Nuevo Vallarta and the surrounding Riviera Nayarit area offer a variety of attractions, from charming towns and beautiful beaches to exciting adventure tours and cultural experiences. Here are some of the best sites to see:
### Beaches & Coastal Towns
- Nuevo Vallarta Beach: Known for its golden sands, clear waters, and a variety of activities like sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. It's a great spot for relaxation and family fun.
- Bucerías Beach: A charming beach with golden sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. The beachfront is lined with restaurants and bars, offering a taste of coastal life. Bucerías is also known for its vibrant art scene.
- Sayulita: This bohemian paradise, located about 40 minutes north of Nuevo Vallarta, is famous for its laid-back vibe and colorful charm. It's a popular spot for surfers and offers vibrant streets with art galleries, boutique shops, and cafes.
- Punta de Mita: An idyllic coastal town with pristine beaches, clear waters, and world-class surfing. You can also find high-end restaurants along the beach here.
- Yelapa and Majahuitas: These secluded beaches offer a serene escape and can be visited as a day trip by boat.
- La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: This town features a marina and is another great coastal spot to explore.
### Nature & Wildlife
- Marietas Islands National Park: A protected marine reserve known for its abundant marine life and hidden beaches, including the famous "Hidden Beach" or "Playa del Amor". Tours often include snorkeling and kayaking.
- Crocodile Sanctuary El Cora: An "off the beaten trail" activity for those interested in nature and wildlife, offering tours by a local veterinarian to learn about the animals and support conservation efforts.
- Vallarta Botanical Garden: A beautiful botanical garden that offers a chance to explore local flora.
- Whale Watching: During certain seasons, you can take a whale watching tour in Banderas Bay to see humpback whales.
### Adventure & Activities
- Aquaventuras Park: A family-friendly water park with thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and interactive dolphin experiences. You can also see dolphin and sea lion shows.
- Rhythms of the Night by Vallarta Adventures: An immersive dinner show that includes a boat ride, spectacular performances, and a candlelit dinner on a secluded beach.
- Punta Mita Expeditions: Offers various water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and whale watching in Banderas Bay.
- Hiking: Explore local trails, with Monkey Mountain being a popular option on the north side of the bay.
- Golfing: Nuevo Vallarta is home to several golf courses, including El Tigre Golf Club and Flamingos Golf.
- Water Sports: Enjoy activities like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
### Cultural & Other Attractions
- Marina Nuevo Vallarta: A place to explore and often where tours depart.
- Bucerias Art Walk & Markets: Experience the local art scene and browse markets for handicrafts.
- Puerto Vallarta: Just a short drive away, Puerto Vallarta offers a different vibe with its colonial city charm, Malecon (boardwalk), and "Romantic Zone." You can take city tours that include visits to churches, tequila distilleries, and coffee factories.
- Mascota: A "magic town" nestled in a valley, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage with colonial architecture, outdoor activities, and traditional handicrafts.
- San Pancho (San Francisco): A laid-back town with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a vibrant community of artists.
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