30 Charming Beach Towns in Mexico: The Ultimate List!

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 its beautiful beaches are what you might think of first.

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 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!

Baja California’s best beach towns

The Baja California Peninsula, just south of California, is part of Mexico. The peninsula 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 the area and have written a whole guide on the coolest beach towns in Baja California. Hop on over to that post for details, as we briefly highlight only three of them 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.

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.

Best beach towns in Yucatan area

Think of a heavenly beach with powdery sand, cobalt blue waters and tall palm trees. We guarantee you’ll find a beach on the Yucatan Peninsula to match the image in your mind!

This area of Mexico is possibly the most-visited – and it’s easy to see why.

Not only will the beaches make you feel like you’re dreaming, but you’ll find some of the best resort towns in Mexico.

Add to that a bounty of activities – from snorkeling and diving to exploring the Yucatan’s Mayan ruins (some of which are perched right by the sea) – and you have yourself an obvious pick for your next sun-and-sand vacation.

4) Cancun

Let’s begin this section with the heart of the Mexican Caribbean – big bold Cancun, a major coastal resort city. A top Mexico tourist destination, 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.

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

A delightful Yucatan beach town, Tulum has recently become one of the most popular tropical travel spots in Mexico.

Prices and tourist numbers have rocketed. So it’s no longer a quiet coastal town. But it still has miles of incredible white sand beaches.

And Tulum’s cool beachfront hotels, yoga studios and impressive restaurant scene soothe and satisfy the body and soul of even the weariest of travelers.

Tulum is also famous for the many cenotes in the local Riviera Maya area.

6) Playa del Carmen

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 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) Akumal

Situated about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is a must-visit place if you’re searching for a more unspoiled beach scene.

Here, you’ll find everything the Rivera Maya is famous for – turquoise waters, white beaches, lots of colorful tropical fish – just without so many people.

Snorkeling with sea turtles at Akumal is one of the best things to do in the Yucatan.

North Akumal is also the place we first tasted fresh (real!) tamarind margaritas – at La Buena Vida.

This too-good-to-be-true beach club is on Halfmoon Bay, about a 15-minute walk from Playa Akumal (the main beach).

We had a super fun day here, sipping zinger cocktails and noshing on fish tacos, dipping our toes in the pool, checking out the “crow’s nest” tables (reached by climbing a ladder) and dozing in hammocks.

If you want nightlife, Akumal’s not the place. Head in either direction to Playa or Tulum.

But it is the perfect spot for a slower-paced vacation and is also excellent for families.

8) Bacalar

Once you’ve enjoyed the tourist attractions on tap further north in the state of Quintana Roo (northeast side of the Yucatan Peninsula), head south to Bacalar for a more chilled-out experience.

The town of Bacalar sits around six miles from the coast (close to the coastal city of Chetumal and the Mexico/Belize border). But its lagoons in Lake Bacalar – reflecting different shades of aqua and blue – are the reason we’re including it in our list of best Mexico beach towns.

Boat tours of the lake take you to beautiful cenotes and hidden islands, and in a few places, you can jump off straight into the water.

Swinging in a hammock over the water is famously pleasurable too.

Also, don’t miss Los Rapidos (Bacalar Rapids), where you can float down a lazy river (or whoosh downstream, depending on the water levels).

Back in town, Bacalar is a quaint kind of place with colorful buildings and a few excellent local eateries.

Fun fact: The town of Bacalar was raided by pirates in the 17th century, thanks to a small canal that connects with the sea. This canal is now known as the Pirates’ Canal.

9) Isla Mujeres

You can’t have a list of the best beach towns in Mexico without thinking about some of the islands off the Yucatan Peninsula coast.

First, to manage expectations, Isla Mujeres isn’t exactly an undiscovered island. As it’s just a 30-minute high-speed ferry ride away from Cancun, it’s quite touristy.

Away from the beach, life on Isla Mujeres centers around Avenida Miguel Hidalgo.

This is where you’ll find shops to buy Mexican souvenirs and tour operators offering boat trips out to the coral reef.

There are also plenty of restaurants here.

But be aware they’re the most expensive on the island. You’ll find more traditional food at cheaper prices a few streets away.

10) Isla Holbox

Caribbean waters wash up on the shores of Isla Holbox, a fetchingly bohemian island with colorful street art and seductive beaches.

Located northwest of Cancun, this skinny island (26 miles long but only a mile wide) is reached by boat from Chiquila on the mainland.

If Isla Mujeres (#8 above) is too busy for you, Isla Holbox should do the trick. You ride golf carts instead of cars on the sandy roads, and all buildings are low-rise (they can’t be higher than 40 feet).

Other activities (if you feel the need for doing something else) include taking a tour to see bioluminescent phytoplankton at night or exploring the island’s mangroves.

El Cuyo is a real hidden gem when it comes to Yucatan beach towns.

The beach is a spit with a lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, similar to Celestun (#15 below). And like Celestun, if you venture into the lagoon, you have a good chance of spotting flamingos.

