There’s a reason Mexico is a popular beach destination: white sand, warm water, and idyllic views. While sand-and-surf destinations like Cancun and Acapulco frequently dominate the conversation (at least among spring breakers), these 13 beaches stand out for their resorts, unique activities, and overall beauty. The best beaches in Mexico range from popular vacation spots to hidden island gems. Choose your Best Mexico Beaches and tell us with a comment.
Top 15 Best Mexico Beaches
Costa Alegre, Jalisco – Where is Costa alegre?
Do you want to know where is costa alegre? The Costa Alegre stretches from Mexico’s Pacific coast into the states of Jalisco and Colima, where luxury hotels coexist with wild landscapes. For proof, look no further than Cuixmala on the Costa Alegre, which was named one of our readers’ favourite resorts in Western Mexico in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Aside from its oceanfront infinity pool, private beach, and opulent suites, the estate is surrounded by a 30,000-acre wildlife preserve. How’s that for luxury?
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo:
Isla holbox quintana roo mexico We dubbed Isla Holbox, just north of Cancn, “One of Mexico’s Last Secret Beach Towns” a few years ago, and while it may no longer be so secret, its stretch of beaches, aqua-blue water, and nature preserve continue to enchant. Spend your days shopping in town’s markets and textile shops, and don’t forget to check out the island’s famous over-water hammocks. Punta Caliza, a relative newcomer, is one of our favourite places to stay.
Isla Espíritu Santo, Baja California Sur:
Isla Espiritu Santo, located in the beautiful Sea of Cortez, is a short boat ride from La Paz on the lower half of the Baja California Peninsula. The uninhabited island is rich in red rocks, pristine white beaches, and exotic wildlife. Swimming with a sea lion colony is a highlight of many expeditions, followed by a relaxing picnic on the beach.
Playa Mazunte, Oaxaca:
Playa Mazunte, surrounded by rocky headlands, is a quiet stretch of sand known for its bohemian atmosphere and rough waves (bodysurfers flock here). The beach also appeals to those who do not own a surfboard: the coast is dotted with seafood shacks ideal for a cold beer or two, and few can resist a visit to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, a local turtle sanctuary.
Las Gatas, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero:
The Pacific Coast surf town of Zihuatanejo (often shortened to “Zihua”) has natural beauty that is both enticing and difficult to access (hence the lack of crowds). We keep returning for the mangrove-covered cliffs and ravines, scooped-out bays, and a backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. The best—and most remote—beach in Zihua is Playa Las Gatas, which is accessible from the city centre. The white sand and cyan lagoon are ideal for relaxing with a beer, snorkelling, and possibly spotting a humpback whale in the distance.
Tulum, Quintana Roo:
Tulum, about an hour south of Cancn, has emerged as one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations—and possibly the most popular among Instagram influencers. Given the white sand, warm turquoise water, and jungle-lined roads, it’s no surprise. Add in a seriously innovative food scene and some top-tier new design hotels (like the Hot List-winning Casa Pueblo and its beachfront sister, Casa Pueblo Boca Paila), and you’ve got yourself a clear choice for your next vacation.
Playa del Amor, Marieta Islands, Nayarit:
Playa del Amor (also known as “Hidden Beach”) may look like something out of a fantasy film, but it is a very real, albeit difficult to reach, attraction. The beach west of Puerto Vallarta is engulfed by a cave with a gaping hole in the roof, which is thought to be the result of bombs used by the Mexican government in military testing in the early 1900s. Aside from its sinister origins, the hole now serves as a one-of-a-kind skylight, opening up the beach for sunbathing and photo opportunities, but swimming is dangerous due to the extremely strong currents here.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur:
Cabo San Lucas is well-known as a popular tourist destination—hello, spring breakers!—but this isn’t always a bad thing. The resort city is home to some of Mexico’s best beaches, including the remote Playas La Palmas (rent a 4×4 to get there) and the surfer’s paradise Playa Acapulquito. Then there are the resorts. Chileno Bay Resort, featured on our 2019 Hot List, is one of many options. Aside from its lovely and breezy villas, its location on one of Cabo’s most swimmable beaches is unrivalled.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
While Isla Mujeres is frequently thought of as a side trip from Cancn, it is a destination in its own right. Playa Norte’s main beach is made of crushed coral, has warm shallow waters, and is much quieter than the beaches across the bay. Scuba divers should take note: the island has the world’s highest concentration of whale sharks.
Troncones, Guerrero:
This is also one of the best beaches. Troncones, a quiet fishing village 46 miles north of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, has evolved into an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous travellers. Surfers from all over the world flock to the three-mile-long beach, while eco-tourists enjoy horseback riding on the sand and hiking in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains. Best of all, with a permanent population of 500-600 people, Troncones maintains a wonderful sense of isolation.
Yelapa, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco:
Yelapa is only accessible by boat from Puerto Vallarta, which takes 30 minutes. That is the allure of this off-the-beaten-path paradise, where the beach is long and the tourists are few. Step right off the boat onto the crescent-shaped sand, grab some fish tacos and a beer at Angelina’s Gardens Beach Club’s thatched-roof bar, and spend the rest of the day swaying in one of the many hammocks strung up beneath the palms.
Playa La Boquilla, Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca:
Puerto ngel is located on a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by wooded hills. Although the town primarily serves as a small fishing port, the waters here are calm and bright blue. The best beach scene is at Playa La Boquilla, about three miles east of the bay, where the shallow waters make for excellent snorkelling.
Playa Los Cerritos, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
One of the safest swimming spots near funky Todos Santos, an hour north of Cabo on the Pacific, is five-mile-long Playa Los Cerritos. It’s a popular destination for surfing (lessons are available), shell collecting, and family outings. It is also one of the most developed beaches in the area, with an on-site bar and restaurant, as well as Liz Lambert’s hippie-chic boutique hotel, Hotel San Cristóbal, just a short drive away in Playa Punta Lobos.
You May Also like:
TOP 5 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY