Beyond the Trend: Things to do and see that will stand the test of time
There’s something incredibly special about the places that survive trend cycles. The spots that don’t need a viral TikTok because they’ve already cemented themselves into people’s memories. The places you return to years later only to find the same feeling waiting for you. These are a few of mine around coastal Jalisco.
1. The churro stand in Cinco de Diciembre
Like clockwork, as the sunset unfolds, so does the sweet smell of fresh churros being made.
This family has been here for as long as I can remember. One of my deepest childhood memories is my friends asking where I went over the summer, and me Googling Puerto Vallarta to show them photos. Low and behold, this exact churro stand popped up within the first few images. This was circa 2010.. talk about timeless.
There’s something comforting about knowing some things don’t change. Same smell, same warmth, same feeling of walking through the neighborhood with a paper bag of fresh churros in hand. This stand is truly a must anytime you’re in PV.
2. La Choza de Toño
Or as my dad calls it: “Tony, my Tony.”
Tucked up a small hill in Mismaloya is one of the most special family-owned restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of frequenting. Fresh ingredients, insane views, and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after you leave.
Some backstory: This family for lack of better words “adopted” my father during a chapter of his life when he found himself living in Mismaloya. Serafina, the powerhouse mother behind the cooking, welcomed him into their family alongside the rest of their children, some of which I even attended quinceañeras of as a small child.
Tony himself is pure life-of-the-party energy. The kind of person who makes every table feel like a celebration. Between the food, the stories, the warmth, and the view, this place becomes more than just dinner.. it becomes a memory.
La choza is well worth the trek to Mismaloya, an understated beach town that deserves far more love than it gets.
3. Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
This place honestly feels straight out of a fairytale.
Getting there can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you’re relying on public transportation and questionable directions, but wow is it worth it.
Every detail feels intentional: the endless greenery, the restaurant, the layout of the grounds. It’s one of those places where you can feel how much care exists behind it all.
From there, you can either take the longer hike or the shortcut trail down to the river. Both are stunning. Butterflies follow you on your way down and the path eventually opens up to one of the most beautiful natural river settings imaginable.
Photos don’t seem to capture the magnetism this place carries.
Inside the gardens lives a colorful church that, regardless of your religious beliefs, is worth stepping inside. The artwork feels raw, eclectic, and deeply man made in a way that’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself.
3. La Matona
This indoor/outdoor taco spot is exactly where I go when I’m craving authentic Mexican comfort food.
From the tacos and sopes to the agua de jamaica, everything tastes timeless. The kind of meal that reminds you simple food made well will always win. The real star might be the salsa bar sitting right in the middle of the restaurant. Different spice levels, fresh limes, and topping options make every plate slightly different than the last. It’s casual, delicious, and continuously satisfying. Bonus points for their rad little play-setup they have for kiddos!
4. Oscülum Infame Vintage
Okay, this is something I’m extremely excited to share… This shop is not some fleeting hype over the massive growth vintage clothing has been experiencing. Antonio’s deep love for curating vintage goes back well over a decade.
Our relationship began with Antonio a couple years back when we saw him pop up at a flea market. Instantly we were blown away with his collection, which led to him inviting us to his appointment only shop.
We spent hours looking through every single piece, that he then offered to bring down his surplus of clothing stored away. Digging through his decade old sourced gems and getting to know more about his love of fatherhood was such a sweet beginning to this lifelong friendship.
Antonio’s knowledge goes beyond the average reseller and his passion speaks volumes as he lights up explaining each individual piece. Other cool items featured in his shop consist of vintage children’s toys, figurines, magazines, and so much more.
The best way to get ahold of him would be through instagram @osculuminfamex and requesting a private showing. Antonio’s pricing is beyond fair, and his quality pieces bring a refreshing light to this saturated and (in my opinion) diluted market.
If you’re a lover of genuine vintage clothing and more, Antonio is your guy.
6. La Huerta BBQ
Ending this list with a BBQ restaurant in Mexico might feel criminal, but trust me.
Yes, the food and drinks are incredible, but what makes this place unforgettable is the energy. Every night features a live band playing different genres of music, from classic rock to oldies and everything in between. When the restaurant fills up, the entire atmosphere shifts.
People singing, dancing between tables, sharing drinks, eating BBQ beside the river, it truly feels cinematic. The restaurant itself is completely outdoors, being tucked against the open river is a huge part of what makes the energy here unforgettable.
Some places are trendy for a season, while others become woven into the identity of a city and the people who love it. These are the spots that continue showing up in conversations for a reason. Timeless and lived-in.
