Family Fun in Jalisco

The birthplace of mariachi music, tequila and charrería (Mexican rodeo), the Mexican state of Jalisco delivers family fun for all ages, from the tiniest tot to Grandpa and Grandma. Here are three destinations in Jalisco the whole family can enjoy.

Careyes

Originally an exclusive community developed by an Italian financier, Careyes today is an escape for celebrities, the wealthy and families in the know. Rent a one- to four-bedroom residence through El Careyes Club & Residence, a villa or “ocean castle” through Airbnb. While it can be pricey (expect to pay at least $300 per night per bedroom), many of the properties come with staff, including a chef.

Photos by: Teresa Bitler

Besides lounging at one of the five club infinity pools (or one at your accommodations), you can take tennis lessons, ride horses on the beach, arrange for private yoga classes, rent a boat or enjoy other water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking (additional charges may apply depending on the activity). You can also release baby sea turtles at Careyes’ sanctuary for an extra fee.

Puerto Vallarta

For a mix of beach and city, plan a vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The seaside city has eight designated beaches, many lined with resorts perfect for multigenerational families traveling together. Close to the resort, spend the day relaxing on the beach with a book, or swim, snorkel, paddle board and kayak in the water.

Jalisco, Careyes

Further out, adrenalin junkies can zip line through the surrounding jungle, scuba dive at Los Arcos Marine National Park or ride an ATV across the Jorullo Bridge while those looking for a tamer experience can take a jungle Jeep tour or go Humpback whale watching mid-December to late March. You can also tee off at the Marina Vallarta Golf Club, take a food tour and watch the daily Papantla Flyers show at 6 p.m. on the Boardwalk Malecon.

Sauza Tequila agave plants, Jalisco

Guadalajara

The capital city of Jalisco makes a great base for multigenerational travel. While younger family members and non-drinkers explore the artisanal shops of Tlaquepaque, a city within the Guadalajara metropolitan area, other family members can drive or take a train to Tequila for the day. There, you can watch the Sauza bottling process from the distillery’s new Skywalk, tour Jose Cuervo’s and Herradura’s facilities or sample some of the more than 1,300 certified brands of tequila on the market.

For an activity the entire family can enjoy, take a daytrip to Lake Chapala instead. At the largest lake in Mexico, you can dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, listen to mariachi music, take a boat ride and purchase local crafts.

Tequila agave plants, Jalisco