Puerto Vallarta Photos: The Culture and Sights of the Mexican Beach City

It’s been a great few weeks sharing photos and stories from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Now the time has come for a photo wrap-up.

From unique artwork on the boardwalk to residential neighborhood life to the excitement at the beaches, Puerto Vallarta photos reveal so much life and color and culture. Here’s a small sampling of what I witnessed during my week there.

Beaches and water

Who wants a coconut on the beach?

coconut-beach

Even early in the morning there was a lot going on at Los Muertos Beach. This was one of my favorite Puerto Vallarta beaches.

beach-scene

Would you be up for a vacation in a beachside hut like this?

beach-hut

Paradise = muy bonita.

puerto-vallarta-beach

Call up the water taxi for your aquatic transportation needs.

water-taxi

Lots of folks like to ride jet skis near Los Arcos Marine Park, a popular snorkeling spot.

jet-ski-los-arcos

Some people prefer the relaxing environment of the kayak over the jet ski.

kayak-puerto-vallarta

Animals

These birds were everywhere, on the water, on the rocks, and on boats.

puerto-vallarta-birds

A kaleidoscope of Mexican animals: An iguana on the beach; a parrot in an outdoor cage at a beachfront restaurant; butterflies sucking water out of the sand; a pig seen at a rural farm during my ATV tour.

animals2-puerto-vallarta

A peacock wandering around a luxury hotel; the only snake I saw during my trip was spotted slithering around the rocks on a secluded beach; crabs!; birds stealing fish food.

animals-puerto-vallarta

People and places

Waiting for a bite. Be patient and don’t move!

puerto vallarta fisherman

Who wants to hear a song?

puerto vallarta photos - beach musicians

Okay, we’ll play you a song.

mexico-musicians

It’s doggie bath time.

beach-dog

The Malecon (boardwalk) is a great place for people-watching and sculpture-viewing. And for taking Puerto Vallarta photos.

malecon-boardwalk-scenes

malecon sights vallarta

Impressive church in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

downtown-church-puerto

Here’s me checking out the mountains while ATV riding.

atv-mountains

The collection of spare ATVs. I’d like to take one of these home with me.

atv-parking-lot

Art and culture

Manuel Lepe is a famous Mexican artist whose work appears around town.

manuelepe

This is some pretty sweet street art.

street-art-jalisco

I found it interesting that politicians here get their own street art.

politician-street-art

I love this bench and sidewalk in the Zona Romantica.

colorful-benches

Buy a skull doll to take home as a souvenir.

mexican-skull-dolls

The Naval Historic Museum is one of the few museums in Puerto Vallarta.

museo-historical-naval

Random sights

Produce is plentiful in local stores.

local-market

And on local trees.

bananas-hang

I wouldn’t eat fast food here, since there are so many other awesome places to eat in Puerto Vallarta. But I do love this photo. Look at all the Domino’s Pizza bicycles! Gotta deliver those pies hot and fresh and quickly! KFC had similar bikes.

dominos-pizza-bicycles

You know you want that pineapple bathing suit.

bathing-suits

Clean up after your dogs!

clean-up-after-pets-sign

Neon slinkys from the ceiling of the CC Slaughters bar!

cc-slaughters-slinkys

Mixed drinks and mini tacos. I’m missing these already.

no-way-jose-cocktail

The little bridge connecting to Cuale River Island.

cuale-island-bridge

Sitting on the colorful steps on the island.

rio cuale stairs

Puerto Vallarta from a distance

Houses in the mountains.

houses-mountains

The view from above.

puerto-vallarta-city-view

A view from the top floor of a bayside resort.

sheraton-puerto-vallarta

The sunset is overcast, but still beautiful.

puerto vallarta photos sunset

Goodbye from PV!

los-muertos-beach

Puerto Vallarta was such a fun beach city in Mexico. Another beach area I highly recommend is Zipolite and Mazunte, along the southern Oaxacan coast.

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