The Malecon Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta: Art, Culture & Fun
The Malecon Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta: Art, Culture & Fun
Puerto Vallarta has much to entertain you, not just whale-watching adventure tours, or pirate ship dinners and shows.
There is plenty to do by the sea at the Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta, a beautiful “Malecon” about 2 kilometers long.
The Malecon stretches for about 11 blocks in the heart of Vallarta, near the Romantic Zone.
The word Malecon means ocean boardwalk.
One cool feature about this boardwalk is that it is completely closed to vehicles. Only pedestrians and bicycles are allowed, making it a wonderful place to explore.
Every stretch of the Malecon is perfect, lined with palm trees, sculptures, and artwork.
In addition, there is a scenic pier (Muelle de Playa Los Muertos) that you should add to your travel list.
It is famous for its unique design and stunning appearance, especially at sunset. Plenty of activities await you on Puerto Vallarta’s bustling Boardwalk.
You’ll find that many people love to exercise in this area, with jogs along the beach or sidewalks. There are usually a few different street performers as well.
The Malecon was completely remodeled in 2011 and is now designed exclusively for pedestrians.
It is a safe, fun, and fascinating family excursion in downtown Vallarta, where you can also experience the numerous attractions and sculptures.
14 Things to Do on the Malecon Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta
There are different ways to enjoy and visit El Malecon, from kayaks and free bicycles to walking along the boardwalk and seeing the bronze figures along the way.
Sand sculptures and figures made of balanced stones are seen all over, as well as artists drawing pencil portraits or painting picturesque paintings.
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon has a great variety of establishments such as restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, sitting on a terrace.
Jewelry shops, clothing stores, souvenir stands, and even the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe are also found along the Malecon.
1. Art Sculpture Walk
There are plenty of famous art sculptures along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon that visitors can enjoy by simply walking from one end to the other.
However, if you have time for a more thorough exploration and information, you can hire a guide.
The walking tour of the Malecon sculptures is one of the best art tours. The sculptures are unique and have stories behind them that touch many tourists.
The free art walk takes place every Tuesday morning from November through mid-April. The Malecon art tour lasts around two hours.
The Tuesday morning tour begins at 9:30 a.m. and starts at the Millennium sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita.
2. Dance of Los Voladores de Papantla
Every evening and throughout the day, five men dressed in traditional Mexican cultural clothing climb a 100-foot pole and perform the Danza de Los Voladores.
This performance consists of one man dancing, playing drums and a flute at the top of the pole, while the other four men hold on to the pole with a rope.
Suddenly, these four men launch themselves from the pole. Their descent begins with a headfirst dive, and then slowly turns toward the ground, hanging only by one of their feet.
The descent takes around three minutes, with the men swinging like fan blades until they reach the beach.
The Danza de Los Voladores is a very ancient ceremony that was said to bring rain in times of drought.
It is so culturally important that, in 2009, the United Nations added it to Unesco’s catalog of Intangible Cultural Heritage to be safeguarded.
3. Los Arcos Amphitheater
It offers free shows every night. Here you can see street clowns, traditional Mexican dances, music, and other events.
And of course, there are numerous food stalls where you will taste delicious local snacks and beautiful handicrafts.
4. Art Shopping at the Malecon Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta
Art on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk is reasonably priced and varied.
There is no shortage of incredible artwork in Mexico, and many of these unique pieces can be found and purchased on the Malecon.
Often you can find traditional art like this in other places, shopping at the Malecon Street stands is a sure way to support the artists so they can continue to create beautiful things.
You can find art stalls all along the Malecon, near the Danza de Los Voladores dancers, and also at the Amphitheater.
These stalls often sell paintings and handicrafts.
5. Cuale River Municipal Market
The Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale is the place to go for souvenirs and local foods.
Even if you’re not looking to do a lot of shopping in Puerta Vallarta, it’s great fun to browse the different items and visit with the merchants.
You may want to read: 11 Top Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta: From Tacos to Fine Dining
The Rio Cuale Municipal Market is located right next to the Malecon and can be accessed via stairs near the bridge to the Romantic Zone (see pic above).
6. Puerto Vallarta Chocomuseum
This delicious little shop is just across the street from the Malecon Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta. Right around the corner from La Dolce Vita Restaurant.
Your tour begins with the guide explaining the history of chocolate and how to grow cocoa and then transform it into delicious chocolate bars.
Then you participate in a workshop of roasting and peeling cocoa beans, making hot chocolate, and various pieces of chocolate.
Kids love this activity! Make sure to stop by if you travel with the family.
7. Party time!
Most of the stops on the Malecon are family-friendly during the day, but some of them kick things up a notch after 10 pm.
The most popular places are the Zoo, Mandala Puerto Vallarta, and La Bodeguita del Medio.
All clubs have an entrance fee of around $12 (although women get in free most of the time) and drinks cost around $6 to $13.
8. See dolphins and whales
The best time to try and see whales in Puerto Vallarta is during whale season, from December to late March.
The whales swim quite close to shore, so keep an eye out for them. If you see some boats grouped together, that is usually an indication that they have seen a whale.
