Our favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta (near the airport but a ~45 minute drive from the Riu hotel):

• Hacienda San Angel - American-style fine dining done well. Nestled on the rooftop of a boutique restaurant, enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean while you are serenaded by a mariachi band (mariachi plays Fri, Sat and Sun nights only). The food here is more classic American (think steak and mashed potatoes) than traditional Mexican. Check out their menu.

• Joe Jack's in Puerto Vallarta - Come here for a lively restaurant in the heart of the Zona Romántica district. Spend the afternoon walking the cobblestone streets and exploring markets, then head to Joe Jack's for our favorite dish in the entire region: the whole pacific red snapper. It comes with roasted garlic, rice and beans. And they debone the fish at the table for you. Thank us later! Check out their menu.

• La Leche - Vibes. So many vibes. This all-white restaurant specializes in Spanish-Mexican food and is trendy af. Come for the white bathroom photo-op, stay for the DJ set. Check out their menu.

• Porfirio's - This fine dining chain is near and dear to our heart. We lived in PV for 6 months and walked here at least once a week. It offers tasty food, great drinks and a fun atmosphere. We adore their bone marrow tacos, green enchiladas and their maracuya margarita. Check out their menu.

• Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas - Al. Pastor. That's all. Check out their menu.

Our favorite restaurants in Bucerías (near the Riu hotel and venue):

• La Negra - IMO this is Bucerías' best restaurant. Don't let the palapa and jungly exterior fool you, their food is elevated and yummy. We love the goberneitor taco, pork belly taco and sourdough pizza. Check out their menu.

• TACOS JUNIOR - Authentic tacos in a cozy, hole in the wall restaurant. This no -frills eatery delivers if you want a taste of authentic Mexican. Check out their menu.

• The Fat Boy Seafood - The Fat Boy is perfect for a casual meal on the beach. Dig your toes in the sand and watch the waves come in. Please note: there are 2 Fat Boy restaurants near each other that are essentially identical. Check out their menu.

• Los Dorados de Villa Birria - Delicious, authentic birria street food. Order the tacos dorados and then load up with onions, cilantros and lime. Check out their menu.

If you are looking for activities to do while in Puerto Vallarta, we suggest:

• Booking an Airbnb experience (similar options can be found on GetYourGuide, Viator, etc.)

• Street food taco tour

• Horseback riding and tequila tasting tour

• ATV tour

• Private boat rental for snorkeling Los Arcos

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