After Dark in Puerto Vallarta
Mandala Nightclub
Mandala is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most iconic nightlife venues, located directly on the Malecón waterfront. Its distinctive oriental decor, open facade, and sea breeze make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Open every night, the energy builds after 11 PM and runs into the early hours.
Venue Highlights
- Three-Level Club: Giant Buddha sculptures, Asian decor accents, music video screens, and large windows overlooking the Malecón.
- Music: DJs spinning a mix of house music, EDM, and Latin rhythms nightly.
- VIP Experience: VIP sections with bottle service and elevated views of the dance floor.
- Dress Code: Upscale casual. Reservations recommended on weekends.
La Santa
In the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, La Santa is the crown jewel of exclusive nightlife experiences. It blends contemporary architecture with timeless elegance, featuring a dazzling illuminated ceiling, spacious dance floor, and a VIP area offering luxury and comfort.
Venue Highlights
- Design: Contemporary architecture with a dazzling illuminated ceiling and a swimming pool with a sliding overhead dome.
- Music: State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems with top-tier DJ sets playing electronic and house music.
- VIP Experience: Bottle service, reserved table options, and an exclusive VIP area overlooking the dance floor.
- Location: Hotel Zone. Hours: 10 PM – 6 AM.
Strana
Located in the Hotel Zone, Strana has won partygoers over with its long rotating list of national and international DJs, VIP bottle service, and captivating entertainment — including a fireworks show that shoots out of a retractable roof.
Venue Highlights
- Entertainment: Rotating international DJ lineup with electrifying light shows and live fireworks from a retractable roof.
- VIP Experience: Bottle service and reserved table options available.
- Crowd: Popular with a fashionable 20s and 30s crowd seeking a high-energy, upscale night out.
- Location: Hotel Zone. Dress to impress. Hours: 10 PM – 6 AM.
La Bodeguita del Medio
This iconic Cuban bar on the Malecón brings Havana’s vibrant energy to Vallarta, complete with live salsa music, dancing, and mojitos. It’s the go-to spot for those who prefer rhythm and live music over EDM and nightclubs.
Venue Highlights
- Music: Live salsa, merengue, and Cuban music nightly — a dance floor that fills up fast.
- Drinks: Authentic handcrafted mojitos, rum cocktails, and a full bar menu.
- Atmosphere: Lively Cuban ambiance with colorful décor and an inclusive, high-energy crowd.
- Location: Directly on the Malecón waterfront. Open daily from early evening.
Señor Frog’s
Puerto Vallarta nightlife begins and ends at Señor Frog’s. This high-energy bar on the Malecón is the place to be for an interactive party, contests on stage, and yard-long drinks — the fun never stops with dancing, drinking, and MC antics.
Venue Highlights
- Entertainment: Interactive stage shows, drinking contests, and nonstop MC entertainment throughout the night.
- Drinks: Yard-long drinks, signature party cocktails, and a full bar menu.
- Crowd: High-energy and welcoming — ideal for groups, bachelorette parties, and celebrations.
- Location: Malecón waterfront, downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Mr. Flamingo
On a buzzy corner in the Zona Romántica, Mr. Flamingo is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular and lively bars. With its open-air design, neon pink flamingos, and an incredibly bubbly and inclusive crowd, the party spills into the street — creating a block-party vibe that’s impossible to avoid.
Venue Highlights
- Atmosphere: Open-air corner bar with neon décor, infectious pop, retro, and Latin playlist.
- Inclusive Crowd: One of Puerto Vallarta’s flagship LGBTQ+ venues — welcoming to everyone.
- Happy Hour: Daily from 2–7 PM with discounted drinks and a growing crowd.
- Location: Zona Romántica. Street-level energy that builds through the night.
Colibri Cocktail Bar
Colibri is a sexy, dimly lit cocktail bar in the heart of Centro, designed like a tropical speakeasy where bartenders are artists, crafting cocktails that are as photogenic as they are potent and delicious. The perfect spot to start — or end — a night in Vallarta.
Venue Highlights
- Cocktails: Creative craft cocktails using local and tropical ingredients — each one designed to impress.
- Atmosphere: Intimate tropical speakeasy with lush courtyard, neon lighting, and a foliage-filled interior.
- Vibe: Sophisticated and unhurried — ideal for a refined start to the evening before hitting the clubs.
- Location: Centro, steps from the Malecón.