Hola! What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexico?
Yes, the country has mountains, rainforests, yawning canyons and charming colonial cities. But it’s most often associated with its beautiful beaches.
With 5,800 miles of coastline spanning the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, there’s more than enough sand to squish your toes into!
Some of the top things to do in Mexico include world-class scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and hanging out on tropical beaches that look like they’ve vaulted straight off a postcard.
Mexico’s best beach towns have grown up around many of these sandy shores.
While some are tourism hotspots, others have kept their traditional charm. All are coastal gems in their own right – we know from firsthand experience after exploring many of them over the years!
Contents: 30 Best beach towns in Mexico
Baja California’s top beach towns
Most popular beach towns in Yucatan
Baja California’s top beach towns
Part of Mexico, the Baja California Peninsula (just south of California) is split into two states: Baja California Sur to the south and Baja California to the north. And it has some fantastic Mexican resort towns!
Think world-class surfing, vibrant art scenes, abundant marine life in the Sea of Cortez (on the peninsula’s east side) and superb nearby wine regions.
We’re frequent visitors to Baja and the Los Cabos area and have written a whole guide on the nine coolest beach towns in Baja California. Hop on over to that post for details, as we only highlight three here.
1) Cabo San Lucas
First up, the big flashy star of Baja – Cabo San Lucas!
Nestled at the peninsula’s tip, Cabo is known for its yacht-filled marina, nightlife, luxury resorts and gorgeous beaches like Medano Beach.
Whale watching, deep sea fishing, snorkeling and surfing are among some of the best things to do. Also be sure to hop aboard a water taxi to see the iconic rock arch (El Arco) rising up from the sea.
2) Todos Santos
The arty town of Todos Santos is one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (magic towns). And it’s a magical little place!
It’s also one of the most popular Mexican surf towns (especially for beginners), with consistent fun waves at nearby Playa Los Cerritos.
An hour’s drive from Cabo San Lucas, it makes for an easy day trip.
But lately, we’ve enjoyed staying for a few days at one of Todos Santos’ cool boutique hotels, kicking back on the town’s beaches and savoring its excellent farm-to-table food scene.
3) Ensenada
About 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border, this coastal resort town is a go-to weekend escape for Southern Californians craving a taste of Mexico.
Stroll the seaside malecon, spot whales in winter and indulge in world-class wine tasting and dining at nearby Valle de Guadalupe.
Most popular beach towns in the Yucatan
Think of a heavenly beach with powdery sand, cobalt blue waters and tall palm trees. We guarantee there’s one on the Yucatan Peninsula that matches your dream!
Not only are the beaches stunning, but the Yucatan is home to some of the best beach towns in Mexico. Add to that activities ranging from snorkeling and diving to exploring the Yucatan’s Mayan ruins (some of which are perched right by the sea), and it’s easy to see why the area is an obvious pick for a sun-and-sand vacation.
Below, we highlight the peninsula’s larger and most popular tourist destinations. But if you’d like to explore smaller gems like Isla Mujeres and Bacalar, see our guide on 12 charming beach towns in the Yucatan!
4) Cancun
Let’s begin with the heart of the Mexican Caribbean – big bold Cancun. One of the top coastal cities in Mexico, it’s located in the state of Quintana Roo on the northeast end of the Yucatan Peninsula.
For many international visitors, it’s a toss-up between Cancun and Cabo or Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. And for many, Cancun wins out.
Yes, Cancun has a reputation for being the ultimate “Spring Break” vacation destination.
But it’s also the go-to place for luxury hotels with swim-up suites and other bells and whistles, excellent scuba diving and other watersports, attractions like Xcaret Nature Park and sophisticated restaurants serving up global cuisine.
Oh, and have we mentioned the quintessentially Caribbean white-sand beaches?
Cancun also has a large international airport, with flights coming in from all over North America, South America and various destinations across Europe. So it’s where a lot of people begin their Mexican travels.
5) Tulum
About two hours south of Cancun in the Riviera Maya, trendy Tulum has skyrocketed in popularity as a top tropical getaway in Mexico.
