Best Beaches on the Coast of Oaxaca

Oaxaca’s coast is a beach lover’s dream, offering everything from peaceful hideaways to energetic shores buzzing with life. Whether you’re into lounging under palm trees, diving into crystal-clear waters, or hanging out with locals at colorful beach towns, the Oaxacan coast has you covered 🌴. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top beaches that showcase the natural beauty, rich culture, and laid-back charm of this stunning region. So grab your shades, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to find your new favorite beach in Oaxaca! 🌞

Don't forget to check my guide to Mazunte & Zipolite to make the most of your adventure on the coast 👇🏼

Barbora Šedivá

Available for hire

Complete Guide to Mazunte & Zipolite 🇲🇽

When is the best time to go? How to get there? Where to stay, what to eat, where to party, where to escape the party, and much, MUCH more! 🎉 Mazunte & Zipolite are two of the most popular beach towns along the coast of Oaxaca, and it’s easy to see why—they offer something for everyone! 🌴 Mazunte is a peaceful oasis that attracts visitors for yoga, meditation, and silent retreats, while Zipolite is the go-to party spot, known for its open-minded and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. Between these two towns, you’ll find stunning beaches, delicious Mexican and international cuisine, breathtaking nature, unique wildlife, and friendly locals ready to welcome an international crowd. This area caters to all budgets—from backpackers counting every penny to entrepreneurs looking to indulge in a little luxury 💸 I’ve been living in Mazunte for over a year now, and I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate an area rich in natural wonders and cultural experiences. Who is this guide good for: - backpackers 🎒 - digital nomads 👩🏽‍💻 - solo travelers 🫅🏻 - car-free people 🚶🏽‍➡️ - LGBTQ+ crowd 🌈 - eco & sustainable-minded tourists ♻️

Backpacker • Car-free • Digital Nomads • LGBTQ+ • Female Solo • Adventure • Budget • Foodie • Outdoors • Relaxation • Sustainable/Eco • Slow Travel • Wellness

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Guide

Puerto Escondido

Playa Coral

@barcheeba

My favorite beach in Puerto Escondido! You have to enter through a hotel called La Coral Beach House and they make you pay an entrance fee, but it includes a free burger. Quite worth it, I would say! And if you don't feel like paying, you can also climb the rocks from Bacocho beach to the west.

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Playa Carrizalillo

@barcheeba

Perfect for first-time surfers! They do surf lessons there too, just ask in Calle Rinconada. It's a small beach though, and tends to get busy on popular days.

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Mazunte

Punta Cometa

@barcheeba

This is the southernmost point of Mexico! It is a highly energetic place, with beautiful views of the coast. You'll get here by walking from the center of Mazunte, it takes about 15 minutes. There are other walking paths in this area - from Punta Cometa, crossing the beach, you can get all the way to Playa Mermejita. It's a beautiful coastal walk, definitely worth it. Punta Cometa is said to have the most beautiful sunsets in Oaxaca (or in the world!). It used to be true but then people started coming in crowds to see the spectacle and, you know, it kind of ruined the whole thing. The locals are now collecting a small entrance fee to see the sunset, which hopefully goes to the maintenance of the area. But I don't think it's worth going there for sunset anymore. Just go at another time during the day. In fact, Punta Cometa is a special place because you can see both the sunset and sunrise there! So, instead of elbowing around with crowds of tourists, why don't you get up early and welcome the sun there?

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Rinconcito

@barcheeba

You can't go wrong with Mazunte's beach Playa Rincocito. There's something for everyone - sunshades and sunbeds for rent, restaurants and bars, easy access to the sea. It's actually one of the few beaches on the coast where you can safely swim. I recommend that you go all the way to the right (heading towards Punta Cometa) to the part that gave the beach its name: The Little Corner. You'll have the easiest water access there. Or, you can also go to the other end, where most of us Europeans hang out. It's actually tolerated to be topless here!

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San Agustinillo

Elephant Beach

@barcheeba

This beach got its name from the elephant-shaped rock that divides the beach of San Agustinillo into 2 sections: easy access to the right of the elephant, though a bit rocky, surfers to the left of the elephant – beware of strong currents and you'll be good! This beach is good for families with kids, especially if they want to learn to surf. You'll get here by walking from Mazunte - when you get down the hill that divides Mazunte and San Agustinillo, you'll take the first right and you'll end up right in front of the elephant rock.

