Gay Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
A Fabulous Guide for Travellers of all Identities
Gay things to do in Puerto Vallarta are as plentiful and dazzling as the sequins at a drag brunch in Zona Romantica. Whether you’re a seasoned queer globetrotter or new to the world of LGBT travel Mexico, this vibrant city is your golden ticket to a sunshine-filled, rainbow-wrapped holiday. Puerto Vallarta has long been hailed as the LGBTQ capital of Mexico, and trust us, it earns that title with flair. From chill beach days to electrifying gay nightlife Puerto Vallarta, there’s something here for everyone—especially LGBTQ+ seniors looking for adventure with a side of accessibility and relaxation.
Grab your caftan, some sensible sandals (cobblestones, darling), and let’s dive into the ultimate list of gay things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
A Brief History of Puerto Vallarta LGBTQ Culture
Puerto Vallarta first made it onto the gaydar in the 1960s when Elizabeth Taylor followed Richard Burton to the film set of The Night of the Iguana. The Hollywood spotlight brought curious tourists, who discovered a tolerant, welcoming, and breathtakingly beautiful fishing village. Fast forward to today, and it’s become the epicentre of gay travel Puerto Vallarta, complete with LGBTQ resorts, thriving community events, and inclusive vibes that would make RuPaul weep with joy.
Today, you’ll find locals and tourists mingling effortlessly in this paradise. It’s no exaggeration to say that Puerto Vallarta is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Seniors, especially, will find a community that is respectful, warm, and excited to meet them—age truly is just a number here (especially at happy hour).
Gay Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Playa Los Muertos: The Heart of the Action
This iconic stretch of sand in Zona Romantica is the undisputed queen of gay beaches in Mexico. Playa Los Muertos is where sunbathers, flirters, and cocktail-sippers gather under rainbow umbrellas to soak in rays and sass. The vibe is vibrant, social, and often shirtless.
The Blue Chairs Beach Club is the epicentre of this fabulousness. No gatekeeping here—just walk in, grab a margarita, and join the fun. If you need a quieter patch, wander a few steps to Green Chairs Beach where the volume drops, and the views get even better. Think golden hour selfies and romantic ocean gazes.
Pro Tip: Arrive before noon to snag a front-row lounger. Order the house nachos, take an obligatory photo with your toes in the sand, and prepare for at least one spontaneous new friendship.
Pro Tip 2: As many of the hotels along the beaches maintain them solely for their guests, if you want to use you will need to “pay to stay”. Make sure you include this cost in your budgeting.
Gay Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta
If you make it past the many “happy hours” and when the sun starts to go down, the gay nightlife Puerto Vallarta style turns up the volume. The Zona Romantica transforms into an open-air dance party and cocktail playground. From classy rooftop lounges to sweaty drag shows, it’s got it all.
La Noche
Three levels of fun: ground floor bar, rooftop terrace, and go-go boys who apparently skipped leg day. La Noche is stylish without being snobby, and the rooftop is the place to be when the evening breeze kicks in.
CC Slaughters
For those who like their nightlife loud and proud, CC Slaughters offers a high-energy escape. Featuring DJ sets, drag performances, and a mixed-age crowd that leans toward “party until 3am,” this is your classic gay clubbing experience.
Reinas Bar
Imagine a cozy pub with royal kitsch. Reinas (Queens) is decked out in tiaras and portraits of British royalty. It’s campy, it’s fun, and it’s perfect for chatting with locals and fellow travellers without yelling over techno beats.
Pro Tip: Plan your nightlife like you plan your vitamins—balance is key. Try cocktails at La Noche, a dance at CC, and a chill wind-down at Reinas.
Must-Visit Restaurants for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Cafe des Artistes
Classy, candlelit, and charming, this upscale venue offers fine dining without pretense. Expect innovative Mexican-French fusion cuisine and excellent service. Ask for a terrace seat at sunset. Bonus: it’s walkable from Zona Romantica if your knees are feeling up to it.
Señor Frog’s
Think of this as your chaotic good dinner option. With music, games, dancing waiters, and ridiculously oversized cocktails, Señor Frog’s is a hoot. It’s the ideal pre-party meal or hangout before hitting the bars.
Burger City
On a budget or just craving comfort food? Burger City delivers juicy burgers, vegetarian options, and delicious fries at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a local favourite with a relaxed vibe.
Tacos Revolución
No guide to gay things to do in Puerto Vallarta is complete without tacos. Tacos Revolución serves up tasty, authentic bites at affordable prices. From al pastor to shrimp, you can eat like royalty on a pauper’s budget. Ideal for a casual night or mid-day munchies.
Culture, Excursions, and Activities for LGBTQ+ Seniors
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
An hour from town, these gardens are lush, peaceful, and perfect for a quiet day immersed in nature. Enjoy trails, bird-watching, and lunch overlooking the jungle. It’s senior-friendly, with benches and shaded rest areas aplenty.
Art Walks and Galleries
Held Wednesday evenings (Oct-May), the Art Walks are gentle strolls through the city’s best galleries. Look out for Noche Iguana, an exhibit spotlighting LGBTQ+ artists. Many galleries offer wine and snacks, so it’s like an art party with a splash of culture.
Cultural Events for the Slower Paced
- Act2PV: Live musical performances, cabarets, and drag shows in a cozy, senior-friendly theatre.
