Mexico, boasting thousands of miles of stunning coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, presents an unparalleled variety of beach destinations. As Zachary Rabinor, a respected T+L A-List advisor and CEO of Journey Mexico, aptly states, the country offers “a diverse range of coastal landscapes and beach destinations” to suit every traveler’s dream. From idyllic white-sand shores kissed by the warm Caribbean waters to thrilling surf havens and secluded golden stretches teeming with sea turtles, Mexico’s beaches are among the most beautiful globally.
Whether you seek vibrant beach parties or tranquil azure waters for peaceful floating, our curated list of the best Beaches In Mexico will guide you in planning your perfect getaway.
Top Mexican Beaches You Can’t Miss
- Playa Paraiso, Tulum: The quintessential postcard-perfect beach near Tulum’s iconic ruins, ideal for socializing and soaking up the Caribbean vibes.
- Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca: A rewarding escape after descending 160 steps, revealing a crescent of golden sand and inviting turquoise waters perfect for beginner surfers.
- Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur: A lagoon-like paradise in Baja California Sur with shallow, calm waters, perfect for families and snorkeling enthusiasts.
- Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas: Romance thrives in the secluded nooks of Lover’s Beach, nestled beside Cabo San Lucas’ iconic El Arco rock formation.
- Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo: Embrace car-free island life on Isla Holbox, where bicycles and golf carts are the preferred modes of transport to reach serene beaches.
Explore the Diverse Beaches of Mexico
Playa Paraiso, Quintana Roo
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Playa Paraiso, often hailed as the most beautiful beach near Tulum, is an unmissable destination in Quintana Roo. Situated just south of Tulum’s famed Mayan ruins, this expansive stretch of pristine white sand is a haven for relaxation and recreation. Visitors flock to Playa Paraiso to witness its breathtaking palette of white sands meeting turquoise waters and lush green foliage. Beyond its visual appeal, this beach is a hub of activity, offering excellent snorkeling, scuba diving opportunities, and lively beach bars for those seeking a more energetic beach experience. If you’re visiting Tulum, Playa Paraiso is a must-experience beach in Mexico.
Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca
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Escape the crowds at Playa Zicatela and discover the tranquil beauty of Playa Carrizalillo, a more secluded beach in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. A favorite among locals, this hidden gem is accessed by descending over 160 steps, a journey well-rewarded with stunning turquoise waters and a picturesque crescent-shaped beach framed by swaying palm trees. Playa Carrizalillo is renowned as an excellent beach for beginner surfers, with local instructors readily available for lessons. The beach is also lined with relaxed beach shacks and snack bars, perfect for enjoying refreshments. Don’t miss the ice cream vendor who frequents the beach in the afternoons for a sweet treat. For a peaceful beach experience in Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a top choice.
Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur
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Located a short drive north of La Paz in Baja California Sur, Playa Balandra is a breathtakingly beautiful beach that feels wonderfully remote. Far from the typical tourist paths, this picture-perfect crescent of sand overlooks a serene bay resembling a lagoon. The calm, shallow turquoise waters gently lapping against the soft sands make Playa Balandra one of the best beaches in Mexico for families with children. The Sea of Cortez, where Playa Balandra is situated, is celebrated as one of the world’s premier snorkeling destinations. Here, you can easily encounter incredible marine life in its crystal-clear waters. For a family-friendly beach and snorkeling paradise in Baja California Sur, Playa Balandra is unbeatable.
Playa del Amor, Baja California Sur
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Playa del Amor, also known as Lover’s Beach, is nestled near the iconic El Arco rock formation in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, providing a dramatic and romantic backdrop. Renowned as one of the top beaches in Mexico for couples, Playa del Amor offers numerous secluded spots for intimate moments. This famous golden sand beach is located on a small peninsula southeast of downtown Cabo, easily accessible by water taxi from the marina. While the waves are generally gentle here, making it suitable for swimming on the Playa del Amor side, it’s crucial to avoid swimming on the opposite side, often called “Divorce Beach,” due to its dangerous currents and rough surf. Zachary Rabinor notes the changing size of Playa del Amor due to tides and past hurricanes, but emphasizes that “it’s the location and contrasts that make this spot so special.” For a romantic beach experience in Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Amor is a must-visit.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
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Isla Holbox, situated off the northern coast of Quintana Roo in the Gulf of Mexico, has evolved from a backpacker’s haven to a chic destination blending laid-back charm with bohemian luxury. This relaxed beach destination is car-free, fostering a tranquil atmosphere where bikes, golf carts, and walking are the primary modes of transportation. The island exudes a casual, barefoot vibe, perfect for unwinding with a cold beer. Bring your yoga mat and insect repellent, and let the gentle steel drum music from Raíces, a local seafood restaurant with Caribbean flavors, enhance your island escape. For a relaxed and unique island beach experience in Mexico, Isla Holbox is a fantastic choice.
