Puerto Vallarta

On the sea side of Plaza Morelos is an outdoor amphitheater backed by Los Arcos, a row of arches that has become a symbol of the city. — Lonely Planet

Orchids, bromeliads, agaves and wild palms line the paths of this gorgeous nature park. — Lonely Planet

The beach attracts fewer sunbathers than Los Muertos but is otherwise an extension of that beach, and it gets lively during holidays with sunbathers and impromptu snack stands. — Fodor's

There's lots to do besides sunbathe at this beach and town 15 minutes south of Boca de Tomatlán. — Fodor's

Isla Río Cuale is almost in the heart of the city and is actually an island set upon an inlet of the Banderas Bay. — U.S. News & World Report

Playa de los Muertos (Dead Man's Beach) in the Zona Romantica, offers opportunities to Jet Ski, windsurf and even parasail and an assortment of excellent restaurants and bars. — U.S. News & World Report

Between the sandy stretches of Las Ánimas and Majahuitas, and about 20 minutes by boat from Boca de Tomatlán, Quimixto has a narrow, rocky shoreline that attracts few bathers. — Fodor's

The crown-topped steeple of the Templo de Guadalupe is a Vallarta icon. — Lonely Planet

One of Vallarta's first galleries, the Galería Uno features an excellent selection of contemporary paintings by Latin American artists. — Frommer's

This charming south side neighborhood is like a detached, unpretentious beach village that serves PV's more laid-back and less resort-conscious tourists. — U.S. News & World Report

Spend the day snorkeling or hike to a waterfall at this intimate resort 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Or ease into the hammock outside your palm-shaded, thatched-roof casita. — Travel + Leisure

A clean, easy-to-access beach, Playa de los Muertos is, contrary to its name, a lively stretch of sand—staked with umbrellas and within close proximity to several delicious eateries. — Afar Magazine

The modern Ohtli spa and its high-tech gym offer 22,000 square feet of elegant pampering. — Fodor's

The popular beach has a string of restaurants—once simple shacks but today of increasing sophistication and price. This is a primo spot for viewing a sunset. — Fodor's

Done with beautiful white-sand beaches? Kids will go nuts at Splash Parque Acuático, which has 12 waterslides, a lazy river swimming pool and a daily dolphin show. — Lonely Planet

On a peninsula between the beach and marina, this modern Maya temple of glass and marble is a cool, sweet-smelling oasis. — Fodor's

Below the warm, tranquil waters of the Bahía de Banderas is a world of stingrays, tropical fish and garishly colored corals. — Lonely Planet