Puerto Vallarta is one of those places where you can eat your way through an entire day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Between the fresh seafood, the tacos that ruin all other tacos, and the endless flow of tequila, this coastal city knows how to feed people right.
Here’s how I’d spend a full day in Vallarta if food was the main goal (and honestly, when is it not?).
Table of Contents
Morning: Breakfast with a Local Touch
Start your day at Fredy’s Tucan, the kind of place where locals, expats, and sleepy travelers all end up. The menu is big, the coffee is strong, and the service is quick, exactly what you want when you’re still waking up. Go for the chilaquiles verdes or the banana pancakes if you’re craving something sweet. From there, take a slow walk down Basilio Badillo, the main artery of Zona Romántica. It’s full of bakeries, small cafés, and street carts selling the famous “pan dulce” worth grabbing one “for later,” though you’ll probably eat it within five minutes.
Midday: Market Hopping and Street Eats
Around lunchtime, make your way to Isla Cuale Market, a short walk from the beach but a totally different vibe. It’s part local artisan market, part mini food heaven. Grab a cold agua fresca and wander. You’ll find tamales wrapped in banana leaves, grilled corn with chili and lime, and empanadas stuffed with whatever’s fresh that morning. If you want something heartier, stop by Mariscos Cisneros, a casual seafood spot loved by locals. Their fish tacos are crisp, flavorful, and ruinously good.
Afternoon: Tequila and Time to Slow Down
No foodie day in Vallarta is complete without a little tequila, and the best way to appreciate it is through a tequila tasting Puerto Vallarta experience. Skip the touristy shots and go somewhere that actually walks you through the process, from the agave plant to the pour. You’ll learn to tell the difference between blanco, reposado, and añejo (and yes, you’ll definitely feel it by the end). If you want to make it special, head to a tasting by the river at Restaurant Oscar’s, where you can sip and snack while watching the water drift by. It’s the perfect mix of learning, relaxing, and, well, drinking.
Evening: Dinner by the Sea
By now, you’ll probably need a nap, but push through, sunset in Puerto Vallarta is worth staying awake for. Head to La Palapa, one of the city’s most iconic beachfront restaurants. Order a margarita (because of course) and try their shrimp in coconut sauce or fresh ceviche. The ocean is just a few steps away, and if you time it right, you’ll get that warm orange glow lighting up your table.
Night: Sweet Finish
End the day with something simple and local, maybe a crepe or a scoop of ice cream? Or if you’re still in the mood for a drink, grab one last mezcal at Mezcla y Sal. Vallarta doesn’t really do “end of the night.” It just slowly fades into the next meal, the next drink, and another perfect day by the ocean!