What You Can See & Do on a Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive Vacation

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“This a true vacation,” said my grandson as we lounged in our beachside chairs. “You can get everything you need right here. If you’re thirsty, order a drink. If you’re hungry, get shrimp tacos delivered. What a great way to spend time with my family.”

And that’s what we did over the holiday break. We traveled on Christmas day to Villa del Palmar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Situated on the soft sands of Banderas Bay, this family resort is a half-hour walk to downtown Puerto Vallarta. The resort boasts two pools, three culinary options and a spa.

Puerto Vallarta offers a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts catering to different preferences. There are luxury adults-only retreats to family-friendly options. Tripadvisor lists their top ten, Expedia has a long list, and Booking.com and Costco offer many options.

Villa del Palmar Resort

We chose Villa del Palmar because it was relatively affordable, a reasonable walk to town and on a pristine beach.

The all-inclusive resort price covers food, drinks and entertainment. It was the grandkids’ Christmas break, so we grabbed them before they shot back to school. We let the relaxed Mexican vibe carry us.

Sometimes the grandkids woke in time for breakfast. If they didn’t, we enjoyed lunch together. After that, it was–hit the beach, go for a walk or grab the cards for gin tournaments.

There were numerous choices for activities on campus. Adult daily schedules include movies, games, Zumba, aqua dance, yoga, stretching, beach volleyball, paddle board classes, pool volleyball, bingo, lottery, blackjack, donkey races, foosball tournaments, professional entertainment and “crazy games.” As you can see, the list is endless.

There’s also a kids’ club with a full schedule from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm for kids aged 6-14. The kids create highly creative art projects, learn Spanish, decorate cupcakes, paint faces, have treasure hunts, exercise, make cookies and hit pinatas.

They also play games and compete in activities like seeing how long each kid can stand on a surfboard rocked by a staff member.

We were fortunate to be there for the turtle release. We accompanied the hatchlings from their nest to the shore of the beach, where they began their adventure to the sea. The turtle releases take place in the hours before sunset during the months of July through December at some hotels.

There are three restaurants at the Villa, so it’s tempting to camp out there and relax in the mini world of sun and fun. All-inclusive resorts can lure you into that mindset (or mindless set).

Out and About in Puerto Vallarta

Staying put can limit your outreach, but not for our adventuresome kids. They hit the weight room with their uncles and then consumed their daily infusion of chips and guacamole. After that, we explored the fascinating area around us.

Walking tours will lead you to places like Vallarta Food Tours, where you will taste the best tacos and regional dishes. There are also options for cocktails, margaritas, local beer and more. In addition, there are full-day swim and overnight tours; some are on bikes.

The energy on the Malecón, the pedestrian-only oceanfront boardwalk in town, makes it a must to visit. It’s 12 blocks of relaxed party atmosphere peppered with eateries, tequila bars and street vendors.

Sip on a margarita or take a romantic evening stroll and you’ll see why it’s recognized worldwide as a lively hub of art and nightlife.

Tours and Excursions in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re up for adventure, there are good options, some of which are out of town. The Best Puerto Vallarta Tours and Things to Do 2025 is a good guide. It lists swimming with dolphins, encountering sea lions, swimming with turtles, watching whales and dolphins, snorkeling, kayaking and horseback riding.

You can visit Yelapa Waterfall or ride ATVs across Jorullo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world. Thrill at the sight of bioluminescence when you observe a magical sunset at Bioluminescence in Los Arcos Marine Park. It’s a protected natural sanctuary for fish and birds.

All-day excursions include Ziplines Plaza Las Glorias and the Macaw Sanctuary Tour. There, you’ll learn about these birds and the dangers they face. Many tours provide transportation to and from your hotel. 

Another excursion worth all day is to Sayulita. It’s a charming fishing village 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Tourists mingle with locals in the relaxed atmosphere. Sayulita is a non-touristy hidden gem with picturesque beaches and great food.

For those inclined towards an open-air complex of shops & eateries, Shopping Village La Isla is a few steps down the block from the Villa. Its anchors are H&M and Forever 21, and the movie theater there is a strong draw.