Playa Sisal, Yucatán
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While Quintana Roo is famed for its bustling resorts and nightlife, the neighboring state of Yucatán offers a more serene beach experience. Less crowded than Cancún or the Riviera Maya, Yucatán boasts spectacular beaches with incredibly soft sands and calm waters. Playa Sisal, located about an hour northwest of Mérida, the state capital, is a prime example. This beach features pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and a uniquely quiet atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a more understated beach scene with a few palapas and charming alfresco seafood restaurants, perfect for a peaceful getaway. For a tranquil and less-touristed beach in Mexico, explore Playa Sisal in Yucatán.
Playa Delfines, Quintana Roo
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Playa Delfines in Cancún is cherished by both locals and tourists for its expansive stretch of powdery sand, vibrant blue waters, and relatively peaceful ambiance. Notably, it’s the only beach in Cancún’s Hotel Zone without towering high-rise hotels overshadowing it, preserving a more natural beach experience. Playa Delfines is also one of the rare surfing spots along Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The atmosphere here is distinctly local, offering a genuine Mexican beach feel within a major tourist destination. Rabinor highlights that Playa Delfines is one of the few public beaches with facilities in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, making it a popular choice for locals. If you’re seeking to enjoy Cancún’s iconic blue waters and white sands without the resort crowds, Playa Delfines is the ideal beach.
Playa Mayto, Jalisco
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Playa Mayto, located approximately two hours south of Puerto Vallarta on the Cabo Corrientes coast in Jalisco, offers a wonderfully secluded escape. Reaching this remote beach involves navigating a dusty road branching off highway 200 near El Tuito. Upon arrival, you’ll discover a seemingly endless ribbon of sand and a handful of hotels and restaurants within walking distance. Playa Mayto is particularly significant as home to one of Jalisco’s largest sea turtle protection camps, actively involved in research and conservation since 2005. Volunteering at the camp is possible; contact them via Facebook to inquire about opportunities during your visit. Many nearby hotels also offer day trips to the turtle camp. For a remote beach experience combined with wildlife conservation in Mexico, Playa Mayto is an exceptional choice.
Playa Troncones, Guerrero
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While Acapulco once drew visitors to Guerrero’s coast, destinations like Troncones are now capturing the attention of travelers seeking a lower-profile beach experience. Troncones is a tranquil town favored by surfers chasing some of the best waves along the southern Pacific coast. This quiet town is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, offering a three-mile stretch of unspoiled golden sand, striking cobalt-blue waves, and the laid-back lifestyle that initially attracted many to Mexico’s Pacific coast. For a relaxed surf town and beautiful beach in Mexico, Troncones is a hidden gem.
Puerto Progreso, Yucatán
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When visiting the historic city of Mérida, make time to explore the coastal town of Progreso to the north. Puerto Progreso welcomes cruise ship passengers via the world’s longest pier, stretching an astounding five miles into the Gulf of Mexico. The town’s beachfront promenade, the Malecón, is lined with shops, snack bars, and restaurants. Relax under a palapa on the beach, savor fresh ceviche, and enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico, with chances to spot pink flamingos. For a beach day trip from Mérida and a unique pier experience, Puerto Progreso is worth exploring.
Playa El Médano, Baja California Sur
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Unlike many beaches in Los Cabos with strong currents, Médano Beach stands out as one of the few safe for swimming. As the main beach in Cabo San Lucas, Médano Beach offers approximately two miles of golden sand and relatively gentle waves for this region of Baja. It’s also one of the most popular beaches, bustling with energy and lined with bars and restaurants. While it can be lively, you’re always close to a refreshing beach cocktail or a luxurious five-star resort. For a swimmable and vibrant beach experience in Los Cabos, Playa El Médano is the place to be.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo
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The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site just south of Tulum, encompasses nearly one million acres of protected natural beauty. Here, you’ll find pristine, undeveloped white-sand beaches, gently swaying palms, dense mangrove forests, and sparkling cerulean waters. This reserve is a haven for wildlife, offering opportunities to spot dolphins, whales, spider monkeys, jaguars, and ocelots. Rabinor recommends activities like wildlife spotting, bird-watching, snorkeling, kayaking, and floating down canals, all while appreciating the untouched beauty of this protected area. Sian Ka’an serves as a powerful reminder of conservation’s importance and offers an extraordinary escape into nature. For an eco-conscious beach experience and wildlife encounters in Mexico, Sian Ka’an is unparalleled.
Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca
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The Huatulco region in southern Oaxaca, home to a national park, is celebrated for its nine picturesque bays and stunning sunsets. Most beaches in this area are within the protected national park, ensuring they remain undeveloped and pristine. Playa Tangolunda offers natural beauty alongside opportunities for sailing and scuba diving. Luxury resorts are available, and the neighboring town of La Crucecita provides ample shopping and dining options. For a blend of natural beauty and resort amenities in Oaxaca, Playa Tangolunda is an excellent choice.
Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo
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Playa Maroma, considered one of the premier beaches on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is also among its most exclusive. Backed by select hotels, Playa Maroma offers guests pristine pearly white sand and calm, brilliantly blue waters. It’s also one of the few locations in Mexico featuring hotels with overwater bungalows, such as El Dorado Maroma and Palafitos. Playa Maroma maintains a tranquil atmosphere, without bustling beach clubs or bars readily accessible to the general public. Access is primarily through booking a stay at one of the exclusive hotels or making reservations at select restaurants. For a luxurious and secluded beach experience on the Riviera Maya, Playa Maroma is unmatched.
Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo
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Playa Mujeres, situated just north of Cancún’s Hotel Zone, was once a well-kept secret, cherished for its fine white sand and relative seclusion from the more energetic parts of Cancún. While development has increased with new hotels, the beach still retains its original charm and beauty. Tranquility can still be found, especially at couples-only resorts like Beloved Playa Mujeres, or larger all-inclusive options such as TRS Coral Hotel and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa. For a beautiful beach near Cancún that balances tranquility with resort amenities, Playa Mujeres remains a top choice.
Playa La Punta, Oaxaca
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Playa La Punta, named after the promontory that forms the southern curve of Playa Zicatela, offers a slightly more relaxed section of Puerto Escondido’s most popular beach. This area has long been a haven for hippies, characterized by dustier roads and more casual restaurants and hostels. However, Playa La Punta is evolving, with design-forward boutique hotels and even a food hall, Food Market La Punta, emerging. What endures is the stunning beach, a perfect vantage point for breathtaking sunsets. For a laid-back beach vibe with evolving amenities in Puerto Escondido, Playa La Punta is a must-experience.
Playa Blanca, Guerrero
Located approximately 11 miles southeast of Zihuatanejo and a short 10-minute drive from the airport, Playa Blanca in Guerrero offers a Robinson Crusoe-like atmosphere with sparsely developed beachfront and spectacular sunsets. Hotel options are limited, but Las Palmas Luxury Villas provides a secluded and luxurious experience, making you feel like you’ve discovered your own private beach estate. Just behind the beach, in a tropical forest, is El Refugio de Potosí wildlife conservation center, a family-friendly spot to see iguanas, hummingbirds, macaws, and other native birds. For a secluded and nature-rich beach escape in Mexico, Playa Blanca in Guerrero is ideal.
Costalegre, Jalisco
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Costalegre in Jalisco is more than just a beach; it’s a 200-mile stretch of stunning coastline in southern Jalisco, near the Colima border. The region’s raw, rugged beauty ensures every beach along this coast is noteworthy. Travelers are increasingly drawn to Costalegre, south of Puerto Vallarta, to experience luxury enclaves like Cuixmala and Careyes. Rabinor describes Costalegre and Costa Careyes as “an amazing region of Mexico close to my heart,” highlighting its remote and relatively untouched nature despite its proximity to two international airports. With anticipated developments including a new airport, improved highways, and more luxury hotels, Costalegre is poised to become a luxury destination rivaling Los Cabos. The region’s dramatic cliffs, pristine golden beaches, and lush green peaks offer breathtaking scenery. Palm trees and sea turtles are more common sights than tourists, and beachfront seafood shacks are often frequented by locals and domestic tourists. Rabinor adds that Costalegre is “heaven for bird watchers, surfers, beach strollers, and those who seek seclusion, nature, and wild landscapes.” For a diverse and developing luxury beach destination in Mexico, Costalegre promises an unforgettable experience.
Playa Cerritos, Baja California Sur
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Todos Santos, a Pacific Coast town about an hour north of Los Cabos, is gaining recognition as a must-visit destination. Long a haven for artists and surfers, Todos Santos now offers unique shopping, art galleries, and a sophisticated scene. Playa Cerritos, the area’s most famous beach, has been a surfing mecca for decades. Remarkably, it’s also one of the few Pacific beaches in Baja considered safe for swimming. While more developed than in the past, Playa Cerritos remains undeniably one of the best beaches in Mexico, blending surf culture with swimmable shores. For a surf-friendly and swimmable beach in Baja California Sur, Playa Cerritos in Todos Santos is a top choice.
Playa Canalán, Nayarit
Playa Canalán, a long and wide stretch of warm, white sand on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, just north of Puerto Vallarta, was relatively undeveloped until the One&Only Mandarina resort opened in 2020. Bordered by lush, jungle-covered mountains, this beach now features neighbors like the Canalan Beach Club and the Italian restaurant Allora, all part of the Mandarina planned community, situated in a prime coastal location. For a developing luxury beach destination near Puerto Vallarta, Playa Canalán offers promise.
Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca
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Reaching Lagunas de Chacahua beach requires a bit more effort, but the reward is truly exceptional. A water taxi ride through Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, near Puerto Escondido, leads to one of Mexico’s most remote and idyllic beaches. Located on the northern side of the inlet where Chacahua Lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean, this beach is popular among surfers, some traveling from as far as Australia to ride its waves. Lagunas de Chacahua is known for its incredible stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Services are basic, if available at all, making it a true backpacker’s paradise where a surfboard, reef-safe sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit are essential. For a remote and surfer-friendly beach experience in Mexico with stunning natural beauty, Lagunas de Chacahua is unmatched.
Conclusion: Discover Your Perfect Mexican Beach Escape
From the Caribbean shores of Quintana Roo to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca and Baja California Sur, Mexico’s beaches offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, romance, or family fun, the diverse coastline of Mexico promises unforgettable beach experiences. Explore these top beaches in Mexico and start planning your dream vacation today.
