mexico beach cities to visit

18 Best Mexican Beach Towns to Visit in 2024: Written by a Local

There are dozens of gorgeous beach towns in Mexico that are often the entire raison d’etre that many tourists decide to travel here in the first place. Places like Tulum, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Los Cabos are perhaps among the first destinations that spring to mind at the mention of a coastal Mexico vacation.

While these places are absolutely gorgeous and well deserved of their popularity, there are so many more places that simply don’t get the attention they deserve. 

There are still so many Mexican beach towns that remain well off the beaten path and where you can have entire stretches of coastline to yourself, even in the peak season. 

You are in good hands here because I live in Mexico, and have traveled the through the country extensively in order to compile this list. (I know, I know, how horrible for me).

Table of Contents

18 Best Beach Towns in Mexico to Visit in 2024

It can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your coastal Mexico vacation, I get it. If you are looking for somewhere that offers nightlife, serviced beaches and beach clubs, excellent gastronomy and all of the amenities and home comforts you would expect at home, I would recommend somewhere like Los Cabos, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen or Mahahual and Akumal, although the latter two are definitely on the quieter side of things. 

If you want somewhere secluded and tranquil away from the hordes, check out El Cuyo in the Yucatan, or rent a car in Merida or Cancun and do a road trip along the Ruta Esmerelda through all of the beach towns along the Gulf of Mexico. (Progreso, Yucalpeten, Sisal, Celestun, etc). 

Do note that hurricane season affects Mexicos Carribbean and Pacific Coast between June and October, with the heaviest rains and storms usually hitting in August and September. The Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Southern Jalisco have a wet, humid tropical climate so if you hate this kind of humidity, you might prefer sticking to Baja California Sur where the Mediterranean-style climate is more similar to what you will find in Southern California.

El Cuyo, Yucatan 

El Cuyo is tiny coastal village in the northeastern part of the Yucatan state that is little more than just a pristine stretch of coastline and a small handful of hotels and restaurants set in thatched palapa huts. In many ways, El Cuyo feels like what Tulum was like some 10-15 years ago before it was discovered by the masses. 

Gorgeous Playa El Cuyo offers soft, powdery white sand that borders translucent aquamarine waters that would rival those that you find in the Mexican Caribbean. The sunrises and sunsets here are among the most breathtaking in the Yucatan peninsula and you will often find that you have the entire stretch of coastline entirely to yourself. 

The only reason that a beach town exists here at all is thanks to a small group of windsurfers, travelers and locals that fell in love with the area and started to build houses and touristic businesses nearby. Since it can get quite windy here, El Cuyo is perfect for kitesurfing and even if you have zero experience in the sport whatsoever, you will find numerous schools offering lessons for complete beginners. 

The best time to visit El Cuyo is now before word gets out and it becomes another Riviera Maya.

El Maviri, Sinaloa 

Few travelers take the time to visit Northern Sinaloa, largely because of the safety concerns and security warnings in place for Sinaloa state. The adventurous few that do, may pass through Los Mochis on their way to take the scenic Copper Canyon railway route through Northern Mexico. 

But Los Mochis doesn’t need to be seen as an unsightly unnecessary evil to pass through, when there is a gorgeous beach town just 20 minutes away. El Maviri is a Sinaloan beach that is actually set on an island and connected to the mainland by a sequence of bridges.

There is usually nobody else on the golden sands of this beach during weekdays, while at weekends, groups of locals head down from Los Mochis to have picnics and crack open a couple of cervezas. The vendors here sell fresh oysters sourced from local waters and “coco locos” – crazy fresh chopped coconuts topped with hot sauce, chamoy salsa, nuts, candies and all manner of interesting toppings. 

You can tie in a visit to El Maviri with a trip to the town of Topolobampo – a port town where the residents have painted their houses in bold, vibrant colors. From here, you can take a boat trip out to the various coves and beaches of the area and learn about “El Pechocho”, the adorable lone dolphin who has been calling these warm waters home for decades.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 

The Jalisco beach town of Puerto Vallarta likely needs no introduction as this is one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico. The beaches here may not have the same aquamarine waters of those on the Caribbean coast, but they can definitely compete when it comes to natural beauty. 

There are several beaches within the city center which, while sometimes crowded, offer clear, calm waters that are perfect for swimming in, and stunning natural rock formations. Playa Los Muertos and Playa Camarones are two of the most popular spots in downtown Puerto Vallarta. 

They are just a short walk away from the Malecon, so you have a ton of restaurants serving mouthwatering traditional Mexican fare and international eats just a stones throw away. Playa Camarones literally translates to “shrimp beach”, a name awarded because of all of the street food vendors here who wander up and down the sand selling perfectly grilled shrimp on a stick. 

If you are seeking something a little more secluded, you can head out to Mismaloya, a quiet spot that gives you an unparalleled view of the Bahia de Banderas and the obscure rock formations of Los Arcos national park, or Conchas Chinas, a white pebblestone beach that is seldom crowded and is set in the “Beverly Hills” of Puerto Vallarta. 

Mahahual, Quintana Roo 

In the Costa Maya region of southern Quintana Roo, you will find the charming little beach town of Mahahual. A couple of years ago, Mahahual was little more than a fishing village and most of its residents worked in fisheries and trade. 

Slowly but surely, talk of Mahahual’s beauty got out. The town is still something of an unknown and sees only a fraction of the visitors seen by Tulum, Cancun, PDC and other Riviera Maya beach towns. 

The waters here are impossibly turquoise and since Mahahual is very small, a visit here is mostly about relaxing on the paradisical beach, enjoying good food, and taking the time to disconnect. If you have access to a car, you can tie in your trip with a visit to nearby Lake Bacalar, the Chacchoben Mayan ruins , and Lake Noh Bec.  

Progreso, Yucatan 

The Yucatan beach town of Progreso is the closest beach to the city of Merida, and it is the place where tons of locals will flock to at weekends to make the most of their time off work. As such, Progreso has a very “Mexican” feel about it and it can be interesting to see a beachtown that caters more to domestic travelers rather than foreign tourists. 

Progreso beach is pretty, though it can get crowded during the weekends. There are a couple of excellent beach clubs here where you can lounge around on cabanas all day, rent water sports equipment, hang out in the pool, and enjoy the amenities. 

The Marymar beach club is a great place if you are on a budget and you can stick around for as long as you like, as long as you keep buying drinks and snacks. Silcer beach club is a little more exclusive and requires you to purchase a day pass, but it offers a more luxury feel. 

Coffee shops, bars and restaurants catering to every taste line the Progreso Malecon and as more and more tourists discover the Northern Yucatan, it feels as though new businesses are popping up every week. At night, the area really comes to life as the beachfront fairground opens, and street vendors set up their stalls selling everything from elotes to marquesitas. 

Yelapa, Jalisco

Yelapa is a quaint beach town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, just south of Puerto Vallarta. It is known for its “no car” way of life and since it is a little awkward to get to, it is seldom if ever crowded. 

The best way to get to Yelapa is to take a water taxi from Los Muertos beach pier in Puerto Vallarta, or in Boca de Tomatlan. Expect to spend around 30 minutes making the journey to Yelapa in a little wooden boat which as of January 2024, costs 240 pesos per person for a round trip.

Rest assured, little Yelapa is worth the effort to get to. Once you arrive, you are greeted with rolling golden sand dunes tucked away in a secluded cove backed by dense, lucious jungle. 

If you are the type to get restless sitting on the beach all day, don your best hiking shoes and set off in search of one of the various waterfalls in the area. The largest (and best) waterfall necessitates an hour long scenic trek through the jungle, but you can usually have the area to yourself and can easily while away several hours here as long as you pack drinks, snacks and sunscreen. 

Celestun, Yucatan

Celestun is a charming fishing village set in the far west part of the Yucatan state, close to the border with Campeche state. It boasts pristine white-sand beaches, quaint seafront eateries whose tables and chairs are set right on the sand, and crystal-clear aquamarine waters that capture the heart of all those that visit. 

Celestun is still relatively new to tourism and it isn’t yet anywhere near as built up as the beaches along the Riviera Maya in Northern Quintana Roo. There are a couple of mid-range hotels and cosy guesthouses but most travelers come here on a day trip from Merida.

Once you have gotten your fill of swimming, snorkeling and lounging on the beach, walk through town, grab some traditional Yucatecan fare for lunch, and head to the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can take a boat tour through the mangroves with a local guide. 

Between November and April every year, close to 40,000 North American flamingos migrate to this reserve in order to mate. The celestun boat tours allow you to witness them in their natural habitat, while still maintaining a respectful distance. 

Crocodiles, pelicans, roadrunners, and hundreds of other types of birds call the mangroves their home and during your visit, you will hopefully be fortunate enough to witness a fair few of them. (Sometimes the boats get alarmingly close to the crocs so tourists can take good photos!) 

San Bruno, Yucatan 

San Bruno in the Yucatan is perhaps more of a beach hamlet than a beach town since only ten permanent inhabitants call San Bruno their home. Still, it is worth a mention here since San Bruno is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful (and underrated) beaches in the Yucatan.

It sits in the heart of the Yucatan’s “Ruta Esmerelda” (Emerald Coast): A 98 km long coastal road that runs along the Gulf of Mexico from Celestun in the west to San Crisanto and El Cuyo in the east. 

This spectacular beach is long, narrow, and rarely crowded. Since the beach itself is not serviced, you should pack a picnic, some beach towels and perhaps an umbrella, and just plonk yourself down wherever you find a comfortable spot for the day. 

The only two businesses here are the Kokomo Beach Club , where you can purchase a day pass to use the pool and rent kayaks and other equipment, and the Casa Ku luxury hotel. The stand alone units at Casa Ku are designed to look like little birds nests and the property oozes the same bohemian chic style that you would expect of Tulum. 

Since there are very few upscale accommodations like this in the Northern Yucatan away from Quintana Roo, staying here is a special experience. Anyone can eat at the hotel restaurant or drink at the bar – you don’t have to be a hotel guest. 

The food here is some of the best I have eaten in the Yucatan (and I have lived here for 2.5 years!) Their hamburgers with melted cheese tucked right inside the patty are to die for! 

Chuburna, Yucatan 

At first glimpse, the Yucatecan beach town of Chuburna may look like nothing to write home about. However, the Playa de las Dunas beach here is one of the Yucatans best kept secrets and is arguably one of the most gorgeous stretches of coastline in the entire country. 

As the name suggests, the beach is known for its rolling sand dunes, which are breeding grounds for sea turtles. It is usually pretty quiet here and the beach is completely unserviced, with nothing but rolling hills behind you and flocks of pelicans flying overhead, occasionally diving into the water for fish. 

From the Puentes Chuburna dock nearby, you can take a tour in a little wooden fishing boat and sail out to Isla Columpios, Isla Choventún and Isla De Los Pájaros, a scattering of off-the-beaten-path islands that few people realize exist in the Yucatan state.

There are a couple of Yucatecan restaurants and comida economicas in Chuburna town, but a highlight of passing through the area are all of the street vendors selling coconut desserts. Try the pay de coco, my personal favorite – a fluffy, creamy pie with fresh coconut and a tasty homemade pie crust, or opt for a coconut helado (ice cream). 

The quiet town awaits approximately 40 minutes away from the Yucatan capital of Merida, and 20 minutes from Progreso respectively. 

Tulum, Quintana Roo 

The pueblo magico of Tulum is one of the hottest destinations in the world right now and a tourist favorite in the state of Quintana Roo. There are some spectacular Mayan ruins here perched on the edge of a jagged cliffface overlooking the Carribean that are what remains of the Ancient Mayan city of “Zama”. 

These are the only known Mayan ruins to have been built by the coast, and of course, there is a wonderful beach (Playa Ruinas) at ground level below the ruins where you can swim against a backdrop of structures that are thousands of years old. Playa Paraiso and Playa las Palmas are also popular spots that boast cerulean waters and soft, powdery white sands. 

There are some excellent beach clubs in the Tulum hotel zone, but do be prepared to pay a hefty fee and be sure to reserve your spot(s) in advance. My best beach club recommendations are Delek, Kanan, Hotelito Azul and Dos Ceibas. 

In 2024, a new airport has been opened in Tulum, making it much easier to get to the area directly without having to first fly into Cancun. 

Telchac Puerto, Yucatan 

Telchac Puerto is a little fishing village in the Northern Yucatan that you have probably never heard of unless you know Southeastern Mexico super well. However, it makes a wonderful stopping point during any Yucatan road trip itinerary , especially if you want to do something a little out of the ordinary. 

The public beach here is pretty nice, and at night, the boardwalk that runs parallel to it is filled with vendors selling little juguetes (toys), marquesitas and micheladas in various different flavors. A highlight though is a stay at the luxury Hotel Marina Kinuh which overlooks the Sayachaltun nature reserve so that you can see the mangroves, and tons of spectacular endangered birds and animals in their natural habitat. 

(You can even arrange a tour of the mangroves with a local fisherman). The hotel has its own private stretch of beach and the concierge can organize for you to take a golf cart back and forth to your private cabaña.

Nearby, be sure to check out the Mayan ruins of Xcambo , and the Laguna Rosada pink lakes. 

Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo 

Playa Del Carmen has long been known as one of the trendiest spots to see and be seen in the Riviera Maya. While the beaches here may not be as pristine as those further north, the laidback bohemian beachy vibes here are second to none. 

Stroll for trinkets and gifts along the citys fifth avenue (La Quinta Avenida), hang out at chic PDC beach clubs, and visit the Mayan ruins of Xaman-Há – a settlement that dates back to the 13th century and which few tourists are even aware about.

If you want to escape the crowds and find your slice of coastal peace and serenity, take a day trip out to Playa Xpu Ha, 30 minutes from the city center.

If you want to treat yourself to an indulgent stay in absolute luxury during your time in Mexico, there are several gorgeous properties and high-end hotels here, particularly within the nearby Mayakoba complex. 

Isla Aguadas, Campeche State 

Unless you know southeastern Mexico extremely well, chances are that you have never heard of Isla Aguadas, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Campeche state. It is one of the Yucatan peninsulas best kept secrets that the locals have been keeping to themselves. 

Isla Aguadas is actually one of 12 pueblo magicos in the Yucatan peninsula , despite being something of an unknown. It also played quite an important role in regional history as after the Yucatan caste war, many Spaniards fled here. 

Today, the island is connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Playa Coquitos, Playa Cayo Arenas, and Playa Pública are amazing spots to unwind and are reminiscent of a paradise island you would expect to find deep in the heart of the Carribean. 

There are only a handful of accommodation options here currently, but many of them exist in the form of quaint thatched cabanas and huts right on the beach, adding to that desert island paradise vibe. 

San Crisanto, Yucatan

San Crisanto is an adorable little beach town set in the far eastern part of the Yucatan state. It is one of the final stopping points along the Ruta Esmerelda and the golden stretch of sand here is backed by lucious, dense coconut groves that go on for miles. 

Just like in Chuburna, many of the locals make and sell desserts created using the fresh coconuts that grow in abundance in the area. However, San Crisanto takes it one step further and the town hosts the annual Yucatan coconut festival every July. 

You will see few other tourists here, just a handful of locals enjoying their time by the sea. Most of the restaurants here are cash-only and serve up an array of sumptuous seafood dishes made with love using fresh fish sourced in nearby waters. 

Los Cabos, Baja California Sur 

Los Cabos has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico for decades and that is not likely to change any time soon. Some places are popular for a reason. 

“Los Cabos” is actually made up of two different places: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, both of which sit at the southern tip of Baja California Sur. 

Revel in the views of the iconic Cabo San Lucas rock arch at Medano Beach, take a sunset cruise and if you are traveling between January and March, book a spot on a whale-watching tour to see humpback whales in their natural habitat. Cabo San Lucas is a pretty well-renowned party spot, where if you are looking for something a little quieter, you might enjoy treating yourself to a stay at one of the exclusive hotels and resorts in Palmilla.

Chicxulub Puerto, Yucatan 

Chicxulub (pronounced “chick-su-lube”) is a peaceful fishing town in the Northern Yucatan. Most of the town’s 4,000 or so residents still work in fishing and trade, but a steady trickle of tourists are gradually starting to discover Chicxulub during their adventures through the Yucatan. 

It was actually here where the meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs smashed into the earth 65 million years ago. (That same meteor was responsible for creating all of the 7,000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula that are so loved by tourists and locals today). 

The beach here is small but charming. There is a nice wooden pier that acts as something of a rendezvous-point for locals who sit on its edges, sharing bottles of coca cola and catching up on local gossip. 

If you are interested to learn more about the history of the dinosaurs, you can visit the nearby Sendero Jurásico which has been built around the impact site. This walking trail contains giant sculptures of different species of dinosaurs and is a great educational experience for kids and adults alike. 

If you want to find an even quieter beach, you can head out to Playa Uaymitun nearby. Access to Uaymitun is made via a dirt trail that veers off from the main road and even many locals aren’t aware of its existence. 

Sisal, Yucatan 

Located in the northwestern Yucatan, Sisal is one of seven pueblo magicos in the Yucatan state. Mexican Pueblo magicos (magic towns) are places that have been recognized by the Mexican tourism board for offering a particularly special culture, gastronomy, or natural beauty so when a place is designated as such, it is usually a pretty good indicator that it is somewhere worth visiting. 

The stretch of coastline in Sisal is absolutely stunning. Some residents are not happy about the “pueblo magico” designation as property developers are starting to build many new luxury accommodations, hotels and condos in the area so in a few years from now, we may be looking at a very different Sisal. 

Come now before it becomes another mainstream Mexican destination. 

La Paz, Baja California Sur 

La Paz is a charming Mexican beach town that offers the best of both worlds. Its historic center is a great place to experience local life in Mexico and its colorful streets are filled with excellent mercados, taquerias and street food stands. 

You then only have to head a short distance away to find yourself immersed in some of the most gorgeous nature in Baja California. The La Paz malecon is a great place to go for a stroll, especially when the sun goes down, and it connects Playa El Coromuel beach in the north, to Marina La Paz in the south. 

La Paz was also the location of the 2017 “Ciudad Mural” project which saw 26 different artists commissioned to decorate various walls, structures and building facades with vibrant murals. It can be fun to embark on a self guided street art tour and seek out the various pieces.

Take a day tour to the uninhabited UNESCO-protected island of Espiritu Santo , snorkel with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez and head to the awesome rock formations at Cerro de la Calavera to watch the sunset.

Final thoughts on the best beach towns in Mexico

As you can see, there are tons of gorgeous beaches and beach towns in Mexico, particularly along the Carribbean and Pacific Coasts and along the Gulf of Mexico. You really cant go wrong with any of the destinations that you choose on this list. 

As I mentioned, I live in Merida, Yucatan and I try and explore as much of my new home in Mexico as much as I can. As I discover more and more new places, I will add them to this list. 

Do you have any further questions, concerns, or recommendations to add for other travelers? Please dont hesitate to drop me a comment below, or connect with me via email or social media.

Safe travels and enjoy Mexico! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo 

Melissa Douglas

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16 Best Beaches in Mexico—Whether You Want a Quiet Surf Escape or Thrumming Nightlife

Mexico is one of those well-rounded countries that offer a little bit of everything: food, culture, gorgeous landscapes, and some of the best hotels and resorts in the entire world. But at the end of the day, Mexico will always be known as a beach destination—and for good reason. The nation boasts nearly 5,800 miles of coastline, stretching along the warm Gulf of Mexico to the east and the wild, surfer-friendly Pacific Ocean to the west.

Perhaps the best aspect of Mexico’s beaches is their diversity. Regardless of the type of vacation you seek—a surfing adventure, a cultural immersion, or an off-grid retreat—you’ll find a stretch of sand to fit your needs. Case in point: We rounded up 16 spots that stand out for their unique activities, luxurious accommodations, and overall beauty, and there truly is something here for every traveler.

From popular vacation spots to hidden island gems, here are the best beaches in Mexico. 

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

Punta Mita, Nayarit

Punta Mita is a lush, private peninsula on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, about 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. This 1,500-acre enclave receives consistently warm and sunny weather, and its crystalline waters lend themselves perfectly to swimming and surfing. But the best asset of Punta Mita is its collection of luxury hotels and resorts: Take your pick from the newly opened Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection , or opt for other favorites like the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita ,  The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort , and  W Punta de Mita .  

Playa Balandra, La Paz

About 40 minutes outside of La Paz , Playa Balandra is arguably the most picturesque beach in all of Baja California. The idyllic spot lies on the eastern coast of the peninsula, overlooking a peaceful bay that spills out into the Caribbean-esque Sea of Cortez. You won’t find many better places in the area to go snorkeling and swimming—and the views of the desert meeting the ocean are truly second to none. 

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Cabo San Lucas is known as a popular tourist destination—hello, spring breakers !—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The resort city happens to have some of the best beaches in Mexico, including the remote Playas La Palmas (rent a 4x4 to get there) and Playa Acapulquito, a veritable surfer’s paradise . And then there are the resorts. You have tons of options here, but you won’t do much better than Chileno Bay Resort , featured on our 2018 Hot List . Aside from its beautiful and breezy villas, its location on one of Cabo’s most swim-friendly beaches can’t be topped.

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

While often thought of as a side trip from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a destination in its own right. The main beach of Playa Norte is made of crushed coral, has warm shallow waters, and is much quieter than the beaches across the bay. Scuba enthusiasts should take note: The island is home to the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet.

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

We dubbed Isla Holbox, just north of Cancun, “ One of Mexico’s Last Secret Beach Towns ” back in 2017; and while it might not be such a secret anymore, it still dazzles with its stretch of beaches, aqua-blue water, and nature preserve. Spend your days browsing the markets and textile shops in town, and don’t you dare forget to visit the island’s famous over-water hammocks. Punta Caliza , a relative newcomer to the scene, is one of our favorite places to stay.

Playa del Amor, Nayarit

It looks like something out of a fantasy movie, but Playa del Amor (more commonly referred to as “Hidden Beach’) is a very real, albeit hard-to-reach, attraction. Part of the Marietas Islands (about a 1-hour boat ride west of Puerto Vallarta), the beach is engulfed by a cave with a gaping hole in the roof—a hole rumored to be the result of bombs from military testing by the Mexican government during the early 1900s. Sinister origin aside, the hole now serves as a unique skylight that opens the beach up for sunbathing and photo ops, but the extremely strong currents here make swimming a risky endeavor.

Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

The Pacific Coast surf town of Zihuatanejo (often shortened to “Zihua”) has natural beauty that is equal parts alluring and hard to reach (hence the lack of crowds). We keep going back for the cliffs and ravines blanketed by mangroves, scooped-out bays, and a backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Zihua has four beaches that are reachable from the city center, the best—and most remote—being Playa Las Gatas. The white sand and cyan lagoon are perfect for lounging with a beer, snorkeling, and maybe spotting a humpback whale on the horizon.

Costalegre, Jalisco

The Costalegre spans Mexico’s Pacific Coast into the states of Jalisco and Colima, where luxury hotels stand adjacent to wild landscapes. One such stunning example is Cuixmala : Aside from its oceanfront infinity pool, private beach, and extremely luxurious suites, the estate has a 30,000-acre wildlife preserve literally in its backyard. How’s that for indulgence?

Playa Los Cerritos, Baja California Sur

Five-mile-long Playa Los Cerritos is one of the safest swimming spots near funky Todos Santos , an hour north of Cabo on the Pacific. It’s a popular spot for surfing (and lessons are easy to find), shell collecting, and family outings. It is also one of the most developed beaches in the area: Aside from taking advantage of an on-site bar and restaurant, visitors can reach the hippie-chic boutique hotel from Liz Lambert, Hotel San Cristóbal , via a short drive to Playa Punta Lobos.

Playa Zicatela, Oaxaca

Playa Zicatela is one of the most famous surfing spots in all of Mexico, located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca . The breaks here have drawn comparisons to Hawaii’s famed Pipeline, and you can often find major surfing competitions taking place on the beach. Even if you aren’t big on water sports, the surrounding town of  Puerto Escondido will draw you in with its funky hotels, public artwork, and shoes-optional restaurants.

Playa Paraiso, Tulum

About an hour south of Cancun, Tulum has emerged as one of Mexico’s most beloved beach destinations, thanks to an abundance of white sand, warm turquoise water, and jungle-lined roads and ruins. Perhaps the best slice of paradise is the appropriately named Playa Paraiso, where folks flock for the aforementioned scenery as well as an abundance of activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving. There are even changing rooms and a beach club serving up cold drinks, so go ahead and plan on staying all day.

Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur

Located in the beautiful Sea of Cortez, Isla Espíritu Santo is a short boat trip away from La Paz on the lower half of the Baja California Peninsula . The uninhabited island is full of red rocks, pristine white beaches, and many species of exotic wildlife . Swimming with a colony of sea lions is the highlight of many an expedition, followed by a relaxing picnic on the shoreline.

Troncones, Guerrero

Formerly a quiet fishing village, 46 miles north of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, Troncones has become an under-the-radar escape for adventurous travelers. The three-mile-long beach draws surfers from all over the world, while eco-tourists love horseback riding on the sand and hiking in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains. Best of all, with a population hovering around 500-600 permanent residents, Troncones always maintains a wonderful sense of isolation.

Playa Mujeres, Cancun

Cancun may be one of Mexico’s more tourist-heavy beach destinations, but it’s hard to ignore the city’s postcard-perfect stretches of white sand and turquoise water—even if you do have to dodge some crowds during your visit. If you go a little off the beaten path, you may even get some sandy real estate all to yourself. We recommend heading towards Playa Mujeres (not to be confused with Isla Mujeres, which is about seven miles off the coast of Cancun), an idyllic resort community wedged between the Caribbean and a wildlife preserve, to enjoy some peace and quiet (bonus serenity points if you can book a stay at the adults-only  Excellence Playa Mujeres ).

Yelapa, Jalisco

Yelapa is only accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. Therein lies the appeal of this off-the-radar paradise , where the beach is long and the tourists are sparse. Step directly off the boat onto the crescent-shaped sand, grab some fish tacos and beer at the thatched-roof bar Angelina’s Gardens Beach Club, and spend the rest of the day swaying in one of the many hammocks strung up beneath the palms.

Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca

The town of Puerto Ángel sits on a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay, bookended by craggy rocks and surrounded by wooded hills. The waters here are calm and bright blue, although the town mostly serves as a small fishing port. The best beach scene is found at Playa La Boquilla, about three miles east of the bay, where the shallow waters make for excellent snorkeling .

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The 9 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico

Explore the pristine, wildlife-rich waters surrounding baja and beyond..

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Whether you want the calm waters of Playa Carrizalillo or some surf-worthy waves, Mexico has many beaches worth visiting.

Photo by David Liceaga/Unsplash

With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline along the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, and Sea of Cortez, travelers can spend a lifetime of beach frolicking in Mexico and still not dig their toes into every stretch of sand. And while we like to honor the beauty of all beaches, there are, of course, certain ones that turn more heads than others.

From the velvety white sands of the Caribbean coast to the wild, rugged shores of the jungly Pacific, here are nine of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

1. Playa Carrizalillo

• Location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
• Come for: First-time surfing in electrically turquoise water and an energetic mix of resident and tourist

Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca is one of the world’s best surf destinations . But there’s no need to be a pro surfer to enjoy its beauty: The calmer, cove-protected waters of Playa Carrizalillo make it one of Mexico’s most attractive beaches.

Curled around a quiet, turquoise-colored bay, this golden-sand crescent sits at the bottom of more than 150 stone steps. At the base of the steps is a classic Mexico beach scene, where locals and long-time travelers come together for gentle waves (practice catching your first ones with local adventure company the Puerto Experience ), palapa-topped beachfront restaurants, and tasty coconut ice cream.

But if something more adventurous is on the list, the Mexico Pipeline—one of the most epic and challenging waves in the world—happens in Puerto Escondido, crashing just offshore of the city’s main beach, Playa Zicatela.

How to get to Playa Carrizalillo

Fly into Puerto Escondido and drive less than 20 minutes to town. The beach is located in the Rinconada neighborhood.

Where to stay

Book now: Villas Carrizalillo

Perched on a jungle-covered hillside overlooking the eponymous beach, this collection of breezy villas has its own private staircase that leads directly to the beach.

The waters of Playa Balandra are home to fish, turtles, and plenty of other marine life.

Photo by Matt Gush/Shutterstock

2. Playa Balandra

• Location: La Paz, Baja California Sur
• Come for: white sands and world-class diving

Try to find a beach more photogenic than Playa Balandra: Its lengthy list of attributes features key beach words like “sugary,” “crystalline,” and “palm-fringed.” Sprawling across a lagoon-style bay, the shallow waters are clear and wreathed in red-rock mountains, creating a lost world landscape that feels far removed from civilization. It’s easy to forget that the state capital is only a 30-minute drive away.

Located along the Baja peninsula , Playa Balandra is also one of the most abundant in wildlife. The Sea of Cortez is world renowned for its diving opportunities—39 percent of the world’s marine life lives in the waters around La Paz—making it a great spot to get a firsthand look at the starfish, stingrays, and other species beneath the surface.

How to get to Playa Balandra

Fly into La Paz and drive 30 minutes north.

• Book now: Baja Club Hotel

With a prime location along La Paz’s Malecon, this historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel has a buzzy Havana-esque style, with fresh, minimalist rooms and a buzzy central bar and restaurant.

The UNESCO-recognized Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

Photo by Cristina Conti/Shutterstock

3. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

• Location: Punta Allen, Quintana Roo
• Come for: Pristine, jungle-shrouded beaches and a remote, Robinson Crusoe vibe

Cancun , Playa del Carmen , and Tulum have some of the most photographed (and visited) beaches in the world. But for a taste of what Quintana Roo’s coast looked like before the sprawl of all-inclusives and the beat of Coco Bongo, head to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

An hour drive south of Tulum, this protected natural area offers 1.3 million acres of undeveloped jungle, trees and rivers full of wildlife, Mayan ruins, and sublime white-sand beaches. Some beaches are more accessible with the luxury of parking lots, while others are tucked at the end of jungle paths that require the assistance of a guide. Either way, travelers are rewarded with a unique glimpse of Quintana Roo from long ago.

How to get to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Drive one hour south of Tulum.

Book now: Casa Chable

Hidden within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Casa Chable is a barefoot luxury paradise of palapa-topped bungalows with an emphasis on wellness, cuisine, and nature.

The beaches of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, have gotten fame thanks to Hollywood films such as the Shawshank Redemption .

Photo by monopaez/Shutterstock

4. Playa Blanca

• Location: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
• Come for: Explosive sunsets and mind-boggling waves

There’s a reason Shawshank Redemption ’s protagonist Andy Dufresne wanted his final days to be spent in Zihuatanejo. This fishing village on the Pacific Ocean in the southern state of Guerrero is the image people see when they close their eyes and envision a new life in Mexico. Think barefoot beach restaurants, the sputter of lancha motors, and dusty, sand-splattered streets. Sure, visitors can opt to spend days at one of the many bays and beaches in town, but for the sheer beauty of Zihuatanejo, look to Playa Blanca.

South of the airport, Playa Blanca is a seemingly endless stretch of sand exposed to the thundering Pacific Ocean. The waves here are what surfers’ dreams are made of, and the sunsets are nothing short of extraordinary. There’s a smattering of boutique hotels and villas along the beach, all with exceptional views. Like Andy, sometimes we all feel the need for a fresh start, and this stretch of shoreline may be the place to get yours.

How to get to Playa Blanca

Fly into Zihuatanejo. Playa Blanca is a 10-minute drive south.

• Book now: Las Palmas Luxury Villas

This collection of beachfront, boutique villas features spectacular views of Playa Blanca, plus a beautiful pool and restaurant.

Luxury stays like Las Alamandas are ideal for those who want time by the coast without sacrificing comfort.

Photo by Cory Bjork/Unsplash

5. Costalegre, Jalisco

• Location: Between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo
• Come for: Remote beaches where unmatched luxury meets laid-back living

More than one beach, Costalegre, Jalisco, has an entire coastline that stretches from Puerto Vallarta all the way down to the city of Manzanillo. Over 50,000 acres of the coastline are privately owned among five hotel developer families who have all agreed to keep it protected, meaning the beaches here have been preserved in their raw, rugged, and supremely scenic form.

There is no shortage of beachfront in Costalegre. Visitors usually opt to stay at one of the handful of over-the-top luxury compounds like Careyes , Cuixmala , Las Rosadas , or Las Alamandas , whose properties are peppered with Mediterranean-looking coves and palm-blanketed beaches with more sea turtles than tourists. The 2022-opened Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo , and a second immense community-supporting luxury project called Xala are part of the area’s evolution, both of which will bring better roads and an airport to this part of the country. For now, though, the off-the-radar allure keeps it one of Mexico’s most awe-inspiring sands.

How to get to Costalegre

Fly into Puerto Vallarta and drive south along Highway 200. Or fly into Manzanillo and drive north.

• Book now: Las Rosadas

A true private villa experience overlooking a beachfront palm grove on its own private stretch of sand. The entire experience is highly customizable, with a personable staff who make you feel like family.

Small Isla Holbox is on the north side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Photo by Nathan Cima/Unsplash

6. Punta Mosquito

• Location: Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
• Come for: A sugar-colored sandbar and Caribbean island energy

Once a rite of passage for backpackers traveling the Mexican Caribbean, Isla Holbox has become one of the hottest addresses in town. This tiny sliver of a sun-bleached island sits off the northern coast of Quintana Roo. Sandy streets are flanked with bright storefronts. Barefooted travelers drive golf carts to get back and forth to their hotels—the island is car-free—and the sound of reggae rises up from the beachfront bars and overwater hammock groves.

Punta Mosquito is a bit of an adventure to get to: Travelers have to walk through the shallow sea to get there. But it’s the ideal place to soak up the sun and swim in the deliciously warm water.

How to get to Punta Mosquito

Fly into Cancun and take an ADO bus to the town of Chiquila. A 15-minute ferry ride shuttles passengers from the mainland to Holbox.

• Book now: Nomade Holbox

Nomade Holbox is an adults-only oasis with only 30 rooms, including tree-house suites, oceanfront rooms, and glamping tents—all woven into nature and the landscape.

More than 300 bird species live in the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, including flamingos.

Photo by Alvaro Rosado/Unsplash

7. Playa Norte Celestun

• Location: Celestun, Yucatan
• Come for: Barefoot, beachfront dining and a nearby biosphere reserve with thousands of pink flamingos

The state of Yucatan’s typical claims to fame are the cities of Merida, Valladolid, and the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá . But the state’s beaches are among the most impressive in Mexico, particularly those in the seaside village of Celestun.

Celestun’s Playa Norte is famous for its powder-soft sand that gently slopes into the Gulf of Mexico. The beachfront is strewn with palapa-topped restaurants, where a toes-in-the-sand experience awaits, along with fresh ceviche, coconut shrimp, and fish tacos. From Celestun, travelers can also hop aboard a water taxi and head into the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, where flocks of thousands of flamingos add a screaming pop of pink to the tropical color palette.

How to get to Celestun

Fly into Merida and take a bus or a taxi about 30 minutes to Celestun.

• Book now: Hotel Gutierrez

Celestun is still a destination under the radar for most U.S. tourists. Expect traditional mom-and-pop posadas and boutique hotels. Hotel Gutierrez is family owned and operated with a beachfront restaurant and bar.

Plan a journey to Playa Mayto for a crowd-free beach experience.

Photo by Alan Serna/Unsplash

8. Playa Mayto

• Location: Mayto, Jalisco
• Come for: Uninterrupted nature and an off-the-grid experience

At the end of a long, sandy dirt road sits one of the Mexican Pacific’s best-kept secrets: Mayto. This sprawling beach extends for an impressive seven miles, curving around a cobalt-colored bay, where the only buildings are a couple of small hotels at one end—and that’s it. Waves crash on golden-hued sand, while jungle-covered mountains slowly climb into the distance.

Playa Mayto is perched at the tip of a tiny peninsula, surrounded by tropical forest at the base of the Sierra Madres. The nearest “city” (if you want to call it that) is El Tuito, a farm town with the only gas station and ATM until Puerto Vallarta—so plan accordingly.

How to get to Playa Mayto

Fly into Puerto Vallarta and drive south along Highway 200. At El Tuito, signs will start appearing for Mayto.

• Book now: Hotel Mayto

Hotel Mayto offers a little something for everyone, with charming hotel rooms or campsites to rent. Amenities include a beachfront restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and small spa.

Playa Zipolite is a clothing-optional beach that has attracted travelers for decades.

Photo by javarman/Shutterstock

9. Playa Zipolite

• Location: Zipolite, Oaxaca
• Come for: A low-key surfer vibe and an artistic, creative energy

Down the long, meandering Oaxacan coastline—about two hours from Puerto Escondido—is the vibey surfer town called Zipolite. What that vibe is exactly is in the eye of the beholder: Zipolite has long been a haven for traveling hippies, many of whom came down in the 1970s in a VW bus and never left. Today it’s slowly catching up to the present, but it’s doing so on its own time and to its own beat.

The beach in Zipolite is bookended with two rocky headlands. In between is a mile-long stretch of beach with hotels, sandy-floored beach bars, and a smattering of palapas. Don’t be surprised if you see a nudist (or several)—Zipolite is one of Mexico’s most famous nudist beaches, and because the village is said to be a powerful vortex of energy, there are many beachgoers responding to the call of the universe.

How to get to Zipolite

Fly into Puerto Escondido and drive south (or Huatulco and drive north) along Highway 200. Turn off of Highway 200 onto Highway 175, which runs through Zipolite.

• Book now: El Alquimista

At the very end of Playa Zipolite is the funky, bohemian El Alquimista, known for its bungalow-style cabins, beachfront bar, and yoga-by-the-sea program.

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The 20 Best Beaches in Mexico in 2023 [Detailed Guide]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

807 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Editor & Content Contributor

162 Published Articles 788 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 35 U.S. States Visited: 25

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

37 Published Articles 3313 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Map of the 20 best beaches in mexico, the 11 best west coast mexico beaches, the 9 best east coast mexico beaches, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Mexico is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots — and for good reason. It boasts a beautiful landscape, great weather, a rich culture, delicious food, and more. There’s truly something for everyone.

The beaches and sunny weather, in particular, are big draws that keep people coming back to Mexico year after year.

While you won’t ever struggle to find a beach in Mexico, finding the absolute best ones can be trickier simply because you have so many options to choose from.

Whether you want to sit back and relax in the sand or you want to swim, surf, and splash in the waves, there’s a Mexico beach for you — here’s a look at our favorites!

1. Arroyo Seco Jalisco

If you plan to rent a car while you’re visiting the west coast of Mexico, you should make sure you plan a few days to visit Arroyo Seco Jalisco. This tiny beach town is far off the beaten path, so you should plan to spend at least a weekend in the village. But being so out of the way also means that many tourists haven’t even heard of it!

You won’t get bored, though, since Arroyo Seco has 2 beaches. Playa Chica is smaller and can be found at the end of a narrow, sandy road. Playa Grande is more residential, but the beach is kept in its natural state.

You can’t go wrong with either beach. Playa Chica is perfect if you want some solitude and to go on walks, while Playa Grande is better for swimming.

2. Barra de Potosí

If you look up Barra de Potosí, you might be tempted to pass on a visit in favor of a more touristy coastal town. However, that would be a mistake.

It’s primarily a fishing town, but it’s far from the only thing going on in the area. In fact, it’s home to one of the best beaches in western Mexico. The village’s main beach, Playa Larga , boasts nearly 10 miles of pristine sand and bright blue water.

Barra de Potosí is a small town, but locals are very welcoming toward tourists. And you certainly won’t have any trouble finding delicious places to eat. If you’re looking for a calm beach environment where you and your family can relax, this option should be near the top of the list.

Hot Tip: If you want a dose of adventure during your beach vacation, you can ride horses along the waterfront or rent a boat.

3. Boca del Cielo

Boca del Cielo is considered to be the pearl of the Chiapas Coast. In fact, its name literally means “mouth of heaven.” The village has historically been exclusively a fishing town, but its stunning setting didn’t go unnoticed. Eventually, it became a prime beach destination as well.

The village’s lagoon is one of the unique characteristics of its landscape, so nature lovers will love spending a few days exploring. You’ll likely notice rough waters, but you don’t have to worry about safety — there are distant shoals that take the brunt of the strong waves.

That means the current closer to the sand is gentle and even suitable for children. You’ll likely encounter other tourists while you’re here, so it’s best to plan a trip in shoulder season months like May or September. During those times, there will be fewer crowds, but the water should still be warm enough for swimming.

If you want to go somewhere where you’ll feel right at home, you should plan to visit Chacala during your next beach trip.

Less than 500 people live in town year-round , though the population picks up during the summer when there’s an influx of seasonal workers. Regardless, you’ll feel like a part of the community while you’re there.

Chacala’s beach is small and quaint, measuring less than 1-mile long. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. It has soft sand, an untouched landscape, and clear, bright blue water that belongs in a photograph.

The beach is in a bay that keeps out rough waves and strong currents, so you’ll be perfectly safe wading or swimming in the water. And if you’re a surfer, you’ll still enjoy the waves you can find here, even if they’re smaller compared to other beaches.

5. Pascuales

Thrill seekers and surfers should head to Pascuales if they’re looking for a Mexican beach getaway. This beach gets more than its fair share of waves on a regular basis. That’s mostly due to the combination of the beach’s deep water, the water temperature, and the current.

Whether you prefer a morning or afternoon surf, you shouldn’t have any trouble catching some waves.

The water is also relatively warm, and you should be fine with a wetsuit. However, this isn’t the most family-friendly beach. If you’re not a strong swimmer or if you have small children with you, this might not be the safest beach for you. The beach floor gets very deep very quickly, and the waves can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared.

6. Playa Caballo

Playa Caballo is just south of one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta . However, this stretch of the coast often goes unnoticed. That’s in part because this beautiful beach is more isolated and takes a little effort to get to. The extra work is well worth it, though.

You can get to the beach by trail from Boca de Tomatlán, a scenic village in its own right. The trail passes through other beaches along the way, like Playa Madagascar, which is also worth a visit. But just keep going and you’ll be rewarded in return.

The sand of Playa Caballo is soft and sparkles in the light. The water is crystal clear, but it’s not quite blue. It’s more of a jade-green color that will leave you speechless. You won’t want to miss the chance to visit this beach.

7. Playa San Agustín

Playa San Agustín is primarily accessible by boat, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a dose of luxury on their Mexican vacation.

Due to the effort required to reach the sand, most people don’t make the trip unless they book a private boat to take them. However, if you’re able to put in the work, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.

The coastline here has remained untouched by development, so you’ll feel like you’re in your own tropical paradise. You also won’t have to worry about encountering many other visitors along the way. Though rest assured you won’t be completely isolated, either — there are a few spots by the beach that can offer plenty to eat and drink while you spend a relaxing day at the beach.

8. Punta Raza

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or you have your kids with you, Punta Raza is a nearly perfect beach to visit. Largely unnoticed by tourists for years, development around this beach has just started to pick up.

The beach itself spans almost 4 miles of coastline , so there will be plenty of space to spread out and spend relaxing days here, whether you want to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people around or in the late afternoon to watch the sun glitter on the water while it sets.

The currents in Punta Raza aren’t too strong either, so young or inexperienced swimmers will be able to wade in the water safely, especially when a lifeguard is on duty.

9. Troncones

If you’re the type of person who wants to feel like a local when you go on vacation, you’ll want to make sure you head to Troncones. This beach town is often called the “real Mexico,” as you won’t encounter many of the huge commercial developments that are common in other tourist hotspots.

You may not encounter vibrant nightlife in Troncones, but the trade-off is a peaceful, friendly beach and village. Travelers looking to relax, immerse themselves in local culture, or simply relax and clear their minds while traveling should consider booking a trip to Troncones right away.

10. Zihuatanejo

As the fourth-largest city in Guerrero, Zihuatanejo (also called Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo) offers a great balance of relaxation and a vibrant scene in town that many crave on trips to Mexico.

The city has multiple beaches. Frankly, each of them is gorgeous enough to claim a spot on this list, so they’re all being grouped together here.

All the beaches are lined with palm trees and are separated from the main city roads. When you’re on the beach you’ll feel removed from the hustle and bustle of town, but you’ll also be within walking distance of everything you could need.

