There’s loads to like about Mexico — the historic cities, the scorching road tacos, the colourful festivals and the infinite artwork. However undoubtedly, what attracts most guests to Mexico at first are its show-stopping seashores. With almost 6,000 miles of shoreline stretching alongside the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of California, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that appeals to everybody. Whether or not you are a sun-worshipper, a wave-chaser or a seaside bum solely in it for the tacos and sunsets, there’s one thing right here for you.
However not all seashores are created equal, and Mexico’s choices fall into three distinct classes: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Baja California peninsula. The Caribbean seashores function powder-soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Over on the Pacific facet, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the present. And Baja? Assume cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with distant fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, should you plan to plant your toes in a few of the greatest sand this facet of paradise, you are in the correct place. Listed here are eight of the very best seashores in Mexico that deserve a spot in your bucket listing.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean
Only a 20-minute ferry trip from Cancun, Playa Norte seems like stepping right into a display screen saver. Image shallow, bath-like waters in gorgeous turquoise hues and comfortable, white sand.
This seaside epitomizes “no footwear, no drawback,” as loungers line the shore and seaside bars fortunately serve margaritas when you float within the calm Caribbean. Sunsets listed below are legendary, because the seaside has western views again to the mainland. Seize a front-row seat and toast to a different day in paradise.
Want another excuse to e-book a visit? Marriott lately opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort referred to as Almare, a Luxurious Assortment Resort, on the opposite finish of Isla Mujeres. Costs begin at $775 or 116,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening this winter.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Area: Baja California
Balandra is not only a seaside; it is a panorama. Positioned on the Gulf of California a couple of 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this seaside resembles a surrealist portray, with sandbars rising from shallow, aquamarine waters, framed by dramatic desert hills.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day publication
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
The water right here is so calm and shallow which you can wade out for what seems like eternally. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Chic. Snapping photographs? Obligatory. Maintain your eyes peeled for Calandra’s well-known mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a pure masterpiece like the remainder of this seaside.
Plus, it’s simpler than ever to succeed in La Paz because of Alaska Airways’ direct route between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and La Paz Worldwide Airport (LAP), launched in November 2024.
Associated: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico’s Baja California from prime to backside
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Area: Pacific
Hidden in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is somewhat slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You may must earn it. Entry requires descending a steep set of stairs, however belief us, the reward is value each step.
When you arrive, you will discover calm waves which are good for swimming, snorkeling or making an attempt your hand at beginner-friendly browsing. Small beachside shacks hire out loungers and serve chilly beers, recent seafood and coconut water. Do not miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of home made coconut ice cream alongside the shoreline.
World of Hyatt now provides three Mr & Mrs Smith properties in or close to Puerto Escondido, together with the adults-only Casa TO, the place charges begin round $375 or 40,000 factors per evening.
Associated: 10 greatest boutique motels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean
Playa del Carmen could also be buzzy and bustling, however tucked away at its southern edge lies Playacar — a quieter, extra refined stretch of the Riviera Maya. The sand right here is pillow-soft, and the water is that iconic Caribbean blue.
Playacar is primarily fronted by upscale properties and all-inclusive resorts, akin to Viva Azteca by Wyndham (beginning at $509 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards factors per evening), which lends it an unique really feel. When you’re staying close by, that is the best place to flee the crowds, catch some solar and bask in people-watching.
It is a fast stroll to the bars and eating places of La Quinta Avenida, however seeing because the seaside is generally backed by non-public property, you will must deliver all the pieces in with you for the day should you’re not staying at an area resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Area: Pacific
When you like your seashores chilled out and crowd-free, make your strategy to Playa Chacala. Tucked away within the Riviera Nayarit, this golden sand seaside boasts a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves listed below are mild, ideally suited for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing round with a chilly cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside eating places serve a few of the greatest recent seafood — do not miss the pescado zarandeado, an area specialty the place the native catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Take your leisure to the following degree on the luxurious new Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Costs begin at $878 or 184,000 Marriott factors per evening in early 2026.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Area: Pacific
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for individuals who respect a extra rustic, unspoiled stretch of shoreline. This seaside is lengthy, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — simply miles of soppy, golden sand and the Pacific waves rolling in.
It is prime for lengthy walks, flying kites or just absorbing the peace. Beachside palaces dish up recent ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has lengthy been a quieter various to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic instance.
Hilton Honors loyalists can e-book La Casa Que Canta, an SLH Lodge, ranging from $814 or 115,000 factors per evening.
Associated: 5 detour locations in Mexico past the vacationer sizzling spots
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean
Footwear are non-obligatory on Isla Holbox, the place hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the principle mode of transportation. The island’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for vacationers seeking to escape the noise of Cancun. You possibly can’t go incorrect with any seaside right here — they’re all pristine and dotted with colourful fishing boats, mild waves and shorebirds.
Do not miss the prospect to paddleboard or kayak; the water is calm and clear sufficient to see marine life gliding beneath you. When you go to between Might and September, you could even spot majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
The primary — and maybe solely — factors resort on Isla Holbox, Mystique Holbox by Royalton is out there from as little as $191 or 45,000 Marriott factors per evening.
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Area: Pacific
When you’re craving a distant, off-the-grid seaside expertise, Playa Mayto delivers. Positioned in Cabo Corrientes, a couple of two-hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of shoreline feels worlds away from, nicely, all the pieces, making it an incredible day journey.
The seaside is huge, golden and almost untouched, making it the right spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get somewhat energetic, so it isn’t all the time ideally suited for swimming, but it surely’s a incredible place to observe the solar set in fiery hues over the Pacific. Deliver snacks, e-book and a way of journey.
Close by, you may discover the villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, recognized for a few of Mexico’s largest and most scrumptious oysters.
Associated studying:
