12+ Best Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

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Puerto Vallarta is amazing, charming, and full of things to do and see, but sometimes, a day trip is just what the doctor ordered. A day trip adventure is just the excuse you need to explore a bit deeper, a bit farther, and start discovering another side to Mexico. 

Luckily, there are amazing day trips from Puerto Vallarta that will whisk you away to hidden coves, traditional Mexican beach towns, protected national parks, and more. 

I lived in one of these Puerto Vallarta “day trip” destinations for over two years and explored countless nooks and crannies in the area. After exploring countless nooks and crannies in the area, I can say that exploring more of the magical Riviera Nayarit is a must! 

Discover the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta below, as well as how to visit them, what to do there, and a few unmissable local treasures. Ready to get away for the day? ¡Vámonos!

12 Fun Day Trips From Puerto Vallarta

1. Yelapa

• Getting there: By ferry from PV to Yelapa, the journey takes about 55 minutes
• What makes it special: No cars, comunidad indigena, gorgeous oceanfront scenery

Yelapa is an underrated day trip destination from Puerto Vallarta that you just can’t miss. In fact, there’s so much to do that I highly recommend you stay for at least one night. 

Staying overnight means that you’ll be able to make the most of your time, experience all of the things to do in Yelapa, and really get a feel for this beautiful fishing village. 

Just a few of the activities you can look forward to include hiking to nearby waterfalls, visiting the local history museum, and scouring the beach to find the famous “pie lady.”

If you don’t have time to carve out an overnight stay, you can also book a day trip to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta. All of your transportation will be taken care of and you’ll get to check off some of the best activities like waterfall hikes and swimming in secluded coves!

2. Sayulita

• Getting there: You can reach Sayulita in an hour from PV by public bus, Uber, taxi, or rental car
• What makes if special: Epic surf spot, indigenous heritage, charming streets

A trip to Sayulita—Nayarit’s famous Magic Town or Pueblo Magico—is perhaps the most popular day trip from Puerto Vallarta. It’s no surprise, really, because not only is Sayulita easy to get to from PV by either a rental car or a cheap bus, but it also oozes cute Mexican surf town vibes.

I’ve written an entire bucket list for things to do in Sayulita, but let me just give you a teaser here:

• 🏄‍♀️ Surf on Sayulita beach! Take a surf lesson if you’re a beginner
• 🇲🇽 Waltz around the cute flag-decorated streets
• 💜 Visit the indigenous Tierra Huichol museum and art gallery
• 💀 Celebrate Día de Los Muertos
• 🐳 Go on a whale-watching tour
• 🍹 Sip cocktails at Atico Swing Bar
• 💃 Go salsa dancing
• 🍳 Relax in Sayulita’s adorable brunch cafés

And loads more!

Sayulita is only 40-minutes from Puerto Vallarta, another reason why so many tourists flock here on a day trip. But, chances are, you’re going to get swept away by its magic and want to stick around for a few days. In that case, make sure to check out my guide on where to stay in Sayulita.

3. San Pancho

• Getting there: You can reach San Pancho in an hour from PV by public bus, Uber, taxi, or rental car
• What makes if special: Fiery sunsets, pristine beaches, delicious restaurants

San Pancho is the cultural capital of the state of Nayarit and the crown jewel of Riviera Nayarit’s beach towns.

After living there on and off for two years, I can say that this is the town that will stand out from all the other Puerto Vallarta day trips.

San Pancho is located just ten minutes past Sayulita. You can get there easily with a rental car. Taking the bus is a bit little longer as you’re dependent on bus times, etc. This option is also less desirable because you’ll be dropped at the highway — about a 20-minute walk from town. 

If you’re the type of person who loves adventurous day trips, you just might be tempted to pack up your life and move here. ✨

For those who do decide to stay for a few nights, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing accommodation options in San Pancho. The same can be said for the delicious restaurants and cafes!