While you’re there, make sure you eat at a few of the seafood restaurants that offer great views of the sand. The fish is all locally sourced and is as fresh as can be. You’ll be able to relax and splash around all day and enjoy the city’s nightlife after sunset. There are even beach events during the busy summer months.

11. Zipolite

Zipolite may not be very well-known, but it’s one of the best beaches in the country. Whether you’re a surfer, a nature lover, or you’re traveling with family, Zipolite is a vacation destination worth considering.

The sand is soft and has a beautiful tan color. You won’t get bored on long beach walks, either. The coast stretches as far as the eye can see, but the view isn’t redundant.

You’ll find rocks, little hills, and palm trees that keep the coastline interesting. It’s worth remembering that the water close to shore is perfectly safe for people at all swimming levels, but the deeper water — while great for surfing — may be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

1. Cancún — Costa Mujeres

Costa Mujeres is near the mega-popular Cancún. It doesn’t typically get quite as many tourists, but it’s not a ghost town either.

The coast has a calm and peaceful feel to it that is pretty idyllic for anyone who wants to relax and unwind while on their vacation. You won’t have to go far for anything you want or need on vacation, but you’ll also have the chance to be immersed in Mexico’s incredible natural landscape .

Explore the vibrant underwater life on display or talk a walk among the lush palm trees. You’ll also have a wide choice of activities that you can participate in during your stay, including everything from hikes to beach parties.

Hot Tip: Learn more about the best things to do in and around Cancún , from beaches to Mayan ruins, to nightlife!

2. Cancún — Las Perlas

Cancún has some of the best beaches on Mexico’s east coast. One of the best is Las Perlas. This beach isn’t private, but the lack of crowds makes it seem that way. It’s mostly frequented by tourists staying at the hotels nearby. Locals with small children also tend to prefer this beach as it’s calmer than some of the others in the area.

The water is clean and clear, and the beaches are well-maintained , so you have everything you need for an idyllic day on the coast. You won’t get some of the excitement the Cancún area is known for in the immediate vicinity, but you’re not too far away from it either.

In fact, Las Perlas is a perfect happy medium between peaceful and exciting. You can spend your days relaxing by the water and join the vibrant and inviting chaos of the city at your own pace.

3. Cancún — Playa Delfines

If paradise means soft, powdery white sand, thatched umbrellas, blue skies, and even bluer water to you, then Playa Delfines is your dream beach spot. Playa Delfines is located a distance away from most of the Cancún hotels, though you’ll mostly be encountering locals and other tourists who are looking for a little bit of a reprieve from the sometimes hyperactive waterfront in the more trafficked areas.

You’re only a short walk away from the action if you want to participate, but you can also have some time to unwind and get in touch with the soothing sound of the ocean . The waters here are shallow, making it perfect for wading or for letting young swimmers splash around safely. You might even see a dolphin in the distance.

4. Isla Blanca

Isla Blanca is the perfect spot if you want seemingly endless stretches of beach to choose from. With over 12 miles of sand , there’s plenty of space to stretch out.

The beach is near Cancún, so it does get busier during popular times. However, many people prefer some of the other beaches and resorts, so Isla Blanca doesn’t get overwhelmingly crowded.

You’ll also have all the trappings of a resort town, including an ample choice of beach clubs and restaurants you can choose from.

It’s worth noting, however, that some areas of Isla Blanca’s beaches are difficult to access. Many areas have singular access points to reduce the amount of foot traffic, so you may need to prepare for a bit more walking if you want a particular view while you lounge on the sand.

5. Isla Mujeres — Playa Norte

Playa Norte is also known by a few other names. English speakers might call it “North Beach,” while other locals might call it by the town’s name: “Isla Mujeres.” No matter what name it goes by, one thing is for sure — it’s absolutely a beach worth visiting.

With turquoise waters and white sand, Playa Norte looks like it belongs in an advertisement for vacations in Mexico. It’s so idyllic that it’s routinely ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the entire world. Part of its beauty comes from the fact that it’s isolated, which means the beach has remained pristine.

The easiest way to get there is by ferry. However, if you prefer keeping to your own schedule, you can also rent a car. Just make sure you enjoy the scenery on your drive — you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.

6. Riviera Maya — Akumal Bay

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s east coast, consider booking a stay at Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort . This beach is actually a private resort that will let you have the beach getaway of your dreams .

Akumal means “place of the turtle,” and they have a large presence in the area. They don’t necessarily come onto the beach all that much, but you may run into them if you go for a swim.

The private beach means the underwater wildlife is pristine, making for amazing snorkeling experiences. You can also try your hand at boogie boarding or go for an incredible swim in the beach’s lagoon.

You won’t want to leave the white, sandy beach when you reach the end of your trip, and you’ll remember your trip for years to come.

7. Riviera Maya — Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is perfect for people who aren’t a fan of the sometimes wild beach scene that many people flock to in Mexico. If you’re looking for a place that’s calming, relaxing, and family-friendly, Playa Del Carmen is perfect.

The city is known for its beaches. The soft, white sand makes for dreamy walks and picture-perfect views. The Playa Del Carmen beach might be quiet and laid-back, but there are still plenty of things to do.

There are numerous shops and restaurants just a short walk away from the waterfront. Many of them even have access right onto the sand. You can even book a trip to see the second-largest barrier reef in the world, located just off the city’s coast.

Playa Del Carmen is quickly gaining popularity and is set to be one of the most popular beach destinations in the country soon.

Bottom Line: No matter where you decide to lay out your towel, you’ll be in for a postcard-worthy view and a one-of-a-kind beach experience.

8. Riviera Maya — Tulum

Tulum is where Caribbean paradise meets ancient history in a beautiful way. Tulum was once a Mayan walled city that also served as one of the civilization’s main ports. Though the Mayan civilization is long gone, you can still see the city’s ruins from the beach.

Snapping a picture of the white sand, blue water, and the cliffside temple is a must for any visitor who wants to make sure they will always remember their trip.

Even if you’re not a history fan, the beach itself is perfect on its own. The water is clean and so clear that you’ll wonder if it’s glass. You might even get a view of some sea turtles while you’re there. They don’t come onto shore in highly trafficked areas all that much, but you might run into them if you’re lucky. Just make sure you don’t disturb them if you do!

Hot Tip: For a unique place to stay on your trip, check out our guide to the best boutique hotels in Tulum .

9. Riviera Maya — Xel-H á

If you’re already planning to visit Tulum, add an extra day to your trip so you can see Xel-Há as well. Xel-Há is a park within the Tulum city limits. However, if you think it’s just a run-of-the-mill waterpark, you’d be wrong.

It’s a nature park that brings visitors into the wilderness in a safe and exciting way. There are plenty of activities you can do both on land and in the water that will create memories that will last forever.

One of the highest-recommended activities Xel-Há offers is its snorkeling excursions. Equipped with a snorkel and some goggles, you’ll be able to see the colorful and vibrant underwater world in the park’s natural beach lagoon.

The park also works to conserve the natural environment. This helps preserve it from creeping commercial development and guarantees people will be able to visit and enjoy Xel-Há’s coast for years to come.

Mexico has some wonderful beaches. Whether you’re visiting the east or the west side of the country, you’ll have plenty of choices. Wherever you decide to visit, add one (or more) of these beaches to your itinerary — you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of mexico has the prettiest water.

Mexico has nearly 6,000 miles of coastline. There isn’t a specific part of the country that is “prettier” objectively. However, beaches that are far away from shipyards will have clearer water. The same goes for beaches that aren’t near large city centers.

What is the best month to go to Mexico?

If you’re looking for good weather, the best time to visit Mexico is from November through March. There isn’t much rain, and the temperatures are higher during these months. However, these are also the country’s busiest months for tourism, so it’s crowded.

Which side of Mexico has better beaches?

Both the east and west parts of Mexico have wonderful beaches. Most tourists tend to flock to beaches on the eastern side of the country. They tend to be better for “postcard” moments. They also tend to have softer sand that can be more comfortable.

What is the safest beach in Mexico?

The beaches around Cancún and Tulum are some examples of safe Mexico beaches. However, it depends on your specific concerns, so do some research before visiting. Busy tourist beaches have more pickpockets but will have tamer waters. Secluded beaches can have the opposite problem.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The 4 Best Beaches to Visit in the Mexican Caribbean

Si staff | 1 hour ago.

While many of us are gearing up for holiday travel around the Fourth of July, some are planning their getaways a bit further ahead into the future. If you find yourself falling into the latter camp, there’s no better destination than the Mexican Caribbean .

The best time to visit the Mexican Caribbean is during the dry season, which falls between November through April, so now is the ideal time to plan your travels. Though prices might be a bit higher and the islands may be somewhat more crowded during peak season, you’ll skip out on the rainy months (which run June through October). The Mexican Caribbean boasts tropical year-round temperatures that average between 70 F° to 90 F°, so you really can’t go wrong with this destination.

And while there’s plenty to do in the Mexican Caribbean—indulge in local cuisine and explore cenotes, for example—there are several can’t-miss beaches in the area. Ahead of your visit, be sure to scope out the following locations.

Playa Paraíso

This beach beach in Tulum is known for its crystal clear blue waters and is free to access.

Playa Norte

Ranked among Tripadvisor’s best beaches in the world, this white sand beach on Isla Mujeres is an excellent swimming spot.

Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach is known for its sea turtle population and snorkeling, so this is a great spot to visit for a bit of adventure.

Playa Punta Cocos

End your day by relaxing and watching the sunset on this serene beach on Holbox Island.

For more on what to do while visiting the Mexican Caribbean, including a few SI Swimsuit-approved lodging options, click here .

35 Best Beaches in Mexico You Have to See to Believe (2024)

Curious about the best Mexico Beaches?

You’ve come to the right places because I live in Mexico , and consider myself a bit of a beach snob. In this article, I’m about to show you all the top beaches in Mexico.

With 5,800 miles of coastline (9,330 km), picking the best beaches in Mexico was no easy feat, but the list does showcase the Mexico beaches you won’t want to miss.

The 35 most beautiful Mexico beaches on this list include some of the top travel destinations in Mexico, like Cancun , Cabo and Puerto Vallarta , and also some hidden gems, like Sayulita .

There are Mexico resort towns , and also virgin beaches with very few ( if any ) other people around.

Ready to discover the 35 best beaches in Mexico? Let’s dive in! For a visual aid, they’ve all been pinned to this handy Map of Mexico Beaches for you so you can see what’s where.

After finding your perfect Mexico beach, check out the Mexico Travel FAQ to help you plan your perfect trip.

The 35 Best Beaches in Mexico

1. playa maroma beach, quintana roo.

📍 Where is Playa Maroma Mexico?

Maroma Beach is located in Quintana Roo State, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula .

It is on the Mexican Caribbean Coast, so expect gorgeous, crystal clear waters in every shade of blue — maybe even the clearest water in Mexico.

🏝 Why This is one of the best beaches in Mexico

One of the top rated beaches in Mexico, Playa Maroma has been voted one of the Best Beaches in the World by the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel.

It’s soft sand and warm waters are perfect for overwater bungalows — and this is where you’ll find all the best overwater bungalows in Mexico .

It also has some great coral reefs for snorkeling just off-shore. With white sand, turquoise water and great snorkeling, it’s pretty easy see why this is one of the nicest beaches in Mexico!

Head to the southern end of the beach, called Punta Maroma (Maroma Point) near the stunning Chablé Maroma Resort , which is the best place to go snorkeling at Playa Maroma.

⚠️ Playa Maroma Tip: Buy a Day Pass

Though all beaches in Mexico are public , not all beaches have public access .

Unless you’re staying at a resort like El Dorado Palafitos , the easiest way to access Playa Maroma is with a day pass from Maroma Adventures and Beach Club, which costs about $40 USD per person.

Still, it’s worth the cost to check out famous Playa Maroma Mexico.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches Near Playa Maroma

• Playa del Secreto
• Playa Paraiso
• Playa Puerto Morelos, located in Puerto Morelos near Cancun
• Playa Xpu-Ha, one of the best hidden beaches in Mexico
• Playa Paamul, one of the best beaches in Mexico for couples

Best Beaches in Mexico

2. playa balandra beach, la paz.

📍 Where is Playa Balandra Mexico?

Balandra Beach is located in Baja California Sur State, about one hour from La Paz, Mexico in the Baja Peninsula.

It is in Puerto Bahía Balandra (Balandra Bay), a sheltered area in the Gulf of California just across from Isla Espiritu Santo , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has what many consider the bluest water in Mexico.

Protected from some of the elements in the cove, Playa Blanadra is one of the best Mexico beaches for swimming. If you’re traveling to Mexico with kids, this just might be the best water in Mexico for non-swimmers.

Depending on who you ask, some might even say this is one of the best clear water beaches in Mexico — and the prettiest beach in Mexico.

If Playa Maroma (#1 on the list) is the best beach on the east coast of Mexico, Balandra Beach is the best beach in Mexico on the west coast.

The waters are bright blue and calm, perfect for swimming. When visiting, don’t miss the famous mushroom rock on the north side of the beach.

⚠️ Playa Balandra Tip: Get there Early

Thanks to Instagram and YouTube, Playa Balandra is now a must see Mexico destination, and one of the best things to do in La Paz.

The most important of all tips for visiting Balandra Beach is to get there early! Both the parking lots and the beach itself fill up quickly.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in La Paz Mexico

• Playa El Tesoro
• Playa Pulguero Tepetates
• Playa Venetia

3. Playa Paraiso, Tulum

📍 Where is Playa Paraiso Mexico?

Playa Paraiso Beach is located in Tulum, Mexico , in the central part of Tulum Beach. In case you don’t know much about the country, Tulum is among the best beach towns in Mexico!

Paraiso Beach Tulum is only about one miles (1.6 km) from the Tulum Ruins , an ancient Mayan architectural site located right on the beach in Tulum National Park.

▶︎ Book one of the best hotels in Tulum Mexico!

Wondering, Where are the best beaches in Mexico located? While they are all over the country, the beaches of Tulum and all the others in the Mexican Caribbean are known to the “the best.”

Though you have lots of options for Tulum beaches, Playa Paraiso reigns supreme. It’s a beautiful beach in its own right, but Playa Paraiso Beach is also one of the best Tulum Instagram spots .

Here, you’ll find the famous slanted palm tree (or crooked palm tree), one of the most popular Tulum photos spots, just outside Playa Paraiso Beach Club at Hotel El Paraiso .

⭐️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Tulum Mexico

• Playa las Palmas Todos Santos
• Playa Pescadores
• Tulum South Beach
• Tulum Secret Beach in Sian Ka’an
• Playa Santa Fe
• Playa Ruinas, located beneath Tulum Ruins

4. Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas

📍 Where is Playa del Amor Mexico?

Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico , one of the two cabos that make up Los Cabos, Mexico — the other is San Jose del Cabo .

The beach is in an area called Land’s End, located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.

When talking about a famous beach in Mexico, you have to mention Lover’s Beach in Cabo. Only accessible by boat, it’s also right next to the most famous spot in all of Cabo San Lucas — the Cabo Arch .

No visit to this Mexican beach town is complete without seeing El Arco, is a natural stone arch in the ocean, and one of the best things to do in Cabo .

⚠️ Lovers Beach Tip: Go With a Tour

You can visit on your own by taking a water taxi from the Cabo Marina, but there are so many amazing tours to El Arco de Cabo and Lover’s Beach which make the experience more fun.

Check out these best Cabo Arch tours to see it on a boat cruise, SUP paddleboard or kayak.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Cabo san lucas

• Playa Medano Beach: The main Cabo beach, and one of the best swimmable beaches in Cabo
• Playa Divorciado
• Playa Santa Maria
• Playa Palmilla
• Playa el Chileno

5. Playa del Amor, Islas Marietas (Mexico Hidden Beach)

📍 Where is Islas Marietas Mexico?

The Marietas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 2.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta and 1.5 hours from Sayulita, Mexico by boat.

They are part of Islas Marietas National Park, which is a protected natural area. In fact, it has some of the clearest water in Puerto Vallarta, and is a very popular spot for snorkeling tours .

This is a Mexico bucket list beach! It’s a trek to get to, but once you’re there, you’ll feel lucky you were among the 125 or so people who went that day.

It’s also super exclusive, and in an effort to preserve this beach, the government limits the number of people who can go each day.

How to visit Islas Marietas

You must go with a boat tour because the islands are in the Pacific Ocean, about 2.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta.

There are two types of tours: One where you swim in the waters around the Marietas Islands (like this one ), and one that takes you to the Hidden Beach, like many of these best Marietas Islands tours .

6. Playa las Gatas, Zihuatanejo

📍 Where is Playa Las Gatas Mexico?

Playa Las Gatas Beach is located in Zihuatanejo, Mexico , in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Guerrero is one of the so-called Mexico Pacific States, as it sits on the Pacific Ocean.

Of all the beach places in Mexico on this list, this one is definitely the hardest to pronounce 🤣 In case you’re wondering about the Zihuatanejo pronunciation, it’s zee-wat-ten-eh-hoe .

Ixtapa, Mexico is one of the top Mexico resort destinations — and it’s just minutes from Zihuatanejo.

While many visit Ixtapa because it has all these amazing resorts , don’t skip the beautiful places next door, like Playa las Gatas, one of the best beaches in laid-back Zihuatanejo .

⭐️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Zihuatanejo Mexico

• Playa Blanca
• Playa Contramar
• Playa Larga
• Playa Libre

7. Pig Beach, Progreso

📍 Where is Pig Beach Mexico?

Pig Beach in Mexico is located in Puerto Yucalpetén, about 15 minutes from Puerto Progreso .

It is about 45 minutes to one hour from the colonial city of Merida , known as the safest city in Mexico .

Ever dreamt of swimming with pigs in the Bahamas on the Exumas Islands?

While the Exumas are a bit remote and you have to get there by boat, Pig Beach (Playa Cochino) is easy to get to from Merida, Mexico , and you can swim with the pigs in Mexico!

🐷 Mexico PIG BEACH Tip: Check out nearby beaches

There’s not much in Puerto Yucalpetén besides the pigs, so this beach can be part of a larger Yucatan beaches trip.

Head to Pig Beach to see them, then jump in your rental car and visit another beach, like Celestun or Progreso .

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Yucatan Mexico

For a complete list of the best beaches in Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, head to 15 Best Merida Mexico Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula .

• Playa Progreso: A popular Mexico cruise port
• Playa Sisal Beach: One of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns)
• Playa Norte and Playa Sur in Celestun

8. Playa Xpu-Ha, Puerto Aventuras

📍 Where is Playa Xpu-Ha Mexico?

La Playa Xpuha is located in the state of Quintana Roo , Mexico — one of three states that make up the famed Yucatan Peninsula .

It is about 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and about 45 minutes from both Cancun and Tulum by rental car .

It is considered one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean and the Yucatan Peninsula — yet it’s still somewhat off the beaten path.

You’ll get the same crystal clear water, white sands and palm trees you would in any other popular destination nearby, but not the crowds.

9. Playa Delfines, Cancun

📍 Where is Playa Delfines Mexico?

Playa Delfínes (Dolphins Beach) is one of the best Cancun beaches. Given the Cancun is by far the biggest travel destination in the country, it’s also the most visited beaches in Mexico.

Playa Delfines Cancun is located on the southern end of the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone), where you’ll find the best Cancun all inclusive beach resorts .

No list of Mexico famous beaches won’t include this best Cancun beach!

It’s hard to declare the top beach in Cancun, a city made famous by its beaches, but Playa Delfínes is generally considered the most beautiful.

With its straw umbrellas in the golden sand and turquoise waters, Dolphins Beach Cancun might as well be on a postcard.

While it’s of course one of the most popular tourist beaches in Mexico because it’s located in Cancun, this beach is famous for good reason.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Cancun Mexico

• Playa Mujeres
• Playa Chacmool
• Playa Langosta
• Playa Marlín
• Playa Punta Nizuc

🏝 Isla Cnotoy: Best Cancun day Trip Beach

You’ll find some of the best beaches near Cancun at Isla Contoy National Park.

You need to book an Isla Contoy touto visit because this small island is only accessible by boat, and Mexican government limits the number of daily visitors to preserve this stunning national park.

10. Playa Camaron, Mazatlan

📍 Where is Playa Camaron Mexico?

Playa Camaron (Shrimp Beach) is in Mazatlan, Mexico , in the state of Sinaloa.

It is in Northern Mexico, and located just across the Gulf of California from the Baja California Peninsula. Though Sinaloa state has a sinister reputation, Mazatan is one of the best beach towns in Mexico .

Located in the Mazatlan Golden Zone, the main tourist hub in the city, Playa Camaron is widely considered the best Mazatlan beach.

It’s also a great place to rent water sports toys and book tours to the surrounding area, and you’re right next to the Mazatlan Malecon (boardwalk).

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Mazatlan Mexico

• Playa Gaviotas: Located right next to Playa Camaron.
• Deer Island Beach: To visit, you’ll need to go with a Deer Island tour
• Playa Isla de las Piedras
• Playa Olas Altas

11. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

📍 Where is Playa Norte Mexico?

Playa Norte (North Beach) is in Isla Mujeres, Mexico , which means island of women. Of course, people of all genders can visit and enjoy some of the calmest beaches in Mexico.

Playa Norte Isla Mujeres is located about 20 minutes from Cancun by ferry boat, just across the Bahía de Mujeres.

🏝 Why This is one of the best beaches of Mexico

Playa Norte consistently makes the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice list of Top 25 Beaches in the World.

It is among the most popular beaches in Isla Mujeres thanks to its calm waters, soft white sand, and island vibes — at one of the best tropical places in Mexico.

No matter who you ask, they’re going to tell you that Playa Norte is the best beach Isla Mujeres Mexico has.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Isla Mujeres Mexico

• Playa Lancheros
• Garrafon de Castilla
• Playa Centro

12. Playa Holbox, Isla Holbox Island

📍 Where is Playa Holbox Mexico?

Playa Holbox is on Isla Holbox, Mexico . The easiest way to get there is to fly into Cancun Airport, then head to the small pueblo of Chiquila and take the ferry to Holbox.

This Cancun to Holbox Island travel guide will explain how to get to Isla Holbox.