If you don’t want to leave this experience to chance, join a whale-watching tour in Puerto Vallarta.
It is one of the top-rated tours in Puerto Vallarta, and the expert guides know exactly how to find the whales in Banderas Bay.
9. Sunset at the Malecon Boardwalk Puerto Vallarta
Some of the best things in life are the simple ones. Along the beach, in the warm beach air, watching the sunset is a truly breathtaking event.
The Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta is one of the best spots in the entire city to watch the sunset. It is simply magical!
The best part about watching the sunset is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. You can spend a sunset sipping margaritas at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Or get ready for a picnic with your favorite drink, limes, and fresh fruit, and watch the sunset with your toes in the sand.
The colors of the sunset against the blue ocean are incredible.
10. Stroll the Romantic Zone
On the other side of the Cuale River, you will find this fascinating, colorful, and cosmopolitan neighborhood, known as the LGBT zone, with trendy restaurants, plazas, cafes, and a lively nightlife to enjoy at sunset.
This area, also known as Olas Altas, attracts visitors with its authentic Mexican style, cobblestone streets, and picturesque facades.
Art and culture play an important role in this area, so you are sure to find galleries with more than 60 years of experience exhibiting local and foreign works of art.
Parque Lázaro Cárdenas (El Parque del Azulejo) is a must-see. Admire the unique mosaic designs adorned on its benches, columns, planters, and walls that turn it into an open-air gallery.
In this same place, on Saturday mornings during high season, you can visit the Olas Altas Farmers Market.
You may want to read: 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Beach Lover’s Paradise
This was the first market in the bay with an artisan concept, where you will find unique items made by local artisans, fresh produce, local and international delicacies, live music, and much more.
Day or night, the Zona Romantica will be one of your favorite places to hang out and enjoy a coffee with a traditional or international dish, or a trendy mixology at the Muelle de Los Muertos with breathtaking bay views.
11. Tequila tasting
Many people think tequila is too much for them, but many tequilas on the market taste nothing like the authentic ones from Mexico.
Even if you don’t like tequila, you could become a fan of Mexico’s signature spirit.
A great place to learn all about tequila while getting a taste is the Tequila Museum.
There are a few stops on this tour where you learn about the tequila-making process, the differences between the types, and how to pair with tequilas.
However, if you want to try more and learn less, then you can enjoy shots and different tequilas at the many bars along the Puerto Vallarta Malecon Boardwalk.
12. Sand Sculptures
As I mentioned earlier, the sand sculptures along the Malecon beach are unlike any sand castle you’ve ever seen before.
Instead, the sculptures here are all intricate, beautiful, and meticulously built by mostly local artists.
Appreciating the finished sculptures is very exciting, but it’s a special treat to see an artist building a new sculpture on the beach.
Sculptures not so much, of course. A sand sculpture can be expected to last a few weeks before being flattened and turned into something new.
You can find these sculptures all year round, but it is best from December to May when there is very little rain.
Taking a look at the sculptures is always free, but tipping the artists is customary and appreciated.
13. Grab a snack at the street food stalls
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon makes the perfect spot to sample all the typical dishes of Puerto Vallarta.
There are delicious restaurants, bars, and, last but not least, food stalls along the Malecon.
From tacos, ice cream, Mexican street corn (esquites), hamburgers, corndogs and even crepes.
There is a wide variety of local foods for you to say goodbye to your diet!
14. Local art and music at el Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta
Statues are scattered throughout the Malecon, there is a unique work of art almost everywhere.
This area is considered an outdoor sculpture gallery. In addition to sculptures and statues, there are also colorful murals in the streets.
They usually show a part of Mexican history or culture. The Malecon is a true sensory experience.
You can admire the ocean, smell fresh food nearby, listen to Mexican music, and touch statues.
Generally, it will make you feel more connected to the community and its people.
On the Puerto Vallarta Malecon, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tips for visiting the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta
- The Malecon is pedestrian-only (and pet-friendly) with a special biking lane
- It covers about 11 blocks along the sea
- Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes
- There are plenty of areas to sit and relax along the promenade
- The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta starts at the Playa los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone and ends at the Hotel Rosita (or McDonald’s).
How far is the Malecon from Downtown Puerto Vallarta?
The Malecon is actually in downtown Puerto Vallarta but along the coast. Most of the hotels are within walking distance.
Operating hours of the boardwalk are 24/7, however, after 10 pm most restaurants close, and after 3 am, all bars close.
The Malecon Boardwalk is the centerpiece of Puerto Vallarta and one of the best places to enjoy a stroll.
After the sun goes down, this boardwalk fills with life and color in its many bars and nightclubs.
Conclusion
The Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta is more than just a seaside promenade; it’s a vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and fun that truly captures the heart of this beautiful coastal city.
From the captivating sculptures and colorful murals to the lively street performers and breathtaking ocean views, every visit offers something new and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Malecon invites you to slow down, immerse yourself in local life, and create lasting memories.
Take a stroll, savor the flavors, and let the charm of the Malecon Boardwalk sweep you off your feet—it’s an experience that defines Puerto Vallarta most wonderfully.
