These days, everyone has heard about Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s most gay-friendly resort town. Once a humble fishing village, it had bigger aspirations and—after being the setting for a few Hollywood movies—gradually grew in popularity to become the tourist hotspot it is today, especially for LGBTQ+ people.

It still retains its Mexican spirit with its charming and colorful old town, bustling Malecón promenade, nearby jungles and mountains, gorgeous beaches like Las Caletas, thriving arts scene, and tequila-peddling bars, but it has also been infused with the gay party spirit brought by LGBTQ+ travelers and expats living there.

The romance within the Zona Romántica district is mostly that of the same-sex variety, as it is filled with gay clubs, cocktail bars, gay hotels, and even a gay hostel. Puerto Vallarta’s gay beach, Playa Los Muertos, doesn’t feel the need to hide itself away in a cove but is right in front of the city and is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico, boasting trendy beach bars, beautiful seas, and even more beautiful men.

The romance within the Zona Romántica district is mostly that of the same-sex variety, as it is filled with gay clubs, cocktail bars, gay hotels, and even a gay hostel. Puerto Vallarta’s gay beach, Playa Los Muertos, doesn’t feel the need to hide itself away in a cove but is right in front of the city and is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico, boasting trendy beach bars, beautiful seas, and even more beautiful men.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Vallarta
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Puerto Vallarta
5. Puerto Vallarta Gay Tours
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Puerto Vallarta Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Puerto Vallarta Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
10. Gay Events in Puerto Vallarta
11. Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta

General Tips

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from November to May. Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate and is warm year-round; however, June through September is the rainy season, and it is hot and humid. You can visit any time of year, but you’ll notice a much slower pace in the off-season, with many places closed due to the limited number of visitors. Conversely, if you're looking to party, head there in May for Vallarta Pride or in November for the White Party.

There are many all-inclusive beach resorts in Puerto Vallarta, but they’re outside the old town. While these options might seem attractive, we recommend staying near the old town (Zona Romántica) instead. Staying at an all-inclusive resort keeps you away from the authentic experience of the old town, as well as all the great restaurants, bars, and other venues in town, which make the city unique.

You can download the Gay Puerto Vallarta guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

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Transportation & Airport Transfer

The airport is located 10 km from the old town, roughly a 25- to 30-minute drive. Upon arrival, you’ll likely be approached by transportation services offering shuttle or taxi rides. These are all legitimate, but you might want to avoid taking a taxi or shuttle directly from the arrival terminal, as prices are about three times higher than if you walk five minutes outside the airport and cross the pedestrian bridge.

The most economical way to town is by city bus, costing just 10 pesos. Look for a sign on the window that says “Centro” or “Tunnel.” You’ll find the bus stop just to the left as you exit the airport. Simply cross the pedestrian bridge over the highway.

Uber is also available, but you’ll need to exit the airport, turn left, and cross the pedestrian bridge, as Uber drivers can’t enter the airport for pickups. Once across the highway, you can order an Uber or catch a local taxi. A ride to the old town costs about 200 pesos or $10 USD.

Gay Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta offers more gay hotels and accommodations than nearly any other destination, comparable to Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West. As a popular LGBTQ+ destination, nearly any hotel or property here will be gay-friendly.

** all these properties marked with stars are gay-specific hotels.

Luxury

Pinnacle Resorts 180 – A gay-friendly property with a swimming pool and sauna. All units feature a seating area with a sofa and a fully equipped kitchen with various cooking facilities, including a dishwasher, oven, and microwave.

Casa Cupula** – Perched on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this contemporary gay hotel features two swimming pools, a hot tub, a spa, and a terrace. The on-site restaurant serves Mexican and American cuisine, with views of the tropical forest and the sea. It’s near Playa de Los Muertos Beach (the gay beach) and a short walk from the seafront.

Almar Resort** – Known for its year-round outdoor terrace with Jacuzzis, this is one of the top gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Guests enjoy the on-site Top Sky Bar & Restaurant, which hosts drag shows and other performances during the week. Almar guests get free access to the Mantamar Beach Club, connected to the property.

Mid-Range

Blue Chairs Resort** – A beachfront gay hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. This property is a great option for those seeking a gay hotel at a lower price point compared to Almar or Casa Cupula. It includes a pool, spa, and concierge and room service.