Though Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh, not hole-box) is near Cancun, it feels like it’s a world away!

The island is a tranquil tropical paradise on the Caribbean Sea, with hammocks in the water, seafood restaurants in the sand — and you can even swim with the whale sharks in Holbox .

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Isla Holbox Mexico

• Playa Punta Coco
• Playa Punta Mosquito

13. Playa la Entrega , Huatulco

📍 Where is Huatulco Mexico?

Huatulco is in Oaxaca State , one of the states in south-central Mexico.

This somewhat off the beaten path state is famous for the Oaxaca Day of the Dead festival, traditional Oaxacan food and a coastline full of beautiful Oaxaca beaches and beach towns, like Huatulco.

Huatulco has an astounding 36 beaches and nine bays, so it’s hard to pick the best one.

Playa La Entrega is the most popular beach and has a bit of everything — calm waters for swimming, a tropical aesthetic, beachfront restaurants, and boat tours heading to the other beaches.

⚠️ beaches of huatulco Tip: Rent a car

The best Huatulco beaches in Mexico are spread out from one side of town to the other.

With 36 pristine beaches and nine bays, the best way to see them all is with a rental car because there isn’t efficient public transportation in Huatulco, Oaxaca , Mexico.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Huatulco Mexico

• Playa Tangolunda
• Bahia San Agustin
• Playa La Bocana
• Bahia de Cacaluta
• Playa Organo
• Bahia Conejos

14. La Bufadora, Ensenada

📍 Where is La bufadora Mexico?

La Bufadora, meaning The Blowhole, is located in Ensenada, Mexico , a popular cruise port town in the state of Baja California on the west coast.

By car, Ensenada is only about two hours from San Diego, California. Many visitors actually drive across the border when they visit.

La Bufadora is a natural rock formation with a hole that shoots water into the air up to 100-feet above the ocean.

It is one of the best natural wonders in Mexico and the largest blowholes in the world, along with Halona Blowhole in Hawaii and Kiama Blowhole in Australia.

While this isn’t a swimming beach in Mexico, it does have one of the most impressive natural sites and most iconic landmarks in Mexico.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Ensenada Mexico

Like the beach at La Bufadora, Ensenada beaches are more for observing than places to lay around and relax on.

The list below will direct you to all the best beaches near Ensenada, located less than one hour from town.

• Playa Hermosa
• Playa San Miguel Beach
• Playa Estero
• El Faro Beach

15. Playa los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta

📍 Where is Playa los Muertos Mexico?

Playa los Muertos is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico .

It is in Jalisco State , and sits on the Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), an inlet fed by the Pacific Ocean. ▶︎ Book one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta Mexico!

This Puerto Vallarta beach has it all — swimmable areas, beach clubs, shops, bars, and restaurants along the Malecon (Puerto Vallarta boardwalk). It is known as one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Vallarta.

If you want to take the water taxi to other, more secluded beaches near Puerto Vallarta, just head to the Sail Dock at Playa los Muertos.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Wondering, Does Puerto Vallarta have nice beaches? It sure does, so don’t miss these beaches when you visit Puerto Vallarta Mexico:

• Playa Conchas Chinas
• Playa Mismaloya
• Playa Camarones
• Mexico Secret Beach at Islas Marietas
• Las Caletas Beach & Nature Reserve
• Playa Colomitos : The smallest Beach in Mexico at only 33-feet-long (10 m)

16. Playa Yelapa, Jalisco

📍 Where is Yelapa Mexico?

Yelapa is a charming Mexico beach town in Jalisco State, about one hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat — The easiest way to get to Yelapa is by boat.

It is one of the most charming Mexico hidden gems, and when you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Even thgouh you’re near one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, it’s like you’re worlds away.

Want to go chasing waterfalls !? ( Sorry, I had to 🥸) Though Yelapa Jalisco is known mostly as a quaint beach town run by local families, that’s only half the story.

While you have the beach on one side, the other side of the city is full of rainforests, jungles and waterfalls.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches near Yelapa Mexico

• Playa Las Animas
• Playa Majahuitas
• Playa Colomitos

17. Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit

📍 Where is Punta Mita Mexico?

Punta Mita is an exclusive area with posh resorts in an area called the Riviera Nayarit. It is in Nayarit State, one of the Mexico Pacific States.

Riviera Nayarit has many great beaches, but Punta Mita is popular because it’s only about one hour from Puerto Vallarta.

The Riviera Nayarit beaches have something for everyone — whale watching in winter, calm beaches for swimming and great beaches for surfing in Mexico.

It also has everything from inexpensive hostels to some of the best 5 Star resorts in Mexico, like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit .

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Riviera Nayarit

• Playa Nuevo Vallarta
• Playa Bucerias
• Playa Punta de Mita
• Playa San Pancho
• Playa Nahui
• Playa Rincon de Guayabitos
• Playa Las Islitas (San Blas)
• Playa Lo de Marcos
• Playa La Lancha

18. Playa Malpaso, Sayulita

📍 Where is Playa Malpaso Mexico?

Walk all the way north of the Playa Sayulita (main beach) and you will get to Playa Malpaso — one of the best hidden gems in Sayulita, Mexico .

It is a 40-minute walk along the shore, so you don’t have to worry about directions; just stick to the shoreline and you’ll get there.

This beach is rarely ( if ever ) crowded, so it’s the perfect beach to escape the Sayulita crowds.

It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Sayulita, but you’ll want to have a secure way to get back to town when it’s dark, such as a rental golf cart or rental car .

☀️ More suggestions: Best Beaches in Sayulita Mexico

• Playa Sayulita: The most popular and main beach in Sayulita, and one of the best beaches near Puerto Vallarta Mexico
• Playa los Muertos: Sayulita beach with a cemetery
• Playa San Pancho: Located in San Pancho, Mexico

19. Playa Troncones, Guerrero

📍 Where is Playa Troncones Mexico?

Playa Troncones is in Troncones, a relatively undeveloped and uncrowded pueblo about 20 miles northwest of Zihuatanejo , on the coast of Guerrero State.

It has small hotels on the beach, shoes-optional seafood restaurants, and little else.

As it’s rather off the beaten path, Troncones Beach is a pristine, quiet, and clean beach.

It has a long shoreline, with great waves for splashing around and boogie boarding. Other parts have giant waves ideal for surfers, which makes Playa Troncones one of the best surfing spots in Mexico 🏄‍♀️

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches near Troncones

• Playa La Saladita
• Playa Manzanillo
• Playa Majahua

20. Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca

📍 Where is Chacahua Mexico?

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park , usually just called Chacahua (pronounced cha-caw-wah), is on the Oaxacan Coast in Oaxaca State.

You can easily get there on a Puerto Escondido to Chachua tour , otherwise it’s a bit of a trek to get there (though totally worth it!) .

Chacahua is one of those beaches to lay in a hammock, surf (or take surf lessons), read a book, go for a swim, watch the sunset and eat fresh seafood.

The WiFi is basically nonexistent, so all the best things to do in Chacahua involve being out in nature.

⚠️ Lagunas de Chacahua Tip

Chacahua is one of the best off the beaten path Oaxaca travel destinations .

This Mexico national park is gaining in popularity more and more each year — so head there soon to beat the crowds.

21. Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido

📍 Where is Playa Carrizalillo Mexico?

Located in the popular beach town of Puerto Escondido , Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is located just west of downtown. ▶︎ Book one of the best hotels in Puerto Escondido!

Looking for that famous Mexico beach aesthetic? Look no further! Playa Carrizalillo is known as one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido , if not the best .

It’s not super easy to get to, as you must walk down (then back up) about 155 stairs to access this beach.

However, Carrizalillo is great for swimming and surfing, and it’s absolutely stunning, so this one’s worth the trek.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches near Playa Carrizalillo

• Playa Puerto Angel
• Playa Bacocho
• Playa Coral
• Playa Zicatela

22. Playa Mermejita, Mazunte

📍 Where is Playa Mermejita Mexico?

Playa Mermejita is in the Mazunte pueblo magico (magic town), located about one hour from Huatulco, Mexico .

It is one of the beaches that make up the Riviera Oaxaqueña (Oaxacan Riviera), also known as the Costa Esmerelda (Emerald Coast).

Mazunte has relatively untouched beaches, so they are all beautiful and peaceful.

However, the best one of them all is Playa Mermejita , a must see Mazunte beach. There isn’t anything to do here but enjoy the beauty all around you, and take in the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.

⚠️ Mazunte Tip: Watch the sunset at punta cometa

Punta Cometa is just a short and easy hike up from Playa Mermejita or Playa Rinconcito.

This is a point of land that juts into the Pacific Ocean, and the southernmost point in Oaxaca Mexico.

You can walk up there all day, but it’s an especially popular area at sunset because you’ll get some amazing views from the clifftop.

Just below Punta Cometa, you have an ocean view of Playa Mermejita.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Mazunte

• Playa Mazunte
• Playa Rinconcito
• Playa Cometa

23. Playa Zipolite (Mexico Nude Beach)

📍 Where is Mexico nude beach?

Playa Zipolite is the only legal nude beach in Mexico — though nudity is unofficially accepted at other Mexico beaches.

It is in the state of Oaxaca (pronounced waa-haa-kah), between the towns of Mazunte and Puerto Angel.

This beautiful beach is popular with everyone from hippies and artists, to multi-generational Mexican families and LGBTQ+ travelers.

However, some might not find it appropriate for children, which is why you might file Zipolite under “best beaches in Mexico for adults only!”

Nudity aside, Zipolite has some of the best beaches on the entire coast of Oaxaca.

Still a relatively off the beaten path Mexico travel destination, you’ll enjoy a long stretch of beach lined with huge boulders in the ocean, amazing sunsets, and laid back beachfront bars.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Zipolite

Though  all Zipolite beaches are nude beaches , many beach-goers in Zipolite remain clothed.

If you want to bare it all without stares, head to the area known locally as  Playa Desnudo  (Nude Beach), located outside the  Naked Hotel Zipolite , or the private beach cove called Playa Del Amor .

24. Playa La Boquilla, Puerto Angel

📍 Where is Playa La Boquilla Mexico?

Playa La Boquilla is in Puerto Ángel , a small beach town about 30 minutes west of San Agustinillo , closer to Zipolite, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

While all Oaxaca beaches were just small fishing villages some years back, many now make the bulk of their income from tourism.

Nowadays, there are some nice hotels in Puerto Angel , but it’s still largely a fishing village, so it offers a nice glimpse into old school Oaxacan coastal life.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in San Angel

• Playa Estacahuite
• Playa Panteon
• Playa Principal (Main Beach)

25. Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur

📍 Where is Isla Espíritu Santo Mexico?

Isla Espíritu Santo National Park, located off the coast of La Paz, Mexico , is an uninhabited island. As such, it’s arguably of the cleanest beach in Mexico!

It is part of the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes 244 Mexico islands , like Isla Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo.

French diver and 1970s TV personality Jacques Cousteau famously called this part of Mexico “the aquarium of the world.”

The waters are clear, and there are numerous species of tropical fish and large schools of marine life, playful sea lions and seals, whale sharks and more.

The shallow waters at Espiritu Santo Island are perfect for swimming or just floating around at one of the most peaceful places on Earth.

For photographers, there’s no place better than Isla Espíritu Santo, a place of pure natural beauty, where the rocky desert meets the clear blue sea.

🏆 Best Isla Espíritu Santo Tours

Espiritu Santo Island Mexico is only accessible by boat on a tour. Below, you will find all the best tours to Isla Espiritu Santo:

25. Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido

📍 Where is Playa Zicatela Mexico?

Located in the popular beach town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca , Playa Zicatela is located on the southeastern side of town.

Playa Zicatela Oaxaca is best known for the Mexican Pipeline wave, which regularly reaches 10-feet in height 🏄‍♀️

The wave is most active in summer, when you can see international surfing competitions in Puerto Escondido.

As you might imagine, Playa Zicatela is not always best for swimming, but nearby Playa Carrizalillo is. In fact, Playa Zicatela is usually closed to swimmers because the waves are so huge.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches near Playa Zicatela

• Playa Principal
• Playa La Punta

26. Playa Los Cerritos, Todos Santos

📍 Where is Playa Los Cerritos beach Mexico?

Playa Los Cerritos is in Todos Santos, one of the 135 (or so) Mexico pueblos magicos , or magic towns.

Todos Santos is located about one hour from Cabo San Lucas , and 1.5 hours from San Jose del Cabo .

Los Cerritos Beach in Todos Santos is ideal for both surfers and swimmers — which is rarely the case, as many Baja Mexico beaches aren’t suitable for swimming.

You can rent a board or take surf lessons from a shop on the beach, or just enjoy a cold beer and tacos at Cerritos Beach Club.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Todos Santos

• Playas La Palmas (AKA Playa San Pedro)
• Playa La Pastora
• Playa Punta Lobos

27. Playa Paamul, Puerto Aventuras

📍 Where is Playa Paamul Mexico?

Paamul Beach is one of the best beaches in Quintana Roo Mexico, and one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya.

It is located about 1.5 hours south of Cancun, and 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, near the town of Akumal Mexico . It is one of the best beaches in Mexico for swimming thanks to its calm water year-round.

Playa Paamul is one of the best kept secrets in the Riviera Maya, and offers a locals’ experience amid a sea of Mexico all inclusive resorts.

There is great snorkeling in the reefs just off-shore, kayak rentals, inexpensive taco and ceviche restaurants in the sand, and an overall laid-back feel.

In my opinion, this is one of the best Mexican beaches to visit in the Caribbean because it’s not overrun with people.

28. Playacar Beach, Playa del Carmen

📍 Where is Playacar Mexico?

Playacar is just south of Playa del Carmen, well known for pristine white sand beaches, exclusive golf courses, luxury hotels and Playacar resorts .

Rather stay in Playa del Carmen? ▶︎ Book one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen!

Playacar Beach provides a nice respite from the crowded Playa del Carmen beaches.

You can just put your towel in the sand, or pay for a day pass from one of the best Playacar resorts, like Sunset Fisherman Beach Resort , so you have access to food servers, the pool, showers and restrooms.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Playa del Carmen

• Playa Parque Fundadores
• Playa Mamitas
• Playa Calle 10 Beach
• Playa Calle 2 Beach
• Playa Punta Esmeralda

29. Cabo Corrientes, Costalegre, Jalisco

📍 Where is Cabo Corrientes Mexico?

Cabo Corrientes is part of the Costalegre (sometimes spelled Costa Alegre, and meaning Coast of Joy).

This is a series of different beaches, capes and bays in the Pacific Ocean on the western coast of Jalisco State, between Puerto Vallarta and the city of Manzanillo in Colima State.

This is one of the best beaches in Mexico for those who like venturing off the beaten path.

Cabo Corrientes, on the southern tip of the Bay of Banderas, is home to unspoiled beaches, thick forests in the Sierra Madre mountains, cool rock formations, small pueblos and not much else!

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Costalegre Mexico

• Playa Careyitos ( Careyes, Mexico )
• Playa Yelapa
• Playa Tenacatita
• Playa de Melaque

30. Punta Allen, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

📍 Where is Punta Allen Mexico?

Punta Allen is just south of Tulum in Quintana Roo State. This hidden gem has one of the clearest beaches in Mexico, known as the “Tulum Secret Beach.”

It is located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve , a UNESCO site and the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean at about one million acres (405,000 hectares).

As one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico, there’s not many Tulum off the beaten path places left, but Punta Allen is one of them.

It’s not always easy to access Sian Ka’an, but for those who venture into the Yucatan jungle past the all inclusive Tulum resorts , you’ll be rewarded!

🏆 Best Sian Ka’an Tours

The best way to visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is on a tour — and these are the best tours of Sian Ka’an .

There’s a lot to see in its one million acres, like the snorkeling reefs, Boca Paila Lagoon and Muyil Mayan Ruins , so a tour helps you see more of the reserve’s attractions in a limited amount of time.

31. Playa Mahahual, Costa Maya

📍 Where is Mahahual Mexico?

Mahahual (pronounced maa-haa-wall) is in Quintana Roo State, in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula .

It is part of an area called the Costa Maya (Mayan Coast), about 4.5 hours south of Cancun , and 2.5 hours south of Tulum .

Located just off-shore, there’s the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest in the world and one of the best places to snorkel in Mexico.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are the best things to do in Mahahual , but there’s also nearby Chacchoben Mayan Ruins to explore.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Mahahual

• Playa Maya Chan
• Playa La Bamba

💙 Lake Bacalar: The Maldives of Mexico

Besides the beaches in Mahahual, you’re only about 1.5 hours from Xcalak and Laguna Bacalar Lake — which isn’t technically one of Mexico’s best beaches because it’s a lake.

Nicknamed the Lagoon of Seven Colors, this large freshwater lake has the same blue waters as the Caribbean Sea. In fact, many visitors will even say Bacalar Lagoon has the most beautiful water in Mexico.

There are also cenotes (sinkholes) located in the lagoon, like Cenote Esmerelda. Just outside the lagoon, don’t miss Cenote Azul, one of the deepest cenotes in Yucatan.

32. Playa Ruinas, Tulum

📍 Where is Playa Ruinas Mexico?

Playa las Ruinas Beach is located on the northern end of Tulum Beach in Tulum National Park and the Zona Arqueológica (Tulum Archeological Zone).

The beach is just beneath the Tulum Ruins , an ancient Mayan architectural site once used as a trade port.

First and foremost: This is the only beach in the world that has Mayan Ruins on it, which has made it one of the most popular Mexican beaches.

This beach isn’t huge, but it is the perfect place to cool off after you see the ruins. There is a staircase from the Tulum Ruins that you can take down to the beach cove below.

☀️ More suggestions: Best Tulum beaches

• Playa las Palmas

33. Playa Akumal Beach, Akumal

📍 Where is Playa akumal Mexico?

Akumal is in Quintana Roo State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is south of Cancun, and in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

The pueblo (small town) of Akumal sits on the Caribbean Sea, and ranks among the safest cities in Mexico .

Akumal means place of the turtle in Maya, and Playa Akumal is famous because you can swim with the sea turtles.

A few years back, the Mexican government put restrictions in place to limit the number of daily visitors — so you must now book a tour to swim with the turtles in Akumal .

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Akumal

• Yal-Ku Lagoon
• Playa Jade Beach
• Soliman Bay

34. Playa la Ropa, Ixtapa

📍 Where is Playa la Ropa Mexico?

Playa la Ropa (Clothes Beach) is in the city of Ixtapa, located in Guerrero, Mexico. Guerrero State is in central Mexico, and its southern side sits on the Pacific Coast.

Wondering, What’s the nearest beach to Mexico City ? It’s Acapulco, which is also in Guerrero State.

Ixtapa, Mexico is undeniably a resort town, however, it doesn’t see the same huge crowds as Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — so while still a popular beach in Mexico, it’s not inundated with tourists.

Here, you’ll have a nice balance between these lux Ixtapa resorts and also gorgeous beaches, like Playa la Ropa, one of the best beaches in Ixtapa.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in IXtapa

• Isla Ixtapa Island
• Playa El Palmar
• Playa Linda
• Playa Quieta

35. Playa Chen Rio, Cozumel

📍 Where is Playa Chen Rio Mexico?

Cozumel Island is located about 30 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen, Mexico .

The cruise ships and ferry boats dock on the west side of the island, but if you venture to the east side of Cozumel, you’ll find gorgeous virgin beaches, like Playa Chen Rio.

Many say there are two Cozumels — the west side where the cruise ships dock (very touristic) and the east side.

On this much more natural side of the island, there’s nothing but virgin beaches, thatched-roof palapa bars and restaurants in the sand. ( Note: Theses aren’t the best swimmable beaches in Mexico though, as they can get larger waves).

There are many gorgeous beaches in East Cozumel, but Chen Rio Beach is great because it has a protected tide pool. In fact, I consider it the best beach to visit in Mexico for snorkeling thanks to this tide pool 🐠

Some also say it’s the best place to snorkel in Cozumel, so don’t forget to bring pack your snorkeling gear when you head to this Mexico beach.

☀️ More suggestions: Best beaches in Cozumel

• Isla de Pasión (Passion Island)
• Punta Sur Eco Park
• Playa Palancar
• Playa El Cielo
• Playa Punta Morena

Best Beaches in Mexico: FAQ & Guide

Where is the nicest beach in mexico.

While this answer is relative, some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico include Playa Maroma on the Mexican Caribbean side, Playa Balandra on the West Coast, and Playa Carrizalillo on the Pacific Coast.

How many beaches does Mexico have?

More than 450   beaches — The vast Mexican coastline stretches along four bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of California and Caribbean Sea, so there are a lot of Mexican beaches to explore.

Where in Mexico has the clearest water?

The Mexican Caribbean beaches are known for their clear water, especially Playa Maroma Beach  near Cancun — voted on of the Top 10 Beaches in the World by The Travel Channel.

What is safest beach to vacation in Mexico?

Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and safest beach towns. While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts , you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.

What part of Mexico has the cleanest beaches?

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is known to have the cleanest beaches. This is also the least developed area, so you won’t find a ton of large resorts here except in popular Mexico resort towns on the Pacific, like Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Punta Mita and Acapulco.

Where is the turquoise water in Mexico?

There are quite a few beaches in Mexico with turquoise water, including Playa Maroma , Playa Balandra , and Playa Carrizalillo — but there are many other nice beaches in Mexico with clear water.

Are all beaches in Cancun swimmable?

Most of them are — You can swim at nearly all Cancun beaches because this city sits on the Caribbean Sea. This body of water is known for calm waters and small waves, however, in some spots, the water is too rough to swim.

Which beach in Mexico has no seaweed?

In the last few years, many beaches have experienced algae blooms and sargassum (seaweed) — and Mexico is no different. To avoid the seaweed in Mexico, you’ll want to visit Pacific Coast beaches, Gulf of Mexico beaches and beaches of Baja California — but skip the Caribbean beaches.

The Best Beaches in Mexico Map

Wondering, Where are the best Mexico beaches located?

The map above will show you where all 35 of the top beaches in Mexico featured in this article are located — so you can see where these nicest Mexico beaches to visit located and plan your vacation accordingly.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico beaches?

Winter — For the best weather, meaning cool temperatures, no rain and low humidity, visit Mexico beaches from about December to March (though some extend that as November to April).

