Puerto Vallarta Gayborhood
Puerto Vallarta has been a gay tourist destination for decades. In 2017 Puerto Vallarta became the first Gay Travel Approved® city in Mexico. We have long been aware that Zona Romantica is the best Gayborhood globally, yet it took gay Travel Awards until 2016 to make the claim. Considering we top the charts above both San Francisco and West Hollywood, we have something for which to have much pride.
Unlike those two cities, we have a beach to offer all year around. Los Muertos is hands-down the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta, with world class restaurants along the malecón and wonderful beach clubs dotting the shoreline. Blue Chairs on the far south side is where you will find the gay crowd of your dreams. We recommend getting there early for the shade of the palapas. You also have the option of tossing your blankets and towels on the sand to soak up the sun, while spying a delicious collection of eye candy. When the Blue Chairs fill up, the overflow ends up at Green Chairs and further north to the fancier to spots such as Mantamar and Sapphire Ocean Club.
After the beach and a good disco nap, you’ll want to check out the bars and restaurants along Olas Altas, the street one block east that runs parallel to the ocean. The side streets off of Olas Altas and leading down to the magnificent pier are all worth checking out, many of them with gay ex-pat owners. Most of these establishments stay open late and accommodate those who plan to head to the clubs after a delicious gourmet meal.
A few blocks to the north on the main straightaway of the malecón are the straight clubs, but you won’t need to go far to find the gay night life. The clubs open around 10 pm and get rolling with a good rocking crowd by midnight.
Daytime activities besides the beach are the usual ziplines, jungle and eco tours, shopping, booze cruises, horseback riding, fishing and snorkeling. Check your gay guide (you will find them all over Zona Romantica) for companies who cater to gay men and women. For something different, learn how to cook Mexican dishes to show off your skills when you get back home. El Arrayán is a Mexican restaurant on the north end of town, owned by Claudia and Carmen, a married couple, who work with Chef Diego Sánchez, teaching classical Mexican cooking. You can choose from over fifty recipes from all over Mexico.
There is no end to activities that will convince you of the accreditation Puerto Vallarta has earned as the best gay vacation destination. Start planning to make your memories!