But while it’s no longer the serene beach town it once was, Tulum still holds onto its charm with its endless stretches of white sand.
Sure, prices have climbed, but with that comes a slew of luxury digs, from chic spots in Tulum Town to stylish beachfront hotels. (We adore the ones with private pool suites!)
Add in yoga studios and a thriving restaurant scene, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for restoring both body and soul.
Tulum’s ruins are another one of its biggest draws.
Dating back to around the 11th century, the ancient Mayan city of Tulum is perched on cliffs overlooking the brilliantly blue Caribbean Sea. Stairs lead down to a perfect beach, so you can explore the ruins then cool off with a swim.
Tulum is also famous for the many cenotes in the local Riviera Maya area.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes and caves, partly open to the sky and filled with cool fresh water. We were completely entranced swimming in some of them – we think they’re reason enough to plan a trip to Tulum!
6) Playa del Carmen
A lively nightlife scene? Check. Luxury resorts and condos? Yes. Restaurants specializing in both Mexican and international fare? Indeed.
And the beaches? Terrific!
Another one of the top vacation towns in Mexico hugging the Yucatan’s Caribbean Coast, Playa del Carmen has 20 miles of beaches with golden sands.
Because it’s fairly close to Cancun (about an hour’s drive along the gorgeous Mexican Caribbean Coast), this fun-filled resort town has seen a surge in popularity and development.
But venture beyond 5th Avenue’s souvenir shops and buzzy bars like Senor Frogs and La Vaquita, and you’ll still find a slice of local life.
If you’re kicking off a Riviera Maya beach-hopping adventure, the town is a perfect first stop.
You can unwind and soak up the local vibe. Perhaps bed down in a condo with a rooftop pool looking out over the city. Or book a thatched luxury bungalow at Mahekal Beach Resort, just minutes’ away from the action.
7) San Miguel de Cozumel
Step onboard a ferry at Playa del Carmen, and in less than an hour, you’ll reach the beautiful island of Cozumel.
Hire a scooter or jeep when you dock, and you can easily explore much of the place in a day.
The island’s capital is San Miguel de Cozumel. It’s a traditional Mexican town with brightly colored buildings and taco restaurants lining the streets.
A few beaches are within walking distance. However, you’ll need wheels to reach Cozumel’s most popular beaches, like Playa Palancar and Tortugas Beach Club.
Cozumel is a slice of island paradise.
If comparing Cozumel with Cancun, it definitely doesn’t have as many attractions, bars and restaurants as Cancun.
But its natural beauty, laid-back vibe and top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving make it well worth your vacation time.
After we earned our dive cards, Cozumel is where we vacationed to test out our newly-learned scuba diving skills – and to escape Cancun!
Fun beach towns near Puerto Vallarta
Stretching along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
And like Cabo (see #1), PV makes for an easy trip if you live on the west coast of the U.S. or Canada. It’s just a short hop away, really!
The coastline offers enchanting beaches, hidden Mexico beach towns with fun traditional atmospheres and amazing surf for wave chasers.
The area is generally more affordable than the Yucatan too.
8) Puerto Vallarta
Hugging the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta is blessed with great weather year-round, awesome restaurants, a wealth of tourist attractions, cool boutique hotels – and lots of different beaches for surfers, swimmers and snorkelers.
Because it’s a sizeable city (population about 380,000 in the greater metro area), there’s something in Puerto Vallarta for everyone.
It certainly has its touristy side. But seek, and ye shall find hidden taquerias and tequila bars where you can practice speaking Spanish and hang out with locals.
There are plenty of places to soak up the Mexican beach culture in Puerto Vallarta too.
Plonk yourself down at a beach bar on buzzing Playa Los Muertos for people-watching.
Or take a walk down Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon for epic Pacific Coast views and beautiful sculptures.
What we especially like about PV is that it’s not just a popular tourist destination.
It’s a real thriving Mexican city, where Mexicans live and work and go about their business. It hasn’t lost its authentic nature and isn’t as “Americanized” as say, Cabo. It’s one of our favorite beach cities in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta has one of the busiest international airports in the country, with connections to destinations across the USA, Canada and elsewhere in Mexico.