✅ Mexico High Season : During the high season from November to April you’ll get the best weather, but also the highest prices and largest crowds.

This is the Mexico dry season, so you shouldn’t have any rain during your vacation, and the humidity and mosquitoes will be at bay so you can enjoy those Mexico beautiful beaches to the fullest.

✅ Mexico Low Season : During the low season from May to October, you will likely get rain on all of the most beautiful beaches Mexico has — sometimes even heavy rains and bad storms.

If you don’t mind some rain, the low season has smaller crowds and lower prices at all the best beaches in Mexico to visit.

Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Mexico

Any country with as much coastline as Mexico (5,800 miles, 9,330 km) certainly has a lot of amazing beaches! From tropical vibes to big-wave surf, sportfishing to world-class diving, the Mexico coast and has it all.

This list highlights many different types, from posh to rustic, Mexico’s beaches both on and off the beaten path, Spring Break destinations and quiet islands accessible only by boat.

I hope it helps guide you to your personal best beach in Mexico — whether that’s a hidden beach in Mexico, popular Mexico resort town , or the best beach cities in Mexico.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

10 Coastal Cities in Mexico Where You Can Soak Up the Well-Being Perks of the Beach Year-Round

In addition to offering you wellness wins like lowering your heart rate and blood pressure , being near water may increase the feeling of relaxation, which are also connected to lowering the sense of stress one may have. “[The ocean] helps you let go of things,” says psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD . “It gives you a pleasant sense of relaxation, because there's nothing to achieve, change, or be.”

Ready to escape to the Mexican coast to access the benefits of being near water? Below, get recommendations for 10 spots to add to your travel bucket list, plus ideas for what to do in each spot.

• Aimee Daramus, PsyD, LCP , Chicago-based psychotherapist
• Jessica Seba , Jessica Seba is the director of marketing at Journey Mexico, a travel company that specializes in luxurious, custom-made itineraries for Mexico trips.
• Rey Alton , Rey Alton is a travel agent with over 25 years of travel industry experience curating luxury vacations.

10 coastal Mexican cities where you can take a beach vacation year-round

1. puerto vallarta, jalisco.

Jessica Seba , director of marketing at Journey Mexico —a luxury travel company specializing in custom itineraries—lists Puerto Vallarta as one of her top recommendations for oceanfront travel in Mexico.

Seba suggests strolling the malecón (Spanish for “pier”), taking a guided tour of the city, whale-watching, and snorkeling while there.

2. Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

According to Rey Alton , a travel agent of more than 25 years, Nuevo Vallarta is known for its food scene and small-town vibes. The city’s malecón features tons of art, but that’s just a fraction of all the city can offer.

I visited Nuevo Vallarta for four days in June and paid less than $900 total, including airfare and lodging, as well as swimming with wild dolphins, seeing a butterfly sanctuary, and a snorkeling tour in two small beach villages on the coast of Nayarit.

3. Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

Colloquially known “Los Cabos,” this Mexican destination includes the twin cities of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, says Sebas. Beyond its reputation for being a spring break party destination, Los Cabos offers a lot of opportunities to spend time in the water.

As far as Sebas’s outing recommendations? You definitely want to visit el Arco (the arc, which is a rock formation in the open ocean) and snorkel in either the Chileno Bay or Santa María Beach, she says.

4. Cancún, Quintana Roo

“Cancún is really going to be the hub [of coastal Mexican travel],” says Alton, who compares the city to Mexico’s equivalent of Miami. He adds that since there’s a lot of development in the city, there may be more flights there from the U.S., making it an extra-accessible trip.

But, you’re not stuck in a tourism hot spot by any means if you fly into Cancún. For a break from the ubiquitous bustle, Alton suggests Isla Mujeres being worth the visit: “Isla Mujeres is a small paradise island a few miles from Cancún and is accessible by ferry.”

5. Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Alton thinks of Playa Del Carmen as “a low-key alternative to Cancún.” It’s only a 30-to-45-minute drive from the larger city, but it still offers a notably different vibe, he adds.

“A lot of the nightlife that they have in Cancún, Playa Del Carmen has on a smaller scale,” says Alton. Vacationing in Playa Del Carmen also places you in close proximity to Cozumel, which is a beach town “most popular with divers and just 12 miles away from Playa Del Carmen,” he adds. In short, there are a number of coastal Mexican cities to explore if you opt for a trip to Playa Del Carmen.

6. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

With beachside hotels, restaurants, and art galleries, there are a number of ways to exercise self care in this quaint village that reminds me of Malibu.

Seba says the destination offers a variety of farm-to-table, organic dining experiences on the food front, in addition to can’t-miss opportunities like surfing lessons and sunset views at Cerritos Beach or El Faro.

7. Tulum, Quintana Roo

Located about 75 miles from the Cancún airport, Tulum offers a variety of bars and restaurants, a vibrant art scene, plenty of local shopping, and access to Mayan ruins, says Alton.

He also suggests taking a dive into the cenotes (natural pits also known as sinkholes) like the Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos .

8. La Paz, Baja California Sur

La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, offers much to do near the beach. According to Seba, when you’re in La Paz, you want to make sure to visit Isla del Espiritu Santo . You can also swim with sea lions that live in the area, as well as whale sharks from November through March, she says.

9. Punta de Mita, Nayarit

In Punta de Mita, you can count on a dreamy tropical vacation. There are palm trees, white sand beaches, and turquoise-blue ocean waters. Seba recommends doing some fishing, taking a tour of the Marietas Islands , and surfing while you’re there.

10. Manzanillo, Colima

In Manzanillo, you’ll find lagoons, rivers, and beaches, so you can take your pick of how you’ll get the benefits of being near bodies of water. The city also offers low-key vibes with Mediterranean-style architecture, helping it offer a cozier feel than other cities on this list.

A trip to Manzanillo likely won’t come with a wild nightlife experience, though; you’re here for the relaxing ways to pass the daytime hours, including strolls along piers, like Bahía de Manzanillo, Bahía de Santiago, and Malecón del Espíritu Santo.

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9 Best Beach Towns in Mexico That Aren’t Cancun: A Local’s Guide

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Are you itching for the perfect Mexican getaway, but without the crowds of Cancun? Mexican travel blogger extraordinaire Dani Ramos has spent a lifetime exploring her beautiful home and sharing it with others! Today she’s telling us all about the best beach towns in Mexico that aren’t Cancun.

With four different bodies of water surrounding the country (the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Sea of Cortez), Mexico’s coastline offers a wide variety of beaches, all of which have their own unique vibe and flavor.

Even though I love Cancun and it was my family’s go-to spot for holidays growing up, Mexico has virtually thousands of beach destinations that are also worth taking a look at. Whether you’re on the lookout for resort towns that aren’t as touristy or you want to visit places most visitors don’t know about, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for in this vast country.

From tiny islands where nature reigns supreme to bustling cities that still retain their traditional atmosphere, here are some of my favorite beach destinations in Mexico that aren’t Cancun.

Best Beach Towns in Mexico That Aren’t Cancun

Puerto vallarta.

Closest major airport: Puerto Vallarta

Located on the Pacific side of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a gorgeous seaside town that, although easy to get to, has still managed to retain its Mexican flavor despite its huge focus on tourism. It’s one of the bigger cities on the coast of Mexico that I still love to visit!

What I love about Puerto Vallarta is the fact that even though it’s very much a beach destination with all the amenities you could possibly wish for, it’s also located a stone’s throw away from the Mexican jungle. This means you can combine a comfortable beach trip with plenty of outdoor adventures if you love relaxing but also enjoy having a bit of nature added to your itinerary. Don’t miss this helpful comparison of Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun .

A can’t-miss activity is taking leisurely strolls along the Malecon during the morning, which is the promenade that overlooks the ocean. The ocean is gorgeous to look at, but what I loved the most about the Malecón is that it features plenty of art all over and feels like an outdoor art gallery.

For striking views of the ocean and town, hike up to El Faro Lighthouse – climbing the stairs is no easy feat, but it’s definitely a rewarding experience! Aside from that, I recommend taking a few day trips out of the city as well, adventures can range from horseback riding amid the Sierra Madre mountains, ziplining, checking out the Aquaventuras Water Park, or visiting smaller towns nearby such as Sayulita or San Pancho.

Read more: Packing for Mexico: The List You NEED to Read

Costa Careyes

Closest major airport: Puerto Vallarta (3 hours)

Are you looking for Mexico beach towns you’ve never heard of? Costa Careyes is quite likely the biggest hidden gem in Mexico and visiting this incredible resort town will very much make you feel as though you traveled across the Atlantic into a luxury village somewhere on the Italian Coast.

Costa Careyes was founded in 1968 and these days, it’s known only by true insiders. This destination is my go-to when I want to visit a beach in Mexico that doesn’t have that “touristy” vibe and offers low-key (but incredibly high-quality) amenities. 

Humongous resort chains such as the ones you’ll find in Cancun or Cabo are a no-no here. Instead, the accommodation options on offer are incredibly luxurious villa-style houses (private hilltop pools and all included!). Being here is as exclusive as it gets, so you can expect to find plenty of incredibly high-end restaurants and beach clubs that always make me feel as though I’m at some super glamorous beach town in Europe!

Closest major airport: Puerto Vallarta (55 minutes)

If hippy vibes, quaint coffee shops, and a super laid-back atmosphere are what you’re after, San Pancho is a great place to head to.

This beach town north of the more popular Sayulita on the coast of the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific is incredibly small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with a wide variety of things to do and fun activities to try your hand at.

One of my favorite things about San Pancho is the many designer boutiques it boasts. Simply walk around the main street and you’ll find plenty of unique items created by locals! Art festivals and quirky events are held here year-round, so make sure to set time on your itinerary for serendipitous finds.

Here’s an insider tip: if you happen to visit San Pancho between November and March, I highly recommend booking a whale-watching cruise – this is the time when Humpback whales congregate in the area, and getting to see them against the striking sunsets the Pacific Ocean offers is an experience you’re very unlikely to ever forget even after plenty of visits to Mexican beach towns!

Closest major airport: Mérida (1 hour)

Sisal is my go-to when I want to experience the tropical paradise that is the Mayan Riviera, minus the crowds. It’s located in Yucatán state near Mérida.

Still under the radar for most tourists, Sisal is a “pueblo magico” and Mexican beach town that mixes the best Caribbean Mexico has to offer. The beaches here remain crowd-free, not to mention they all boast super calm waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling (there are many tours available, but kids will be able to spot tropical fish and other sea creatures by simply swimming along the shore with their goggles on!).

One of the best things to do in Sisal for kids is booking a kayak tour, especially if you want to teach them about marine life. During the tour, you’ll be taken to a place where flamingos love hanging out in as well as iguanas, all while stopping at several spots to snorkel and observe the coral reef that surrounds Sisal. Check out this tour to see flamingos in Celestun .

Closest major airport: Chetumal (2 hours) or Cancun (4 hours)

Set in the Caribbean, Mahahual is a gorgeous alternative if you want the clear blue waters the beaches of Cancun offer, sans the crowds.

This tiny village is still very much hidden away from the usual Quintana Roo beach route, making it a go-to destination for those who prefer quieter atmospheres with a much more local vibe. Mahahual is pretty much just a shoreline strip, but even though it’s small, it offers plenty of restaurants and entertainment options, all of which are usually paired with glorious views of clear turquoise waters!

The only time when Mahahual gets a bit busy is when cruises make routine stops there, but they usually only stay for a couple of hours a few times a week and things quickly get quiet again when the ship leaves port. You might want to schedule yourself for a great Costa Maya tour like snorkeling the nearby ruins of Chacchoben so that you aren’t fighting cruisers for spots on the beach.

Read more: Renting a Car in Mexico: An Insider’s Guide

Isla Holbox

Closest major airport: Cancun (2.5 hours by car, 30 minutes by plane)

Holbox is an island off the coast of Quintana Roo that offers that quiet village vibe with plenty of nature.

Downtown Holbox is as quiet as it gets, with only about 2000 permanent residents living here and low-key hotels and beach clubs spread all over. The town itself is extremely tiny and takes up only a small percentage of the island, which means the rest of it is extremely pristine!

In town, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, beach clubs, and somewhat crowded beaches, but in my opinion, the best thing to do in Holbox is to rent a bike and head outside of town in order to explore the untouched nature that surrounds it. Cars on the island are forbidden, which means most “roads” are dirt roads and you’ll find yourself biking over the sand a ton!

Make sure you visit Punta Mosquito for a truly unique experience. You can bike over the beach until you reach a dead-end point. From here, you can drop your bike and walk over a sand bed amid flamingos until you reach it.

Other must-do activities include taking a bioluminescence tour at night to see glowing plankton and, if you visit between May and September, make sure to book a whale shark tour in order to get the unique opportunity to swim next to the largest fish in the world!

Isla Mujeres

Closest major airport: Cancun (30 minutes by ferry)

Another incredible beach for a relaxing escape without extremely modern shopping malls and touristy vibes, Isla Mujeres is a great go-to for those keen to explore a much quieter side of the Mexican Caribbean. The is easily one of the best beach towns near Cancun thanks to its stunning blue waters, and it’s also one of the beaches near Cancun with the least seaweed.

You can easily reach the island by taking a short ferry from Cancun, which will drop you off in Playa Norte. Playa Norte is the loudest part of the island and, in recent years, has gotten more popular with tourists. The area can definitely get crowded, but it’s ideal for those looking to stay at larger resorts or for those visiting with kids, as the waves here are extremely gentle and perfect for swimming. It’s one of the best Mexico beach destinations for families!

Read more: Things to do in Cancun: Family Excursions Worth Booking

For those into quieter spots, however, the southern side of the island is still very quiet and perfect for solitude. Here, you’ll find plenty of low-key Airbnb options and apartment-style rentals as well as a plethora of more local restaurants and cozy cafés – the southern side of the island reminded me a bit of Canggu in Bali minus the party scene!

No matter where you stay on the island, getting to the opposite side is pretty easy. Taxis will be able to drop you off just about anywhere for a small fee, but if you prefer to be independent, there are bike lanes all over the island or you can opt to rent a golf cart to easily get from A to B.

Closest major airport: Loreto

Located in the Baja California peninsula, Loreto is a beach town in Mexico that is still pretty under the radar, making it ideal for those who want to experience the coastal side of the country without massive tourism infrastructure. Despite it’s intimate size, Loreto has its own airport and even non-stop flights from Los Angeles !

This is a great family-friendly destination not only because it still stays true to its Mexican roots and small-town charm, but also because parties aren’t really a thing here and the atmosphere remains calm and welcoming throughout the year.

Loreto has plenty of beaches that are perfect for swimming thanks to calm waters, making it a great destination to visit with kids and toddlers. Three great beaches to visit with kids include La Darsena Beach, Ensenada Blanca Beach, and La Picazón. If you want a lesser-known one is Honeymoon Beach on Danzante Island, which you can reach by boat and makes for a fun day trip!

Aside from lounging at the beach, Loreto is also a snorkeling paradise and there are plenty of tours available that cater to kids of all ages. For nature, take the kids on an ATV or horseback riding tour through the desert, it always amazes me how much wildlife you can spot even in places where you’d think there’s no life!

Santa Rosalia

Closest major airport: Loreto (3 hours)

Hidden right between the mountains and the alluring Sea of Cortez, Santa Rosalia is a beach destination in the Baja California Peninsula in northern Mexico that’s as unique as it gets.

Santa Rosalia was founded during the late 19th century and for centuries, it became a mining hub for El Boleo, a French copper mining company. Thanks to its heritage, being in Santa Rosalia will actually make you feel like you traveled all the way to a small seaside locale on the French Riviera, as it still retains plenty of remnants from its past.

The town is characterized by its gorgeous French architecture, which you’ll still be able to appreciate all over downtown. In fact, Santa Rosalia’s main landmark is the Santa Barbara Church, which is said to have been designed by the very Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same architect that designed the Eiffel Towell!).

There aren’t many places to stay in Santa Rosalia itself, but nearby small towns have some beautiful vacation rentals for your trip. You’ll definitely need to rent a car to get around this area, so be sure to read these important tips for renting a car in Mexico .

I hope this list of incredible beach destinations in Mexico inspired you to stray away from the usual tourist route and visit other seaside towns the country has to offer.

The best part is that each and every single beach destination listed here is vastly different from the last one, which means you’re very unlikely to get bored no matter how many of them you decide to check out.

Have you ever been to any of these destinations in Mexico? If so, I’d love to know which one was your favorite and why, so please feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below.

Plan your trip to the best Mexico beach towns and beyond

Ready to keep planning your Mexico vacation? Read these articles next:

• Packing for Mexico: The List You NEED to Read
• Renting a Car in Mexico: An Insider’s Guide
• Tips for Amazing Mexico Family Photos
• Incredible Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula
• Things to do in Cancun: Family Excursions Worth Booking
• Playa del Carmen with Kids: Best Activities that Parents Will Love Too!
• Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: Day Trip Ideas & Logistics
• Rio Secreto Review: One of Riviera Maya’s Most Unique Tours
• Mahekal Beach Resort review: Is this tropical paradise right for you?
• Xcaret Park: 20+ Tips & Tricks to Make the Most of Your Visit
• Hotel Xcaret, Mexico with kids: everything you need to know about visiting with a family
• Moon Palace Cancun Review: Is Bigger Always Better?
• Playa del Carmen vs Cancun, Tulum & Costa Mujeres: Pros and Cons of Each Spot for a Family Vacation
• Best Resorts in Riviera Maya for Families (by Area)
• Best Places to Stay in Yucatan for Families
• Should you bring a car seat to Mexico?

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10 Beautiful Cities in Mexico You Have to See to Believe

Ready to discover the most beautiful city in mexico.

While the “most beautiful” is subjective —  you’re definitely in the right place.  This article will show you 30 of the most beautiful cities in Mexico so that you can decide which one should take the title!

I have lived in Mexico since 2018 , and as a digital nomad, I’ve been lucky enough to spend many years traveling and living in many different Mexican cities. 

From the bustling and chaotic yet charming streets of Mexico City to beachfront Tulum with its boho vibes, I’ve explored them all — and now I want to share all of my insider knowledge with you.

Ready to uncover the famous towns of Mexico with a picturesque look?  Let’s go!

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy .

1. Mexico City

Mexico City (AKA CDMX), the sprawling capital in the heart of the country, is a treasure trove of history, tacos , culture, and modernity.

It’s actually the largest city in North America.

As one of the world’s most important cultural and financial centers, CDMX is where ancient meets modern.

The city is a canvas painted with Aztec Ruins , preserved colonial architecture, and skyscrapers.

Personally, I think this is the best city in the world! In fact, I’d advise you not to trust any list of the best Mexican cities that don’t prominently feature CDMX.

🇲🇽 Must-visit Spots in Mexico City

Just walking through the bustling streets offers a glimpse into the country’s soul, with the Centro Historico and the Zocalo (Latin America’s largest main square) standing as proud reminders of its rich past. 

Don’t miss Xochimilco’s colorful trajineras and floating gardens, a UNESCO Heritage Site that offers a unique experience.

For those looking to dive deeper into Mexico’s history, a day trip to the nearby Teotihuacan pyramids is a must.

As you can see, there are so many things to do in Mexico City .

You could spend months there and not see it all — so make sure you have a solid Mexico City itinerary in place.

🌮 Mexico City’s Art Scene and Food Hubs

Mexico City is an essential stop to understand the heart of Mexico. With about 150-175 museums (it depends on who you ask), beautiful Mexico City is also a paradise for art lovers.

The culinary scene is just as vibrant, from street food stalls serving tacos , tamales and more, to high-end restaurants offering innovative dishes by some of the best Mexican chefs.

2. Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juarez)

Oaxaca City is one you don’t want to miss! Located in the valleys of Southern Mexico, the capital of Oaxaca state is a cultural feast for the senses.

Renowned for its rich indigenous heritage and culinary excellence , the city is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the depth of Mexican traditions. 

💧 key Attractions in Oaxaca Mexico

Oaxaca’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a picturesque array of colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and bustling markets like the Benito Juárez Market and 20 de Noviembre Market .

Here, you can taste local specialties such as mole , tlayudas , tejate and mezcal — some of the best Oaxaca foods.

Art enthusiasts will find the Oaxaca City’s galleries and museums captivating, showcasing traditional and contemporary art.

For adventurers, the surrounding landscapes offer unique experiences like the ancient ruins of Monte Albán , offering a window into Zapotec civilization, or the natural mineral formations at Hierve el Agua Waterfall . 

Oaxaca is also home to the El Tule tree. This is one a popular attraction in Oaxaca , as it holds the Guinness World Record for the widest tree on Earth.

Oaxaca is also famous for its Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, an immersive cultural experience reflecting the locals’ vibrant approach to life and death.

3. Tulum 

The first beach on this list of the best cities in Mexico, Tulum is a stunning coastal town on the Caribbean Sea in the Yucatan Peninsula .

If you’re looking for a fun beach city in the country, Tulum Mexico is a wonderful contender.

Tulum is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and ancient Mayan ruins perched atop cliffs overlooking turquoise waters.

This once sleepy fisherman’s village has transformed into a trendy destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and culture. 

While Mexico really has some nice beaches , Tulum is in a class all its own.

🗿 Ruins and Cenotes in Tulum

Highlights include the Tulum Archaeological Site , where you can explore the remnants of Mayan civilization, and the nearby cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays).

These are natural underground pools, perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun. 

Adventure seekers can glimpse diverse wildlife with must-do activities like snorkeling in Akumal, swimming with turtles, and venturing to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve . 

Tulum’s laid-back vibe is complemented by its boutique hotels , yoga retreats, and thriving culinary scene, which offers everything from street tacos to gourmet dining experiences.

It is considered one of the best tourist cities in Mexico because there are just so many things to do in Tul u m .

4. San Miguel de Allende 

Though beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when it comes to beautiful Mexican cities, San Miguel de Allende is one hands-down of the prettiest cities.

Nestled in the heart of Central Mexico’s Guanajuato state, SMA is a jewel of colorful colonial architecture, street scenes, and cultural richness.

About a four-hour drive north of Mexico City, it’s an artistic haven that has attracted a diverse international community. In fact, it’s one of the top cities for expats in Mexico.

