Puerto Vallarta Pictures

Puerto Vallarta has incredible beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife – it's the ultimate Mexican vacation.  Westend61 Getty Images

On many whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta, you'll have the opportunity to use an underwater hydrophone and speaker system to listen to the tonal songs of the whales.  lexeys Getty Images

These four arches are a symbol of PV and a venue for music and art performaces year-round. Westend61 Getty Images

Past visitors raved about Vallarta Food Tours, saying it's a great way to taste your way through the city's heritage. Jacopo Ventura Getty Images

Stretching for more than a mile along Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), El Malecón is a great place to stroll any time of day. Westend61 Getty Images

Tiny stalls with vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs line the El Malecon boardwalk. prayitno Flickr

Narrow streets, cobblestone sidewalks and stucco buildings line El Malecón.  Patricia Marroquin Getty Images

The small fishing village of Bucerías is a great place to escape tourist-filled PV. You can take a bus here from El Centro. Linda Raymond Getty Images

This charming south side neighborhood is a great place to find a laid-back hotel. It's also where the most of the area's gay bars and clubs are located. Westend61 Getty Images

Jet skiing and windsurfing are some of the common water sports available at Playa Los Muertos – one of PV's most popular beaches. Soyazur Getty Images

As the name suggests, the Hotel Zone houses hotels aplenty, but it's also home to shopping centers, attractions, restaurants and public transportation.  Courtesy the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

Need a break from PV's crowded beaches? Head to Boca de Tomates, which is situated about a half-hour north of Puerto Vallarta. Courtesy the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

If you have time to spare, take a bus up the coastline to Bucerías for an afternoon of fishing or swimming. Linda Raymond Getty Images

The silhouette of this church in downtown PV is one of the most definable images of the resort town and its chiming church bells are one of the most recognizable sounds. ©fitopardo.com Getty Images

Prior to each Mass, the bells of the Church of Our Lady Guadalupe ring out over the city. ferrantraite Getty Images

Steal away to Bucerías if you need a break from the tourist crowds of central PV. Karla Perez / EyeEm Getty Images

Because of its location next to El Malecon, Playa Los Muertos is a tourist magnet. MsNancy Getty Images

Visitors recommend strolling by the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the day and again at night to see the tower illuminated. Jeremy Woodhouse/Holly Wilmeth Getty Images

Playa Los Muertos is home to a relatively new pier that includes a sailboat sculpture that lights up at night. Westend61 Getty Images

A stroll along Puerto Vallarta's El Malecon will yield views like this one.  Westend61 Getty Images

If you're interested in whale watching, visit from December to March. Paty aranda Getty Images

If you're in town for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe festival (in December), expect festival streets full of color. David Niddrie Getty Images

According to visitors, you won't to miss a sunset at Los Arcos along El Malecon. MikeyLPT Getty Images

Spotting a humpback whale as it crests the surface of the ocean is an awe-inspiring sight, and Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to do just that. axl5188 Getty Images