Piñata PV Gay Hotel** – A budget-friendly gay hotel in Puerto Vallarta’s old town, within walking distance of the gay beach and nightlife.

La Terraza Inn – Located on Los Muertos Beach, this gay-friendly hotel offers a comfortable stay with terraces and gardens. The spacious rooms feature Mexican hardwood furniture and private terraces. Some rooms also have kitchenettes.

Budget

Jet's Gay Hostel** – Situated in downtown Puerto Vallarta, this is a 6-bed gay hostel with shared sleeping and bathroom facilities. It’s the best deal for your stay in Puerto Vallarta if you don’t mind sharing and the hostel experience.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Explore the Jungle and Zipline – Experience 14 exciting zip lines running through the mountain jungle and over the river. Enjoy additional activities like water slides, kayaking, and swimming in natural river pools. Book tour →

Vallarta Eats Food Tours – Savor mouthwatering tacos and more on this street food tour of Puerto Vallarta. Discover how the locals eat as an expert foodie guide leads you to family-owned eateries and taco stands. Book tour →

Farmers Market – Every Saturday morning, you’ll find a fantastic selection of locally produced artisan products, including fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, cheese, salsas, chocolates, clothing, jewelry, and arts and crafts.

ArtWalk – Puerto Vallarta has established itself as a vibrant center of art creation, exhibition, and promotion. A key contribution to the city’s art scene is the Puerto Vallarta ArtWalk, which takes place every Wednesday evening from November through May.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Tours

Jet’s Private Boat Tours – Take a gay boat tour of Banderas Bay with our friend Jet. He’ll lead you off the beaten path to explore unique local spots rarely found on typical Vallarta boat adventures. Discover secluded beaches, snorkel with tropical fish, uncover hidden waterfalls, savor fresh-caught local seafood, and more on this private and personalized tour. Jet is a longtime personal friend, and this is truly one of the best activities to experience in Puerto Vallarta. You can even book one of his Naked Boat Tours for an unforgettable naturist experience! Book tour →

Puerto Vallarta Gay Bar Hopping Tour – Enjoy an exciting night out in Puerto Vallarta on a gay bar-hopping tour. Explore some of the resort town’s liveliest gay bars, clubs, and cantinas on a men-only outing in the Romantic Zone. Book tour →

Gay Bar Hopping Tour Including Dinner and Cabaret – Spend an evening in Puerto Vallarta with this tour, which includes dinner, a cabaret show, and bar-hopping. In the Old Town district, enjoy a 3-course meal at a local restaurant, either before or after your cabaret entertainment. Then, head to two of the city’s gay bars, where you’ll enjoy VIP access with no lines or cover charges. It’s a hassle-free night, and six house drinks are included. Book tour →

Wet & Wild Gay Cruise – A large gay group trip and beach adventure, this half-day tour takes you to some of the most stunning spots around Puerto Vallarta for exotic scenery and wildlife. While we prefer Jet’s Private Boat Tours, this is a great alternative if you’re looking to join a large group and want a party vibe with go-go dancers.

Restaurants and Cafes

Daiquiri Dicks – Great views of the beach, plus excellent Mexican and American food served by super-friendly staff. This innovative kitchen is dedicated to fresh ingredients, including homemade breads, flavorful local fruits and vegetables, and sensational salads.

Barra Light – Healthy, fresh, and delicious organic food. They offer a customized salad bar and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Bistro (at Casa Cupula hotel) – Formerly known as Taste Restaurant, this spot offers quality food at one of Puerto Vallarta’s top gay hotels. Bring a bathing suit if you’d like to take a dip in their pool! Bistro serves breakfast and lunch in an open-air tropical setting, with a full bar, diverse wine list, and a gay brunch every Sunday.

116 Pulpito Gastro Bar – Features a delicious selection of Spanish tapas.

La Palapa Restaurant – Combines gourmet cuisine, friendly service, and the tropical ambiance of Los Muertos Beach. This popular restaurant is a favorite for great food in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

The Swedes Bar & Bistro – A popular gay-owned restaurant offering international cuisine with a Swedish twist. Open for dinner starting at 5 p.m.

Cafe des Artistes – In business for 30 years, this romantic spot offers gourmet Mexican-French fusion dishes in a beautiful jungle garden setting.

