Beach Towns in Mexico: 17 Amazing Beach Destinations in Mexico For Your Next Vacation

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Are you dreaming of a beach vacation in Mexico? These incredible beach towns in Mexico offer a memorable escape for every type of traveler. Before permanently moving to Mexico to figure out where I wanted to live, I traveled from beach town to city and eventually decided beach life was for me.

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It’s no secret that there are some uniquely incredible beach towns in Mexico.

Mexico has some of the most picturesque oceans and beaches in the world, especially in well-known destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Cancun, which have been iconic escapes for decades now, while spots like Tulum, Isla Holbox, and Bacalar have been growing increasingly popular recently. 

Even with so many already well-known beach towns in Mexico to visit, there is still much more to discover.

There are still so many more regionally known pueblos and beach towns in Mexico to visit on both coasts.

My personal favorite is El Cuyo, Yucatan, on the north side of the Yucatan Peninsula. El Cuyo, Yucatan, lies near the site where scientists believe an asteroid struck the earth, leading to the mass extinction of the dinosaurs.

Furthermore, it’s unbelievable the number of flamingos that are around. It’s just incredible. Plus, it’s very close to the red-colored ocean, called Las Coloradas. El Cuyo is truly one of the best beach towns in Mexico.

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There are plenty of reasons to guard this pueblo and beach town, but mostly it still holds on strongly to its traditions, with Friday and Saturday evening events in the center of the pueblito.

It is the safest pueblo on any beach in all of Mexico.

I say this as an objective statement based on discussions with the police: property crime, violent crime, beach vendors dealing narcotics, beach clubs, beach resorts, and large corporate supermarkets or restaurants have all been absent for over 10 years; there isn’t even an OXXO.

The level of safety is at a comfort level where the local police do not carry firearms, they drive ATVs around town, and the beach is as pretty and serene as any one in the Riviera Maya without house music or any music at all in the air.

It resembles Cozumel in the early 90s and even earlier. I would love to put this as #1 on the list of best beach towns in Mexico.

I will need to dedicate an entire series of articles to all the beach towns in Mexico, both large and small, that I have visited, as I have never encountered one that evokes such a unique feeling. When you know, you know.

If your friends feel the same way when they visit, you’ve found one of the special beach towns in Mexico.

Read on down the list, and I’ve potentially slipped the name of this little-known beach town into the list of 17 amazing best beach towns in Mexico that I’ve created for you.

While those large beach towns like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos are wonderful and memorable beach towns and are well worth visiting, there are so many more options you may not have even heard of.

Expedia has great, low-cost flights to the larger cities that are near many beach towns in Mexico. To get to the best beach towns in Mexico, you’ll need a rental car most likely.

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With over 9,000 kilometers of coastline, there are beach towns in Mexico for every type of traveler!

Whether you prefer a world-class surf break, laid-back hippie vibes, breezy luxury, or a sleepy fishing village, you’re sure to find it somewhere in Mexico. 

To help highlight the best beach towns in Mexico, I teamed up with some fellow travel bloggers to put together this list of alluring beach destinations that are perfect for your next getaway.

But make sure to take plenty of pictures with your phone! Use this phone case to protect it while you’re enjoying the beach to waterproof your phone!

Best Beach Towns in Mexico

1. Rosarito Beach, Baja California

By Mikkel of Sometimes Home 

Don’t you just love unexpected pleasant surprises when you visit a city or town you have no expectations for? 

It frequently offers opportunities for amazement! And that’s exactly what happened for us with Rosarito Beach, just south of Tijuana on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. 

We went to visit Tijuana as the main attraction for the weekend, and someone in our group suggested Rosarito Beach as an overnight destination for the trip.

We were so glad we went! We had no prior knowledge of Rosarito, and the abundance of amazing activities left us in awe! 

This city is a beautiful place to vacation for a few days to relax with a margarita in hand, listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean lap against the shoreline.

It’s an effortless drive from San Diego if you’re in the states and want to drive to Mexico—it’s just an hour and a half drive.

