Mexico’s magnificent beaches are a must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. From all-inclusive havens to pristine, wild paradises, Mexico offers a number of different exceptional experiences, from white sand and crystalline water to adrenaline-pumping surf spots, unforgettably fine fishing, golden-hued coastlines with more sea turtles than people, and barefoot party destinations. Whatever your mood, Mexico has a beach that will match it. Here to help you plan your visit south of the US border, are the best beaches in Mexico.
The Best Beaches in Mexico
1. Playa del Amor, Baja California Sur
The El Arco rock formation is a distinctive granitic rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, which is itself the extreme southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Also known as Lover’s Beach, Playa del Amor is easily accessed via water taxi from the marina. It has stunning white sand and gentle waves and is adjacent to El Arco on both the Pacific and bay sides. It is one of the most popular and yet still sublime of Los Cabos’ swimmable beaches. It’s important to note that the Pacific side is nicknamed “Divorce Beach” because the water here is not safe for swimming.
2. Playa Sisal, Yucatán
The majority of tourists to Mexico have long been attracted to the state of Quintana Roo because of its well-known combination of resorts, noteworthy nightlife, and historical sites. But the neighboring state of Yucatán presents a worthwhile alternative for frequent flyers seeking something more understated. Yucatán has beautiful beaches with powder-soft sand and calm waters, despite being less popular than the famous Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Playa Sisal, which is just an hour’s drive from Mérida, the state capital, has pristine white sand, clear water, and a quiet charm all its own. Expect only a few beachside palapas and quaint assorted outdoor eateries offering fresh seafood.
3. Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca
While everyone else is kicking it on Playa Zicatela and chugging margaritas, remember, that Playa Carrizalillo is a more secluded beach in Puerto Escondido. It’s situated at the bottom of over 160 steps and has long been a favorite among locals. The reward for making the journey down is turquoise water and a crescent-shaped beach surrounded by swaying palm trees. best
Beginner surfers especially enjoy this beach, and locals are always available to schedule a lesson. Beyond that is a row of barefoot casual, unpretentious beach shacks and snack bars. Veteran visitors can confirm the one on the far right has delicious coconut shrimp. Also, don’t pass up the ice cream vendor either!
4. Playa Delfines, Quintana Roo
Playa Delfines in Cancun is adored by locals and tourists alike for its expansive stretch of fine, powdery sand, electric blue water, and calm atmosphere. One of the few surfing spots on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, it’s the only beach in the Hotel Zone without a high hotel tower towering over it. The atmosphere is different; despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it feels like a local beach. Since this is one of the few public beaches in Cancun’s hotel district that has amenities, locals primarily use it. If you want to experience those legendary Cancun sunsets but aren’t staying in an oceanfront hotel, head to Playa Delfines instead.
5. Playa Mayto, Jalisco
This secluded stretch, on the Cabo Corrientes coast, is one of Mexico’s longest and most remote beaches. You will find it roughly two hours south of Puerto Vallarta. Travelers must brave a dusty road that departs from Federal Highway 200 in the small town of El Tuito to get to the beach. Nearly seven miles of largely undeveloped sand, a few local lodging and dining options, and one of Jalisco’s largest sea turtle protection camps, which has led the way in research and conservation initiatives there since 2005, are found there. If you’re staying nearby, ask your hotel if there are opportunities for a day trip to the turtle camp.
6. Playa Troncones, Guerrero
In the past, tourists to Guerrero fairly flocked to the opulent beaches of Acapulco, but recently, Guerrero’s lesser-known locations have begun to draw a bit more attention from visitors. For example, Playa Troncones is about as unassuming as it gets and is frequently populated by surfers searching for the best waves of the sunny southern Pacific coast. But one of Mexico’s top beaches is located in this sleepy town. A three-mile stretch of gorgeous golden sand, cobalt-colored waves, and the laid-back way of life that initially drew travelers to Mexico now welcome them here.
7. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur
Playa Balandra is simply breathtaking and is located roughly a half-hour drive north of La Paz, a town on the Sea of Cortez that you should also consider visiting. Off the beaten path, this picture-perfect crescent of sand looks out over a bay that passes for a lagoon and has calm, turquoise waters lapping against its sugary shores. This is the place to go if you want to learn about marine life. Playa Balandra is the ideal location to get up close and personal with some incredible animals, and the Sea of Cortez is one of the most magnificent snorkeling locations in the world.
8. Puerto Progreso, Yucatán
You should schedule some time to travel north and visit the beach town of Progreso and explore the ancient city of Mérida. In this port, cruise passengers disembark onto the incredible four-mile-long shipping pier before visiting the local boutiques, snack bars, and assorted eateries that line the Malécon, the town’s beautiful beachfront promenade. Take off your sandals and enjoy some fresh ceviche while gazing out at the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and perhaps spotting a few pink flamingos under one of the beachside palapas.
9. Playa El Médano, Baja California Sur
Médano Beach is one of the few beaches in Los Cabos that is safe enough for swimming. Its length of 2.5 miles and some of the kinder waves in this region of Baja make it the primary beach in Cabo San Lucas. Okay, admittedly you just might have to jostle for space a bit at the local bars and assorted eateries that line the shore because it is also one of the busier beaches. But, hey, there’s a good reason for it: this is the hot spot. You can feel the energy in this place, and a five-star hotel or icy beach cocktail is never far away either.
10. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo
A 1.3 million-acre protected area south of Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, is a unique UNESCO World Heritage site. Some sources say this lovely location for people who love being in nature and value Mother Earth’s gifts. Here, you can find uninhabited white sand beaches, swaying palms, dense mangrove forests, and sparkling azure waters. The Mexican Caribbean is home to some of the best wildlife, including dolphins, jaguars, ocelots, spider monkeys, and whales. So, don’t forget to take your camera. Visitors can engage in pursuits like wildlife spotting, birdwatching, snorkeling, kayaking, and just “floating” down the numerous canals while taking in all the natural beauty of this protected area.
11. Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca
The southern Oaxacan city of Huatulco is renowned for its nine picturesque bays, as well as the numerous beaches and breathtaking sunset views that come with them. The majority of the beaches in this region are in protected areas and are therefore obviously undeveloped. There is a lot of natural beauty at Playa Tangolunda, as well as sailing and scuba diving opportunities, several opulent resorts, an 18-hole golf course, and a number of different dining options in the nearby town of La Crucecita.
12. Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo
Whenever veteran visitors are asked about the very best beaches in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma is often mentioned. Few upscale hotels are located along this exclusive stretch, where visitors can take advantage of the wonderful white sand and peaceful, brilliant blue water. Additionally, this is one of the few locations in the country with hotels with overwater bungalows. Instead of finding beach bars or nightclubs, you will find here exactly what your mind conjures up when it imagines a picture-perfect, tropical beach in paradise.
13. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
This small but exceptional island is situated in the glistening Gulf of Mexico not too far from Quintana Roo’s northern coast. Previously a requirement on the local backpacker trail, it has recently emerged as a hotspot of bohemian luxury. For those who want to just unwind and enjoy the beautiful beach in their bare feet while sipping a cold beer, the island is ideal. Be sure to bring your yoga mat and plenty of insect repellent, and enjoy the Caribbean-inspired seafood at Races while listening to the soft beat of steel drums. From eco-lodges to upscale beachfront hotels, there are a number of excellent options if you are looking for a place to stay.
14. Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo
It really was not all that long ago that a visitor could count the number of hotels in Playa Mujeres on one hand. This hot spot just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, was somewhat of a secret. It was a bit of a hidden gem and was adored for its fine, white sand and relative seclusion from the city’s comparatively rowdier areas. The good news is that the beach’s original allure and beauty still exist, even though the scene has undoubtedly changed as more and more hotels have opened. At the couples-only Beloved Playa Mujeres, you can still find peace and tranquility, or you can bring the whole family to a bigger resort like the TRS Coral Hotel or its sibling, the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa.