This makes it a great gateway to other beachy Mexican vacation spots as well.
9) Punta Mita
Rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Punta Mita!
Close to Puerto Vallarta in Nayarit state, this exclusive 1,500-acre privately owned peninsula is perfect for a splurge.
It’s nearly surrounded by bright blue water, and virtually every hotel and property boasts wonderful ocean views.
It incorporates five ritzy resorts, including the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort (the first St Regis property in Latin America) and the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.
As you’d expect from such a glamorous enclave, all hotels offer world-class facilities.
Alternatively, for a deluxe but more intimate stay, try the villa-style Casa de Mita. It’s one of our all-time favorite places to stay!
From spas and golf courses to gourmet restaurants, everything at Punta Mita is designed to ensure you’re vacationing in the lap of luxury.
Tee off on the 36-hole Punta Mita Golf Club, try out watersports like surfing and kayaking, or just relax aboard a boat and look out for dolphins or whales.
In the evening, savor seafood tacos and tasty steaks (paired with fine wines) at one of the peninsula’s beach clubs.
10) Yelapa
Yelapa is a tiny pueblo that’s best accessed by boat – which you can take from Puerto Vallarta. There are a few roads leading to the outskirts of the town, but no cars are permitted in the town itself.
Yelapa makes an ideal day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
You’ll find golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, iguanas hanging around in the trees, two breathtaking waterfalls you can hike to and several beachside restaurants serving frosty margaritas and the freshest seafood caught in the waters that day.
It’s nothing short of idyllic.
Not ready to leave paradise after just a day?
Happily, you can stay overnight. Yelapa has a few accommodation options.
Many of these are self-catered rentals which you can book through Booking.com or Airbnb. . Or check into the boutique hippie-chic Verana Hotel.
Yelapa is not quite as off-the-grid as it was. (It has electricity, which arrived in 2001.) No matter, it’s still one of the cutest small beach towns in Mexico for an escape from civilization.
Pssst! Keep an eye out for the “pie lady.” (And pssst! There’s more than one pie lady.)
She’ll come around to the beach every day with warm fresh-baked coconut cream pies and sell you a slice. We’ve not tasted better anywhere!
11) Sayulita
Say Sayulita, go surfing!
The sandy beaches in Sayulita are catnip for surfers. The water is nearly always warm, and the balmy tropical weather is perfect for a beach day, even if you’re not a surfer.
Sayulita was once a sleepy little beach settlement.
Not so now. In recent years, it’s morphed into one of the best Mexican beach towns for digital nomads and yogis, as well as for surfers.
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It’s still easy to find a bit of solitude though. And while there are plenty of vegan cafés and meditation studios, the town has still retained some of its authentic charm.
As for riding those waves, Sayulita Main Beach has a sandy bottom break and is ideal for beginners.
Alternatively, El Punto and La Izquierda are excellent choices for intermediate and advanced surfers.
A little over an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita makes for a pleasant day trip from PV if you’ve got a car (or you can take the bus).
We had fun poking about the shops strung along the sandy streets and watching the board-flying antics from the beach.
If you want to stay a few days, Villa Amor is the most luxurious option. Anjali Casa Divina (for adults only) also comes highly recommended.
12) San Pancho
To get more off the beaten path, drive six miles down the road from Sayulita to San Pancho.
It’s a pint-sized surf town, where palm trees sway lazily and the golden sands invite you to kick back and relax.
San Pancho doesn’t have much in the way of amenities. But if you’re after a super mellow escape, this probably suits you just fine.
Apart from taking it easy, surfing is the main attraction for those who want to catch some waves.
San Pancho has one main break, which is quite reliable. It can have some gnarly rips, so be careful if you’re a beginner.
You might find day-trippers from Sayulita frequenting the beach during the day. But come evening, San Pancho is enchantingly quiet and serene.
Cool beach towns in Oaxaca
Head to the state of Oaxaca for chilled-out vibes, wicked surfing and budget-friendly prices.
The beach scene centers around Puerto Escondido (see #15 below), but it’s still slower-paced than many other sand-and-sea spots in Mexico.