Plus it’s FULL of incredibly inexpensive beautiful hotels!

There are delicious places to eat, like Susanna’s, owned by an American expat (and strong female businesswoman herself), and a gorgeous resort; we highly recommend Rosarito Beach Hotel. 

We were also able to find beautiful street art if you’re into public murals and no shortage of photo-worthy spots in Rosarito!

Planning a trip to the Baja Peninsula? Check out these awesome things to do in Baja California before you go!

2. Loreto, Baja Sur

By Jenn and Ed of Coleman Concierge 

Loreto is a remote town in Baja Sur, about three hours up the coast from La Paz. There is an international airport where you can fly in for a weekend journey, or you can make it a rest stop on a long road trip through the Baja. 

No matter how you reach Loreto, you’ll find one of the best beach towns in Mexico.

Loreto in Baja Sur has a town square with its Spanish mission in the center and actually feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

If you couldn’t see it from the pueblo, you wouldn’t know the ocean is near some of Mexico’s best beach towns.

The beaches in town are nice, but nothing spectacular. However, a short boat ride to the nearby islands will leave you in awe. 

On the way over, you might see blue whales in the winter and whale sharks in the summer.

Most captains will stop at Isla Coronado for lunch, exploration, or doing nothing whatsoever.

The desolate white sand beach stretches out as far as your eyes can see. Warm turquoise water rolls onto the shore. This scene is paradise by any definition. 

There is no shortage of incredible things to do in Loreto, so don’t hesitate to reserve an incredible and inexpensive hotel for a 2-3 night stay in Loreto.

Best West Coast Beach Towns in Mexico

3. Sayulita, Nayarit

By Luke of The Coastal Campaign 

Located on the west coast of Mexico, you will find the quaint little surf town of Sayulita, one of my favorite beach towns in Mexico!

This beautiful town is just a one-hour drive north of Puerto Vallarta, although it feels like it’s a million miles away. 

It is our favorite place to visit in Mexico, and its popularity is mainly due to the laid-back surf vibe, the culture that makes for such a great atmosphere around the town, and the numerous one-way flights from Mexico City that are under $100!!! 

Sayulita is home to some great waves, with options for both beginners and advanced surfers.

We rented a couple of boards, and after slapping on the sunscreen, paddled out into the lineup to score some waves. Unlike many surf towns, the local surfers were really friendly, and it was a fun few hours catching waves. 

We were hungry after a strenuous day of surfing, and there was no shortage of delectable local cuisine.

There are numerous rustic cafes serving food all day, and a cold drink is never too far away. 

Sayulita is also home to plenty of boutique shops offering clothing, jewelry, surf gear, and more.

Sayulita is a magic little surf town, and we can’t wait to get back to soak up the atmosphere again soon. 

Click here to learn about more incredible beaches near Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas!

4. Islas Marietas, Nayarit

By Christina of BuenQamino 

The Islas Marietas are a tiny group of uninhabited islands off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico.

Similar to the Galapagos Islands, this national park is home to the Blue-footed Booby and is protected by the Mexican government since it is a UNESCO reserve. 

These islands are also home to the Instagram-famous Hidden Beach (Islas Amor). It’s a crater beach only accessible at low tide and via permit (just 116 visitors allowed per day/five days a week). 

When researching, you will find that, although there are plenty of Islas Marietas tours (from Punta Mita or Sayulita), none truly guarantee you will step foot on Hidden Beach. 

I went with a group and booked a Marietas Island Tour on TripAdvisor. I sprung for a three-hour snorkeling tour that started at 9 AM from Punta de Mita.

We heard stories that these tours fill up quickly, so we made reservations 3 weeks in advance. I had a hard time getting them on the phone, so I booked this tour of the Marietas Islands here.

Upon arriving by boat at the islands, we encountered government officials who were checking permits and wristbands, and they informed our tour guide about the timing of our 30-minute window to swim to the beach.

Unfortunately, two people who hopped onto our tour last minute weren’t allowed to access it due to the island already reaching capacity for the day. 

