A good starting point is the Hotel Rosita, Vallarta's very first hotel that just celebrated its 50th birthday. It is located on the very north end of the Malecon, the mile long boardwalk that borders the shoreline in the El Centro or the downtown area, on the main street of Paseo Diaz Ordaz. Follow this wide walkway past the first of several famous sculptures, La Nostalgia.
For decades the Malecon is a favorite place for local parents to bring their families, especially on Sunday afternoons when they can be seen taking in the excitement of the many activities that happen there during the afternoon and evening hours. Right across the street form the Malecon you will find tons of shops and restaurants with plenty of window seats to watch the passerby's and enjoy the views.
As you progress down the Malecon you will come to the collection of Colunga Sculptures. This grouping of sculptures is one of the popular stops along the Malecon. On weekend evenings minstrels congregate there to play their instruments and entertain the crowds, hoping for pesos to be dropped into their baskets.
Directly across the street at Corona is Los Palomas Restaurant; inside is a mural of local personalities that is worth a look. Walking up Corona one block to Morelos you will find an area full of shops, art galleries and historic architecture. Follow Corona three blocks and you will catch back up to the Malecon. Notice the Lighthouse on the corner where every evening Mariachi bands delight visitors with their colorful music. Back on the Malecon you will find yourself at The Seahorse, another of Puerto Vallarta's famous sculptures. Follow the Malecon to Los Arcos, the outdoor theater located at the south end where artists, vendors and performances are given during the evening hours and a great place to watch the dramatic sunsets over the Bay of Banderas.
Right across the main street from Los Arcos is the Plaza Principal. This is the cities main square, which is bordered on one side by the City Hall and the other by banks and shops. This large plaza is Puerto Vallarta's hub and is always humming with activity. It has a large central gazebo with benches to sit and listen to the traditional Mariachi musicians that frequent the square. Plaza Principal is where all the local holiday celebrations are held. The square is decorated with elaborate decorations for these festive occasions.
