We've been to Puerto Vallarta a number of times and always avoided Nuevo Vallarta - It's about 10 miles or so from downtown - You fly into Puerto Vallarta an old Mexican city on the Bay of Banderas. Recent development has grown to the north along the coast. First there's the marina area with a cruise port, hotels and condos - some timeshare and a few all inclusive resorts. A few miles further north is Nuevo Vallarta this area is mostly all inclusive large resorts. We're not fans of all inclusives or mega resorts - we love the old town and all it's restaurants, mariachis, fun bars or even must strolling the malecon and people watching.
This year we go two exchanges through RCI - one in the marina area and one in the hotel zone so it was a perfect opportunity to arrive a few days early and experience NV. We're happy to say that we did like it - we did stay at an all-inclusive - most of the resorts in this area are. I would certainly return to NV if I were coming for longer than a week - a week in NV and a week closer to town.
The beach is about two miles long - some hard sand makes it perfect for the early morning or evening sunset walk. The water is warm and relatively calm. All resorts are oceanfront with views from Punta de Mita to the far end of Banderas Bay beyond PV. since everything is fairly new all is well landscaped and very neat.
Paradise Village Shopping Center is beautiful - a large two-story building with branches of the downtown shops, restaurants, bars, real estate, laundromat and a large supermarket with pharmacy.
There is limited bus service to downtown - taxis are about $13 each way and car rental gets more expensive each year - about $60/day. Parking and driving in town is a nightmare. Not as bad if you are going toward Punta de Mita.
If you walk along the beach and have an urge for a cervesa or a snack - some of the resorts - even some that are all inclusive - are opened to the public. Make sure that you carry both cash and a credit card - some accept only cash and others only credit. It's easy to lose track of time and distance when wading in shallow water and taking in the sights - Isn't it always a much longer walk home? A refreshing drink or snack makes it more pleasant.
Many vacationers like the safety of an all-inclusive resort. If you are one of them - please let me share that the Mexican people are very pleasant and helpful - most speak English. There are many restaurants of all types - all less expensive than in the states.
venture out once - enjoy their culture, food and music - You'll be hooked forever.