10 Fun Things to Do When Visiting Your Grandma in Mexico

Just a hop, skip and a jump from California is beautiful Mexico! I recently made a trip to Puerto Vallarta. Somewhere I grew up going to almost every year over Christmas break with my sister to visit our Jewish grandma who has adopted this beautiful Mexican city as her own. After a 6 year absence, I finally made it back to Vallarta (this time alone) to visit my grand-ma-ma.

Here are some fun things I did - and you can do too - when visiting paradise in PV!

 

1. Go to the Markets where my Grandma sells "Chopped Liver" and other Jewish delicacies (cue "Bubbe's Homemade Spreads" neon sign). Two amazing mercados: Bucierias Market on Wednesday mornings and the Marina Market on Thursday evenings. Bucierias is an intimate, colorful market that oozes with vibrant Mexican scenery and delicious treats and unique artisan vendors.

2. Dine at Barcelona Tapas above the world. This incredible spot was a four-story villa turned  into authentic Barcelona restaurant featuring homemade Tapas and Spanish cuisine. At sunset, this place is fabulous! See the 180-degree views of the ocean, Marina and Malecon. Stay until dark to catch  few fireworks set off from the Pirate party cruise.

3. Hit the Beach to Bargain. Who doesn't like to bargain in Mexico? Meet the local beach vendors, while practicing your Spanish and your bargaining skills. How about some cute beaded earrings for 20 pesos (that's like $1.50)? Beware: If you buy "cheap" silver from the beach, it probably is copper that is silver plated (a.k.a fake silver!). We had this happen to us.






4. Swim around. Lounge around. Look up at the palm trees. Wherever you stay, make sure you get a nice pool and beach area to spend the day relaxing, swimming and drinking at the pool bars. Then waddle down to the sand. To take a nap and hear the ocean waves. Don't be afraid to take a swim in the ocean - the water is so warm, you won''t need a hot tub!


5. Daquari Dicks on the sand. Great for breakfast, brunch or lunch, Daquari Dicks is located on the water. Sit at a table on the restaurant's tile patio overlooking the water, or a table straight in sand. Can't get better than that! The food is delicious with big portions.
 

6. Don't drink the water, drink the Margaritas. Although I had virgin margaritas with my grandma this trip, virgin or not these Margaritas are HUGE and delicious. You have to try the Mexican margaritas with fresh fruit like the piña coladas or mango flavors. Both Pepe's Restaurant downtown, and it's sister restaurant Bancha's on the marina, feature giant fish bowl Margaritas and homemade guacamole (on the house) come to life in front of your face.

7. Watch the sunset. A firey orange and red sunset with palm trees silhouettes...sunsets don't get better than that!


8. Take a day trip to Riviera Nayarit. This beautiful drive through paradise takes you to the neighboring state just north of Vallarta's state of Jalisco. With white sandy beaches and great places for swimming, it's worth it to take a drive up the coast for some better beaches and a calm, serene contrast to the more populated Puerto Vallarta beaches.

 9. Jet Ski in Paradise. "Making Waves" is an awesome spot to catch the waves and jet ski around! Check out the colorful, giant villas on the coastal cliffs above while leaving the shores to jet ski around in your own private cove.

10. Buy cool things & enjoy the colors of Mexico! Mexico is so full of vibrant, exotic colors. Don't take the colors for granted. Click your camera, capture the beauty and take it in. Also check out some fun spots to shop while walking the Malecon (Boardwalk) of PV. I found a great 49ers backpack and other fun knick-knacks for family and friends.