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You are given both life jackets and helmets in order to swim underneath the rock into the beach. It might have been the adrenaline talking, but I didn’t find it a particularly difficult swim. Enjoy! 

5. Las Animas Beach, Jalisco

By Nathan of Live, Dream, Discover 

Las Animas Beach near Puerto Vallarta is a great spot to spend a day or two. The best part about this beach is it is only reached by boat or by hiking to it. 

The hike to Las Animas starts in Boca de Tomatlan and goes along a beautiful coastline with hidden beaches, coconut-filled jungle, and a couple of unique spots for a drink along the way. 

The hike takes about 2-3 hours, and you end up at Las Animas beach, where you can swim, eat, and drink to your heart’s content. 

After you have finished cooling off and enjoying the area, you can take a boat back to where you started the hike in Boca. 

This hike has become very popular in the last few years, so you will probably see tourists along the way.

There are a number of new, modern, and eco-friendly hotels to stay in located quite close to Las Animas Beach. Check out the selection of new hotels here.

Make sure you have a comfortable-fitting swimsuit, as you will want to swim in the picturesque playas along the way.

Bring water, and keep in mind that it’s best to wear tennis shoes or some hiking shoes.

However, I have seen people complete the hike in flip-flops. 

Here are some recommended hotels for you if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta there is a bus (I recommend using BusBud.com for the best selections of bus fare) that goes from PV to Boca to start the hike to Las Animas.

6. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Puerto Vallarta has long been one of Mexico’s standout beach towns. Unlike some of Mexico’s premier resort towns, Puerto Vallarta hasn’t been completely “Americanized” with massive shopping centers, glitzy resorts, and endless American chains.

Don’t get me wrong: it does have that, but it also retains a lot of charm. Check out the unique hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals in Puerto Vallarta so you can stay in one of these unique accommodations that fits your needs.

You’ll find cobblestone streets and Spanish-style architecture draped with colorful bougainvillea, which give the city a lovely, romantic feel.

On top of being one of Mexico’s most aesthetically appealing cities, there is just no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Whether you want to lounge on the beach, go on a snorkeling tour, hike to a waterfall, ride a zipline through the jungle, or enjoy the city’s lively nightlife, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary.

Puerto Vallarta also happens to be Mexico’s most gay-friendly resort town, with an array of gay clubs, bars, hotels, and more.

Spend your days in Puerto Vallarta visiting the beaches, shopping in the lovely boutiques, or people-watching as you stroll along the oceanfront malecón.

If you find yourself getting restless, take a day trip to Bucerias, Yelapa, or Sayulita for a change of scenery!

7. Mazunte, Oaxaca

By Sean of Living Out Lau 

The chill and relaxing beach town of Mazunte is located only an hour away from another popular Oaxaca beach town, Puerto Escondido. 

Puerto Escondido is definitely a place for wild parties, but if you want to take it down a notch in a place with peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, and amazing beaches, then you might want to look into Mazunte. 

Don’t come here expecting lots of things to do or excitement around every corner.

Mazunte is a proper place to chill out and relax. You can enjoy nature, friends, family, or yourself since WiFi is limited in most areas.

Find Hotels and places to stay that are near or on the beach.

The town is just a few streets long and has some of the best seafood I’ve ever had in Mexico (the fish tacos there will blow your mind). 

For sunset, take a 20-minute hike to the beautiful lush cliff with breathtaking views called the Punta Coma.

Locals and travelers alike spend the half-hour trek from the main road to all gather around there for sunset. Watch the waves crash underneath you while you are standing on massive cliffs. 

Take in the beautiful sun as it disappears behind the horizon and the sky changes color from blue, yellow, orange, and then pink before finally sinking into the darkness. It is a surreal experience you will not forget.

8. Huatulco, Oaxaca

By Michele of A Taste for Travel 

One of the best beach towns in Mexico, the sunny resort destination of the Bahías de Huatulco (as it’s formally known) features nine beautiful bays and 36 beaches.

Situated in the state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s southwest coast facing the Pacific Ocean, it’s got a wealth of attractions that make it appealing to all types of travelers. 

