I have seen a lot of sunsets in my time, but nothing beats the show we get here in Puerto Vallarta.
Every single evening, the sky turns into this crazy canvas of orange, pink, and purple. It is honestly one of the best parts of living here.
If you are a solo traveler or coming with friends, you need to know where the best seats are. You don't always need a fancy restaurant to see the magic.
Some of the best spots are hidden in plain sight or just a short walk from your front door.
I’ve spent years exploring these hills and beaches, so let me share my favorite local secrets for the ultimate sunset view.
1. Mirador El Cerro de la Cruz
If you want the absolute best 360-degree view of the entire bay, you have to go to the Mirador El Cerro de la Cruz.
It is a bit of a hike, I’m not going to lie! You’ll be walking up some steep stairs, but I promise the sweat is worth it.
Once you get to the top, you can see all of Old Town, the iconic church, and the ocean stretching out forever.
I love going up there about 45 minutes before the sun actually goes down. It gives you time to catch your breath and find a good spot on the platform.
Seeing the sun dip below the horizon from that height is SOOO AMAZING!! You feel like you are on top of the world.
If you are looking for puerto vallarta rental condos near the base of the hill, you are in a great spot to make this a daily ritual.
2. The Los Muertos Pier
You can't come to Puerto Vallarta and miss the pier in Old Town. It’s also known as the Zona Romantica pier, and it is a total icon.
Walking out onto the pier as the sun starts to set is a whole vibe. The lights on the pier itself start to glow in different colors, which makes for some great photos.
I love sitting on one of the benches and just watching the boats come in. You get the cool ocean breeze and the sound of the waves right under your feet.
It’s very casual and usually pretty lively with locals and visitors all enjoying the same view.
After the sun goes down, you are already right in the heart of the best food scene. You should definitely check out Local Secrets: The Best Places to Eat Near Your Puerto Vallarta Condo for some dinner ideas nearby.
It is such a classic PV experience that I never get tired of it. Highly recommended for your first night in town!
3. Amapas Beach and the Coastal Path
Now, if you want my real secret, you have to head to Amapas.
In my opinion, Amapas is the absolute best place to rent a place when you are visiting. It’s just a tiny bit tucked away from the main hustle, but it has the most beautiful scenery.
There is a small coastal path that leads from the main beach toward Conchas Chinas. Walking this path at golden hour is pure magic.
The cliffs are green, the water is crystal clear, and the rocks along the shore make the sunset look even more dramatic.
It is so peaceful here compared to the main Malecón. I LOVE the quiet vibe of this neighborhood.
If you want to stay right in this beautiful area, you should look into rental condos in puerto vallarta that sit on the hillside here.
Amapas gives you that perfect balance of being close to everything but feeling like you have your own private paradise.
4. Gringo Gulch Lookouts
Most people stay down by the water, but if you head up into the hills of Gringo Gulch, you’ll find some amazing little corners.
This is the historic part of town where the houses are covered in bougainvillea and the streets are all cobblestone.
There are several spots near the bridge or along the winding streets where you can stop and look out over the red tile roofs of the city.
The way the orange light hits the white walls of the houses is just beautiful. It feels very old-school Mexico.
It’s a great place for a quiet stroll if you want to see some of Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Charms: 5 Local Secrets You Can't Miss.
I really enjoy the architecture up here, and the view of the church crown against the setting sun is something you’ll never forget.
5. The Southern End of the Malecón
Last but not least, just finding a spot on the sea wall at the southern end of the Malecón is hard to beat.
This is where the city really comes alive. You have street performers, people selling grilled corn, and families out for a walk.
It’s not "hidden," but it is a local favorite for a reason. You can just grab a cold drink and sit on the stone wall with your feet dangling.
The colors over the water are always different every night. Sometimes it’s a deep red, other times it’s a soft pastel pink.
I am so grateful to live in a place where this kind of beauty is free for everyone to enjoy every single day.
If you are planning your trip, make sure you prioritize a spot with a view. Having your own balcony to watch this from is the ultimate way to relax.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta is all about the light and the ocean. Whether you are hiking up to the cross or chilling on a beach in Amapas, you can't go wrong.
Amapas is definitely my top recommendation for where to stay if you want the best views and a bit of peace.
I hope you get to see at least one "fire in the sky" sunset while you are here. It’s something you truly have to see for yourself.
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