Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Tile Park
A vibrant urban oasis in Old Town PV, famous for its stunning mosaic tile art and lively atmosphere on the Malecón.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant market & live music
Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Tile Park
Best Time
Vibrant market & live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban oasis in Old Town PV, famous for its stunning mosaic tile art and lively atmosphere on the Malecón.
"This well-planned, colorful space is a hub for locals and tourists, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the vibe. "
🚗 Parking Beneath the Park
Convenient parking is available directly underneath the park, making access easy. 🚗
🚶♀️ Stroll the Malecón
The park is perfectly situated along the Malecón boardwalk, ideal for combining with a scenic walk. 🚶
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 757 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mosaic-Covered Benches
Throughout the park
Vibrant mosaic glass tiles transform ordinary benches and pillars into stunning works of art, adding a splash of color to the cement landscape.
Saturday Market Delights
Central area
Experience a lively market with local crafts, art, clothing, and delicious food, often accompanied by live music.
Amphitheater Stage
Beach-side
A small stage with an amphitheater offers a spot for performances and live music, adding to the park's lively atmosphere.
Bust of Enrique Carothers Barreto
Near central gazebo
A tribute to the engineer who significantly boosted tourism in Old Town Puerto Vallarta by developing local properties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mosaic Magic
Timing is Key for Markets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Need Location Advice
Me and my friend traveling to PV for the first time and we got an Airbnb for a good price (470$ for 5 nights) in this location. Is this a good location? Or you think I will be better of spending more money else where for a better location? Thanks so much
🚗 Parking Beneath the Park
Convenient parking is available directly underneath the park, making access easy. 🚗
🚶♀️ Stroll the Malecón
The park is perfectly situated along the Malecón boardwalk, ideal for combining with a scenic walk. 🚶
Solo trip to Puerto Vallarta
Hey guys and gals! Im planning on taking a solo trip to Puerto Vallarta in late May/June for about a week (all my friends are either broke, have kids or are pregnant) and I was wondering what everyone’s tips are? I’ve been there by myself for a day and a half before (family…
Outdoor exercise equipment anywhere in PV?
Hi, I will be staying in PV for 5-6 weeks. Does anyone know whether there is outdoor fitness equipment anywhere like pull-up bars etc? I tried to google it but wasn’t finding anything. Maybe I’ll have to join a gym.. I’m a climber and hope to lose minimal strength before I…
🌳 Let Nature Grow!
Some visitors wish for more lush vegetation to provide shade and a tropical feel. :evergreen_tree:
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Look for unique crafts and art at the Saturday market, a great alternative to typical tourist shops. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Beneath the Park
Convenient parking is available directly underneath the park, making access easy. 🚗
🚶♀️ Stroll the Malecón
The park is perfectly situated along the Malecón boardwalk, ideal for combining with a scenic walk. 🚶
🌳 Let Nature Grow!
Some visitors wish for more lush vegetation to provide shade and a tropical feel. :evergreen_tree:
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Look for unique crafts and art at the Saturday market, a great alternative to typical tourist shops. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Parque Lázaro Cárdenas for its vibrant mosaic art and central location on the Malecón, making it a colorful and convenient spot for people-watching and relaxation. The Saturday market is a highlight for unique crafts and local food. Some wish for more lush vegetation to enhance the tropical feel.
"This vibrant park is located right above the underground parking. I still remember what it was like before the garage was built, and I have to say, they’ve done a great job with the redesign. It’s now a well-planned, colorful space that people really seem to enjoy."
G Whizz
"If you've walked through old town PV, chances are you've walked through or at least passed by this park and not even noticed. I have, three times in the past three years and didn't even know its name until now.
THE PARK:
It's about the size of a city block and is located in the heart of Old Town Puerto Vallarta at the middle point of the Malecón Boardwalk near numerous vendors and restaurants. The park was named after Lázaro Cárdenas, once an army general, former president of Mexico from 1934 to 1940 and the founder of Pemex, a huge state-owned petroleum company.
The park is mainly all cement sans for four raised gardens that sport a few trees and not much greenery in terms of grass or flowers. Shadiness is at a premium. At the center of the park is a small raised gazebo. On the beach-side of the park is a small stage with an amphitheater. The once boring cement columns holding up the trellises are now covered in beautiful mosaic glass, giving the monochromatic scheme a splash of pizzazz.
Near the central gazebo is a bust of Enrique Carothers Barreto. He was an engineer by profession who purchased the nearby Playa Los Arcos Hotel which he expanded & remodeled. He did the same with several other properties nearby which in turn jumpstarted the area's tourism boom.
Due to its open-design and nearby activities, it felt very safe even at night. During the day it's abuzz with locals, peddlers and tourist.
TIP:
Parking is located beneath the park.
OVERALL:
Great place for people-watching and relaxing."
Maui World Travelers
"It could be a super cool beautiful park square but the landscaping being done it’s terrible 😢! All the vegetation is constantly being cut down! It’s a tropical area it’s supposed to be lush and overgrown to give shade and shelter for birds! Please let the trees and plants grow!"
Al Not art
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque Lázaro Cárdenas is located in the heart of Old Town Puerto Vallarta, right on the Malecón boardwalk. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the area. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, there is convenient parking located directly beneath the park. This makes it very easy to access if you are driving.
The park is largely paved and has a relatively open design, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
From Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), you can take a taxi or a pre-booked shuttle to Old Town. The park is a central landmark once you arrive in the area.
If you are staying in the Romantic Zone or downtown Puerto Vallarta, walking to Parque Lázaro Cárdenas is very feasible and a pleasant experience along the Malecón.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parque Lázaro Cárdenas is a public park and entry is completely free for everyone.
The park is generally open 24/7, as it's a public outdoor space. However, specific market events or performances may have set times.
There is no entrance fee to browse the Saturday market. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from vendors.
Yes, the park is open at night and is considered safe due to its central location and open design, making it a good spot for evening strolls.
While the park itself is always accessible, any scheduled events or performances at the amphitheater will have specific start and end times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy people-watching, admire the mosaic art, relax on benches, visit the Saturday market for crafts and food, and enjoy the atmosphere of Old Town PV.
Yes, it's a safe and open space for families to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Kids might enjoy the colorful tiles and the general buzz of activity.
While there isn't a dedicated playground, the open space and vibrant environment can still be engaging for children.
The park is famous for its extensive mosaic tile work that decorates benches, pillars, and walls, creating a visually striking environment.
Public Wi-Fi availability can be spotty in outdoor areas. It's best to rely on your mobile data or check for nearby cafes with Wi-Fi if you need a stable connection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself doesn't have restaurants, but it is surrounded by numerous eateries and cafes in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, offering a wide variety of dining options.
The Saturday market often features delicious local food stalls offering everything from snacks to full meals, showcasing authentic Mexican flavors.
Yes, you'll find vendors selling drinks, as well as many cafes and restaurants surrounding the park, especially along the Malecón.
You can certainly bring food to enjoy in the park, especially if you purchase items from the Saturday market or nearby vendors.
Given its location, you're spoiled for choice! Explore the numerous seafood restaurants, taco stands, and cafes lining the Malecón for diverse culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant mosaic tiles on benches and pillars are incredibly photogenic. The park's location on the Malecón also offers great shots of the bay and coastline.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The Saturday market also provides dynamic scenes with people and colorful goods.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, it's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Drone usage in public spaces can be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone in or around the park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the mosaic art and the park's expanse. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots and people-watching.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit