Best Beaches in Mexico & Experiences You'll Love
If you’re tired of overcrowded tourist traps and want to connect with the soul of Mexico, this guide is for you.
In this guide, I’ll take you beyond the typical tourist spots, showcasing my personal favorite beaches and destinations that provide more than just a tan.☀️
These places offer a deep connection to nature, with opportunities for mindful travel, local experiences, and stories that will stay with you long after your trip ends. ✨
Let’s explore the untouched gems and the local spots where you can slow down, recharge, and truly enjoy the magic of Mexico’s coastal beauty.
I hope you’ll find inspiration in these spots and that they spark your curiosity to explore this incredible country from a more mindful and soulful perspective.
Ready for an adventure? Let’s dive into Mexico's best beaches and experiences...
I also create custom itineraries tailored to your unique travel preferences and style around Mexico! Discover more details at the end of this guide! ✨
Baja California Sur
La Paz
A charming city with a stunning waterfront and access to the Sea of Cortez.
Best Season to Visit:
October to April.
Best Beaches:
Recommended activities:
Loreto
Recommended activites:
Nature
Historical and cultural
Guerrero
Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
A resort destination known for its luxurious hotels and beautiful beaches.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Snorkel:
Wildlife:
Cultural:
Unique Experience:
Sunset cruise along the coast and Kayak at dawn in lagoon.
Honest Destination Review:
Ixtapa is a well-developed resort destination offering luxury accommodations and a range of activities. The beaches are clean and family-friendly, and golfing here is a major activity. Snorkeling and visiting Ixtapa Island are highly recommended. While it’s perfect for a resort-style vacation, it may lack the cultural depth and authenticity some travelers seek but if you love nature, there are plenty of places to discover the beauties of the region. My fave, the mangroves and lagoon right behind Playa Blanca and next to the airport.
Jalisco
Punta Mita
A luxury destination with upscale resorts, world-class golf courses and stunning beaches surrounded by jungle.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Snorkel at Islas Marietas Islands:
Horse Riding:
Zip Lining:
Golf Cart Rental
Unique Experience:
Private yacht excursions around Islas Marietas and Horseback riding on the beach.
Honest Destination Review:
Punta Mita is a luxury destination and ideal for those looking to splurge on a high-end vacation. The beaches are beautiful and relatively private and the activities like surfing at La Lancha and whale watching add to its appeal. While it offers an exclusive experience, it can be quite expensive, so if you're looking for a place that offers high end services, this one is for you.
Sayulita
A vibrant, bohemian surf town with a lively art scene.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Adventure:
Surf:
Whales:
Unique Experience:
Learning how to surf and whale watching when in season.
Honest Destination Review:
Sayulita is a vibrant, bohemian surf town known for its lively art scene and welcoming atmosphere. The town is colorful and full of life, with excellent dining options and lots of shops. The surf is great for beginners and experienced surfers alike and perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and cultural immersion. However, it can get very crowded, especially during peak season, and the infrastructure might not be as developed as other destinations so keep that in mind when choosing when to visit.
Oaxaca
Huatulco
Known for its nine bays, beautiful beaches, and eco-friendly tourism.
Best Season to Visit:
October to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Ocean:
Regional:
Unique Experience:
Coffee plantation and indigenous traditions tours.
Honest Destination Review:
Huatulco is known for its nine beautiful bays and commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The beaches are pristine, and the snorkeling is excellent, particularly in San Agustin Bay.
Huatulco is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and sustainability, though it might be quieter compared to more bustling destinations if you head away from the hotel zone, otherwise is quite a resort atmosphere.
Puerto Escondido
A surfer's paradise with a mix of lively and tranquil beaches.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Wildlife:
Surf:
Kayak:
Horseback Riding:
Unique Experience:
Bioluminescent plankton tours at Manialtepec Lagoon.
Honest Destination Review:
Puerto Escondido is a surfer's haven. Zicatela Beach is famous for its surf breaks, while Playa Carrizalillo is great for swimming and snorkeling. The local vibe is relaxed, with excellent dining options and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great spot for both adventure and relaxation. If you're looking for a more authentic experience this is a great place to be.
Yucatán Peninsula
Quintana Roo
Bacalar
Known as the "Lake of Seven Colors," Bacalar is famous for its stunning lagoon and eco tourism. Even though it is not in the ocean, it is worth a mention here.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Kayaking on Bacalar Lagoon.
Exploring the lagoon by boat.
Unique Experience:
Sailing tours on the lagoon.
Honest Destination Review:
Bacalar is a paradise for nature lovers and peaceful times. Kayaking on the lagoon and exploring the cenotes are must-do activities. The town has a charming, laid-back vibe, and the Fort of San Felipe adds a touch of history. While it’s less crowded than other tourist spots (slowly getting more and more attention), there are wonderful places to stay for all budgets.
Cancún
A world-renowned destination famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts.
Best Season to Visit:
December to April.
Best Beaches:
Top Activities:
Snorkeling at Punta Nizuc.
Exploring the Mayan ruins of El Rey.
Diving at MUSA
Mexican Cooking class
Cozumel
A paradise for divers and snorkelers with its vibrant coral reefs and clear waters.
Best Season to Visit:
March to June.
Best Beaches:
Best activities:
Diving at Palancar Reef.
Spend a day at El Cielo.
Exploring San Gervasio Ruins.
Unique experience:
Sea turtle nesting tours (May to October).
Holbox
An idyllic island with sandy streets, colorful murals, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches
Top Activities:
Experience the Bioluminescence:
Exploring the island:
Unique Experience:
Bioluminescence tours during the right season.
Honest Destination Review:
We loved Holbox to disconnect and enjoy nature for some days. The bioluminescence tour was our favourite experience, though you can really see how it's getting very touristy and do not know how long will it keep being as natural and raw as it is.
Sian Ka'an
A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering unspoiled nature and diverse wildlife.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Best Activities:
Bird watching and wildlife tours.
Kayaking through the biosphere reserve.
Exploring the ancient Muyil ruins.
Unique Experience:
Guided boat tours through the lagoons and canals.
Honest destination review:
For Sian Ka'an, it's essential to visit during the recommended season, as sargassum can be quite high during other times, especially in the summer. The smell can be very pungent, and you might not be able to enjoy the beach. The wildlife tour is a must-do, and the lagoon and ocean surrounding the biosphere are absolutely amazing!
Tulum
Known for its bohemian vibe, eco-friendly resorts, and ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best Beaches:
Best activities:
Exploring Tulum Ruins.
Swimming in Cenotes like Tak Be Ha or Dos Ojos, plus exploring the surrounding crystal-clear water lagoons.
Yoga, meditation classes and holistic wellness retreats at Sanará Tulum.
Spiritual Temazcal:
Yucatán
Celestún
Famous for its flamingo colonies and tranquil beaches.
Best Season to Visit:
November to March.
Best beaches:
Best activities:
Flamingo watching tours.
Mangrove boat tours.
Unique Experience:
Visiting the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
Honest destination review:
Sisal
A quiet fishing village known for its natural beauty and serene beaches.
Best Season to Visit:
November to April.
Best beaches:
La playita and Sisal Beach
Best activities:
Unique Experience:
Eco-tourism excursions and turtle watching.
Honest Destination Review:
Sisal is a tranquil fishing village perfect for peaceful times. The beaches are serene and relatively untouched, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty. Bird watching is a popular activity here and staying for a few days allows you to explore the historic lighthouse and enjoy the local seafood. However, amenities are limited compared to more developed tourist areas. A good day trip idea from Mérida.
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