The incredible vibes can mostly be credited to San Pancho’s eco-warrior community that welcomes you with open arms. You’ll go for the fiery sunsets but stay for the friendships.

If you don’t want to make the day trip to Sayulita and San Pancho on your own, you can also book a guided tour and knock out both in one day!

4. Lo De Marcos

• Getting there: You can reach Lo de Marcos in just over an hour from PV by public bus, Uber, taxi, or rental car
• What makes if special: Off-the-beaten-path, beautiful beaches, local markets

Lo de Marcos is another place you have to visit on a day trip (or two or three…) from Puerto Vallarta.

Again, it’s the next town down on the coast of Nayarit after San Panco, just ten minutes away.

But what makes Lo De Marcos so special?

Mostly, it’s that the crowds melt away. Lo de Marcos is still a sleepy fishing village. If you were wondering what Sayulita and San Pancho looked like 10-20 years ago — this is it! 

The Lo de Marcos beach is one of the longest on the Nayarit coast and the most suitable for swimming and surfing. It also happens to be sprinkled with up-and-coming restaurants and bars owned by locals and expats alike.

The sense of community is strong here, too, much like San Pancho and Sayulita, and so is their sense of activism.

There is an animal sanctuary, organic markets, a local artisanal market, and plenty of hikes, trails, and outdoor activities to discover. This is also where we experienced our first Mexican Temazcal ceremony, too.

5. Bucerias & La Cruz

• Getting there: You can reach Bucerias in about 30 minutes from PV by public bus, Uber, taxi, or rental car
• What makes if special: Incredible Sunday market, resort vibes

For markets and a more traditional-style town, head to Bucerias and the La Cruz Sunday market. Bucerias is a sprawling little resort town just north of Puerto Vallarta (and Nuevo Vallarta, for that matter).

A few of the fun things to do in town include…

• Strolling around the town plaza
• Visiting the El Buzo dive statue
• Eating your way through all the beachfront restaurants
• Going on the Bucerias Art Walk
• Visiting La Cruz market
• Lounging on the beach

While it might feel a bit ritzy, you can easily pull back the resort-town veil and experience local culture on a guided tour of Bucerias. Get the chance to meet local families, eat a delicious homecooked meal, and learn more about the regions artisanal crafts. You can also hop on a food tour of Bucerias by bike, sampling tacos, local coffee, and more while exploring off-the-beaten-path areas of town.

6. Punta de Mita & La Lancha

• Getting there: You can reach Punta de Mita in about an hour from PV by public bus, Uber, taxi, or rental car
• What makes if special: Hidden surf beaches, ritzy resort town, world class golf courses

Who’s in the mood for a surf & turf day trip?!

While newbie surfers will find Sayulita ideal for starting out, the real mecca for surfing in the Riviera Nayarit is the hidden beach at La Lancha, just outside the luxurious resort town of Punta de Mita.

You could easily combine a visit to both on a day trip from Puerto Vallarta; surf at La Lancha in the morning, and then hit the beach at Punta Mita in the afternoon to golf or stroll around the marina.

Don’t forget to head to NAEF for an icy treat!

7. Islas Marietas National Park (Hidden Beach)

• Getting there: You’ll need to take a guided tour to visit Islas Marietas National Park
• What makes if special: Protected park, wildlife, secret beach

The Marietas Islands, also known as the Islas Marietas, are an incredible string of uninhabited, protected islands in the Bahía de Banderas. 

Because it’s a protected national park, going on a day trip here requires booking with a licensed boat operator (which can be pricey — around $100). Book here for an eco catamaran snorkeling experience.

Nevertheless, it’ll all be worth it when you’re plunging into crystal-clear water, snorkeling, and swimming to the hidden cove beach — Playa Escondida — the only beach around with a natural “sunroof!”