Plus, there are countless hidden coves and small authentic beach towns around, with some of the best Mexican restaurants you’ll ever dine at. After all, you’re in Oaxaca, the state celebrated for its Mexican food!
13) Mazunte
Have you heard of the hippie Oaxaca beach town of Mazunte?
It’s a top choice for an easygoing beach vacation without hordes of people.
Although it’s another one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos, it’s also one of the cheapest beach towns in Mexico.
Life in Mazunte revolves around the beaches, which are all famous for their impressive surf.
Then there’s the rocky peninsula of Punta Cometa jutting out of the Mazunte coastline. It’s a glorious place to catch a Pacific Ocean sunset.
You’ll also find a few small bars and eateries. If you’re tired of tacos, try the Italian food at Alessandro.
Mainly, Mazunte is an ideal location to kick back, unplug from the world and relax.
14) Playa Zipolite
Playa Zipolite sits next to Mazunte (#13 above) and is famous for surfing, turtles – and nudists!
That’s right. Playa Zipolite is Mexico’s only nudist beach.
The clothing optional policy doesn’t span the entire beach, though, and you certainly won’t be made to feel out of place if you rock up wearing a bathing suit.
Zipolite is popular with surfers, with a few surf schools lining the beachfront.
If you aren’t an advanced surfer, it’s best to take a lesson rather than tackle the waves independently. The current is very strong here.
Swimming is also not recommended due to rips and currents. But never fear, there are some hotels with great swimming pools nearby.
15) Puerto Escondido
We’ve already mentioned Puerto Escondido.
This legendary Mexican surf spot is blessed with oodles of waves.
One of the best beaches in Mexico for hardcore surfing, Playa Zicatela is perhaps the most (in)famous in town. Don’t try to surf here if you’re a newbie!
Instead, head to the more placid bay of Carrizalillo, which is populated by surf schools looking to give beginners their first lesson.
In town, discover restaurants offering global cuisine and plenty of bars to enjoy an ice-cold mezcal.
There are also lots of shops. Maybe try your hand at bargaining for a gift or keepsake?
Puerto Escondido is definitely busier than other hangouts on the Oaxacan coastline. But the number of tourists is far fewer than the likes of those in Cancun and Tulum.
16) Chacahua
Nestled in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, Chacahua is without a doubt one of the most unique Mexican coastal towns!
A far cry from the mass tourism of the Yucatan (or even Puerto Escondido), Chacahua summons travelers seeking an under-the-radar, rural and rustic experience.
Reachable by lancha (a small boat) from El Zapotalito, arriving in Chacahua is an experience in itself. You’ll pass through scenic mangroves, a natural habitat for turtles, alligators and various birds, eventually docking at the town’s pier.
There are a few family-run guesthouses in Chacahua but no large hotels.
Most visitors spend their days hitting the waves with a surfboard, exploring the mangroves, looking out for bioluminescence in the evening and hiking to spots like the El Faro lighthouse.
Or just welcome the slow life and see where each day takes you!
17) Santa Cruz
The town of Santa Cruz is tucked away on Santa Cruz Bay, one of nine bays in Huatulco in the southern part of Oaxaca state. It’s the go-to spot for a central base in Huatulco.
Its sheltered south-facing beach (Santa Cruz Beach) is perfect for swimming, especially for families, thanks to its gentle waters and nearby amenities. And while it fronts Huatulco’s hotel district, its golden sands still offer plenty of room to spread out and soak up the sun.
Santa Cruz is a popular spot to watch the world go by – nosh on tamales at a beachside eatery while watching boats go in and out of the nearby port.
Other small towns in Huatulco
Huatulco is also home to a few smaller Mexican beach destinations, each with their own character and atmosphere.
La Crucecita, for instance – just a short walk from Santa Cruz via a pedestrian path – is a charming spot with classic Oaxacan architecture centered around the zocalo (town square). It has a traditional Mexican vibe, and there are plenty of eateries for sampling delicious Oaxacan dishes like mole and anything with quesillo.
On the other hand, if you’re after a more upscale experience, Tangolunda Bay is the place to be. It’s known for its luxury resorts, and you’ll find plenty of condos with infinity pools too.
