We have spent so much time exploring the streets of Puerto Vallarta, and if there is one thing we never get tired of, it is the sunset.
Every single evening, the sky turns into a giant painting.
We are talking about bright oranges, deep purples, and pinks that look like they belong in a movie.
If you are staying in Zona Romantica (which some people call Old Town), you are in the absolute best spot to see it all happen.
We wanted to share our favorite places to grab a drink, sit in the sand, or just stand and stare at the Pacific Ocean while the sun goes down.
The Iconic Los Muertos Pier
You really can't talk about sunsets in Zona Romantica without mentioning the Los Muertos Pier.
It is the heart of the neighborhood.
The pier itself looks like a giant sail, and when the sun starts to drop, the lights on the pier come on.
It is AMAZING!!
We love walking out to the end of the pier right as the golden hour hits.
The way the light reflects off the metal structure and the water is something you have to see for yourself.
It is a great spot for photos, but honestly, we usually just like to lean against the railing and watch the waves.
If you are a solo traveler, this is a very peaceful place to just be.
Dinner with Your Toes in the Sand
If you want the full "sunset + sand + cocktail" experience, you have to head to the beachfront restaurants.
La Palapa is one of our favorite spots.
It is one of the oldest places in town, and it has such a classic feel.
They have these big thatched roofs called palapas, and they set up tables right on the sand.
There is nothing quite like eating fresh seafood while the sky turns orange right in front of you.
We also really like El Dorado and Langostino’s.
These spots are a bit more casual, but the view is just as good.
You can just grab a bucket of beers and watch the world go by.
It is sooo relaxing.
Walking the Malecón
The Malecón is the famous boardwalk that runs along the water.
In Zona Romantica, the boardwalk is filled with life.
We love the energy here in the evening.
You have street performers, people selling grilled corn (elote), and families out for a stroll.
It is the best place for people-watching.
As the sun sets, the whole vibe of the Malecón changes.
It goes from a busy daytime walk to a romantic evening scene.
We highly recommend walking hand-in-hand along the coastline here.
It’s one of those simple things that makes a vacation feel special.
If you are still looking for tips on how to plan your trip, check out our PV vacation guide.
A Refined View at IK Mixology
If you want something a little different, head over to IK Mixology Bar.
It is tucked just above the beach near the pier.
The vibe here is a bit more sleek and modern.
They make some of the coolest craft cocktails we have ever tried.
Watching the sunset with a drink that has smoke or fresh herbs in it feels very fancy, even though the vibe stays friendly and casual.
The view from the bar looks right over the beach and the pier.
It is a great perspective because you are high enough to see over the crowds but close enough to hear the waves.
Why Staying in Amapas is the Secret
While Zona Romantica is where the action is, we always tell people that Amapas is the best place to rent.
Amapas is the neighborhood right next to Zona Romantica, sitting just a little bit higher up on the hill.
Because it’s elevated, the views are out of this world.
When you stay in a condo in Amapas, you get to see the sunset from your own private balcony.
We love being able to watch the sun go down without having to find a seat at a busy bar.
You can just open a bottle of wine, sit outside, and enjoy the show in total peace.
It’s close enough that you can walk down to the beach in five minutes, but quiet enough that you can actually sleep at night.
If you are looking for a place to stay, we LOVE puerto vallarta condo rental.
It has everything you need for a perfect stay.
Another great option for condo rentals is condo rentals in puerto vallarta.
Both of these are in the perfect location for sunset lovers.
The Magic of the Golden Hour
There is something about the "golden hour" in Puerto Vallarta that feels different from anywhere else.
The air gets a little cooler, the light gets soft, and everyone seems to slow down.
Over 90% of people who visit say the waterfront is their favorite spot, and we totally agree.
Whether you are on the pier, at a beach bar, or on your balcony, that moment when the sun touches the water is pure magic.
We have spent years watching these sunsets, and we still stop what we are doing every single time.
It never gets old.
Tips for the Best Experience
If you are heading down to the beach for sunset, try to get there about 30 minutes before the actual sunset time.
This gives you time to find a good spot and watch the colors start to change.
The best colors often happen about 10 minutes after the sun disappears below the horizon.
Don't leave too early!
That’s when the sky turns those deep purples and reds that look so cool in photos.
Also, keep an eye out for the "green flash."
People say if the horizon is perfectly clear, you can see a tiny flash of green right as the sun vanishes.
We haven't seen it yet, but we keep looking!
If you are trying to figure out which neighborhood fits your style best, we have some advice on finding the best condo for your trip.
Make it a Daily Routine
One of the best things about a vacation in Puerto Vallarta is making the sunset a part of your daily routine.
In our normal lives, we are always so busy.
But here, you have permission to just sit still for an hour and watch the sky.
It is good for the soul.
We find that we are much more relaxed when we take that time every evening.
Whether we are grabbing a taco from a street vendor or sitting on a balcony in Amapas, it’s the highlight of our day.
Our Final Recommendation
If you are coming to visit us in PV, you HAVE to spend at least one evening at the Los Muertos Pier.
It is the classic experience.
But for the rest of your trip, we highly recommend staying in the Amapas area.
Having that view from your own place is just unbeatable.
It makes the whole trip feel so much more personal and relaxing.
We are so grateful that we get to share this beautiful place with you.
The sunsets here are truly the best in the world, and we can't wait for you to see them.
See you on the beach!
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