8. Vallarta Botanical Gardens

• Getting there: You can reach the Vallarta Botanical Gardens in about 30 minutes by bus or car
• What makes if special: Beautiful views, Mexican flora, delicious restaurant

If you’re looking for a family-friendly day trip idea from Puerto Vallarta, look no further than the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

While they’re not too far away, it’s still a 30-minute drive, so if you’re packing up the kids, it’s better to rent a car for your visit.

These gardens are simply a tropical paradise. Entry costs around $300 MX pesos per person and is free for children 3 and under. You can also purchase a round-trip transportation ticket that will include your entrance fee.

Want the full experience? Book here to tour the gardens and get the culinary experience and transport included!

9. Las Caletas Beach

• Getting there: You’ll need to book a private tour to visit Las Caletas
• What makes if special: Remote beaches, snorkeling

If you’ve ever strolled around Puerto Vallarta, it’s more than likely that you’ve seen pictures of Las Caletas Beach. 

This picturesque stretch of sand, complete with hammock swings and swaying palm trees, is the Riviera Nayarit and state of Jalisco’s favorite beach to promote. 

Aside from being beautiful, it’s also famous because of its title as “one of the top private beaches in the world.” 

With that in mind, you can only reach Las Caletas on a private tour from Puerto Vallarta. You’ll have the whole day to lounge in the hammocks, snorkel in the crystalline water, do a mezcal tasting, and more.

Las Caletas is also one of the highlights of the famous Rhythms of the Night Cruise & Dinner Show.

10. Los Arcos Marine Park

• Getting there: Book a tour to be able to experience the islands up close
• What makes if special: Stunning scenery, wildlife, snorkeling

Love snorkeling, diving, and sailing trips?

If so, then the perfect day trip from Puerto Vallarta awaits at the Los Arcos Marine Park in Bandera’s Bay.

You can head there via boat from Puerto Vallarta or hop in your car and drive to Mismaloya, the closest city to the tiny archipelago. Mismaloya also happens to be where “Night of the Iguana” was filmed.

Click here to book an all-day snorkeling and sailing tour to Los Arcos. 🤿 

Tip: If you go by car, don’t miss out on the Palo Maria waterfall! Another memorable stop on your day trip from Puerto Vallarta.

11. Whale Watching Day Trip

• Getting there: Book a tour during the whale watching season
• What makes if special: Seeing humpback whales

From mid-December through March, you can witness some of the bay’s most majestic animals — whales!

It’s important to go in-season for the best chances of spotting wildlife at work. Pregnant whales migrate south to Bandera’s Bay to give birth in the warm waters, before heading north again.

A whale-watching excursion with a marine biologist would be an unforgettable day trip adventure from Puerto Vallarta.

12. San Sebastien del Oeste

• Getting there: You can reach San Sebastian del Oests from Puerto Vallarta by bus or car. Driving is the best option but takes almost two hours.
• What makes if special: Mining history, mountain views, organic coffee farms

San Sebastian del Oeste is an up-and-coming Magic Town in the Sierra Madre mountains, which surround Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful mountain village is becoming increasingly popular and preserves its old mining town charm.

On a guided day trip from Puerto Vallarta, you can:

• Tour the village on a history walk
• Visit an organic coffee farm
• Taste traditional-baked bread
• Visit and tour an organic tequila distillery
• Stroll the cobbled streets, main square, and church
• Book this guided day trip here!

Bonus! ATV Adventure

Last but not least, if you want to escape the busy streets of Puerto Vallarta in exchange for dirt and mud trails in the jungle, a thrilling ATV tour makes for the perfect excuse to head into the mountains.

This 4-hour day trip takes you through the heart of Puerto Vallarta before taking you off the beaten path through the mountains, through rivers, and beyond quaint Mexican villages.

Are there any other types of day trips you’d like to see on this list? I am mostly an adventurous traveler, so you’ll mostly find that style of travel from me! I wouldn’t mind a day trip to a spa or an eco jungle retreat either, now that I think of it… 🌿

Do you have any more Puerto Vallarta day trips to check off your list? Or did I just add more to it? Let me know in the comments below!

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