Many residents of Puerto Vallarta state that they absolutely love living in this wonderful coastal town. They all say that their dreams came true when they moved there because Puerto Vallarta has numerous stunning beaches, warm weather, and so many different activities to enjoy. It doesn’t matter if you spend your vacations, plan to retire, or live in Puerto Vallarta, it really is an incredible place to be. Of course, it’s always exciting to leave town occasionally. If you live in Puerto Vallarta and you are curious on what type of getaway you can do, you can drive just an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta and you will be at a charming and quaint town that is called San Sebastian. For a fantastic weekend getaway from Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastian is the place to go. You can go on a short road trip from PV to San Sebastian.
San Sebastian – A Quaint and Charming Small Town
The quaint and charming small town of San Sebastian was founded as a mining town in 1605. Originally, silver, lead, and gold were mined there which occurred during the New Spain period. There were numerous foundries and more than 25 mines in the small town by the year 1785. Just a few years later during 1812, the small town had approximately 1,000 people living there. By 1900 (a century later), over 20,000 people started calling this small town, their home. During 1910 when the national revolution in Mexico happened, the population drastically dropped and today there are only approximately 500 people that call San Sebastian home.
Pueblo Magico – Magic Town
The designation Pueblo Magico, which in English means “Magic Town”, was given to the small town of San Sebastian during 2005 due to its small-town charm and rich heritage. The primary church in San Sebastian was constructed and built back in 1608 and is named The Church of Saint Sebastian. The church has a distinct Colonial Spanish Baroque style with amazing architectural details, vaulted murals on the ceilings, and columns that are Corinthian style. There are many other buildings and structures in San Sebastian that were built of stone or brick during the 18-19th centuries, and many of the homes have been completely restored to their original form. San Sebastian is currently enjoying the peak season with tourism. It is a wonderful place to get away for the weekend and escape Puerto Vallarta hot summer days. You can go on a short road trip from PV to San Sebastian in less than two hours.
Accommodation Selections
This small and charming town offers a nice range of affordable hotels and upscale vacation rentals. You can stay where the action occurs in town, or if you are looking for somewhere that is quieter, the outskirts of town also offer a variety of lodging choices as well. A very popular lodging choice for many people is the Hacienda Jalisco, and if you choose this lodging you will enjoy an authentic small town experience. The Hacienda Jalisco can be found on the outskirts of San Sebastian, and it is completely surrounded by flower gardens and vegetable gardens. Another popular lodging choice is the Potrero de Mulas Ecotourism Ranch, which is ideal for adventurous people. You will stay in ecological cabins that are surrounded by beautiful pine trees, crystal clear streams, and walking trails. The Mansion Real is a great choice for people who would rather stay in the center of the town where they can easily walk to different activities and sights. The Mansion Real can be located in the historic center, and it is an affordable place to stay, too.
Must See Locations
A must see location in San Sebastian, especially for coffee lovers, is the Quinta Mary. The Quinta Mary is known to have the best organic coffee in the area. The coffee plantations do not use any pesticides as they only use chili, garlic, and onions to treat their crops. The coffee isn’t just delicious, it is also a healthy drink, too. The coffee is roasted and ground, then it is packed immediately. The Quinta Mary also sells authentic and traditional Mexican candy. You should try to drink your coffee at the central plaza where you will be surrounded by stunning landscaping, dining options, and numerous stores. It is also a fantastic place to relax, eat an ice cream cone, and just watch all the people passing by. If you are wanting to know where some of the best views in the small town are, then you should head high up to the El Cerro de la Bufa, which is located in the mountains just above the small town. You can even see the Banderas Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and views of the mountains on a clear day. If you are a culture lover, then you won’t want to miss the celebration for San Sebastian, a patron saint. The celebration is held every year on January 20th and guests will enjoy live music, dancing, horseback riding, and other cultural activities to partake in. On October 7th, another popular event is held in the small town, which is when the town will honor the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary of the Real Alto, which happens to be an antique wooden altar that was built during the seventeenth century.
A short road trip from PV to San Sebastian is great for a weekend getaway. There are plenty of things that you can enjoy, which include amazing views, an ideal climate, and that small-town charm that everyone loves. You can easily get to this small town that is only 60km from Puerto Vallarta.