When you hear about Puerto Vallarta, the first thing that may come to mind is an exotic, tropical vacation. While this popular tourist destination definitely has sparkling waters and luxurious beaches, the most exciting thing about the city may very well be its vibrant art and culture scene.

During our trip there this July, we were expecting to find another resort beach town, but we were blown away by the personality we found in PV. Despite the reputation that Mexico can get, we found Puerto Vallarta to be very safe and friendly and full of people from all over the world. And it was full of artistic personalities! So, visit this lovely city for the art, fashion, and culture - that's the real reason for the trip.

When you visit Puerto Vallarta, you should absolutely take a walk through the city streets and markets as soon as you can. For those who love art and fashion, you will feel right at home. You will find art gallery after art gallery with unique and beautiful pieces.

You'll find more than just nice-looking art, though, rather a variety of incredibly colorful and creative pieces. Be sure to stop into Galería Colectika and see the colorful beaded art of the Huichol people.

As you walk through the city's vibrant, sunny streets, be sure to hop into the boutiques. You will find countless boho-chic outfits that offer a fashionable yet bohemian approach to beachwear. Be sure to find jewelry shops such as Pepe Cerroblanco that sell jewelry that isn't just jewelry, rather rare pieces of art, as well.

As you experience the hip and trendy eateries, be sure to pay attention to the details put into the atmosphere of them. For instance, the modern vibe of Florio's Restaurant has light bulbs hanging down from wires to match its trendy décor. And, if you are lucky enough take a boat out to Casitas Mariaka Beach Club, the bathroom sink there is sitting over a tree with a seashell as the soap holder, and a Gothic mirror sits in the tree in front of you. The clever design is perfect for a beach club, but also artistically genius.

And, of course, you have to visit Vallarta's infamous Malecón. The Malecón is the boardwalk that takes you down the coast and by the shimmering beaches. However, the Malecón is adorned with many unique statues for tourist to admire and even interact with. Yes, many of them allow you to interact with them.

Sculptor Jim Demetro loves to create works that depict dying traditions. So, you will find the bronze statue called "The Washer Woman," depicting a woman scrubbing clothes, as was tradition on the Rio Cuale years ago; as well as "Andale Bernardo," which depicts two boys and their dog trying to get their donkey 'Bernardo' to move. While you don't often find washerwomen around the Cuale River, or donkeys carrying items up the hills anymore, you can appreciate the culture that used to be through Jim Demetro's statues.