What to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

We experienced the culture through food and found some winners. We tried the local specialties: Ceviche is a staple in regions with great seafood. Raw fish, shrimp, or octopus mixed with herbs and citrus juice. This dish is often served with tostadas.

Another not to miss is Tortas Ahogadas. Originating from Guadalajara, these “drowned sandwiches” have become a local favorite in Puerto Vallarta. Pork meat fills the bread, and salsa smothers both.

Birria is a must-try dish in Puerto Vallarta. This sweet, sour, spicy, and savory breakfast stew is slow-cooked until the beef is tender and juicy.

Pescado Zarandeado is a 500-year-old grilling method. A chile and achiote paste drapes over the fish. Then, it is grilled over hot coals in a wood-fired oven. 

We had a mouth-watering version at Villa del Palmar’s ‎‎Seafood Market Restaurant. Other restaurants we enjoyed at the Villa included El Patron Mexican Restaurant and ‎Yashinoki Japanese Restaurant. 

Local Drinks to Try

Then, there are the local drink specialties: Tuba is a blend of sweet and sour, one of the most traditional drinks in Jalisco. People climb coconut palms to collect palm extract and mix it with water, apple cider vinegar, walnuts and apple chunks. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher.

Tequila may be Jalisco’s most famous liquor but don’t overlook Raicilla. Made from a different agave species, Raicilla hails from the mountains near Puerto Vallarta. Give it a try for a unique twist on traditional agave spirits.

Made in the neighboring state of Sinaloa, Pacifico Beer is the most popular beer to enjoy on the beach. Mexico’s craft beer scene has also been booming over the past few years. There are now some excellent local craft breweries, such as Los Muertos Brewing, Monzon, or Cervecería Buclas in Bucerias.

Tepache is a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented pineapple rind and sweetened with piloncillo. It’s flavored with cinnamon and cloves. Fermented and effervescent, this tangy beverage is perfect for sipping on a hot day.

Puerto Vallarta Restaurants

Where to eat this flavorsome food and drink these succulent liquids? Panchos Tacos is a popular haunt for traditional Mexican dishes. It has outdoor seating and a down-to-earth vibe.

Casa 449 has tasty vegan options. Basilio Badillo is on Restaurant Row and has good food, service and decor. The pasta with spicy tomato is a good choice.

The nearby Sierra Madre mountain range offers excellent conditions for coffee plantations. One of the best restaurants to try that coffee is Café Ore Verde, a coffee roaster for over 20 years.

It uses local beans from the Sierras and sells freshly roasted whole beans or beans ground to your specifications. A variety of espresso drinks is also available. Less than an hour away, you can visit coffee farms and take tours.

Campomar Puerto Vallarta is a culinary gem almost across the street from the Villa. It embraces the warm Mexican atmosphere and is a seafood lover’s paradise. It has a kids ‘ menu, along with excellent service and huge portions.

Le Leche, a few steps down the street from the Villa, offers innovative Spanish cuisine with local produce. Its appealing all-white space features milk containers lining the walls. We had a scrumptious dessert cake that swam in milk.

Dining at the Beautiful Casa Kimberly

The most elegant restaurant where we had dinner was The Iguana Restaurant and Tequila Bar at Casa Kimberly. The dress is “elegant to formal,” and there is no children’s menu.

Overlooking the city, the dining room wraps around an outdoor patio. It’s named for the film that brought Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor together and is a combination of their former homes.

Diners can cross the Puente Del Amor (Bridge of Love) that connects the two homes. It was a timeless portal to the glamour of Hollywood in a spectacular setting with impeccable service. 

Whatever your inclination, Puerto Vallarta will hand it to you along with fresh ocean breezes and radiant sunshine. As my grandson said, “It’s a true vacation.”

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Author Bio: Marcia McGreevy Lewis (she/her) lives in Seattle and is a retired feature writer for a Washington newspaper. She enjoys committing her adventures to writing for literary journals, magazines, travel sites and books. Reach her on Facebook and Instagram: marcialewis25, Twitter: @McGreevyLewis and Linkedin: marcia-lewis.