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Nightlife

Most of the worthy nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is located along a three-block stretch of Calle Ignacio L. Vallarta, on the south side of the river. You'll find it all, here, from mariachi music and sports bars to salsa clubs and discos. The malecón also hosts a fair share of venues, mainly beachside palapas and casual cocktail joints. Here are some of our favorites from upscale and trendy lounges, rowdy pubs, surfside watering holes, and romantic taverns.

Settle in at the swanky Kit Kat Club on Playa de los Muertos (Pulpito 120; 322/223-0093; open 6pm-2am daily) where the hip set come to lounge on plush animal-print settees and sip martinis while listening to groovy beats. The young and unruly will love the ever-popular Señor Frogs (Ignacio L. Vallarta and Venustiano Carranza; 322/222-5171; open 11am-4am daily) where the 20-something crowd throws back tequila and rocks out to bumping tunes in the huge air-conditioned club. de Santos (also covered in our Where to Eat section) also doubles as a nightclub; after a marvelous Mediterranean dinner, you can either groove to house and techno music courtesy of a state-of-the-art sound system or head to the rooftop terrace to sip cocktails on oversized beds under the moonlight. For authentic Cuban flair, we suggest La Bodeguita del Medio (Paseo Diaz Ordaz at Allende; 322/223-1585; open 11.30am-2am daily), situated right on the malecón; cigar aficionados can also purchase their own Cubans at the bar's tiny shop and survey the bay while relaxing in the upstairs room. Kick up your heels to some serious salsa at the J & B Salsa Club (Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, km 2.5; 322/224-4616, 10pm–6am Mon–Sat), a local hot spot with a live band on Fridays and Saturdays. For a romantic atmosphere and amazing views, take your sweetie to El Faro Lighthouse Bar (Royal Pacific Yacht club; 322/221-0541; open 5pm-2am daily), a killer jazz cocktail lounge set at the top of the Marina lighthouse; the place has fantastic panoramic views, so try and get there for sunset.

Beach & Waterfront Bars
A beachside tropical setting awaits at La Palapa Restaurant & Lounge, nestled right on Playa de los Muertos (Pulpito 103; 322/222-5225) is a great spot to wind down a day at the beach with a sunset snack and a cerveza. Another great beach spot is Daquiri Dicks (also mentioned in Where to Eat section); head here for lunch and frozen refreshments by day or dinner and drinks with a sunset view. For a night on the water, try Puerto Vallarta's famous Rhythms of the Night cruise (888/303-2653, $78), which sails to John Huston's former home in unspoiled Las Caletas cove where you dine at candle-lit tables and local dancers perform – the entire night is a special treat.

See Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide