitors should also pass down below along the island, where a local market sells handmade products and palm trees provide respite from the heat. At the south end of the boardwalk, the Lazaro Cardenas Park is the perfect last stop. Covered in glittering mosaics by local artists, it reflects the vibrant energy of the city.

Things to do in Puerto Vallarta Along the Malecon

The Malecon has earned one of the 2020 TripAdvisor awards in part due to the variety of activities here that appeal to all sorts of travelers. In the mornings, get a good workout in with the runners and walkers who head to the Malecon for their morning exercise. Throughout the day, there’s a variety of activities to enjoy along the boardwalk. Browse for leather goods, souvenirs, and beachwear in the local shops, or sit down for a margarita or plate of enchiladas at the boardwalk restaurants. Along the boardwalk are several popular beaches where you can lay out or try watersports, like paddleboarding and kayaking. To explore all that the Malecon Puerto Vallarta has to offer, hop on a local bike tour or just start strolling. In the evening, local vendors and performers make this one of the liveliest places to be.

TripAdvisor Awards

What makes TripAdvisor awards stand out from others is that they’re based on honest reviews from everyday travelers. The site considers the rankings and comments that people post every day on the site to create their list of top activities and attractions. Because the awards are based on real-life experiences, TripAdvisor awards have become some of the most coveted honors in the industry.

The Malecon boardwalk is the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Lined with local business and iconic attractions, it’s a gathering place for both travelers and those who call the city home. During your vacation, be sure to walk the full length of the Malecon to discover what makes it a local treasure and a TripAdvisor winner.