Gay travel guide
Puerto Vallarta Gay Guide: Bars, Beaches & Where to Stay
I grew up here, so let me save you the mistake most visitors make: stay in Zona Romántica. Not the hotel zone, not Marina Vallarta. Zona Romántica. Everything below is within walking distance of it, and the walk is half the fun.
Last updated:
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
The Tryst
Zona Romántica
My pick. The pool is the whole point: it's where you go when you want a beautiful day that doesn't require a decision. Chill in the best way.
PoolAdults onlyChillAlmar Resort
Zona Romántica
If you'd rather wake up already at the party. It's the Mantamar hotel, so you're on top of the beach club.
PartyBeach club
Mantamar Beach Club
When you're ready to actually go out. This is the daytime party, and it sets the tone for everything after.
Puerto Vallarta Drag Brunch
Sunday at Almar. One entry covers the drag brunch and the day at Mantamar, with bottomless mimosas. It's the best-value day in Puerto Vallarta and it's not close.
Almar Resort
Zona Romántica
Drag brunch plus a day at Mantamar on one entry, bottomless mimosas included.
Best night: Sunday
DragBottomlessBest value
Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
Fredy's Tucán
Basilio Badillo, Zona Romántica
Breakfast. (Note the spelling: Fredy's, one D.)
Breakfast
Your questions
Where should I stay in Puerto Vallarta as a gay traveler?
Stay in Zona Romántica, not the hotel zone and not Marina Vallarta. The Tryst is my pick for a chill pool day, and Almar Resort puts you on top of Mantamar if you'd rather wake up already at the party.
What is Zona Romántica?
Zona Romántica is the old town neighborhood that holds the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta, including the beach clubs, bars and most of the gay hotels. Everything in this guide is within walking distance of it.
What is the best gay beach club in Puerto Vallarta?
Mantamar. It's the daytime party that sets the tone for the rest of the night, and Almar Resort sits right on top of it.
Is Puerto Vallarta gay friendly?
Yes. It is one of the most established gay destinations in Mexico, with a gay neighborhood, gay hotels and a beach club scene concentrated in Zona Romántica. I grew up here, and the walk between all of it is half the fun.
What the Locals Say
What people told us on camera about Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, plus approved reader recommendations. Nothing pulled from review sites.
Street interview quotes are being added here as the clips go up. Reader recommendations appear here once they are reviewed.
Get the next guide first
New city guides, bars and beaches, straight to your inbox.