Palm Trees and Pride Flags: Get To Know Gay Puerto Vallarta

The city’s become known for its thriving gay scene, with bars, clubs, and events catering to LGBTQ+ locals and travelers alike

Eleni Stephanides
Prism & Pen

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Photos by author

The sign at the entrance to the plaza spells out Puerto Vallarta Pride in letters that glow against the night.

A smiling guard welcomes you in. Pass booths until you encounter the main stage, where men in the audience hold hands and margaritas.

Traverse the remainder of the gayborhood, where seafood, Asian fusion, and bustling taquerias await. A plethora of rainbow flags blow in the balmy breeze. Flowers climb from balcony rails down onto the cobblestone below.

Walk a few blocks, and you’ll reach the ocean.

Stroll the torch-lit beach barefoot at night. Watch fireworks erupt through the sky. Feel the sand against your feet and the warm breeze against your face.

Photo by author

Rainbows Over the Riviera

Most North Americans travel to Puerto Vallarta for the resort experience. They associate PV with beaches, pools…

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Eleni Stephanides
Prism & Pen

LGBTQ+ writer and Spanish interpreter who enjoys wandering through nature, reading fiction and mental health content, speaking Spanish, and petting cats.