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Aragon

Playa Aragon

@barcheeba

This beach is my personal favorite on the whole coast. But nobody knows about it so please don't tell 🤫 It is right outside of Zipolite in the direction of Mazunte. I would recommend catching a colectivo from Zipolite )or Mazunte) and getting off at the entrance - otherwise, it's not a nice walk on the busy main road. From the road, it's only about 300 meters and you're there! This beach is divided into various sections, separated by rocks reaching out towards the sea. I always go to the second section on the right, just because I never see anyone else there. And who doesn't want to have the beach all of themselves? There are various constructions going on around this beach now, so chances are it might not be as untouched in the future as it is now. Take advantage when the chance is still here 🏝️

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Zipolite

Playa Zipolite

@barcheeba

This is the only official nudist beach in Mexico (legal one, at least)! People come from all over the world, though not all of them get naked, so no pressure. Very LGBTQ+ friendly with a great, laid-back atmosphere 🌈 It's a very long beach, you can easily spend one hour walking from one end to another, and it will be a very rewarding walk! The current here is strong so don't go in too far – just before the waves break is good enough. They have very responsible lifeguards here who might whistle at you if they feel like you're just a bit too far. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars along this beach, offering great seafood, yummy cocktails, and all-night-long parties. Don't miss out! 🪩

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Playa del Amor

@barcheeba

Cute little beach that you'll reach climbing over a huge rock on the eastern end of Zipolite beach. Watch out for strong currents and if you're not looking for an after-dark adventure, you might want to leave before sunset 😈

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Puerto Ángel

Estacahuite

@barcheeba

This is a tiny beach just off Puerto Ángel so don't go on any of the Mexican holidays or days off (Mexicans don't have any days off so that's fine). Eat fresh fish while in this fishing town.

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La Boquilla

@barcheeba

Amazing beach, little known, with a little difficult access - very steep and bumpy road. I recommend a 4x4 though not necessary, I've seen all kinds of cars getting there and back with no issue. Don't go during Semana Santa, otherwise you got the beach pretty much to yourself.

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Huatulco

Playa el Violín

@barcheeba

There are many beautiful beaches in Bahías de Huatulco, but this is the only one that I was able to reach by foot while staying in the center. Backpackers will appreciate this tip!

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From the surfer’s paradise of Puerto Escondido to the serene bays of Huatulco, the Oaxacan coast offers a beach for every kind of traveler 🌊. Whether you’re chasing the perfect wave, searching for a secluded spot to unwind, or exploring vibrant beach towns, this stretch of coastline has it all. Each beach along the way has its own unique vibe, but they all share that unmistakable Oaxacan charm that keeps you coming back for more. So pack your beach bag, hit the coast, and let the magic of Oaxaca’s beaches work its wonders on you 🏖️✨

You can explore a few of these beaches in a single day and hassle-free with the following tour 👇🏼

Where to Stay on the Coast:

La Coral Beach House

@barcheeba

An amazing newly-reconstructed hotel sitting on top of Puerto Escondido's most wonderful beach! Be ready for a lot of stairs 😉

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Nopalero Suites Hostel

@barcheeba

A very modern, newly-rebuilt hotel and hostel in the Rinconada area - my favorite neighborhood in Puerto. They have a great rooftop bar and a co-working space.

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La Nada Mazunte

@barcheeba

The cheapest option of them all! A real hippie spot, great for those who want to be surrounded by nature! La Nada is both a hostel (and camping) and a community center with cultural events, workshops, concerts, and so on. I've heard they are also planning on opening a co-working space. The great thing is that they have Starlink internet on the whole property, which means there's a great wifi connection (unlike most other spots in the area). Just be ready for some rustic facilities (like dry toilets and simple showers) and cats and dogs running all over - this is an all-embracing space. Unfortunately, they are not on booking or any other platforms for now. For bookings feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram @barcheeba. They are also open to volunteers.

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Casa Nudista - LGBT Hotel

@barcheeba

This seems to be the favorite place to stay in Zipolite, especially if you're a gay man 🦄 (which I'm not). The interior design is stunning and the staff is very accommodating. They have pool parties every Saturday, you might want to drop in even if you're not staying here 🛟

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Need more help?

If you need a little extra push planning your adventure on the coast of Oaxaca, I’ve got you covered! I offer consultation calls, curated itineraries, and custom-made tips to make sure your trip is unforgettable. Let’s chat and create the perfect plan for your next getaway! 🌍📅

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