The top things to do in Huatulco include snorkeling the pristine offshore reefs, whale-watching, whitewater rafting, exploring ancient archeological sites, splashing through waterfalls in the Sierra Madre Sur mountains, and witnessing sea turtle nestings on many of its beaches. 

And of course, there is the food.

The state of Oaxaca is renowned for its cuisine, which means you’ll enjoy artisanal mezcal, a vast array of moles, tlayudas, and other traditional dishes, Pluma Hidalgo mountain-grown coffee, and fresh seafood at its beach bars, as well as world-class gourmet cuisine at one of the town’s many upscale restaurants and luxury, all-inclusive resorts. 

But for beach lovers, Huatulco has an added attraction. 

Much of its coastline and marine areas are protected from development. It has the distinction of being awarded both Green Globe Certification and EarthCheck Gold Certification, two of the world’s highest standards for sustainable tourism practices and environmental protection. 

The region’s modern sewage treatment plant means Huatulco’s beaches regularly top the list for cleanliness determined by SEMARNAT, the government agency responsible for monitoring the water quality of the beaches in Mexico. 

There is no sargassum seaweed to contend with on this coast of Mexico, so you’ll also not have problems with smelly, rotting seaweed.

Huatulco is definitely a beach town in Mexico you don’t want to miss.

BEACH TOWNS IN MEXICO’S YUCATAN PENINSULA

9. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

By Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel 

Located approximately 6 miles off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about two hours by car north of Cancun, this 21-square-mile island is part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve. 

Isla Holbox was once a sleepy fishing village, and even now this relatively quiet (compared to its neighbors in the Riviera Maya) ecotourism haven doesn’t allow cars. 

Visitors can get around quickly via golf carts and mopeds, but even the most remote Isla Holbox hotels and resorts are just a 10-minute walk from the heart of town.

There are some hotels either on the beach or nearby that cost just $100 USD per night; I’ve stayed at 3 of these hotels.

Book a hotel that offers free cancellation in case you are not satisfied with what you see when you arrive. This Island has the best value for hotel selections based on the experiences we’ve had. A few nights’ stay in Holbox is never a bad idea!

There are many things to do in Isla Holbox, but the most popular activities include fishing, kiteboarding (AKA kitesurfing), snorkeling, and kayaking in the nature reserve. 

The shallow lagoon that separates Holbox from the rest of Quintana Roo is a birdwatcher’s dream, home to Cormorants, Flamingos, Herons, and countless other bird species. 

An island-hopping boat tour can take you to swim in nearby cenotes, visit a bird sanctuary, and other local highlights. 

And most Isla Holbox tour operators offer opportunities to swim with Whale Sharks, who gather off the coast of Isla Mujeres every year (June through September) in great numbers to breed and feed on krill. 

But if you want to visit in the peak summer season, make sure you book early, as this formerly under-the-radar slice of tropical paradise is getting more popular with each passing year!

10. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

By Mitchell of Project Untethered 

Cancun is one of the first places that comes to mind when people think of Mexican beaches. And while there’s loads of fun stuff to do in Cancun, if you want a truly spectacular beach town experience, I recommend taking a quick ferry over to Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres, and specifically Playa Norte, located on the north side of Isla Mujeres, is one of the most wonderful beach towns in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres is the perfect place to disconnect, unwind, and enjoy the slow pace of island life. It’s a tiny island that can be explored by bike, scooter, or golf cart in half a day. 

Some of my favorite activities were visiting the Turtle Sanctuary, eating delicious street tacos, and drinking piña coladas on the beautiful white-sand beaches. The waters are also crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. 

The island has a laid-back vibe and is the perfect place for solo female travelers. 

That said, I do want to give one word of caution—be careful where you swim! Our group went out for a midnight dip on an abandoned beach and genuinely thought we were all going to die.

Apparently, there was a sign that said “DANGER! NO SWIMMING!” but I guess we missed it in the dark.

11. Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

By Nikki of She Saves, She Travels 

The sleepy little fishing village of Puerto Morelos is a perfect spot for some laid-back beach vibes. It’s what most Vacationers envision when they think of visiting beach towns in Mexico.

It’s located about 30 minutes south of Cancun but is often overlooked by tourists. 

Puerto Morelos has a picturesque town square that begs to be explored. Its brightly painted buildings will catch your eye and lure you in.

You just might find a new beach hat, a travel-sized hammock, or a delicious lunch. 

Shop the open markets for artisan crafts, blankets, and other handmade goods. Or check out the local selection of fruits and veggies in the farmers’ market, just off the town square. 

Puerto Morelos is a great spot for water activities, especially fishing tours or snorkeling. Right off the coast is the second-largest reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef.

If you’re interested in snorkeling in Puerto Morelos, you won’t be disappointed!

If you’re looking for some R&R, try some yoga on the beach. You’ll likely find it pretty empty. 

There is more seaweed off the shores of Puerto Morelos than its neighbor to the north. But the water is very warm and gentle, making this destination perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

12. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Situated right in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring this region. 

A mid-sized city, Playa has everything you could possibly hope to find in a beach town in Mexico: stunning white-sand beaches, incredible hotels and resorts, endless shopping and dining options, and a lively nightlife. 

Needless to say, there’s plenty to do in Playa del Carmen beyond the resorts. 

Spend your days diving in cenotes, snorkeling with tropical fish on coral reefs, or simply lounging in the sand on Playacar beach. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, join a tour to visit Chichén Itzá, take a day trip to Cozumel, or spend the day at XCARET or one of the other eco-parks in the area.

Expedia.com has a good list of things to do in Playa del Carmen.

In the evening, do some shopping along La Quinta Avenida. Fill up on aguachile at Patio 8, then grab a cocktail in the sand at Fusion Beach Bar, or hit up Kitxen for some live music!

Related Reading: How to Spend 5 Magical Days in Playa del Carmen

13. Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Just 40 minutes off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel Island makes an incredible destination for day trips or longer stays.

The island of Cozumel also has an International Airport with many direct flights to and from Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Most of the island is undeveloped, and the opportunity to visit beaches without giant hotels looming in the background is reason enough to make a trip to Cozumel.

This is a significant reason why Cozumel is considered the best beach town in Mexico!

Popular activities on Cozumel include snorkeling along the Palancar Reef, which is lauded as one of the most impressive diving destinations in the world.

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Apart from snorkeling, you can visit virgin beaches, soak up the sun at beach clubs, check out Mayan ruins, or shop ‘til you drop. I recommend picking an activity or two to get involved with during your stay in Cozumel.

Or, rent a Jeep, cruise the island with the top down, and partake in all of the above! 

My favorite spot on Cozumel is El Cielo Beach in Punta Sur Eco Park. It’s a completely undeveloped beach with an unobstructed view of the ocean, a fantastic swimming spot, and a bar that serves cold beer. What more could one ask for? 

If you find yourself in the Riviera Maya, I highly encourage you to visit Cozumel, even if just for the day! You can easily get to Cozumel by ferry from Playa del Carmen!

Related Reading: Popular Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

14. Akumal Bay, Quintana Roo

The peaceful village of Akumal sits halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum in the Riviera Maya.

This stunning beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles, and visitors come in droves to swim with the turtles in the wild. 

While snorkeling with the sea turtles is certainly a huge draw, Akumal actually has a lot more to offer! 

There are a handful of all-inclusive resorts situated along Akumal Bay. Each of them would make a peaceful escape for travelers who are looking to relax and enjoy a stunning view.

 However, there are plenty of adventures to be had as well. Akumal is a great base for exploring nearby cenotes (Dos Ojos and Eden are popular options).

You can also take sailing tours, diving tours, or visit the Yal Ku Lagoon for a snorkeling adventure. 

Because Akumal is just 30 minutes from both Tulum and Playa del Carmen, day trips to either city couldn’t be easier.

Akumal is a must-see destination for tourists seeking a tranquil getaway from the bustle of a city!

