Discover the best beaches in Mexico
Mexico is filled with exciting experiences, from dining on delicious food to exploring archaeological ruin sites. If you’re looking for fun in the sun, Mexico boasts some of the top beach areas and resorts for a seaside trip. The country has nearly 500 beaches on the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico, all offering a unique flavour and appeal. From secluded, sandy beaches with calm waters to wild beaches surrounded by jungles and wildlife, you’ll find your perfect beach in Mexico. Take a look at the best beaches in Mexico to plan your next coastal vacation.
Cancun for watersports
Known as a resort destination, Cancun is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico and a great place for a diverse beach trip. The long, wide beach has pristine sand and clear waters, as well as a coral reef to explore with diving and snorkelling. Water sports are popular in Cancun, especially surfing and sea kayaking. Along with the beach itself, Cancun is home to a variety of waterfront restaurants and bars for dining and nightlife.
Puerto Vallarta for historic tours
With its balmy weather and historic charm, it’s no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is such a popular resort town. The pristine beach is surrounded by cobbled streets and historic sites, especially in the Zona Romantica, an old-town area with shops, bars, and restaurants. If you like adventure, Puerto Vallarta offers water sports like sailing, snorkelling, diving, and fishing, as well as whale-watching tours.
Playa del Carmen for cultural excursions
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a hot destination for European travellers. The quiet beach and attractions are similar to the Mediterranean, mixing sandy beaches with quirky attractions and sophisticated dining and shopping. Some of the best shops are on La Quinta Avenida, the thoroughfare that runs along the shoreline. Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of Tulum and other archaeological sites and natural areas, such as Xel-Ha and Rio Secreto.
Cabo San Lucas for romance
Cabo San Lucas has been a desirable resort destination since the 1970s. It’s home to a variety of high-end resorts, upscale golf courses, and luxurious spas, as well as picturesque beaches. Lovers Beach and Medano are among the top beaches in the area, both offering soft, golden sands and turquoise seas. Cabo San Lucas is also known for the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a dramatic rock formation on the southern tip of the peninsula that marks the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California.
Tulum for family fun
One of the best beaches for exploring Mayan ruin sites, Tulum is an all-around beach destination with a lot to see and do. The beach itself boasts a palm backdrop and soft, white sand against clear waters, perfect for romance or a family trip. If you have the kids, Tulum has several limestone pools where they can safely swim. One of the best parts of visiting Tulum is the quiet, however. Far from the popular resorts, Tulum offers a scenic retreat and plenty of space to sunbathe, swim, or play with the kids.
Cozumel for diving and snorkeling
Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean Island and a mixture of Mexican culture and Caribbean flavour. Like much of the region, Cozumel is home to white, sandy beaches with clear, turquoise waters and palm-lined coasts, but there’s a lot more to do than sunbathing and swimming. One of the top activities in Cozumel is scuba diving since the island has spectacular coral reefs and one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.
Acapulco for sightseeing by the sea
Acapulco is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, such as the Caleta, Pie de la Cuesta, and the Golden Zone. Like the rest of Mexico, Acapulco’s beaches each have a distinct personality, so you can have a different experience at each of the beaches. Most of the beaches are free from crowds and offer gentle surf that’s perfect for families with children. If you want a little more energy, Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla are lively beaches with plenty of attractions and local culture.