- Puerto Vallarta Opera & Jazz Nights: Hosted at intimate venues throughout the city.
- Mundo de Azulejos Tile Workshop: Try your hand at hand-painting Mexican tiles. Perfect for low-energy days.
- Museo Naval: A fascinating, air-conditioned maritime museum. No hills, no rush, just history.
- Isla Cuale Flea Market: Flat paths and a wide variety of crafts, perfect for souvenir shopping and people watching.
Fabulous LGBTQ+ Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Puerto Vallarta doesn’t just host events—it throws spectacles. Here are some can’t-miss ones:
- Vallarta Pride (May): A week of parades, parties, panels, and performances.
- White Party Weekends: Held at Mantamar Beach Club, expect international DJs and an all-white dress code.
- Bear Week (January): Fur, friendliness, and themed parties galore.
- Gay Boat Cruises: Half-day cruises with open bars, drag shows, snorkelling stops, and, let’s be real, plenty of shirtless dancing.
- Pink & Proud Sunset Parties: Classy rooftop events at places like Almar Resort.
- Drag Derby (May): Hilarious, high-heeled race in the cobblestone streets.
- Day of the Dead LGBTQ Tribute: Cultural and moving, held at Lazaro Cardenas Park.
Pro Tip: Events vary in cost, from free street parties to $50+ for premium cruise or club tickets. Check schedules and book online when possible to avoid sell-outs. In the references below, I have cited a few sites that can help you out with booking such events.
Tips for Senior LGBTQ+ Travellers
Puerto Vallarta is generally safe and accessible, but a few tips will help ensure a smooth trip:
- Airport Caution: You’ll encounter aggressive timeshare salespeople right after customs. Smile and keep walking. Fight the urge to give them any information as they will take it and use it. They asked me what “transportation” I was looking for, and I said “Air Canada Vacations”. They then pretended to represent themselves as that. Now hooked in, they tried to sell me a timeshare by feeding me tequila. Ah, little did they know most of us Canadians can drink their weight in tequila…..I moved on, leaving them very inebriated.
- Getting Around: Stick to taxis or Uber—they’re cheap and reliable. Cobblestone streets are charming but tricky. Sensible shoes are a must. Use an Uber if possible… if you must use taxi, agree on maximum price before closing the door.
- Sidewalk Safety: Many curbs are unusually high. Take your time, especially in the Zona Romantica. I know this one from experience before my knee operation; many of the curbs were impossible for me.
- Medical Access: The city has excellent private healthcare. Many clinics offer English-speaking staff.
- Stay Hydrated: The margaritas are tempting, but balance with bottled water, especially in the heat.
- Accommodations: Choose places that specifically mention senior or mobility-friendly rooms. Some boutique hotels don’t have elevators.
Conclusion
Final Word: Make Puerto Vallarta Your Rainbow Playground
From tranquil beaches and cultural gems to the most welcoming LGBTQ+ scene in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is calling your name. Whether you want to explore gay nightlife Puerto Vallarta, relax at Playa Los Muertos, or make new friends over enchiladas and opera, this city delivers.
So when are you coming?
Skip the overthinking and book your next great escape. Gay things to do in Puerto Vallarta are best enjoyed in person, preferably with a fruity cocktail in one hand and a fan in the other.
Want more info on PV? Check out my other posts here
References
As with any research, along with my personal experiences, I supplement with online research. Here are some of the sites that I looked at while compiling this post:
- Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board – LGBTQ+ Travel
- The official guide offers up-to-date info on events, accommodations, and activities specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Out & About Puerto Vallarta
- A comprehensive local LGBTQ+ news and lifestyle magazine. Great for event calendars, venue reviews, and insider tips.
- Act2PV Entertainment Venue
- Details about shows, performers, and ticketing for this popular LGBTQ+ theatre and cabaret spot.
- GayPV Magazine
- A bilingual guide featuring articles, business listings, and travel info tailored to LGBTQ+ visitors in Puerto Vallarta.
- Vallarta Pride Official Website
- The best source for schedules, themes, and travel info related to Puerto Vallarta’s Pride Week celebrations in May.
- Senior Travel Forum – TripAdvisor
- A community-driven space for seniors to share travel tips, with many threads on Puerto Vallarta and other LGBTQ+-friendly destinations.
Please note: the opinions expressed in this post should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences and those of my friends and family. Whether traveling, exercising or other activity it is always a matter of personal preference. Find what you like and enjoy and share if you want with us all!
Also: If considering a change in diet, exercise, nutrition and or supplements, you must consult your medical practitioner to make sure that what you are about to embark upon doesn’t interfere with your current treatments.
Photo acknowledgements
Where the image contains my watermark of Al Murray Photography, I hold the copyright to that image. If interested in purchasing images, please visit: https://almurrayphotography.com/
All other images are downloaded from “Unsplash”, a free image source. But I love to acknowledge the photographers whose images I am using. Today, I am using:
Hi, Welcome to my Travel Blog. I also have blogs on Coffee & Nutrition, Photography and soon Senior fitness.
I have travelled all around the world, mostly in search of tennis tournaments to participate in or watch. My love of travel started with my year in Barcelona during university and then 30 plus years of travelling across North America for my work.
Now that I am a senior, I look forward to sharing my travel thoughts with you all, and hopefully we can learn from each other. Read more at About Us.
