Happy New Year! We celebrated the arrival of 2026 with our first visit to the state of Jalisco, Mexico. We spent some time exploring Guadalajara and the Tequila region (stay tuned for more posts on those), I’m excited to share the details of our New Year celebration! So let’s kick off this story from the middle of the trip with a short 30-minute flight from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta.

Zona Romantica

Once in Puerto Vallarta, we chose to stay in Zona Romantica for the lively atmosphere and walkability. We stayed at the Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort, an all-inclusive that offers everything you need for a pretty good price. The restaurant was buffet style and the pool was more for the kids but we really enjoyed the spa and chair/umbrella access on the beach. They also hosted a New Year’s Eve party, which was perfect for escaping the hectic day in town.

Dining

One of our favorite experiences was at Mar Y Vino, the rooftop restaurant at the resort with tables in a shallow pool. Although it isn’t part of the all-inclusive package, the exceptional cocktails and sunset views made it worth the splurge.

A must-visit for food lovers is the viral Panchos Takos. This popular spot can get incredibly busy, so I recommend arriving 30 minutes before opening to avoid waiting for hours. Everything we tried was delicious, but the Al Pastor tacos and Volcanes are a MUST.

Hiking to a Scenic Viewpoint

For those who enjoy taking in the sights, we recommend a morning walk from Zona Romantica across Isla Cuale, where you can also peruse the shops and see lots of cats. From there you can make your way to the Hill of the Cross Viewpoint, offering 360 views of the beach and valley. It’s best to start early before the heat sets in, get ready for lot of stairs!

Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Our visit coincided with New Year’s Eve, and the festive atmosphere was palpable. The town was bustling with parties and celebrations. We strolled along the beachfront, taking in the hundreds of illuminated boats waiting off the coast for the midnight fireworks display. As the clock struck twelve, the sky erupted with the most fireworks we’ve ever seen, a truly unforgettable sight.

I’m really glad we chose to stay in Zona Romantica. The vibe was totally our style; great food, amazing views, and a lively nightlife that has something for everyone looking for a good time. Our 2026 literally started with a bang!