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Neighborhood and beach · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Zona Romántica e Playa de los Muertos
The old neighborhood south of the Río Cuale, with streets of restaurants and galleries, and the city’s busiest urban beach, with a sail‑shaped pier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Zona Romántica e Playa de los Muertos
The Zona Romántica, also called Old Town, is the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, south of the Cuale River. Cobblestone streets with low houses concentrate restaurants, bars, galleries and shops, and the neighborhood is the liveliest part of town at night. It is also the LGBTQIA+ gathering point in Vallarta.
Los Muertos Beach is the largest public beach in the downtown area, with coarse sand, restaurant tables on the sand and generally calm water. The name comes from a legend about an old fight; the city tried to rename it Playa del Sol, but the old name stuck.
The Los Muertos pier has a tall sail-shaped structure that lights up at night. Water taxis depart from there to the southern beaches that have no road access, such as Las Ánimas, Quimixto and Yelapa.
At the end of the beach, the stone path follows the coast to Conchas Chinas Beach, quieter, with natural tide pools among the rocks at low tide.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half day.
Best time
From late morning to sunset. At night, for the restaurants and bars.
How to get there
South of the Cuale River, about a 10-minute walk from the malecón.
Tip
For beaches without a road, like Yelapa, take the water taxi at the Los Muertos pier.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zona Romántica e Playa de los Muertos
Is Los Muertos Beach good for swimming?
Yes, it usually has calm water and is the busiest urban beach, with restaurants on the sand.
What is Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica?
It is the old neighborhood south of the Cuale River, with streets of restaurants, bars and galleries, and Los Muertos Beach.
Where do boats to Yelapa depart from?
From the pier at Los Muertos Beach and from Boca de Tomatlán, south of the city.