We've been exploring Puerto Vallarta for years now. And one thing we LOVE about this place? You're never more than an hour away from somewhere completely different.
The beaches here are amazing. The restaurants are incredible. But sometimes you want to see what else is out there.
Good news, there are so many easy day trips from Puerto Vallarta that you could spend weeks exploring and never get bored.
We've done them all. Some multiple times. And today we're sharing our five favorites with you.
Let's dive in.
Day Trip #1: Yelapa
This one feels like stepping into another world.
Yelapa is a tiny fishing village about 55 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by boat. There are no roads in or out, the only way to get there is by water.
And honestly? That's part of the magic.
We took the morning ferry from the pier and arrived before the crowds. The village sits tucked between jungle-covered mountains and a beautiful bay.
First stop was Playa Yelapa. Crystal clear water. Soft sand. Palapa restaurants serving fresh ceviche right on the beach.
But the real adventure was hiking to the waterfalls.
There are actually two of them. The first one is close to the beach, maybe a 20-minute walk through the village. It's popular and for good reason.
The second waterfall takes a bit more effort. You hike deeper into the jungle. Fewer tourists. Way more peaceful.
We spent the whole afternoon swimming, exploring, and eating our weight in fish tacos.
Highly recommended if you want to escape the busy tourist areas for a day.
Day Trip #2: Sayulita
Sayulita is probably the most famous day trip from Puerto Vallarta. And yeah, it lives up to the hype.
This colorful surf town sits about 45 minutes north of PV. You can take a bus, grab a taxi, or rent a car for the scenic coastal drive.
The moment you arrive, you'll notice the vibe is different.
Flag-decorated streets. Bright murals everywhere. A mix of surfers, artists, and families wandering through the shops and cafes.
We always start with a surf lesson on the main beach. The waves here are perfect for beginners. Gentle and forgiving.
After that, we wander.
The Tierra Huichol museum is worth a stop. It showcases indigenous Huichol art and culture. The beadwork is absolutely stunning.
For lunch, grab a table at one of the beachfront restaurants. Order whatever fish they caught that morning. You won't regret it.
Sayulita can get crowded on weekends. If you want a more relaxed experience, go on a weekday. Trust us on this one.
Day Trip #3: San Pancho (DON'T MISS THIS ONE!)
Okay, here's the one we told you not to miss.
San Pancho: also called San Francisco: is just 10 minutes past Sayulita. But it feels completely different.
This is where you go for authentic Mexican village life.
No cruise ship crowds. No souvenir shops on every corner. Just a quiet coastal town with incredible character.
We spent our morning at the local market. Fresh produce. Handmade crafts. Real people living real life.
Then we found a tiny café serving some of the best coffee we've ever had. Locally roasted. Rich and smooth.
But the highlight? The tortilla factory tour.
Watching fresh tortillas being made by hand: the smell, the warmth, the simplicity of it: was sooo good. We bought a stack to take home.
If you have time, ask about the hot springs nearby. A jungle oasis tucked away from everything.
San Pancho is what travel is supposed to feel like. Slow. Real. Connected.
This is where we always tell friends to go when they want to experience the Mexico that exists beyond the resorts.
Day Trip #4: Mismaloya & Los Arcos
This one is perfect if you love the water.
Mismaloya is a small bay about 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. You can drive there in your rental car or grab a quick taxi.
The bay is calm and protected by jungle-covered cliffs. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Fun fact: this is where they filmed the movie "Night of the Iguana" back in the 1960s. You can still see some of the old set pieces if you know where to look.
But the real draw here is Los Arcos.
Los Arcos is a group of rock formations just offshore. They're a protected marine sanctuary. The snorkeling is AMAZING.
We booked a small boat tour from Mismaloya. Spent the morning swimming through caves and spotting tropical fish.
Sea turtles. Colorful coral. Schools of fish everywhere.
If you're looking for things to do near Puerto Vallarta that get you in the water, this is it.
Bring an underwater camera. You'll want it.
Day Trip #5: Boca de Tomatlan
Boca de Tomatlan is the gateway to the south shore beaches. It's only about 15 minutes from central Puerto Vallarta.
This little town sits where a river meets the ocean. Local pangas: small wooden boats: line the beach waiting to take you anywhere you want to go.
Want to explore hidden beaches? Hire a panga.
Want fresh seafood for lunch? Pick a beachfront restaurant.
Want to hike? Trails lead into the surrounding hills with incredible views.
We love coming here for a low-key afternoon. No agenda. Just wandering, eating, and watching the boats come and go.
The vibe is laid back. The prices are fair. The fish is fresh.
It's the kind of place where you can spend three hours or eight hours: totally up to you.
Where to Stay for Your Puerto Vallarta Adventures
Here's something we learned early on: where you stay makes all the difference.
If you're planning day trips, you want a home base that's central and comfortable.
We always recommend staying in the Zona Romantica or Amapas neighborhoods. These areas put you close to the pier, the restaurants, and all the transportation options for exploring.
Amapas is our favorite spot. It's tucked into the hillside just south of Old Town. Quiet streets. Incredible views. Walking distance to everything.
When you book vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta in this area, you get the best of both worlds. Space to relax after a long day of exploring. And easy access to your next adventure.
We've stayed in hotels. We've stayed in resorts. But vacation rentals have always been our go-to. More room. More flexibility. More like home.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta is amazing on its own. But these day trips show you a whole different side of Mexico.
Waterfalls in Yelapa. Surf lessons in Sayulita. Authentic village life in San Pancho. Snorkeling at Los Arcos. Boat rides from Boca de Tomatlan.
All within an hour of your rental.
Our recommendation? Don't try to do them all in one trip. Pick two or three. Take your time. Soak it in.
And whatever you do: don't skip San Pancho. That one is special.
We hope this helps you plan your next adventure. Safe travels!
About the Author