More great beach towns on Mexico’s Pacific Coast
We’re not finished yet! There are more Mexican states on the Pacific Coast with great beach towns – including some very local spots where you better know some Spanish!
18) Zihuatanejo
Ahhh, Zihuatanejo!
Around 200 miles northwest of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, Zihuatanejo is one of the newest Pueblo Magicos – and also one of the best coastal towns in Mexico for a romantic getaway.
Zihuatanejo’s beaches include Playa La Ropa. The main beach in town, it has everything you could want in a beach – powdery golden sand, gentle waves, fresh cold coconuts served whenever you want, beachfront dining…
During the rainy season, Zihuatanejo becomes a nesting haven for sea turtles who lay their eggs on the beaches. Then from August to February, you can help guide the tiny hatchlings make their first journey to the sea.
Zihuatanejo also has some wonderful accommodation options.
Take our favorite Zihua hotel, La Casa Que Canta.
The name translates to the poetic phrase “the house that sings.” It boasts boutique rooms and an unmatched cliffside setting. We’d go back in a heartbeat.
19) Ixtapa
Ixtapa is the “ying” to Zihuatanejo’s “yang.”
Located about four miles from Zihua, Ixtapa is favored by families, golfers and fans of deep sea fishing.
While it’s busy, you’ll find a beautiful white sand beach and plenty of amenities, including high-rise hotels (there are plenty of all-inclusives) and restaurants that cater to even the fussiest eater.
We personally preferred staying in Zihuatanejo. But for many, Ixtapa makes the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
20) Troncones
If you’re looking for non-touristy beach towns in Mexico, Troncones is your perfect match.
Once a small fishing village with little infrastructure, this hidden gem has kept much of its original charm, even as it’s grown into a laid-back surf haven.
Now it has relaxed eco-friendly hotels (like The Inn Manzanillo Bay and Hacienda Eden), along with local restos serving delicious food. But the vibe here is still refreshingly low-key.
Troncones only counts about 500 local residents. So while its main industry is tourism, it never feels overcrowded.
There’s not much to do in Troncones – apart from hitting the waves, chilling in a hammock at a B&B or watching sea turtles being released. But that’s why you’d want to visit, right?
21) Mazatlan
We have to be honest. Mazatlan isn’t our favorite.
Still, with its long sandy beaches, it’s one of the best beach destinations in Mexico for an affordable luxury Mexican getaway.
Actually, to be fair, we should probably revisit Mazatlan to see what it’s like now. It’s been years since we were last there.
We hear Mazatlan today is actually quite a charming colonial town, with cobblestone streets lined with brightly colored buildings housing shops and restaurants.
Other attractions include Mazatlan Aquarium, where you can learn about animal life in the local area. (Hello manta rays and sea lions!)
You might also want to catch a show at El Clavadista (The Diver) to watch professional divers jump from a rock at sunset.
From Mazatlan, you can also take a boat out to uninhabited Isla Venados (Deer Island). Part of an Ecological Reserve and Refuge Area, it’s popular for snorkeling and beach activities.
Okay, we’ve convinced ourselves to revisit Mazatlan!
That’s it for our list of the best Mexican resort towns with beaches!
As you can see, there are places for every taste and budget on this list.
Looking for nightlife? Head to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Want to snorkel with fewer crowds? We recommend Akumal or Puerto Morelos. Keen to try out surfing? Puerto Escondido has you covered.
If you’re planning a Mexican beach vacation, there’s a sandy spot waiting to welcome you for your dream vacay of sun-drenched fun.
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Check out more of Mexico!
Mexico City: Planning to enjoy three days in Mexico City? See our indepth itinerary covering the best museums, attractions and restaurants in the fabulous capital.
What to eat: Don’t miss trying these exotic and delicious types of Mexican fruit!
San Miguel de Allende: From the iconic pink Church of St. Michael to El Jardin (the main garden square), there are so many magical attractions in San Miguel de Allende! You can spend days in this small colonial city and not get bored.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 6, 7, 12, 22, 34, 36 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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