⛪️ Where to go in San Miguel de Allende

Looking for things to do in San Miguel de Allende? As one of the best places to visit and top cities in Mexico for tourists, you have plenty of options.

San Miguel de Allende is known for its stunning churches, like the iconic pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, and lively festivals, like the annual La Calaca Festival , celebrating the Day of the Dead .

The city’s cobblestone streets, lined with colorful houses and flowering balconies, invite leisurely exploration. You could easily spend the day just taking photos.

Best way to enjoy San Miguel Allende is through this Historical and Cultural Walking Tour .

Art lovers will delight in the Fabrica La Aurora, an art and design center housed in a former textile factory. 

The Mercado de San Juan de Dios offers local foods and crafts for a taste of local life.

One of the best cities to visit for foodies, there are also great restaurants like Aperi SMA. It is run by Omar Henriquez, one of the top Mexican chefs working today.

San Miguel’s temperate climate and the warm hospitality of its residents make it the perfect place to visit year-round.

Plus, it is one of the safest Mexican cities on this list, so it’s ideal for your next trip to Mexico.

Known as the capital of Yucatán, Mérida is a city where colonial history and Mayan cultural roots connect under the warm Mexican sun.

Located about 3.5 hours west of Cancún by car, Mérida is known as the “White City” for its beautiful limestone buildings that glisten in the sunlight. 

🇲🇽 Merida must-visit spots

This city is a gateway to exploring ancient Mayan sites like Uxmal and Chichén Itzá , one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Mérida’s broad avenues include grand mansions and leafy plazas like the Plaza Grande (Main Plaza).

The Paseo de Montejo , a long, walkable, tree-lined street, offers a look into its rich past with its Parisian-inspired boulevards and stately homes.

To taste local culture, visit the bustling Mercado Lucas de Gálvez . Here, you can try Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil , salbutes and panuchos.

The city’s modern side includes contemporary art galleries , chic boutiques, and an innovative dining scene that blends traditional flavors with a modern twist.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Looking for some of the most beautiful Mexican beach towns ?

Right on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta stands out as one of the prettiest towns in Mexico, offering a blend of natural beauty, traditional Mexican culture, and modern amenities.

🏝️ Why Puerto Vallarta is a Must-visit City

Its stunning bay, Bahía de Banderas, is a playground for water sports enthusiasts, while the lush Sierra Madre mountains provide a picturesque backdrop. 

The heart of Puerto Vallarta lies in its Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), where cobbled streets lead to markets, beachfront restaurants, and bars. 🏝️ Fun Facts: This isn’t far from where Elizabeth Taylor lived!

Art lovers will appreciate the numerous galleries showcasing local art, and the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe church adds a historical touch. 

One of the best cities in Mexico to visit for adventure seekers, travelers can explore the nearby jungles through ATV tours or take a boat trip to the beautiful Marietas Islands National Park (Islas Marietas).

As the sun sets, the Malecón boardwalk comes alive with performers, making Puerto Vallarta a perfect mix of laid-back beach life and cultural richness.

7. Guanajuato  City

Guanajuato City , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is celebrated as one of the prettiest places in Mexico.

Its colonial buildings, narrow alleyways, and colorful facades are set in a picturesque valley in central Mexico. 

Famous for its underground streets and tunnels that wind beneath the city, Guanajuato offers a unique urban experience.

🏛️ Guanajuato Top Spots

The city’s atmosphere is best experienced during the International Cervantino Festival , which attracts artists and spectators from around the globe. 

Key attractions include the Juarez Theater, the panoramic view from the Pipila Monument, and the eerie yet fascinating Museo de las Momias (Mummy Museum in Mexico).

Guanajuato’s lively plazas, such as the Jardín de la Unión, are perfect for coffee and soaking up the local culture.

For a touch of romance, the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) is a must-visit.

The city’s rich mining history is another layer of its deep cultural heritage, making it a captivating destination for history buffs and casual visitors.

8. Campeche City ( San Francisco de Campeche )

Campeche is a coastal city on the Yucatán Peninsula. It is one of the popular Mexico cities, known for its well-preserved colonial fortifications and historic district. 

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico, Campeche’s historic center is encircled by ancient walls and dotted with colorful buildings, reflecting its past as a Spanish colonial port besieged by pirates.

🏛️ Historical Spots in Campeche

Walking through the cobblestone streets, visitors can admire the beautifully restored colonial mansions and visit the impressive Fort San Miguel, which now houses a Mayan artifact museum.

The Campeche Malecón (seafront promenade) offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Puerta de Tierra and the Museo de la Arquitectura Maya are must-sees for those interested in the area’s pirate history. 

You can book this Campeche: Highlights, Museums and Downtown Tour to better experience the city.

9. Mazatlán 

With its golden beaches and historic charm, Mazatlán is often cited as one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico for sun and fun.

A coastal city situated on the Pacific Ocean, it seamlessly blends old-world Mexican culture with the vibrancy of a bustling beach town .

For visitors, the Golden Zone is known as the most beautiful part of town.

🏝️ Best places to visit in Mazatlán

Centro Histórico, or Old Mazatlan, is a treasure trove of 19th-century architectural wonders, lively plazas, and quaint cafes. 

The famous Malecón Boardwalk, one of the longest boardwalks in the world, offers stunning ocean views and large-scale outdoor art installations.

For an unforgettable experience, climb the El Faro Lighthouse for panoramic vistas, or catch a performance at the Angela Peralta Theater.

Mazatlan is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, from deep-sea fishing to exploring nearby islands like Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras) and Deer Island (Isla de Venados).

10. Morelia 

Looking for the prettiest city in Mexico? While that’s subjective, this is my pick…

Morelia , the capital of Michoacán, is celebrated for its over 200 historic buildings made of pink stone, earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list . 

Founded in the 16th Century, the city is a living museum of Spanish colonial architecture, featuring majestic structures like the Morelia Cathedral, notable for its stunning baroque exterior and intricate interior. 

Visitors can stroll along the Callejón del Romance, a picturesque alley, or explore the Aqueduct of Morelia, an engineering marvel of the colonial era.

🦋 Monarch Butterfly Migration

A key attraction near Morelia is the annual migration of monarch butterflies .

Just a short drive away, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve offers a unique natural spectacle as millions of butterflies converge in the Oyamel fir forests, typically between November and March .

Looking to Discover More Unique Places in Mexico?

Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.

Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.

• The 30 Most Beautiful Cities in Mexico (#7 Will Shock You)
• Mexico Off the Beaten Path Places for Your Bucket List
• 20 Hot Springs in Mexico That are Calling Your Name
• Hidden Beaches in Mexico You’ve Never Heard Of
• Best Waterfalls in Huasteca Potosina Mexico
• The Coolest Mayan Ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

⚠️ Before You Go — Get Your FREE Guide !

Head here and enter your email address to download your FREE Mexico guide (5 Things You Don’t Want to Forget to Pack for Mexico) and get Mexico travel tips, tricks and more sent straight to your inbox.

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Best places to visit in mexico for 2023-2024.

With year-round warm weather and diverse destinations ranging from metropolitan Mexico City to the sands of Tulum, Mexico boasts vacation spots that appeal to all sorts of visitors. To help you determine which locale is best for you, U.S. News compiled this list of the best places to visit in Mexico by factoring in cultural attractions, food options, beaches, water-based activities and nightlife, along with traveler votes and expert opinions. Vote for your favorite vacation spots below to help us determine next year's ranking. (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to certain Mexican states due to crime; check the  website  for updates before booking your trip, and be cautious if you decide to travel.)

Zihuatanejo

Isla mujeres, isla holbox, mexico city, playa del carmen.

Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo offers travelers an authentic Mexico experience full of brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes. In this fishing village, shopaholics can buy local handicrafts (think: ceramics and woodcarvings), and foodies can savor fresh fish tacos and ceviche along the beach. The city's Playa La Ropa serves as the main beach and stands out because of its clean, family-friendly atmosphere. Playa Larga, another excellent beach option, is set slightly outside of town, so it offers a quieter atmosphere and plenty of room to sprawl out. Just off the coast, divers and snorkelers can pick from several dive sites brimming with marine life.

Home to Mexico's most famous waterfront Mayan ruins, Tulum appeals to history buffs and water lovers alike. Positioned along a coastal stretch of the Riviera Maya, about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum offers some of the best hotels in Mexico , ranging from small boutique hotels to wellness retreats to all-inclusive resorts. Regardless of where you stay, you can spend time lounging on some of the world's most beautiful beaches (try traveler-approved Playa Paraíso or Playa Ruinas), exploring ancient ruins (consider booking a daytrip to nearby Chichén Itzá for a larger-scale site) and swimming in secluded cenotes, unique underwater caves located around the Yucatán Peninsula.

This island is probably best known for two things: coral reefs and cruise ships. Travelers love this destination's brilliant blue water and laid-back beaches, plus its abundance of water sports activities. Numerous outfitters and resorts offer kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear. While you could spend every minute in the water or on the beach with a good book, Cozumel is also a quiet place to learn about Mayan culture. Visit the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio archaeological site for a dose of pre-Hispanic history.

Ixtapa's curved coastline is packed with hotels, restaurants and nightlife, giving the Pacific coast city (located just north of Zihuatanejo) a bustling vibe. Playa El Palmar, the main beach, often proves better for sunset strolls and people-watching than swimming or snorkeling due to the strong waves. Still, warm, clear and generally gentle water and coral beds farther offshore make Ixtapa one of the best places for beginner scuba enthusiasts. Anyone interested in the area's history should also explore the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande, a small museum that details the various cultures and events that make the region unique. 

A great option for a weekend stay or a quick daytrip tour , Isla Mujeres is set off the coast of Cancún and offers beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and coral reefs ready for exploration. In fact, it's one of the best places to go snorkeling in the world thanks to a unique underwater museum and one of the world's largest coral reefs (home to all sorts of colorful fish). See marine life from another perspective on a glass bottom boat. When you want to catch some rays, Playa Norte is the most popular beach, framed by white sand, turquoise water and swaying palm trees.

Quiet beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and stunning crystal-clear water are some of Isla Holbox's standout attributes. This up-and-coming slice of paradise is perfect for travelers looking to truly get away from it all, thanks to its car-free, off-the-beaten-path location. Isla Holbox is situated off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and only 26 miles long. Expect quaint boutique hotels, stretches of white sand beaches (Playa Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito are two top spots), opportunities for snorkeling and sailing, and more than 100 species of birds, including vibrantly colored flamingoes.

About 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a small beach town known for awesome surfing conditions and scenic stretches of sand. If you've never surfed before, sign up for a lesson from a local to learn. Visitors can also go whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding or zip lining, or hop on a relaxing boat tour. After a day of fun in the sun, head into town to check out the local art galleries and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty restaurants (Sayulita is a burgeoning foodie destination), which feature everything from cheap eats to fine dining.

Anglers recognize Manzanillo as a world-class deep-sea fishing destination for anyone searching for sailfish and marlin, but many types of travelers will enjoy a trip to this Pacific coast destination, located 170 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. The city's two bays mean there is no shortage of beaches for visitors to swim and sunbathe on: Top spots include Playa la Audiencia and Playa Salagua. Water sports like snorkeling and kayaking are also popular activities to enjoy here. If you have time, visit the small town of Barra de Navidad (about 30 miles northwest) for charming hotels, restaurants and stores along the beach. 

Dreamy white sand , nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts and inexpensive flights from the U.S. make Cancún a go-to spot for spring breakers and vacationers seeking an easy beach getaway. But this city on the Yucatán Peninsula also sits close to lush jungles and tranquil cenotes, making it an excellent option for nature lovers. Not to mention, travelers will find diverse and cheap street food served from various carts in the downtown area. Visiting in fall or winter will ensure you see this city (one of the most-visited spots in Mexico) in its most tranquil light, but December through April is when the weather is closest to perfect.

Ornate baroque and neoclassical buildings, busy plazas and colorful homes are everywhere you turn in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. Guanajuato, situated about 50 miles west of San Miguel de Allende, is known for its subterranean streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or at your own leisure. After admiring the city's cobblestone roadways and charming colonial architecture, grab a souvenir or bite to eat at the bustling Mercado Hidalgo. If you enjoy art, arrive in October when the popular Festival Internacional Cervantino takes place.

As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida's rich culture is visible around every turn. White stone mansions line Paseo de Montejo (the city's main street), while vibrant Sunday markets provide a taste of old-world Mexico. Those looking for Mayan ruins are also in luck; many ancient archaeological sites are in close proximity, including the famed Chichén Itzá just 75 miles east. Meanwhile, museum and art enthusiasts praise El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida, as well as the city's art galleries and local murals. When it comes to lodging, travelers will have their pick of quaint boutique hotels.

The most populous city in Mexico is steeped in history and culture. Mexico City boasts delectable cuisine, ancient Aztec sites and world-class hotels – all at fairly low costs – but if you feel like splurging, you'll find an array of high-end shops along the tree-lined Avenida Presidente Masaryk in the Polanco neighborhood. Must-see attractions in Mexico City include the Zócalo, the Palace of Fine Arts, Chapultepec Castle and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And if you want to eat your way through the city, consider signing up for a food tour .

For a vacation packed with authentic character, head to Puebla. This city, which sits about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, is filled with colonial architecture and numerous churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery, its historical forts and museums, and its sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors must try mole poblano (made with numerous ingredients, including chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples and pomegranate seeds). When the sun sets, venture to Callejón de los Sapos to listen to live music.

Playa del Carmen boasts an exciting food scene, with eateries dishing out everything from delectable tacos and tostadas to sushi and expertly cooked seafood, plus an even hipper bar culture. What's more, this destination in the Riviera Maya beckons to vacationers with its soft white sand blanketing its beaches and its stunning shoreline views. Visitors can also bike to a nearby cenote for a refreshing dip or hit the links at one of the numerous surrounding golf courses. All-inclusive resorts , vacation rentals and boutique properties abound in Playa del Carmen, too, giving travelers plenty of options to find the best fit for their preferences and budgets.

This secluded vacation spot is known for its luxurious lodging options (from vacation rentals to high-end hotels like the St. Regis and the Four Seasons), golf courses and charming beaches, such as El Anclote and Playa de Punta Mita. The small resort village of Punta Mita sits on a peninsula in Banderas Bay and most appeals to travelers seeking a relaxing atmosphere. Those interested in scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and surfing will be able to enjoy those activities here as well. If you're visiting between December and March, book a whale watching tour for a chance to see humpback or orca whales.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Puerto Vallarta

Cabo San Lucas

San Miguel de Allende

Guadalajara

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The 15 best places to visit in Mexico

Oct 9, 2023 • 14 min read

Explore Mexico's stunning landscape and see the best the country has to offer © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals .

Then there are the much-lauded  beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From the deep canyons of Chihuahua to the peaks of Veracruz, these are the best places to visit in Mexico .

1. Mexico City

Best place for art and vibrant culture

Wondering where to go for your first trip to Mexico? Start in the bustling capital that brims with skyscrapers, markets, gardens and parks , awe-inspiring museums and more than 22 million residents.

Top Mexico City sights include “Casa Azul,” better known as Museo Frida Kahlo , where the celebrated artist lived and died. High-spirited high jinks and chihuahua-sized micheladas are on offer when catching a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match at the sprawling Arena México .

For artsy folks, Mexico City is where many of the country's top muralists left behind their most important works. Peruse Diego Rivera's cinematic murals in the Palacio Nacional and the social-realism work of José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Bellas Artes .

For a taste of culture, float along the ancient canals of Xochimilco with a mariachi band serenade, or savor piping-hot tacos from the many street-food stalls in the downtown areas before catching a show at one of the city’s 160-odd theaters. You might be lost for words, but you’ll never be short of things to do in Mexico City.

Planning tip : Couple your Mexico City stay with a trip to see the pyramids at Teotihuacán . This archaeological site is located 50km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, and it was one of the largest in the Americas in the pre-Columbian era. Visit during the vernal equinox to celebrate spring.

2. Isla Holbox

Best island for bioluminescence and flamingos

For its size, Isla Holbox packs a strong biodiversity punch. Only a mile wide and 26 miles long, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to see bubblegum-pink flamingos in the wild (head to Punta Mosquito), catch a glimpse of whale sharks (between mid-May and mid-September), and witness the mesmerizing show of bioluminescent phytoplankton glimmering in the water. Comparable to sparkling underwater fireworks, these glowing micro-organisms are best seen on moonless nights.

Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is a laid-back dream of an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula .

With no vehicles to disturb the peace (cars are banned), sandy streets lead to endless beaches with warm, inviting water that’s waist-deep at most for adults. The island’s one alleged drawback? Questionable wi-fi, which encourages travelers to disconnect.

3. San Miguel de Allende

Best place for craft shops and folk art

This Mexican beauty has it all: a fantastic spring-like climate, extraordinary light, breathtaking architecture, superb handicraft shopping, and well-attended art workshops. With a high gallery-to-resident ratio, San Miguel de Allende is one of the best places for creative types to visit in Mexico.

The cobbled city has been luring retirees and bewitching artists since the first art institute opened in a former convent back in the 1930s. It then enticed Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, who came to drink, write and read poetry in the 1960s (the latter stayed there until his death).

Today, San Miguel de Allende’s narrow, sloped streets house boutiques and cafes that dangle multicolored ribbons from wrought iron window bars, and its vibe is akin to a sepia-toned postcard from the past.

Buildings in the historic district adhere to a color code of saffron, rusty orange, ochre, terracotta, and mustard yellow. Grab a birdseye view of them from one of the city’s numerous rooftops, like Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a firm favorite.

Planning tip : San Miguel de Allende is a three-hour drive north of Mexico City in the state of Guanajuato . Visit in spring to see the purple jacaranda trees in full bloom.

Best place for lagoon living and Maldives vibes

Everything about Bacalar is magical. Not only was it recognized by the Mexican government as a Magic Town ( Pueblo Mágico ) in 2006, but it’s also known for its ethereal jewel-toned lagoon, serene spas offering Mexican healing rituals and a distinct bohemian vibe.

Diners enjoy live music sessions beside bright indoor murals at tropical restaurant-meets-gallery El Manati , and wellness-minded travelers experience temazcal sweat ceremonies and copal cleansings at Casa Hormiga boutique hotel.

The prized activities in Bacalar are kayaking, paddleboarding and boating on the 26-mile Bacalar Lagoon , which is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores) due to its mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens.

The town also has a 90m-deep (295ft) cenote (freshwater pool) and an old Spanish fortress . Nicknamed “the Maldives of Mexico,” unhurried Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to get away from it all.

Planning tip : Bacalar is in the state of Quintana Roo, close to Mexico’s border with Belize. To get there using public transportation, take the ADO bus from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

5. Guadalajara

Best city for mariachi music, tequila and fine dining

Guadalajara , Mexico's second-largest city, is a dynamic cultural hub in the state of Jalisco. This is the tequila-producing region where Mariachi music was born, as well as charrería , Mexico’s national sport (don’t miss September’s annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival).

Must-sees in Guadalajara include a lienzo (a charrería arena), the vivid frescoes of the Instituto Cultural de Cabaña – a testament to the genius of one-handed muralist José Clemente Orozco – and the three-story Mercado San Juan de Dios , Latin America’s largest indoor market.

Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, Guadalajara has recently gained recognition for its modern gastronomic excellence with multiple appearances on the coveted World’s 50 Best lists. Delight in upscale, globalized Mexican cuisine and cocktails at Alcalde and El Gallo Altanero.

Planning tip : Guadalajara's allure extends beyond its city limits. Use it as your gateway to Lake Chapala (one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country), the agave-clad fields of Tequila, or other charming Magic Towns like Tlaquepaque or Tapalpa.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Best place for sand, adventure and LGBTIQ+ events

With climactic and wild scenery, Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination for Mexicans and foreign travelers alike. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas), it's a place where thrill seekers conquer rugged terrain and rappel down waterfalls, and families frolic on sun-kissed beaches – Playa Conchas Chinas , Playa Las Gemelas and Playa Mismaloya are noteworthy sandy spots.

The city is also popular among LGBTIQ+ travelers; there are gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments. Lovers take to the Zona Romantica (Romanic Zone) for alfresco meals, and strolling along the picturesque Malecon boardwalk, with its numerous bronze sculptures and street performers, is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

There's also plenty going on in the ocean, where you can see humpback whales breaching on the horizon, pods of dolphins rising from the waves, and mother turtles arriving to lay their eggs.

Planning tip : The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta to witness a baby turtle release is between July and December. Selected hotels like Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa host newborn turtle release ceremonies.

7. Playa del Carmen

Best place for beach-meets-city vibes

Playa del Carmen is the best of both worlds: a thriving city with a bounty of enticing restaurants and pinch-me-please white sand beaches (one is even connected to a cenote). The palm-lined Quinta Avenida is the city's bustling artery with an eclectic mix of shops, lively street performances, and gourmand-pleasing international eateries.

In this versatile beach destination, families build sandcastles alongside digital nomads and solo travelers seeking spirited adventures, while night owls congregate around Calle 12 (12th St) for throbbing nights at Mandala, La Vaquita and Coco Bongo. Another Playa del Carmen accolade is the variety of rooftop bars, from the sleek UMI Rooftop and Tokyo Kitchen to the laid-back BeRoof .

From Playa (as locals call it), day trips to Riviera Maya towns like Akumal (known for turtle encounters) are all within easy reach using colectivos (minivans). There is also a direct ferry to Cozumel with Winjet or Ultramar .

8. Chichén Itzá

Best place to see pre-Columbian architecture

If you’ve always wanted to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is one of the best places to go in Mexico. With origins dating back to the 5th century, this is undoubtedly the most popular of Mexico's ancient sights.

From the imposing, monolithic El Castillo pyramid (where the shadow of the plumed serpent god Kukulcán creeps down the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes) to the Sacred Cenote and curiously designed El Caracol observatory, Chichén Itzá is spectacular.

Planning tip : Book a Chichén Itzá tour with an English-speaking guide to learn about the mind-blowing legacy of Maya astronomers . Note that the heat, humidity and crowds in Chichén Itzá can be fierce, so try to explore the site either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, though keep in mind that the 5pm closing is a hard exit. There is also a post-sunset sound-and-light show .

