So, you have an upcoming birthday and want to do something special for it, but aren’t quite sure what to do. Why not plan the best birthday getaway and go somewhere tropical with your closest friends?
Whether you are celebrating another year of being you or a milestone birthday, your birthday is a special occasion that merits a gift to yourself. After two years of travel restrictions, what better gift could there be than traveling to a beach destination for uninterrupted time to recharge, have fun, and try new activities?
Where is the Best Place to go on Your Birthday?
Before planning your birthday getaway, you will first need to choose the perfect destination. Mexico was selected as Travel + Leisure’s 2022 Destination of the Year and there are several amazing places to visit in Mexico, including Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Oaxaca. If you are looking for a sunny beach destination where you can enjoy pristine beaches, amazing food, and exciting eco-adventures, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are the three best options when considering which destinations to travel to in Mexico.
For the best birthday getaway, we recommend traveling to Puerto Vallarta, a beach resort city located in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The city lies on a narrow coastal plain at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the Bay of Banderas.
Puerto Vallarta is well known for its beautiful sights, white-sand beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. It is a hot spot for tourists from all over the world with its culture, gastronomy, hospitality, and warmth. It was once named “The friendliest city in the world.”
What are the Best Things to do In Puerto Vallarta?
There are many things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Whether you want to explore the city and its natural beauties by walking and sightseeing, learn about its history and culture, enjoy the amazing gastronomy, engage in water sports or zip lining, or simply get lost in its exciting nightlife, Puerto Vallarta has the right thing for you.
A classic thing to do is take the free art walk along the iconic Malecon: a boardwalk that runs from Hotel Rosita, the oldest hotel in town, up to the Cuale River. Along the Malecon, you can find sculptures by several well-known artists and plenty of art galleries to visit and enjoy the art scene. When the sun begins to set, the Malecon boardwalk offers many clubs such as Mandala, the Zoo Bar, La Bodeguita del Medio, and Bar Morelos Mezcaleria where you can dance and have fun.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a must-see. Located downtown, the church is a beautiful piece of the architecture and tradition of Puerto Vallarta. It even offers services in English on Saturdays.
If your holiday is more romantic in nature, the Zona Romántica, or Romantic Zone, on the other side of the Cuale River, is the neighborhood to explore with its quaint streets and authentic Mexican style. Here, you can find many coffee shops, trendy restaurants, live music, murals, and stunning views of the bay.
Another must see is “Rhythms of the Night,” a cultural and dinner experience that is a top tour in Puerto Vallarta. The experience starts with a sunset cruise that includes an open bar across Banderas Bay to Las Caletas, a private cove beautifully lit with tiki torches that paves the way to the outdoor auditorium where the show is presented, featuring stories of Mexican folklore, live music, acrobats, and more. After the show, you will be treated to a large buffet with local foods.
Finally, do not miss the natural wonder that is visiting Marietas Islands, accessible only by boat. Several tour operators run excursions to Marietas Islands. Vallarta Adventures is a recommended company that also offers a tour to the famous Hidden Beach or Lover’s Beach, but keep in mind this ticket has to be purchased separately from your Marietas Islands Tour. The Islands are a refuge for over 90 aquatic species, where you can swim, scuba dive, and snorkel. Also, if you are lucky enough to travel during whale season from mid-December to mid-March, you will get to see the humpback whales that love to mate here.
How do I Plan a Beach Getaway?
Among the many things to do in Puerto Vallarta is enjoy a beach getaway. Puerto Vallarta has many beaches to choose from, and it can be a little bit overwhelming to choose just one to visit. The best recommendation is to book a tour, since some of the beaches are only accessible by boat, or more secluded, and some are a good 20 minutes away from downtown, while others are within walking distance and free to access.
What Beach Should I go to for My Birthday?
There is a long list of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and it depends on whether you want a secluded beach to have almost to yourself, a classic beach to enjoy the sun and movement, or a mix of both.
Las Caletas is a private beach on which you will find complete relaxation. It is only accessible by boat from Vallarta Adventures, which makes it perfect if you want the beach more to yourself. Here, you can scuba dive, snorkel, or just swim. Food and beverages are included in the tour, and there is a private section with hammocks by the sea.
Another secluded beach you must visit is Playa Las Gemelas, remote and hidden with turquoise waters and warm sand, perfect for a relaxing day to have the best birthday getaway!
Los Muertos Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Vallarta, located in the Romantic Zone. It offers an outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean and a hip vibe with many shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Mismaloya Beach is another must-see: it was the setting of the 1964 movie “The Night of the Iguana” starring Ava Gardner and Richard Burton, who traveled there with no other than Elizabeth Taylor!
Just between Mismaloya and Las Gemelas, you will find Los Arcos Marine Park, a protected area perfect for swimming and snorkeling and it is known to have the deepest waters of the bay. As it is home of many species of birds such as pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and parrots, it is also a popular spot for bird watching.
Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta?
Make sure to stay at an all-inclusive resort, so that you can enjoy the best birthday getaway just as you dreamed it. Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta is highly recommended among well-traveled tourists. It is part of a new generation of designer hotels for guests over 18 years old, which offers exclusive experiences by the beach as well as amazing service, food, and luxe suites that will make your stay a dream.
Hotel Mousai offers a wide variety of activities for you to have the best birthday getaway, such as kayaking and snorkeling to Los Arcos, hikes to a waterfall, wine and tequila tastings, and so much more.
You can also enjoy the best culinary experience, as Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the best restaurants in the area, with fresh ingredients and extraordinary menus that will satisfy the most demanding gourmands.
As you can see, Hotel Mousai offers the best option for your stay in Puerto Vallarta so you can have the best birthday getaway of your life!
