“Vallarta” is the jewel in Mexico’s coastal crown, drawing young and old, foreign and Mexican visitors alike. In addition to the lingering whiff of legend bestowed by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s steamy “Night of the Iguana” affair half a lifetime ago, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, walkable streets, sophisticated restaurants, varied nightlife and shopping add up to an unbeatable combination. As an added bonus the winter high season offers gay cruises, horseback riding, gay bingo, and strip and drag shows every night.
Although it has endured rampaging development in some areas, the cobblestone streets of the southern Zona Romantica district — variously known as Old Town, the South Side, Playa del Sol/Los Meurtos Beach or Olas Altas — still ooze charm. Luckily, this district hosts most of the gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses, including colorful bars like Frida’s Cantina and urbane martini lounges like Garbo. Apaches Martini and Cocktail Bar is a lesbian-owned institution; similarly, woman-oriented Uncommon Grounds Chill Out Lounge is a monument to extravagant design. Blue Chairs and the adjacent Green Chairs are the prime gay spots on Los Muertos Beach. The dozen or more hotels catering to gay and lesbian guests range from the newish (and steepish) Casa Cupula & Plaza Mar to the budget-priced but still stylish Hotel Mercurio.