I agree with Suze's recommendations Our favorite's are LaPalapa which is on the beach, El Panorama which is in the mountains is a must they are both a little pricey but worth it for your first time in P. Vallarta. The others on Suze's are all great. Also if you like Italian food there is Porto bella in the Marina area. I think if you try these 3 restaurants you will get a chance to see 3 different areas of town.
Have a great vacation!!!!!

Wow, I only know Puerta Vallarta as the place where students at my college went to get wasted over spring break and swore I would never go there in a million years...

pamplemousse, Well happily you are sadly mistaken!! While I'm sure that does go on, especially at certain bargain all-inclusive resorts - you know bad disco music piped in, volleyball in the pool, etc. (I'm just guessing I've never actually seen this) or at bars like Carlos O'Brian, Senor Frog, Hard Rock Cafe...

Puerto Vallarta is a lovely, genuine Mexican town. The Old Town and El Centro area are especially nice. There are still great hotel bargains to be had if you like simple 3-star locally owned places, and loads of great restaurants, shops, etc.

Right on Suze! I have been going for so many years to P.V. and like Suze I love it. Have never encountered what pamplemousse states, of course spring break in town can be crazy at the local bars but that's about it I never had any problems ever at any hotel I stayed in 16yrs.

I am a female and have been to Puerta Vallarta 3 times...once with female relative, once with my boyfriend and once on my own. Each visit there was great.
The weather was great from my visits ranging from early October to December. Most beaches were of the coarser brownish sand, but a bit farhter north of the hotel zone, the beaches were of the lighter colour and finer sand.
The folks were very friendly and lots spoke English, (but I am a big fan of attempting to speak the language and I think they really appreciate that.)
There is lovely scenery...ocean as far as you can see, mountains behind and forests. I took a least three day excursions on each visit and had a wonderful time. You will find there are SO many things to do and see in the area that is is difficult to decide. The prices were reasonable, I found. No matter what age or interests you have you will find them in PV from young to old, from conservative to wild.
There must be about 40 ot more boat trips available...whales tours, pirate ships with entertainment, birding, snorkling, diving, visits to Island spas,party cruises. Most have nice meals and entertainment. The crew is always a lot of fun. Then there is the day bus excursions...San Blas with crocodiles and fort was great. Volacanic lava fields, ruins, tequila tours, Jungle jeep tours with beach, canopy tours in jungle. Again most with meals and great tour guides.
I have not been disappointed in any of the trips I took. There are also lots of Mexican Fiesta Events to go to, lovely Malecon with interesting bronze statues and beach cafes, market places, shops, modern and traditional. Pv is small but has everything from Marina, (where large cruise ships come in) to fishing village.
I have never had an incident where anyone has attempted to accoust me, other than the typical beach sales and time-share sales. We even purchased one. They are outstanding in quality. I have stayed at Getaway...for the younger crowd...a bit of nudity and fun and games etc. if that's what you are after. The one I really liked was the the Golden Crown Paradise, near the Marina area. It was clean, nice food, very friendly staff.

I agree you can't go wrong with PV it is so much better than Cancun just doesn't have the white sand Cancun has or the Caribbean water but it is so much more tropical and great mountain views and the people are wonderful there feels like home to me

I have been to both Puerto Vallarta and Cabo and have had a great time in both places. i went to PV in May and it was quite hot and humid. Now that you have decided on Puerto Vallarta you will experience a real Mexican town. Take some time and walk through the streets. You can see people lined up to buy soft taco shells like we would line up at a bakery. You can walk by the elementary school. Walking along the Malecon( board walk) at any time of the day is great. If you are lucky they will have some local children putting on a dance performance there. Don't give up on Cabo though. It has dry heat, and is a desert with an ocean. There is a lot more to the area than just the wild downtown. We love Cabo and know a lot of people who do, but many of them rent a car and explore.

wow, this thread started in 2003! Just to put in my vote: PV all the way!

Have to agree with the professor: Costalegre: www.costalegre.ca and www.tomzap.com
M (SMdA, Gto.)
PS: Not in Summer