Puerto Vallarta Activities and Attractions - What to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While the water may not always be attractive due to runoff from the surrounding hills, the views are good. In addition to the standard fare of water activities, you can go horseback riding or arrange tours and excursions. Shopping is good for art, crafts, T-shirts, hats, and silver jewelry. The waterfront area, called the Malec n, is a great place to stroll, shop, dine, or just relax.
Local artisans sell arts and crafts in a small area across from the town square.
Downtown is the hot nightspot with a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Stairs lead down to an interesting assortment of small shops, popular restaurants like Le Bistro, Cuiza, and Chico's Paradise II, and the Museo del Cuale, a little museum showcasing pre-Colombian and Indian artifacts. Part of what makes Puerto Vallarta unique is the jungle that seems to come right down to the coastline, especially south of the city. A few miles inland are three different spots in the jungle where you can swim in boulder-lined, jungle rivers. There is also a small zoo.