By the Full-Time Travel editors

There’s more to Puerto Vallarta than serene beaches, delicious local cuisine, and agave-fueled parties. The Jalisco town on Mexico’s west coast also offers countless ways to immerse yourself in local art, history, and culture. It’s not a “massive museum” kind of scene. Puerto Vallarta’s soul is found in the small galleries, vibrant street art, live music, and cultural performances. 

Puerto Vallarta has around 80 art galleries, many of which are located in the Centro and Zona Romántica neighborhoods. For nearly 30 years, many galleries have stayed open until 10:00 p.m. to participate in the weekly Vallarta ArtWalk, held on Wednesdays from October through May. It’s the best time to visit Vallarta’s galleries, as many artists are on-site to showcase their work. The walk is self-guided, and the galleries are free to visit. Otherwise, Vallarta’s art galleries can be visited during their regular hours. Don’t miss Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta’s largest art gallery, which features a sculpture garden and works by more than 60 artists, and ARTVallARTa, a creative hub and gallery for local artists. 

In addition to its galleries, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón, the oceanfront pedestrian path, is home to many sculptures, including Carlos Espino’s Triton and Nereida sculpture of a merman and mermaid and Rafael Zamarripa’s El Caballito sculpture of a little boy riding a sea horse. Mexican surrealist Sergio Bustamante’s In Search of Reason features three obscure bronze figures: two climbing a massive ladder and the third standing nearby with open arms. 

More public art can be discovered while wandering Puerto Vallarta’s streets. The Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most striking murals, including Tony Collantes’ psychedelic whale at Uruguay 84. At the corner of San Salvador and Calle Bolivia, murals depict jaguars, toucans, winged sea turtles, birds of paradise, and more. The exterior walls surrounding the Panteón 5 de Diciembre are covered in Día de Muertos artwork featuring massive cempasúchil flowers, ofrendas, Xoloitzcuintli (the hairless dog believed to guide souls to the underworld), and colorful calaveras (skulls). 

One of Puerto Vallarta's most unique public art projects is The Tile Park in the Romantic Zone. Sixty-six one-of-a-kind benches are connected by vibrant tile pathways, creating a colorful space that's as much a work of art as it is a neighborhood park. The design is rich with symbolism, incorporating sacred geometry, the four elements of the pre-Hispanic worldview (north represents water, south represents fire, east represents earth, and west represents air), and matching black and white hummingbirds that represent inner and outer freedom. Originally conceived by Mexican-American artist Natasha Moraga and brought to life in concrete by sculptor Oscar Ricardo, The Tile Park is another reminder that some of Puerto Vallarta's best art isn't confined to gallery walls. 

Beyond visual arts, live performances and music can be enjoyed in Puerto Vallarta. Every evening around 6:00 p.m., the Danza de los Voladores, a jaw-dropping Mesoamerican ritual recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is performed on a 30-meter-tall pole on the Malecón between Calle Pípila and Calle Leona Vicario. During the performance, four flyers, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, synchronize their spiral from the top of the pole to the ground with only ropes tied around their ankles—the same way the ceremony has been conducted for 1,500 years. The caporal remains at the top of the pole playing a flute throughout the exhibition. 

Mariachi originated in Jalisco and performances of the unique Mexican music can be enjoyed throughout the state. Especially in Puerto Vallarta. For an impressive performance, there are plenty of mariachi bands that roam the beach, but you can (and should) grab a margarita at a restaurant that hires mariachi performers. Aquí Nomás has live mariachi performances on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10:00 p.m. Pipi's Restaurant is another great casual option for live mariachi (plus, the guac is made table-side). For an upscale night out, the Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar has live mariachi on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from November through April, and every Friday during the month of May. 

Puerto Vallarta rewards curiosity. Sure, you could spend your entire trip rotating between the beach, the pool, and another round of margaritas. But wander a few blocks inland, linger at a gallery, stop to admire a mural, or catch a mariachi performance over dinner, and you'll feel the city’s soul. 

The best souvenirs aren't always the ones you can pack in your suitcase. They’re the feeling of Mexico you bring home with you—one that stays long after your trip ends.