Sunshine spills reliably onto the streets of Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. Blending culture and urban development, visitors will find a variety of things to do on an extended stay in Guadalajara. For those just passing through on the way to sandy beaches at Puerto Vallarta to the west or bound and determined to hit Mexico City, this is a good place to break up the trip and stop for a soak in one of the local hot springs.
Even if you're not around long enough to learn Spanish, a walking tour of the city's main historic sights is an easy city introduction. Swing by the Palacio de Gobierno and stop to examine the curious architecture of the cathedral looming on the skyline before getting a more extensive lesson history at the Museo Regional de Guadalajara.
Children and the young at heart can take a trip to the Magic Forest, Selva Magica, which makes up for magic with roller coasters. Take a stroll through the nearby zoo or retire to the grass of Parque Agua Azul for people-watching and orchids in season.
When the city walls start to close in, take a "Tequila Tour" of one of the tequila distilleries open to visitors. Finish off the day with a drive through endless Agave fields, stopping to enjoy the calm buzz of country landscapes.
Guadalajara is 1058 miles south of Nogales on the US border and west of Mexico City.
