Puerto Vallarta: Among the Best Mexico Resort Towns

Puerto Vallarta is frequently ranked among the best mexico resort towns due to its unique blend of authentic colonial-era architecture and modern luxury. Unlike purpose-built destinations, it features a historic center with cobblestone streets, the Malecón promenade, and the vibrant Zona Romántica. Its geography, where the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains meet the Pacific Coast, allows for diverse activities such as jungle hiking, boutique gallery tours, and high-end gastronomy that rival larger urban centers.

Authenticity & History: Why Puerto Vallarta Feels Real

When you travel across the various mexican resort towns, you eventually notice a pattern. Many of the most famous spots were built specifically for tourism. They are beautiful, certainly, but they can sometimes feel like a high-end film set. Puerto Vallarta is different. This is an authentic town that existed long before the first luxury resort broke ground. It has a soul that is rooted in its 19th-century origins as a fishing and salt-trading village.

Walking through El Centro, you aren't just passing souvenir shops; you are walking past parish churches where locals actually worship and plazas where families gather every Sunday evening. The Zona Romántica district is the heart of this authenticity. Here, the buildings aren't sleek glass towers; they are white-washed villas with red-tile roofs and wrought-iron balconies dripping with bougainvillea. It is easily one of the best walkable resort towns in mexico, where every turn reveals a hidden courtyard or a local bakery.

The city’s global fame actually stems from a bit of Old Hollywood glamour. In the 1960s, director John Huston chose the nearby Mismaloya to film The Night of the Iguana. During production, the scandalous affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought the world’s paparazzi to these once-quiet shores. That legacy of romance and bohemian spirit still lingers in the air, especially in the hillside neighborhoods overlooking the bay.

Beyond the history, there is a thriving local culture that welcomes visitors to participate rather than just watch. Every Wednesday night from October to June, the Vallarta ArtWalk invites you to explore local galleries, meet artists, and enjoy a glass of wine in the historic center. If you want a taste of the local spirit, skip the standard tequila tour and look for a Raicilla tasting. This agave spirit, native to the state of Jalisco, was once considered "moonshine" but has recently gained status in the world of Pacific Coast gastronomy for its complex, smoky flavors.

Local Flavor Tip: If you are visiting in late October or early November, the Día de los Muertos celebrations here are among the most beautiful in the country. The city constructs a record-breaking giant Catrina on the Malecón, and the streets are filled with marigolds and elaborate altars honoring ancestors.

Landscape Contrast: Sierra Madre vs. Baja Desert

One of the most striking differences between Puerto Vallarta and other best mexico resort towns is the green. If you go to Los Cabos, you are surrounded by a dramatic, beautiful, but very dry desert landscape. In Puerto Vallarta, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains provide a backdrop of dense, tropical jungle that stays vibrant throughout the year.

The geography here creates a unique playground. One morning you might be taking a water taxi to a hidden cove that is only accessible by boat, and by the afternoon, you could be hiking through a jungle canopy to a hidden waterfall. This diversity is what makes it one of the most compelling mexican resort towns on the pacific coast.

The climate also tells a different story. Puerto Vallarta receives about 55 inches of annual rain, mostly during the summer months. This keeps the landscape lush but also brings humidity. If you prefer a more temperate climate, the best time to visit puerto vallarta for whale watching and outdoor exploration is between December and April. During this window, the weather is nearly perfect—sunny, mid-80s, and very little humidity.

This is also the peak season for the Humpback whale migration. The Bahia de Banderas becomes a sanctuary for these massive creatures, and it is not uncommon to see them breaching from the balcony of your hotel or while walking along the Malecón promenade.

Another major "truth-telling" factor for travelers is beach safety. In many popular destinations on the Pacific, the waves are too dangerous for swimming due to strong riptides. However, because Puerto Vallarta is tucked deep inside the Bahia de Banderas, the waters are remarkably calm. This makes it a top choice for families with small children or anyone who actually wants to get in the ocean rather than just look at it.

Best Resorts in Mexico: Puerto Vallarta Picks

Puerto Vallarta has evolved to cater to every type of traveler, from those seeking Old Hollywood glamour to those wanting ultra-modern, adults-only serenity. Because of the excellent PVR international connectivity, getting from the airport to your check-in desk is usually a matter of 20 to 40 minutes, depending on which zone you choose.

Best Resorts in Mexico for Couples

For those who value intimacy and history, Casa Kimberly is a must. This was once the home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, connected by a private bridge over a cobblestone street. It has been transformed into a boutique hotel that retains all the romance of that era.

If your taste leans more toward the contemporary, Hotel Mousai is the gold standard for adults-only luxury. Perched on a hillside surrounded by jungle, it offers massive suites with private plunge pools and some of the best views of the Pacific. It’s a frequent contender for the best resorts in mexico for couples who want a mix of nature and high-design.

Best Resort in Mexico for Families

For travelers searching for the best resort in mexico for families, the options in Puerto Vallarta are equally impressive. The Hyatt Ziva is a perennial favorite because it sits on its own private cove, meaning the beach is never crowded and the water is exceptionally safe for kids.

The recently renovated Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is another excellent choice. Located in the Marina district, it offers a great balance of resort amenities and easy access to the city's sights. If you are looking for the best luxury resort in mexico for families and are willing to go a bit further north, Punta Mita is home to the Four Seasons. This enclave offers a more secluded, ultra-luxury experience with extensive kids' programming and calm, shallow beaches.

The Verdict: Puerto Vallarta vs. Los Cabos

Choosing between the best resort towns in mexico often comes down to a comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos. While both are world-class, they cater to very different moods.

If your priority is a deep dive into Mexican culture, Puerto Vallarta wins hands down. You can spend your morning at a local farmers market and your evening dining in the Versalles district, a residential neighborhood that has quietly become a culinary hotspot for foodies seeking Pacific Coast gastronomy without the tourist prices.

However, if you are looking for a "fly-and-flop" vacation where you rarely leave the resort, or if you are an avid golfer looking for championship courses carved into desert cliffs, Cabo might be your better bet. But for the traveler who wants to feel the heartbeat of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta remains the champion.

FAQ

Which Mexican resort town is the best?

The "best" town depends on your travel style, but Puerto Vallarta is frequently cited as the top choice for those seeking a balance of authentic culture, safety, and natural beauty. It was even named the Best Destination in Mexico at the 2023 Travvy Awards due to its high-quality gastronomy and romantic appeal.

What is the safest Mexican resort town?

Puerto Vallarta is consistently ranked among the top five safest cities in the country. According to the 2025 National Urban Public Safety Survey, only about 21.4% of residents reported safety concerns, which is significantly lower than many other major international tourism hubs.

What is the prettiest town in Mexico?

While beauty is subjective, Puerto Vallarta is often called the prettiest beach town because of the way the green Sierra Madre Occidental mountains meet the blue waters of Bahia de Banderas. The historic El Centro, with its white-washed walls and red-tile roofs, offers a classic aesthetic that purpose-built resorts lack.

Is it better to go to Cancun or Cabo?

It depends on what you want. Cancun offers white sand and turquoise Caribbean waters but can feel very commercial. Cabo offers dramatic desert landscapes and high-end luxury but lacks swimmable beaches. Puerto Vallarta often serves as the perfect middle ground, offering the swimmable waters of Cancun with a more authentic, walkable town feel than Cabo.