9. Zihuatanejo

Best place for an Old-Mexico feel

Zihuatanejo benefited from the fortunes of neighboring resort town Ixtapa, which Mexico’s tourism body carefully developed in the 1970s. This was a direct attempt to replicate the Caribbean splendor of Cancún on the Pacific coast.

Ixtapa’s hotspot status trickled 6.5km (4 miles) south to Zihuatanejo, which feels like a sleepy fishing village elevated by a handful of relaxed seaside sanctuaries like Thompson Zihuatanejo on Playa La Ropa .

In this blissed-out traditional Guerrero town, there are storied, curiously named beaches that are great for surfing, diving, fishing and seafood-feasting in the presence of crashing waves.

Take a walk on Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach), reportedly named after land wildcats or the whiskered nurse sharks in Zihua’s waters, or make a dash for the aforementioned Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), the town’s most popular beach, which incorporates a legend of a Spanish shore wreckage containing washed silk clothes.

Best place for quiet beaches

La Paz , the capital of Baja California Sur, has something for every kind of beach lover. The city is a delightful springboard to adventures on the Sea of Cortez, home to 39% of the world’s marine mammals.

Around 40 minutes from La Paz, Playa El Saltito feels tranquil and isolated during the sweltering days, and its crystal waters come alive with bioluminescence at night. Though competition is tough, Playa Balandra , with its unique mushroom-like rock formation, is heralded as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.

The impossible-to-miss destination in the region is the Unesco-listed Espíritu Santo  island, where you can camp under a canopy of stunning stars, snorkel with playful sea lions and even peek at congresses of clumsy blue-footed boobies. A number of operators run activities here, including kayaking and snorkeling.

Best place for wellness and boho vibes

Over the years, Tulum shed its former name (Zama), and its position as a secluded and sleepy beach-meets-jungle town in Riviera Maya and subsequently ripened into a world-famous pilgrimage for honeymooners, hedonists and holistic tourists. The spirituality-focused traveler will find a host of things to do in Tulum ranging from cacao ceremonies to pre-Hispanic sound healing and open-air rooftop yoga classes.

Tulum is a well-rounded destination with scrumptious restaurants and bars, and accommodations for all budgets, from waterfront shacks to top-end resorts and thatch-roofed boutique boltholes like La Valise Tulum .

The beaches are postcard-ready, the most celebrated stretch being Playa Ruinas with its strikingly well-preserved Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are also numerous attractions in the surrounding area, such as the massive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an , the secluded fishing village Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá .

Planning tip : Tulum Pueblo (the town center) is where the really cheap eats and sleeps are found, but it’s a 20-minute bike ride or 12-minute taxi to the beach. Plan ahead to find well-priced beach accommodations if that’s where you’d prefer to stay.

12. Los Cabos

Best place for glitz, glamor and parties

Sister cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo need no introduction. The former is notorious among party-hearty North American crowds, while the latter is more sedate with art galleries, celebrity-frequented luxury resorts, upscale boutiques and over-the-top decadent tequila tasting rooms.

Together, these perennially sunny spots on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula have become two of the top places to see in Mexico.

Under the blazing Cabo sun, golfers chase their dreams on emerald greens designed by legendary champion Jack Nicklaus, and surfers tackle world-class surf breaks.

Not many beaches are safe for swimming, but other outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, spotting sea lions and whale watching (from mid-December to mid-April) keep water babies coming back.

13. Pico de Orizaba

Best place for a superlative trek

Pico de Orizaba is a symmetrical, snow-capped volcano on the border of Puebla and Veracruz states. Also called Citlaltépetl, it’s the highest peak in Mexico and the third-highest mountain in North America, with a summit elevation of around 5636m (18,491ft) above sea level.

Dormant but not extinct, the last recorded eruption was in 1846, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for serious climbers – professionals prep there before taking on Mount Everest. Treks start from the small village of Tlachichuca, and the ascent requires some technical skills – Pico de Orizaba is the ultimate trekking and climbing challenge in Mexico.

If sea-level thrills are more to your liking, there's plenty on offer in the town of Orizaba, including a beautiful riverside walk, a couple of impressive museums and galleries and a unique "Iron Palace. " The perfect introduction to Veracruz state's most appealing town is to hop into the cable car up to the park atop 1240m (4068ft) Cerro del Borrego.

From this lofty, green perch, you can admire the domes and bell towers of the city's many historic churches and the surrounding mountainous terrain, including the snowcapped summit of Pico de Orizaba.

14. Copper Canyon Railway

Best train ride

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico (Copper Canyon Railway) remains one of Latin America’s best rail trips. Also known as the Chepe Express (from the “Ch” of Chihuahua and “P” of Pacífico), trains climb from sea level at Los Mochis to the town of Creel via the sensational rocky landscapes of the rust-hued Copper Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of Mexico”).

Vistas from your window during the train journey include alpine forests, subtropical valleys, Tarahumara villages and glimpses of some of the world’s deepest canyons.

Overnight en route at cinematic lodges overlooking the canyon's edge, or stay for days of exploring, hiking, horseback riding and even zip-lining in one of the best places to see in Mexico.

15. Oaxaca City

Best place for mezcal and cultural celebrations

Once the capital of the Zapotec Civilization, the state of Oaxaca is now better known as Mexico’s primary mezcal-producing region. Fine mezcals distilled around the state make their way to low-lit, atmospheric establishments in Oaxaca City like La Popular, El Destilado and La Mezcalerita, and savvy locals guide thirsty patrons on popular tours to experience the city one smoky sip at a time (check out Mezcouting and Oaxacking ).

The frequent colorful fiestas in Oaxaca City also win smiles from cultural travelers. The city’s population swells at the start of November during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, when Mexican families honor and celebrate their lost loves with round-the-clock vigils, joyful offerings, and parades.

One of the most unique things to see in Oaxaca City is the merrymaking during Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23. During this competition dating back to 1897, the young and old carve radishes into scenes that are displayed in Zócalo to much fanfare.

Planning tip : Venture two hours outside of Oaxaca City to reach Hierve el Agua , a jaw-dropping petrified waterfall-like formation. You can take a bus, rent a car or hire a driver to take you to these mineral-rich infinity pools.

This article was first published Jun 24, 2021 and updated Oct 9, 2023.

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24 Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

From charming small towns to stunning islands, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.

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Beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, rugged landscapes, and colorful cities galore: Find all this and more in Mexico. While our neighbor to the south is teeming with awe-inspiring locales, narrowing down which are worth a spot on your must-see list can be tricky, especially considering how vast the country is. For this reason, working with someone with in-depth knowledge of the country and its many regions is crucial, says Zachary Rabinor, a T+L A-List Travel Advisor specializing in Mexico and the founder of Journey Mexico . According to the pro, these individuals can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your interests and preferences, whether that’s searching for the best street food, securing a coveted dinner reservation, or arranging a private driver to take you to and from Mexico’s most iconic attractions.

Ready to start planning your Mexico escape? Travel + Leisure can help: From hidden-gem beaches and mountain towns to world-famous archaeological sites and major metropolises, we’ve rounded up 24 of the most beautiful places in Mexico, according to experts.   

El Pescadero, Baja California Sur

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Rabinor describes El Pescadero as a “hidden gem along the Pacific Coast,” just an hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas . The small farming community boasts gorgeous swaths of sand — most notably, Cerritos — which, per the pro, are “ideal for surfing and sunbathing.” Rabinor also tells T+L that no trip here is complete without stopping at Barracuda Cantina (conveniently located just steps from Cerritos) to try the Baja fish tacos.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

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Just eight miles north of El Pescadero lies the town of Todos Santos , which, according to Rabinor, is renowned for its thriving arts scene and colorful colonial architecture. If that’s not enough to wow you, then the pristine beaches, such as Punta Lobos and Playa La Cachora, definitely will. Rabinor also describes Todos Santos as “a foodie’s paradise” — his personal picks include Docecuarenta   “for some of Baja’s best roasted coffee and freshly baked pastries;” Jazamango , a farm-to-table restaurant led by one of Mexico’s renowned chefs, Javier Plasencia; and “fresh oysters at Oystera .”

Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

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Oaxaca was named the best city in the world in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards — and it’s easy to see why. What’s more, says Rabinor, this colorful, vibrant city is renowned for its 17th-century architecture, buzzy downtown area, rich Indigenous heritage, and artisan communities. The greenery-filled Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca and the 18th-century Oaxaca Cathedral are also must-visit spots. And, if all of the above weren’t enough to lure you in, then the food and drink scene — famous for its mezcal and moles — certainly will. 

La Paz and Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja California Sur

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According to Rabinor, the capital of Baja California Sur beckons travelers with its “tranquil beaches, Malecón waterfront promenade, and the opportunity to swim with gentle whale sharks.” Plus, says Rabinor, no trip here is complete without a boat ride to the breathtaking Isla Espiritu Santo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , this small rocky island is known for its secluded beaches and excellent snorkeling and kayaking opportunities — and you may even spot some playful sea lions.

Mexico City, State of Mexico

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According to Rabinor, Mexico’s capital city “seamlessly blends cosmopolitan vibrancy with a rich Indigenous past and history.” He also goes on to describe the cityscape itself as “a fascinating tapestry of old and new — soaring modern skyscrapers stand alongside meticulously preserved colonial architecture.” Must-visit attractions include Templo Mayor,  Palacio de Bellas Artes, Castillo de Chapultepec, and The Pyramids of Teotihuacan (but more on those a bit further down).

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

This idyllic island — known for its gorgeous natural surroundings, including powdery white-sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters  —  is about three hours from Cancun . “Holbox exudes a relaxed and laid-back vibe with car-free and unpaved sandy streets, making it the epitome of a barefoot chic vacation,” says Rabinor. The island, part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, is home to abundant marine life and birds, including whale sharks, flamingos, herons, dolphins, and manta rays. For the ultimate adventure, book a bioluminescence kayak tour. 

Merida, Yucatán

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Hope Smith, a travel advisor at Montecito Village Travel , a Virtuoso Agency, tells T+L that some of the richest displays of Mexican culture can be found in Merida , “a city full of wonderful food, beautiful mansions, haciendas, and lush gardens.” Additionally, she says, “You will also find historic Mayan archaeological sites, including Uxmal, La Ruta Puuc, and Chichén Itzá.” For a stay just as eclectic as the city itself, Smith recommends Chablé Yucatán , which she describes as a “five-star experience in a hacienda-style setting.” 

Morelia, Michoacán

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“History enthusiasts will fall in love with Morelia, Michoacán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lake and mountain views,” says Smith. That’s because it’s chock-full of centuries-old architecture, with the landmark Morelia Cathedral being one of its most famous attractions. Travelers can also carve out an afternoon to explore nearby towns like Pátzcuaro, which, per Smith, is home “to one of the largest plazas in Mexico and great local art shops.”

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

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According to Fora travel advisor Natalie Stegman , this under-the-radar Oaxaca beach town is known for its beaches, surfing, and laid-back atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a stretch of sand for every type of traveler, be it bustling Zicatela Beach, which has an abundance of waterfront bars and cafes; the scenic Playa Carrizalillo, where you’ll find golden sand, swaying coconut palms, and turquoise waters; and the tranquil Playa Manzanillo, which, with its calm waters, is perfect for families. And, per Stegman, no trip is complete without taking a detour to nearby Playa del Palmarito, one of the largest turtle nesting beaches along the Mexican Pacific Coast (just note that nesting season takes place between July and January). After a fun-filled day in the sun, rest your head at  Casona Sforza (located directly on the beach) or Hotel Terrestre (where each of the 14 villas has a private pool ). 

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

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“With its unique blend of Mexican culture and European influences, San Miguel de Allende is a visual masterpiece that will capture your heart,” says Fora travel advisor Elizabeth Kaczka . The city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is home to well-preserved buildings adorned with colorful facades and intricate details, which, per Kaczka, “create a picturesque setting.” She also recommends leaving ample time to wander the cobblestone streets, visit the pink-hued Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and explore the local arts and shopping scenes. And, despite the destination’s charming small-town vibe , it’s teeming with top-rated hotels ranging from the ultra-luxe Rosewood San Miguel De Allende to the boutique Casa Delphine .

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California Sur

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According to Fora travel advisor Swaylah Faroqi , Valle de Guadalupe is considered the premier wine-producing area of Mexico — hence why it’s referred to as Mexico’s very own Napa Valley. Per the travel pro, the region has also “gained international recognition for its high-quality wines and stunning landscapes.” Splurge on a stay at the recently opened Montevalle Health & Wellness Resort . This luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort, set on 10 hectares of land dotted with olive trees, lavender plants, and vineyards, offers villa accommodations and state-of-the-art wellness facilities such as a spa, meditation labyrinth, and reflexology path.

Bacalar, Quintana Roo

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The aptly named town of Bacalar is located on Lake Bacalar (sometimes called Bacalar Lagoon) and is known as The Lake (or Lagoon) of Seven Colors for its vibrant shades of blue. “Take a boat ride across the lagoon, visit the cenotes that dot its shores, or simply relax in a hammock while gazing at the mesmerizing hues of the water,” says Kaczka. The destination is home to a handful of unique boutique hotels like Boca de Agua and Habitas Bacalar ; meanwhile, Banyan Tree Vega Bacalar — which will feature a spa designed to resemble a cenote, 35 suites, and an overwater restaurant — is slated to open its doors in 2025.  

Islas Marietas National Park, Nayarit

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Accessible only by boat, Islas Marietas National Park is about one hour from Puerto Vallarta and 15 minutes from Punta Mita. These uninhabited islands are home to abundant marine life, including dolphins, manta rays, and tropical fish galore. As such, they’re especially popular for snorkeling, explains Fora travel advisor Nadia Bess . It’s also here where you’ll find an Instagram-famous hidden beach inside a cave . 

Tepoztlán, Morelos

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“ Situated just a few hours outside of Mexico City, Tepoztlán is similar in feel to San Miguel de Allende but is not as well known,” says Fora travel advisor and co-founder Henley Vazquez . She continues, telling T+L, “It’s designated as a ‘Pueblo Mágico,’ which means it is sacred to Mexican culture.” This charming mountain town is also home to El Tepozteco, an ancient Aztec temple dedicated to Ometochtli-Tepoztēcatl, the god of pulque (an alcoholic beverage), fertility, and drunkenness. 

Sumidero Canyon, Chiapas

The Sumidero Canyon was carved by the Grijalva River and dates back 35 million years.  Here, you’ll find 3,000-foot-tall rock walls, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls. Fora travel advisor Sara Wilcox recommends booking a scenic boat tour for the best views of the canyon. And, if you’re lucky, you may spot majestic wildlife like spider monkeys, crocodiles, jaguars, and snakes. 

Las Coloradas, Yucatán

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Located on the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula — about 3.5 hours from Tulum and the Riviera Maya — Las Coloradas is an Instagram dream come true with its pink-hued waters. (According to Wilcox, this is due to a high concentration of red-colored algae and shrimp.) ”The beautiful pink tones continue thanks to a large population of flamingos, which are attracted to the salt ponds,” says the travel advisor. 

Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur

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“Home to one of the most diverse coral reefs in North America, this National Marine Park is truly spectacular,” says Fora travel advisor Amy Shamus of Cabo Pulmo. In addition to pristine beaches, the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a coral reef-filled shallow bay that hundreds of marine species call home, including but not limited to sea turtles, humpback whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. With all this in mind, it’s no surprise that diving, snorkeling, and swimming are so popular here.

Suytun Cenote, Yucatán

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Cenotes are natural swimming holes that are considered sacred by the Maya. And, while the Yucatán Peninsula boasts several thousand cenotes — each of which is nothing short of awe-inspiring — Suytun Cenote is amongst the most picture-perfect with its circular platform, which makes the perfect setting for your photo. Post-picture, enjoy a refreshing soak in the crystalline waters and take a moment to bask in the subterranean surroundings, with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites from nearly every angle.

Hierve El Agua, Oaxaca

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Whether you choose to hike, swim, or just sit back and admire the natural formations, a trip to Hierve El Agua is truly one for the books. “This absolutely gorgeous historical and natural site is roughly an hour outside of Oaxaca and features travertine rock formations, a petrified waterfall, and multiple natural warm pools, all overlooking jaw-dropping views of the valley below,” says Bess. If you don’t mind waking up early, the travel pro recommends arriving here “just before sunrise” so that you can soak up the gorgeous views and have the place “(almost) all to yourself!” 

Teotihuacan Pyramids, State of Mexico

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These ancient pyramids, which are thought to date back to 100 B.C.E., are just one hour from bustling Mexico City. Its main attraction, the Pyramid of the Sun, clocks in at over 215 feet tall. According to Bess, those who truly want to appreciate the pyramids’ vast size and beauty should take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over them. 

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

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“ Nestled along the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen is a tropical paradise that entices visitors with its turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches,” says Kaczka. Beyond the beaches, travelers can choose from an array of activities, be it swimming in cenotes, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, or dancing the night away in one of the clubs that line Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen’s main strip). The town also boasts an abundance of hotels and resorts , which include some of Mexico’s best all-inclusive resorts. 

Guanajuato, Guanajuato

As the capital of the eponymous Mexican State, Guanajuato —  a UNESCO World Heritage Site — attracts travelers with its breathtaking architecture and art. You can easily spend hours wandering the quaint cobblestone alleys adorned with vibrant buildings and ornate plazas. Some of Kaczka’s must-dos: Explore the famous Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), visit the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city's numerous festivals.”

Chichén Itzá, Yucatán

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Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico, and best of all, it’s an easy day trip from Cancun . These ancient Mayan ruins span about four square miles, and the massive El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan), which towers over the other monuments at 78 feet, is arguably the most famous of the bunch. The Great Ballcourt features intricate stone carvings, as does the Temple of the Warriors. Don’t miss the Wall of Skulls, where you’ll find hundreds of, yes, stone skull carvings.  

Copper Canyon, Chihuahua

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Also known as the Grand Canyon of Mexico, Copper Canyon is comprised of not one but six separate canyons. This natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses over 25,000 square miles in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. While many choose to experience Copper Canyon and its postcard-worthy surroundings on foot or horseback, those aren’t the only options. Instead, says Kaczka,  “Hop aboard the Chihuahua al Pacífico railway, also known as the Copper Canyon Train, for a scenic journey through rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, and picturesque villages.”

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The Best Secret Beach Destinations in Mexico

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Mexico has over 5700 miles (9330 km) of coastline, and of course, it is not all made up of popular resort areas like Acapulco, Cancun , and the Riviera Maya . Mexico's top beach destinations do certainly offer some beautiful scenes, but the country's less visited coastlines reward the explorers that seek them out.

Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in ​ Mexico that few tourists visit. Some of them may be difficult to get to while others are close to popular resort areas, but they are all off the main tourist track. They offer a place where you can hang a hammock and lean back while enjoying a cold drink and the sound of the waves... without crowds of spring breakers ruining the peace and quiet.

Isla Holbox, Yucatan

About 7 miles off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula lies the island of Holbox (pronounced "hole-bosh"). Twenty-six miles (42 km) long and about a mile wide, this island retreat is only 100 miles from Cancun but feels extremely remote. No high-rise hotels here, you'll find rustic palapas along the island's gorgeous beaches, perfect for getting away from the stresses of modern living. One of the unique experiences of this destination is swimming with whale sharks  (the largest fish in the world).

Rincon de Guayabitos, Riviera Nayarit

The Riviera Nayarit lies along the Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta . This area may well be Mexico's next hot spot: celebrities have already discovered the fabulous luxury resorts of Punta Mita, but a bit farther north you'll find Rincon de Guayabitos, a small town with a great beach that's laid back and perfect for relaxing and taking it easy. Soft golden sand and tranquil waves make this an ideal spot for families with young children. Mexican families come here on weekends and holidays, but it's never over-crowded. If you really want to have the place to yourself, come in the middle of the week during low season (August to November).

Mulegé, Baja California Sur

A quiet town on the Sea of Cortes in Baja California Sur , Mulegé (pronounced "moo-leh-hay") is located where the Santa Rosalia river joins up with the sea. A pretty and friendly town, Mulegé is a great base for exploring Bahia Concepción , just south of the town, which is Baja California's largest bay and has beautiful white sand beaches, but few tourist amenities. The water at these beaches is warm and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Kayaking is also a popular activity and a great way to explore the bay.

Xcalak, Costa Maya

The most southerly village on Mexico's Costa Maya, Xcalak (pronounced esh-ka-lak) is close to the Belize border, about 37 miles south of Majahual. The village lies within the Xcalak National Reef Park, at the center of the Great Maya Reef. You'll find excellent recreational diving, snorkeling , fly fishing, and deep sea fishing here, or you can just find a spot on the pristine beach and enjoy the gentle sound of the waves.

San Agustinillo, Oaxaca

The Pacific coastline of the state of Oaxaca has beautiful beaches, many of them unspoiled by tourist development. The small fishing village of San Agustinillo (pronounced "san ah-goose-tee-nee-yo") is located between the somewhat better-known beaches of Zipolite and Mazunte. This beach has golden sand and clear azure water. The waves can be strong but are generally less so than neighboring beaches. Boat tours are offered to see the sea life, including sea turtles in the Escobilla nature reserve, and crocodiles at Playa Ventanilla. San Agustinillo has a small selection of hotels and palapa-style restaurants.

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The 16 Safest Beach Towns in Mexico to Vacation

Traveling outside your own state can be a little unnerving, especially for newbie travelers. Traveling to Mexico can add one extra element of uncertainty, given the recent news stories regarding illnesses, assaults, and even deaths in Mexico resort towns. The scariest stories seem to rise to the top and get the most attention, giving you pause to book that next trip to Mexico. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the facts so you can really know where the safest beaches in Mexico are?

Where are the safest beach towns in Mexico?

Mexico also has its share of problems in terms of crime, but not every part of Mexico carries the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory Level 4 “do not travel” warning. There are high-crime areas that should be avoided and areas that don’t have high crime.

In this article, we’ll set aside the news stories and take a look at the numbers to put some perspective on safety in Mexico so you can make your own educated decision about traveling to Mexico.

After all, it would be a shame to skip one of the most affordable destinations around the azure Caribbean Sea based on misinformation.

You’ll also learn how to stay informed about traveling to Mexico and how to practice safety while traveling there if you decide to go. 

