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It took us two and a half months before we left town with Little Boy. This time around it took 6 weeks. Of course, timing is everything. The yearly exodus to the beach during Semana Santa (Easter break) left us wanting to join the crowds. So we did. And It. Was. Fabulous!
Beach Vacation with a Baby and Toddler
After skipping out on vacation during the third trimester and early newborn days, all of us were itching to see something other than the walls of our house and that same darn trail (not dogging the trail cuz you know we love it).
Little Boy N had the best time* and could play all day in the water if we let him; Baby Brother decided to start sleeping 6 hour stretches. Because he wishes he was from an African tribe [Happiest Baby on the Block reference], being held in our arms all day made him a very happy camper!
M and I truly enjoyed every minute staring at our amazing view. We both needed a break from the city and routine and this little trip gave us all the confidence we needed to keep enjoying life on the road.
Why do we always end up at the only rest stop where you have to pay to use the restroom? (because there aren’t any other ones in that stretch of road)
Puerto Vallarta Marina Vacation with a Baby
The drive to Vallarta takes 4.5 hours with minimal stopping. It took us about 6 and we were happy with that!
We made it by late afternoon, got settled into the hotel room, and went quickly down to the marina for dinner. Victor’s, an old stand by, hit the spot just fine, and we loved being in a resort that was walking distance to restaurants.
All the rooms have balconies and an ocean view. We loved it.
Little N loved every minute. The shallow pools were just perfect.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta with a baby and toddler
The second evening, we decided to head to Puerto Vallarta itself just to see the town for a bit. It had been a few years since we last stayed downtown. The board walk was busy but fun. We had a nice little dinner and when Little N said it was time, we headed back to the hotel to go to sleep.
Vacation Routine with a Baby and Toddler
Time went by way too fast! We were having a great time in the pools during the day, going upstairs for Little N’s afternoon nap, and then heading out refreshed for a short activity and dinner.
Baby B was just a dream in the carrier and would eat and fall asleep in our laps during dinner.
Day three had us back in the marina for the weekly artisanal market. It was very similar to the tianguis (market) we know from Guadalajara.
We also made some time to head to the beach strip. It was just enough for Little N to get a little bit of sand play, and because of the proximity to the marina, we saw the cruise ships coming in and out in the mornings and evenings.
On our final day we managed to grab a quick family picture with some last minute pool time before heading out. It was just the perfect first family vacation.
Plan your trip to Puerto Vallarta with kids!
Here are our recommendations of where to eat in Puerto Vallarta! And here are some resources to get you started on planning your own vacation to Puerto Vallarta.
Download our family beach vacation packing list! It has everything you won’t want to forget when traveling with your baby and toddler to the beach.
And now start checking out the amazing deals you can get on hotels in Puerto Vallarta. It really is an affordable family vacation in Mexico!
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