Bucerias

A charming beach town just north of Puerto Vallarta popular with expats and travelers seeking a slower pace with excellent seafood, art galleries, and a long sandy beach. The Friday night tianguis street market and beachfront malecón make it an authentic yet comfortable destination.

Things to do

• Beachfront Malecón Stroll — Walk the scenic waterfront promenade lined with restaurants, shops, and palapas where locals and visitors gather at sunset.
• Friday Night Tianguis Market — Browse the weekly street market that takes over the town every Friday evening with local crafts, food vendors, clothing, and artisan goods.
• Galleries and Art Studios — Explore the numerous art galleries and studios showcasing local Mexican artists' paintings, sculptures, and crafts throughout the town center.
• Fishing Charter or Boat Tour — Book a morning sport fishing trip or scenic boat excursion from the beach to catch dorado, tuna, or snapper while enjoying coastal views.
• Sayulita Day Trip — Venture 30 minutes south to this bohemian beach town known for surfing, yoga studios, and excellent restaurants as a nearby alternative experience.
• Local Beach Volleyball — Join casual volleyball games on the sand near the malecón where locals and expats regularly play in the late afternoon.

Food to try

• Ceviche — Fresh fish cured in lime juice, mixed with tomato, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño—a signature dish at virtually every beachfront restaurant.
• Grilled Whole Huachinango — Red snapper caught fresh daily and grilled whole, served with lime, rice, and beans at family-run seafood establishments.
• Camarones a la Diabla — Large prawns sautéed in a spicy chili sauce with garlic, offering perfect heat and flavor at traditional marisquerías.
• Fish Tacos — Local white fish or mahi-mahi served in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, crema, and house-made salsa at casual beach stands and restaurants.
• Pescado a la Sal — Whole fish baked in a salt crust that seals in moisture and flavor, then cracked open tableside at upscale seafood restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Siesta Time Respect — Many businesses close between 1 and 4 p.m. for lunch and rest; plan activities accordingly and embrace the slower pace rather than rush.
• Spanish Helpful but Not Essential — English is widely spoken among restaurant and shop owners catering to expats and tourists, though learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated and enriching.
• Cash for Markets and Small Vendors — Bring pesos for the Friday tianguis and small beachfront food vendors, as many don't accept cards despite card payment being common in established restaurants.
• Casual Beach Attire — Dress casually and comfortably year-round; the town embraces a relaxed vibe where beachwear is appropriate for daytime and dinner is informal even at nicer spots.