Back by the beach, El Cuyo is a vast stretch of white sand that’s popular with kite fliers and windsurfers, thanks to the often windy conditions here.

The small town itself has a few guesthouses – nothing uber fancy, but comfortable enough. La Casa Cielo is our top pick for where to stay in El Cuyo.

Restaurants like La Conchita serve up highly-rated shrimp, fried fish and other fresh seafood dishes.

When exploring the Rivera Maya, most visitors jump straight from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, not stopping at Puerto Morelos. It’s positioned halfway between the two.

However, if you have the time, Puerto Morelos is one of the best beach towns near Cancun to laze about for a few days.

Unlike other towns on the Rivera Maya, Puerto Morelos still seems like a sleepy fishing village with a traditional town center. Prices generally are slightly lower and all attractions are less crowded.

Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are abundant, thanks to the part of the Mesoamerican Reef lying just offshore.

Step onboard a ferry at Playa del Carmen, and in less than an hour, you’ll find yourself on the beautiful island of Cozumel.

Hire a scooter or jeep when you dock, and you can easily explore the entire place in one 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!

14) Mahahual

There was a time that Mahahual, close to the Belize border, would have popped up on your radar when searching for small towns in Mexico with beaches.

But now, with a cruise ship dock, Mahahual sees its fair share of tourists. USD is more common than pesos, and lots of activities cater to visitors. (Consider timing your visit when there are fewer ships in port.)

That said, Mahahual is still appealing. It’s a great blend of rural vibes and tourist amenities.

The town’s champagne-colored beaches, turquoise Caribbean sea and reefs accessed straight from the beach reel in beach and watersports lovers.

Plus it has a variety of restaurants (try the seafood paella at Nohoch Kay, aka “The Big Fish”), along with plenty of places to stay.

And in the evening, after the day-trippers have left, the town is nothing short of magical.

15) Celestun

Perhaps you’ve already been to several of the popular resort areas in the Riviera Maya. Now you’d like to visit some really non-touristy beach towns in Mexico. We give you… Celestun in the state of Yucatan, a three-hour drive from Merida.

Home to the UNESCO-listed Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, it’s located on a spit off the Yucatan Peninsula, sandwiched between a lagoon on one side and the sea on the other.

Less than a mile from the lagoon sits Celestun. It caters mainly to Mexican tourists. So if you want to practice your Spanish, this sweet Yucatan beach town is just the ticket!

It caters mainly to Mexican tourists. So if you want to practice your Spanish, this sweet Yucatan beach town is just the ticket!

16) Puerto Progreso

Playa Progreso is the beach that Merida locals and ex-pats escape to when the weather in the city gets too dang hot.

The white sand beach is part of Puerto Progreso, a small coastal town about a half-hour drive from Merida.

It’s a cruise terminal, so most of its foot traffic is from passengers who disembark here to see Merida or some of the ruins in the area.

As for Progreso Beach, it’s perfect for sunbathing or paddling a SUP board. And it doesn’t get anywhere near as busy as those in Quintana Roo (except maybe when a cruise ship docks).

Best beach towns near Puerto Vallarta

The area is generally more affordable than the Yucatan too.

17) Puerto Vallarta

Like Cabo (see #1), PV is also one of the best-known Mexican vacation cities 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!

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.

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.

18) Punta Mita

Rub shoulders with the rich and famous at Punta Mita!

Close to Puerto Vallarta in Nayarit state, this 1,500-acre privately owned peninsula is one of the best Mexican resort destinations for a splurge.

It’s nearly surrounded by bright blue water, and virtually every hotel and property boasts wonderful ocean views.

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.

19) 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.

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.

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.

21) San Pancho

To get more off the beaten path, head 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.

You might find day-trippers from Sayulita frequenting the beach during the day. But come evening, San Pancho is enchantingly quiet and serene.

Best 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 #24 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!

22) 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.

Playa Zipolite sits next to Mazunte (#22) 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.

24) 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.

25) 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.

Chacahua is the optimal place to relax and disconnect. There are a few family-run guesthouses 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!

26) 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 beach 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.

Other best beach towns: Pacific Coast Mexico

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!

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.

28) Ixtapa

Ixtapa is the “ying” to Zihuatanejo’s “yang.”

Located about four miles from Zihua, Ixtapa is one of the most popular Mexico resort towns with 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 to stay while exploring the surrounding charms of the area.

29) Troncones

Troncones was once a small fishing village without any infrastructure.

Now it has relaxed eco-friendly hotels (like The Inn Manzanillo Bay and Hacienda Eden), local restos serving delicious food and a strong surf culture. But it still retains much of its original charm.

Troncones only counts about 500 local residents. So while its main industry is tourism, it never feels overcrowded.

And good news for those on a budget. Like Mazunte (#22 above), it’s also one of the cheapest Mexican beach towns.

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?

30) 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 beach towns

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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Photo credits: 6, 7, 12, 34, 38, 50 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase 

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