Ocean Grill – Stunning location and views. Enjoy fresh seafood and USDA Prime grilled cuts at this remote restaurant, accessible only by water taxi. Reservations are recommended, so plan ahead!

Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Sushi – Located on Los Muertos Beach, this beach club is part of Almar Resort, a gay luxury hotel. The beach club features an infinity pool, creative cocktails, and a casual gourmet menu for breakfast, lunch, sushi, and dinner. Entrance to the beach club requires a separate fee for those not staying at the hotel.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Bars and Clubs

Palm Cabaret – An intimate cabaret space seating 120 comfortably in plush salon-style chairs and roomy, padded bar stools. A two-drink minimum is requested for each show. The Palm began 17 years ago as a café serving burgers, where visiting entertainers would occasionally perform. It has since evolved, attracting artists who perform everything from disco to drag and beyond.

CC Slaughters (bar) – This spot is open year-round and a favorite among locals. The front bar section opens first, providing a welcoming place to hang out and dance, any time of year.

Anonimo – A video bar spanning three floors, with excellent views of the lively street scene below.

Mr. Flamingo – Busy any night of the week during high season, this open-air bar is ideal for starting the night. When the crowd grows, people often spill into the street.

Industry – Opened in 2019, this is Puerto Vallarta’s largest gay dance club, operated by the organizers of White Party. Known for its circuit party vibe, the club plays mostly electronic and techno music. Sexy go-go dancers and performances are featured on the elevated stage and platforms throughout the night.

Paco’s Ranch – Known for its mix of country and dance music, Paco's Ranch is especially popular with locals, making it one of the first spots to fill up, particularly during the off-season. It hosts a variety of drag shows and dance performances throughout the night.

CC Slaughters (dance club) – A popular low-season hangout, CC Slaughters is the one place in Puerto Vallarta that stays open all year. It features two separate areas, which open depending on the season and time of night. During high season, the back dance club opens up and fills with both locals and visitors. The front bar section is the first to open, making it a reliable spot to hang out and dance any time of year.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Spartacus – Puerto Vallarta’s only gay men’s sauna and bathhouse, Spartacus is a clean, European-style sauna with lockers, private cabins, mazes, darkrooms, pool, jacuzzi, and more. It’s open from early afternoon until 7 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

Wet Dreams – A men-only gay strip club with dancers, a shower, and pole dancing. Open until 3 a.m.

Gay Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Playa de Los Muertos – This is the main gay beach in Puerto Vallarta, and the most popular spot to relax or party during the day is undoubtedly Mantamar Beach Club. With its infinity pool and DJs spinning throughout the day, it’s the go-to place for day drinking. If you’d prefer to skip the entrance fee, simply bring a towel and hang out on the nearby beach. The area also features several gay hotels and cafés (such as Almar, Blue Chairs, and Ritmos), creating a predominantly gay-friendly crowd.

Gay Events in Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta Pride – Held each May, Vallarta Pride is an 8-day annual event showcasing arts, cultural events, concerts, films, beach parties, and plenty of fun to celebrate the fabulous diversity of this destination.

White Party – Originally started over 20 years ago in Palm Springs, White Party is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the U.S. This iconic party has expanded to Puerto Vallarta in recent years, taking place during both Thanksgiving Weekend and the New Year’s holiday.

Beef Dip International Bear Week – Taking place in January, Beef Dip spans 8 days of activities, including pool parties, booze cruises, clubbing, karaoke, and surprise performances.

Day Trips from Puerto Vallarta

El Tuito – Located about an hour away by car, El Tuito is a charming town surrounded by unique attractions. Explore the local botanical gardens, a bakery, a tequila distillery, and a coffee factory. This tour combines the best of El Tuito into one convenient outing. Book tour →

San Sebastian – Depart Puerto Vallarta and enjoy impressive views of the mountains and forests of Jalisco on this full-day tour to the historic mining town of San Sebastian. Stroll through the picturesque town, visit a traditional coffee hacienda, and sample a variety of tequilas at a local tequila house. Book tour →

Sayulita – Sayulita offers consistent waves, warm waters, stunning scenery, and a unique village charm, creating one of the best surf experiences in Mexico. This 6-hour excursion begins with a tour of the town, followed by time to explore its restaurants, art galleries, and modern shops in this vibrant surfing destination. Book tour →

Featured image credit: Jet's Naked Beach Tours

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