15. Punta Allen, Quintana Roo

By Claire of Claire’s Itchy Feet 

Punta Allen is right at the tip of Sian Ka’an, and the sleepy little town feels more like you are in Belize than Mexico thanks to its laid-back Caribbean vibes. 

Sadly, Punta Allen doesn’t make it onto most people’s itineraries, as it isn’t very well known, which really is a tragedy! 

Getting here feels a bit like journeying to the end of the earth. To reach Punta Allen, you have 2 options: take a colectivo from Tulum or visit Punta Allen and Sian Ka’an on an organized tour. 

Unless you want to stay for a few days, I recommend just taking the tour, as the road to Punta Allen can be pretty treacherous.

You should avoid driving down this road in a rental car or even in a colectivo if possible. 

Even if you do go it alone on the colectivo, be sure to ask the driver to drop you so you can take the boat into Punta Allen. 

The boat trip really is the ‘thing to do’ here, as you have the opportunity to see dolphins in the wild, snorkel on the second largest reef system in the world, and do some bird watching. 

Once in Punta Allen, there isn’t much to do other than relax in a hammock, enjoy eating plenty of fresh fish, and drink a michelada or two. 

As a solo female traveler, I love visiting here, as I always feel extremely safe.

Related Reading: 8 Solo Travel Safety Tips for Riviera Maya, Mexico

16. Bacalar, Quintana Roo

By Hannah and Adam of Getting Stamped 

Bacalar is like no other beach town in Mexico.

Technically, Laguna Bacalar isn’t a beach town, as it is on a lake. It’s often called the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” and the “Maldives of Mexico,” both of which we agree with. The hues of blue are truly breathtaking. 

Bacalar is located in the Yucatan region of Mexico and is a wonderful day trip for those staying in Tulum (2 hours 20 mins) or Playa del Carmen (3 hours 15 mins). To maximize the trip, we rented a car and drove ourselves. 

If you have time, it’s a great place to spend a few days relaxing by the lake.

The most popular thing to do is to take a tour of the lake. Spend the day exploring the mangroves, snorkeling, seeing wildlife, and much more. 

Boat tours are super cheap; you can easily find short-notice Pontoon, Glass Bottom, and Private boat tours here.

Our favorite stop on the tour was the Canal de los Piratas Bacalar; the color of the water is insane. You just have to see it in person to believe it. 

We know on our next trip to Mexico we’re saving a few days to spend in Bacalar.

17. Mahahual, Quintana Roo

By Annick of The Common Traveler 

Looking for a small beach town in Mexico? Don’t skip Mahahual! 

Often overshadowed by nearby Cancun and Playa del Carmen, this small town in Quintana Roo, southeast Mexico, is a gem.

Best known as Costa Maya to cruise ship visitors, Mahahual offers plenty of activities in the area, whether you are cruising or visiting the town as a destination. 

The town is popular with families, so it does not have much of a nightlife. Mahahual enjoys a lovely beach waterfront plentifully populated with bars and restaurants. 

Several resorts play music to attract tourists, but you can find quieter spots to enjoy the quiet sounds of the ocean. 

Select to stay at several hotels and beach resorts that are kept clean (from the invasive sargasso) so you can sunbathe, swim, and snorkel. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available for rent at multiple locations. 

Nearby, explore Mayan ruins at Dzibanche, Kohunlich, and Kinichna.

The nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an ecological beauty admired by lovers of nature. At the Bacalar Rapids, visitors can float through stromatolite formations. 

Do keep the cruise schedule in mind when visiting. Cruise ship days give an entirely different feel to the town as it becomes crowded with thousands of people. 

Unless you’re looking for more action by hanging out with the new crowds, remember that tour companies will be catering to the cruisers and the bars and restaurants will be crowded! Use this day to relax instead. 

Mahahual is a lovely place with a small community of expats. The expats all know each other and happily include you and keep an eye on you during your visit. If you’re looking for a low-key destination, add Mahahual to your list of places to go!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Did we miss any of your favorite beach getaways in Mexico? Let me know in the comments!