In life, all things are relative. The list above is no exception. The Mexican towns included in the list above are the “safest” compared to the other towns in Mexico.

How did I determine which Mexican beach towns to include in the list?

Three data sources were used to rate the safety of the towns and arrive at the safest Mexican beach towns, including:

• U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory Level
• The National Travel & Tourism Office
• The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal’s Mexico Blackouts Investigation .

U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory Level

The DOS (U.S. Department of State) established four travel advisory levels to convey the safety of travel to a particular country or part of a country. 

Only Mexican beach towns with level 2 assigned were considered for the list. (Level 2 is the lowest level assigned to any city in Mexico).

In some cases, one country can have several travel advisory levels assigned to different areas of the region. In fact, this is the case for Mexico. 

Below is the Travel Advisory map from the DOS website, depicting the varying advisory levels for Mexico. Note: Level 1: Pale Yellow Level 2: Bright Yellow Level 3: Orange Level 4: Red

Notice the varying travel advisory levels assigned across Mexico. In particular, the beach cities Puerto Vallarta (level 3), Acapulco & Mazatlan (level 4). These towns were not even considered for the Safest Beach Towns in Mexico list due to the higher advisory levels.

National Travel & Tourism Office U.S. Traveler Deaths

The NTTO (National Travel & Tourism Office) tracks and reports on the total number of U.S. travelers heading to Mexico each year, along with how many of the travelers died while traveling there.

The table below summarizes the numbers for the years 2019, 2018, and 2017.  I calculated the percentage of U.S. travelers who died while traveling to Mexico to help put the numbers in perspective.

Important information about the U.S. Travelers to Mexico numbers:

• The total outbound travel includes all travelers arriving via air, regardless of purpose (vacation, business, education, etc).
• The total outbound travel excludes the thousands that arrive via cruise ship.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Mexico Resorts Blackout Investigation

In recent years, headlines captured horrific crimes committed in popular Mexican resort towns. Reported crimes include sexual assaults, illnesses, blackouts, attacks, and other serious injuries.

In 2019, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal’s Mexico Resorts Blackout Investigation delved deep into this topic, listing the victim’s name, details of the incident, city, and even the resort where it occurred.

Many of the reports allege that people’s drinks were either drugged or contained tainted alcohol, resulting in extreme illness and blackouts.

If you review the article, you’ll learn that Mexico has had a long-standing problem with bootlegged liquor. In light of the recent incidents, the Mexican government has begun to take aggressive action toward shutting down these illegal operations.

Note: 2018 and 2017 Deaths reported by the Journal Sentinel were already included in the NTTO’s numbers.

The table below is a combined view of the NTTO’s death reporting and incidents included in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal’s Mexico Resorts Blackout Investigation by Mexican town for travel years 2019, 2018, and 2017.

The 2019 Deaths were sorted, followed by 2018 Deaths and 2017 Deaths to arrive at the final list of the 16 Safest Beach Towns in Mexico 2020 .

What do the numbers tell us about the safety of beaches in Mexico?

First, let me say that anytime there is a death, it is tragic and heart-wrenching for the family. This article is in no way intended to minimize these occurrences and certainly not to minimize the emotional effects on the surviving families. Rather, the intent of this article is to only inform and put everything in perspective.

Let’s take another look at the overview statistics:

Here is what jumps out at me:

• The number of U.S. travelers to Mexico has increased each year for the past three years. In 2019, over ten million travelers visited. It bears repeating… over T  E  N    M  I  L  L  I  O  N travelers. That’s a ton of people!
• U.S. travelers dying in Mexico’s most popular vacation state, Quintana Roo (home of Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya), is a tiny portion of the total deaths and is an extremely small number.
• Less than one-hundredth of 1 percent of all U.S. travelers have died while in Mexico, and a far smaller percentage have died in the popular beach areas of Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Crunch your own numbers.

You can get all the statistics at the National Travel & Tourism Office website under the “ outbound travel from the US ” section if you want to verify or do your own number crunching.

Safety tips before and while traveling to Mexico 

Most of these tips are common sense and apply no matter where you’re traveling.

• Always be aware of your surroundings – especially at night. Stay where there are more people present.
• Stay in pairs (minimum) at night. If someone forgot something in the room or wants to run out for a quick snack, take a friend with them.
• DO NOT go off with anyone you don’t know. This is just common sense, no matter where you are.
• Don’t wander out on the beach at night.  Even the resort staff warns of this. Frankly, it gets pretty darn dark, windy, and chilly out there at night. Best to avoid it.
• Don’t leave your drunken friends alone. Ladies with suppressed common sense are particularly vulnerable. Don’t let these friends out of your sight!
• Don’t go off-resort at night. Your resort has security measures that significantly reduce the chances of unsavory characters lurking.

Get notifications about Mexico

The DOS provides a variety of ways to stay informed about safety alerts and advisories they put out. After all, things can change between when you book your trip and when you actually depart.

In case of an emergency while traveling in Mexico

Enrolling in their STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) . It’s free, fast and easy.  Essentially, your trip is registered with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the area you are traveling to, so they’re aware that you’re traveling there and can reach out in case of emergency.

Know the U.S. Embassy or Consular in the area  of Mexico you’re traveling to

Make a note of the contact information for the U.S. Embassy or Consular you are traveling to. This is good advice regardless of the country you’re visiting.  Here’s the link for Mexico:  https://mx.usembassy.gov/

Should we stay or should we go?

I’ve been to Mexico over a dozen times with the family and on girl’s getaways, and no one ever felt unsafe or gotten sick. Who knows, maybe we’ve been lucky.  I can tell you we always exercise caution when traveling – regardless of the city or country.

If you’ve ruled out Mexico due to the scary headlines, hopefully, the information I provided gives you pause to reconsider. Don’t just focus on the scary headlines and write off the country entirely. Consider the numbers as a whole to put it into perspective. Then, travel to the areas that are safest.

The truth is, the Mexican beach climate is superb, the destination is absolutely gorgeous, with clear blue waters, and you can’t beat the cost of vacationing in Mexico .

To dismiss the opportunity to have a tropical beach vacation in a safe Mexican beach town robs you of a wonderful experience with your friends or family and robs the Mexican people of livelihood.

You need to decide for yourselves if the notion of traveling to Mexico feels unreasonably risky, and if so, are you willing to accept that risk?

If the trip will be less relaxing due to overwhelming thoughts and concerns of danger, it’s not worth it. Go somewhere else. There are plenty of other beautiful Caribbean islands to visit.

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1 thought on “the 16 safest beach towns in mexico to vacation”.

Hi I read your article showing 28 US citizens died in Mexico in 2018 but then I read in 2019 that a record high of 35,000 died in 2019! Yikes! That is a beyond HUGE jump! We were thinking of selling our condo in Punta Cana DR and retiring in playa del carmen instead so we wouldn’t be on an island or land locked if we needed to go to US for health care or wanted to leave due to a incoming hurricane. But after reading 35k deaths on 2019… I am rethinking it. Its a shame there are fewer and fewer places to feel safe….maybe we should just stay in our boring little town of Englewood Beach FL where avg age is 70 🙁

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Mexico beach.

For beach lovers, it doesn’t get much better than the gleaming white, quartz-sand coast and emerald-green waters of Mexico Beach 20 miles southeast of Panama City on Florida’s Northwest Coast.

Dubbed the “Unforgettable Coast,” the Mexico Beach area offers endless varieties of saltwater fun from fishing to parasailing , access to pristine natural areas , and a boatload of fresh seafood and stellar restaurants . Watch the famous Gulf sunsets, relax on the uncrowded beaches and look for shells, explore the parks, and dive shipwrecks and reefs.

Start your culinary adventures with a morning stop at Caribbean Coffee & Cafe , located within a row of the brightly colored coastal cottages along U.S. 98, across the street from the beach. Later, try the delicious food-truck fare from Tex Kitchen or Killer Seafood , and for fun Floribbean offerings, head to Mango Marley’s .

If you’re in the mood to play chef and cook with some of the freshest seafood around, make your way to Shell Shack of Mexico Beach and pick up an assortment of fish, shrimp, and more.

Plan your trip to Mexico Beach .

Mexico Beach has five miles of beaches with ample public access.

Enjoy family time on the beach, visit the parks, and take a boat ride to look for dolphins.

• Sightseeing boat trips

CULTURE, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Watch the events calendar for live entertainment and special happenings.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Scuba dive, snorkel, fish, and explore the parks.

• Water sports

ACCESSIBILITY

Beach wheelchairs, beach walkers, and floating beach chairs are available to rent.

• Accessibility equipment rentals
• Beach Powered Mobility

Sample ultra-fresh seafood, fun food-truck fare, and sweet treats.

• Eat and drink

Shop for beachwear, gifts, and more.

PLACES TO STAY

Choose from Mexico Beach hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.

• Vacation rentals
• Vacation Rentals By Owner

Gulf County in 60 Seconds

Quick facts.

Serene beach 20 miles from Panama City

Nearest Airport

• Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

MEXICO BEACH BUSINESS LISTINGS

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Beryl becomes 'extremely dangerous' Category 4 hurricane expected to bring life-threatening conditions to Caribbean

Hurricane Beryl has become an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm as it inches closer to the Windward Islands, bringing life-threatening winds and storm surge to the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said Sunday.

Beryl expanded its strength for two days, reaching Category 4 strength on a scale of 5 on Sunday before leveling off, the center said in a late-afternoon advisory.

With sustained winds of 130 mph, the storm was likely to be a destructive force through the early week as it aimed for a possible clash with Mexico's Yucatán peninsula around next weekend, according to the hurricane center.

"Fluctuations in strength are common in major hurricanes in conducive environments, and it is expected that Beryl will also fluctuate in strength for the next day or so," the center said in a separate forecast discussion. "There is high confidence that Beryl will remain an extremely dangerous hurricane through landfall in the Windward Islands."

Its center is expected to move across the Windward Islands early Monday, with hurricane conditions, including heavy rain, expected Sunday evening, the agency said.

The Windward Islands include St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Martinique. As of Sunday night, Beryl was about 200 miles southeast of Barbados with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. It was moving northwest at around 18 mph.

A U.S. hurricane warning is in effect for Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Tobago, where hurricane conditions are possible starting early Monday.

The government of Barbados began opening emergency shelters Sunday evening and ordered all businesses to close by 7 p.m. The Barbados Water Authority asked residents to store potable water as it would shut down water lines across the island Sunday night as a precaution, according to a statement.

The Barbados government said the center of the hurricane would travel 75 to 80 miles south of Barbados sometime Monday morning.

Government forecasters said the hurricane could pulse with renewed strength as it passes beneath Barbados, with winds associated with the storm projected to reach near 145 mph.

Flash flooding and hurricane-force winds are likely, the government said. Barbados officials also warned of a low pressure system behind Beryl that could become a tropical depression and affect the country Wednesday if it continues apace.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Martinique, and tropical storm watches are in effect for Dominica and Trinidad, which could all experience tropical storm conditions Sunday night.

“Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the eyewall of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands, with the highest risk of the core in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada,” the hurricane center said.

Life-threatening storm surges may raise water levels by 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels in the hurricane watch areas and bring destructive waves to the coast.

Three to 6 inches of rain is possible across Barbados and the Windward Islands on Sunday into Monday, which may cause flooding in some areas. Up to 10 inches of rain is possible in some areas, especially in the Grenadines.

St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced a national shutdown as a result of the hurricane warning that will go into effect Sunday 8:30 p.m. local time. He did not say when it will be lifted. Schools will remain closed Monday, and “employers are expected to cooperate,” he said.

In a Facebook post, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority asked the public to “remain indoors and away from glass windows once tropical hurricane-force winds affect the area.”

“All persons should avoid entering the ocean. Failure to comply with this request puts human lives at risk, including those of our first responders,” the board said. The board also encouraged tourists to contact their airlines to schedule flights home.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has canceled all police leave in preparation for Beryl.

“All officers are requested to report to the nearest police station by 6:00 p.m. today, Sunday, June 30, 2024,” it s a id on Fa cebook .

In Grenada, a state of emergency will go into effect at 7 p.m. Sunday and remain for a week, “unless earlier revoked,” Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said at a briefing.

The country’s National Disaster Management Agency encouraged the public to secure three days of nonperishable food and water as Beryl makes impact. Those in areas susceptible to storm surge were encouraged to move to one of the shelters opened across Grenada.

Mitchell warned the public that “this is not a drill.”

“We need to be calm, we need to pray, but most importantly we need to prepare,” Mitchell said.

All police leave has also been canceled in Grenada, and officers were asked to return to work, according to Mitchell.

Breaking news reporter

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

National Hurricane Center: System in Gulf of Mexico could become tropical depression

The National Hurricane Center is tracking an area of low pressure in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The disturbance is expected to form early next week and could become the 2024 Hurricane Season's first tropical depression or first named storm.

"The ingredients are in place for tropical development across the southern Gulf of Mexico," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said. "These ingredients include light winds and very warm water."

The first name on the list for t h e 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is Alberto.

Meanwhile, conditions are expected to improve in South Florida but showers and thunderstorms may lingerover the Atlantic waters off South Florida and over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico through the rest of the weekend, the NHC said in its forecast.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening along the Southeast Coast as the potential for localized flooding continues. Additional rainfall over saturated grounds and soils from the last few days could lead to instances of minor flooding at times or exacerbate existing flood conditions.

A trough extending into inland central Florida is expected to bring scattered to numerous showers andthunderstorms but should dissipate overnight.

➤ Track all active storms

➤ Excessive rainfall forecast

'Extremely active' season ahead: Colorado State University updates forecast, stands firm on earlier hurricane season prediction

Here's the latest update from the NHC as of  8 a.m. Saturday, June 15:  

Hurricane season 2024: What is out there and how likely are they to strengthen?

Tropical disturbance: A broad area of low pressure is forecast to form over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico early next week.

Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form by the middle part of next week while the system moves slowly westward or west-northwestward. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains area likely to occur over portions of southeastern Mexico and Central Americaduring the next several days.

• Formation chance through 48 hours: low, near 0 percent.
• Formation chance through 7 days: medium, 50 percent.

The National Hurricane Center is also keeping an eye on three tropical waves:

• Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave has just emerged off the coast of Africa. It's moving west at 11 mph.
• Tropical wave 2: A tropical wave in the Atlantic is moving west at 17 mph.
• Tropical wave 3: A tropical wave in the Caribbean is moving west at 17 mph.

Who is likely to be impacted? 

It's too early to determine if there will be any impact to Florida or the U.S. from the tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico.

Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. That advice is particularly important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.

Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida

When is the atlantic hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

When is the peak of hurricane season?

The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center.

National Hurricane Center map: What are forecasters watching now?

Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city

Excessive rainfall forecast, what's next .

We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our  special subscription offers here . 

'Potentially catastrophic' Hurricane Beryl made landfall. Will it impact Texas?

Hurricane beryl became the earliest category 4 hurricane on record − before dropping to category 3 on monday − and is the first june major hurricane east of the lesser antilles on record..

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Grenada's Carriacou Island mid-morning Monday as a Category 4 with 150 mph winds.

The hurricane is expected to remain an "extremely dangerous major hurricane" as its core  slams through the  eastern Caribbean, National Weather Service forecaster Eric Blake said.

Beryl weaken some as it moves through the central Caribbean midweek, but is forecast to remain a hurricane when it makes landfall, again, on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula later this week.

"Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the core of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands," Blake warned in the advisory.

The system reached tropical storm status Friday before strengthening into a hurricane Sunday. Hurricane Beryl reached Category 4 status with winds of 130 mph as record-warm ocean temperatures led to rapid intensification before dropping down to a Category 3 early Monday morning and returning to a Category 4 later again, USA TODAY reported.

The storm is the earliest on record to reach Category 4 status and is the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles to hit in June.

More: Hurricane Beryl moving across Caribbean. Could it impact Texas over Fourth of July?

More: US sees more than 1,200 tornadoes so far in 2024. Here's how many have hit Texas

Will Hurricane Beryl hit Texas?

Even after initial landfall on the Windward Islands, Beryl is expected to remain an "extremely dangerous major hurricane" until it reaches Mexico, National Weather Service forecaster Eric Blake said in an advisory early Monday.

"Potentially catastrophic wind damage is expected where the core of Beryl moves through portions of the Windward Islands," Blake warned.

It is unlikely that the U.S. will undergo any significant impact from Beryl, as the storm is expected to hit farther south. However, AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Forecaster Alex DaSilva warns that there are potential circumstances in which the storm could track northward instead.

"The most likely scenario is for the storm to move westward into Mexico," DaSilva said. "However, it is very important to note that if the high pressure across the Southeast weakens, that can allow the storm to move farther north and potentially directly impact the Gulf Coast."  

What is rapid intensification?

Rapid intensification is the phenomenon of a storm strengthening by at least 35 mph in a 24-hour period. Fueled by record-warm ocean temperatures, Beryl gained 95 mph within a 42.5-hour span.

It's also likely that a huge Saharan dust plume has also contributed to the storm's intensity as the dry air pocket carries heavy moisture, one of the most prominent ingredients needed for tropical cyclone development.

More: Why are skies across Texas hazy this week? Huge Saharan dust plume, experts say

Hurricane storm tracker: See active storms in the Atlantic

Weather watches and warnings issued in texas, how many hurricanes have occurred this season.

Beryl is the first hurricane of the season, although it comes less than two weeks after Tropical Storm Alberto made landfall along Texas' coastal region off the Gulf of Mexico.

The  first named storm  in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Alberto sustained winds near 45 mph, although no significant flooding occurred.

Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city

Watch CBS News

Hurricane Beryl maps show path and landfall forecast

By Cara Tabachnick , Emily Mae Czachor

Updated on: July 2, 2024 / 12:11 PM EDT / CBS News

Hurricane Beryl made landfall Monday as an  "extremely dangerous" Category 4  on the island of Carriacou in Grenada before strengthening to a Category 5 storm — the strongest rating — as it swirled through the Caribbean, bringing fierce winds and torrential rains early Monday as it started a forecast path to Jamaica.

As of late Tuesday morning, Beryl was about 235 miles southeast of Isla Beata in the Dominican Republic and 555 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica. It was hurrying west-northwest at 22 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

"Weakening is forecast later today, but Beryl is still expected to be near major hurricane intensity as it moves into the central Caribbean and passes near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday. Additional weakening is expected thereafter, though Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane in the northwestern Caribbean," the center said.

Beryl became the  first hurricane  of the 2024  Atlantic hurricane season  on Saturday and rapidly strengthened. It first reached Category 4 on Sunday, wavering back to Category 3 before returning to Category 4 on Monday and then becoming a Category 5 later Monday night. It is the first major hurricane east of the Lesser Antilles on record for June, according to Philip Klotzbach, Colorado State University hurricane researcher.

Brian McNoldy, a tropical meteorology researcher for the University of Miami, told The Associated Press warm waters are fueling Beryl, with ocean heat content in the deep Atlantic the highest on record for this time of year.

Beryl has also set records as the first June hurricane ever to hit Category 4, the farthest east a storm has ever hit Category 4, and the first storm before September to go from tropical depression to major hurricane in under 48 hours, CBS News weather producer David Parkinson reported.

Beryl is also the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin and is only the second Category 5 storm recorded in July since 2005, according to the National Hurricane Center.

What is the projected path of Hurricane Beryl?

Beryl's center is expected to move quickly across the southeastern and central Caribbean Sea on Tuesday and is forecast to pass near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday, the center said. 

Jamaica remained under a hurricane warning Tuesday and a hurricane watch was posted for the Cayman Islands and the south coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Anse d'Hainault, while tropical storm warnings remained in effect for the Dominican south coast from Punta Palenque westward and the south coast of Haiti from the Dominican border to Anse d'Hainault. Earlier storm warnings for Barbados, Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique were lifted. 

Where will Hurricane Beryl bring rain and flooding?

"Hurricane Beryl is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with localized maxima of 12 inches, across Jamaica and the southwestern Haitian Peninsula through late Wednesday," the hurricane center said. "Beryl will also produce rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches with isolated amounts of 10 inches across the Barahona Peninsula in southwest Dominican Republic. Isolated totals of 6 inches or more are also anticipated across the mountainous terrain in the central Dominican Republic. This rainfall is likely to cause flash flooding and mudslides."

— David Parkinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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Hurricane Beryl storm tracker: See projected path of Category 4 storm as it makes landfall

Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Monday on Grenada's Carriacou Island hours after strengthening into a Category 4 storm.

The National Hurricane Center said data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that Beryl's maximum sustained winds have increased to 150 mph. In its latest advisory, the NHC also said life-threatening winds and dangerous storm surge conditions are occurring in Grenada, the Grenadine Islands and Carriacou Island and that residents "should not leave their shelter."

NHC forecasters said Beryl is expected to move quickly westward to west-northwestward during the next few days. The storm is expected to move across the southeastern and central Caribbean Sea late Monday through Wednesday.

Beryl was briefly a Category 3 hurricane Monday morning before re-strengthening into a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph, according to the NHC.

"Fluctuations in strength are likely during the next day or so, but Beryl is expected to remain an extremely dangerous major hurricane as its core moves through the Windward Islands into the eastern Caribbean," the NHC said in its 11 a.m. ET advisory.

The NHC also said some weakening is expected in the central Caribbean by midweek, although Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane.

Hurricane Beryl live updates: 'Potentially catastrophic' Hurricane Beryl poised for landfall

Tropical Storm Chris makes landfall in Mexico

In addition to Beryl, the NHC is also tracking Tropical Storm Chris, which made landfall in Mexico early Monday morning, bringing heavy rain and flooding to portions of eastern Mexico.

The NHC said Chris is moving west at about 12 mph, and is expected to continue doing so over the next day or so. The NHC also says the center of Chris will continue farther inland over Mexico through Monday, and that the system will likely dissipate later today.

Invest 96L likely to become tropical depression

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, the NHC is tracking showers and thunderstorms associated with an "area of low pressure" located about 1,000 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands.

The storm system, named Invest 96L, is likely to become a tropical depression by the middle of this week as it moves westward across the central and western tropical Atlantic, according to the NHC.

Atlantic storm tracker

Hurricane beryl path tracker.

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Hurricane Beryl spaghetti models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network-Florida ; Susan Miller & John Bacon, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X  @GabeHauari  or email him at [email protected].