15. Playa La Punta, Oaxaca
Playa La Punta is a section of Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido. It is fairly famous for being a little bit quieter than the rest of the most popular beaches in Puerto Escondido. Long known as a hippie haven, this area of town is known for its dustier roads, laid-back eateries, and abundance of hostels. However, with more and more design-forward boutique hotels and even a brand-new outdoor food court, its reputation is evolving. The idyllic beach, however, is still everyone’s preferred front-row spot for watching the sunset. One of the many boutique hotels in Puerto Escondido, like Suites La Hacienda or Hotel Santa Fe, might be a good choice if you’re looking for a place to unwind and take in the ocean view.
16. Playa Paraiso, Quintana Roo
Just south of the famous ruins is Playa Paraiso, one of Tulum’s best beaches. In fact, it is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, it is arguably one of the best beaches in Mexico. The beach is well known for its pristine waters and fine, white sand.
This large stretch of striking sand is ideal for unwinding completely and is the center of activity in Tulum. The region’s residents come here for day trips just to admire the white, turquoise, and green color schemes. Here you can enjoy several different water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You can also relax at a beach bar, and do some sunbathing.
17. Playa Blanca, Guerrero
Playa Blanca, which is less than 10 miles from Zihuatanejo, has that “paradise found” vibe and might actually remind you of that Caribbean beach used as a location in the classic motion picture Shawshank Redemption. This beach in Zihua is just outside of town close to the airport. We get major Robinson Crusoe vibes from this seemingly endless stretch of sparsely populated beach, which also happens to be the location of some of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve ever witnessed. There aren’t many hotels to choose from, but Las Palmas Luxury Villas will make you feel as though you have gotten away from it all and landed on your very own private beach.
18. Costalegre, Jalisco
Costalegre is a large section of coast in southern Jalisco, close to the state of Colima’s border, and is much more than just a single beach. Every beach in the area is deserving of this list due to the area’s stunningly untamed beauty. Today, a lot of travelers visit this region of the state, south of Puerto Vallarta, to stay at opulent resort communities like Cuixmala and Careyes.
Veteran visitors can confirm the beauty and overall list-worthiness of this place. Despite having two international airports on either side of it, it is isolated and largely unexplored. However, this region of Mexico may soon be operating at a Los Cabos level of luxury thanks to the promise of a new airport, better roads, and more upscale accommodations.
19. Playa Cerritos, Baja California Sur
Todos Santos should be on your radar if it isn’t already. The Pacific Coast town has long been a haven for surfers and artists. It is located less than an hour’s drive north of Los Cabos.
You can anticipate finding unique shops, art galleries, and a crowd enjoying oysters and champagne. Todos Santos has always been a place where you can pick your own adventure, and it remains so today. Playa Cerritos, the most well-known beach in the region, has long been a mecca for surfers. It’s also one of the few Pacific beaches in Baja that is completely safe for swimming. And while it might be a little busier now than it was in earlier decades, it is undeniably one of Mexico’s top beaches.
20. Playa Canalán, Nayarit
Playa Canalán is a long, wide stretch of warm, white sand bookended by lush, jungle-covered mountains. Until recently, it was completely undeveloped. Today, it’s home to the well-known One&Only Mandarina resort, the popular Canalan Beach Club, and the noteworthy Italian restaurant named Allora. These are all part of Mandarina, a newly planned community that occupies some of the most coveted real estate on the coast.
One&Only Mandarina is an all-villa resort offering 105 striking standalone structures consisting of cliff-top villas and treehouses. It’s located less than one hour north of Puerto Vallarta on Riviera Nayarit. The resort opened its doors on November 1, 2020, and offers both adventurous activities and secluded tranquility.
21. The Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca
To reach this beach, you’ll need to put in a little extra effort. Ah, but it is well worth the effort. One of the most remote and idyllic beaches in all of Mexico is reached by water taxi from Puerto Escondido via the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park.
On the northern side of the inlet where Chacahua Lagoon empties into the Pacific Ocean, there is a beautiful beach. Surfers from all over the world, including Australia, swarm the beach huts in search of the ideal waves. In this region of Mexico, “lights out” is also taken seriously. There is little pollution, so you can really see the stars.
Note: Expect minimal unnecessary amenities. In general, the best time to visit these beaches in Mexico is reportedly between December and April. That’s when the weather is sunny and dry.
