We are traveling to Punta Mita for Easter Week 2008. We are 2 families with a total of 3 kids ages 12 and 15 (party of 7). We are staying at the Four Seasons and realize it is a bit isolated. We won't be traveling to Puerto Vallarta since we will have already spent 3 days there but we do want to discover little towns in the area and find quaint restaurants for lunch and dinner as an alternative to eating at the hotel all the time. Also, we know we are going to want to go on some adventure outings such as ATV riding and zip line tours. Would it be more economical/practical to rent a car vs. taking cabs? I understand you are close to Sayulita and also a couple of restaurants near the Four Seasons but not within walking distance. Sometimes cabs charge per person, not per ride but not sure about that area.

Taxis charge by the ride (not by person). But I would think renting a car or van would be better for a party of 7 since you are staying so far out. You can combine that with learning to use the bus out that way.

Towns out that way include Bucerias (nearest PV), San Pancho (San Francisco), Sayulita, Ricon, and San Blas a bit further north. Fodor's just published a brand new Puerto Vallarta guidebook which includes this area. Moon Handbooks also has a good one.

I didn't think of the bus option that Suze brought up...I always like taking buses and if they run continuously during the day I would probably try this. I've read reviews from people who have stayed at the Four Seasons saying there are not any other options for meals in the area. Any recommendations on good casual beachside restaurants in the area? How far does one have to travel to reach these restaurants? I am not a traveller that likes to stay put all day and night. Thanks for your input.

There's a few nice beachside restaurants lcoated on El Anclote nearby. I've never stayed out that far, only been for a day trip, so have extremely limited knowledge.

Punta Mita is rather isolated but there is bus service to La Cruz and Bucerias. There are several restaurants at El Anclote which is nearby and is on the beach. I would recommend renting a car so that you could drive to Sauyulita (the highway is now open and is good), San Francisco or further north. Bucerias is a wonderful small village with shops, restaurants, and a small central town square. The beach is gently with broad stretches of sand with all the expected beach vendors. As you can probably tell from me screen name, I am very familiar with Bucerias and have had a condo in that town since 1991. Have fun!
Connie

I must agree that the lovely FS is isolated and for several days you will be happy to enjoy the resort and the food. But, taxi's are costly and there is not much to see in the immediate area (5-6 miles) of the resort. There are 2 beachfront restaurants that while not unusual do serve regional and continental food and it is worth eating out at one or both once.
A rental car for a day is worthwhile to visit the towns mentioned but more than a day or 1 1/2 will be stretching it.
We enjoyed both our visits to the resort. It is often loaded with children of all ages during holiday weeks so be prepared.

I agree with Stan, a rental car if you're staying at Punta Mita is a great way to go. Enjoy, it's a very nice resort for kids and adults.

Thank you for your recent replies. I reserved a car because I have come to the realization that I like to snoop around and discover new places and restaurants as much as I like to relax by a beautiful pool with cabana service. I think I'll have the best of both worlds having a car at my disposal. Which area is closer/better for dinner, Sayulita or Bucerias?

Only been to Sayulita, and I think it's definitely worth an afternoon trip.

couple restaurants in Buceria that are great! Francisco Meson Bay great beachside seafood place get the seafood combo for two also have nightly specials, for something more high-end Mark's bar and grill.