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For many people, an image Mexican Beach vacations are packed with sandy beaches lined with unknown large resorts.
But savvy travelers can trade the sprawling hotel hubs for beach towns that offer a more authentic and soulful experience. Totally beautiful stuff.
Coastlines such as Puerto Escondido and La Paz should not be viewed as detours but as destinations in their own right.
To help you choose which Mexican beach towns to explore, we’ve chosen eight, each with something unique to offer. There is an uninhabited island on the north coast with no cars. yucatan peninsula Where you can snorkel with whale sharks; the town of Nine Bays and Thirty-six beach; plus one that has even been officially announced Mexican government as one of the magical townmeaning it has “magical” qualities.
This is Mexico The most charming time.
1. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido, once a sleepy coffee-shipping village, has been transformed into a first-rate surf spot but refuses to go the mega-resort route: high-rise chains are strictly prohibited here.
The result is a place ideal for adventurous people, but also perfect for relaxation.
Here you’ll also find one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, Playa Carrizalillo, a perfectly shaped stretch of cream-colored sand that slopes into emerald waters and is reached by walking down 167 stone steps.
After sunset, be sure to take a boat trip to the Manialtepec Lagoon, where glowing plankton turns the water electric blue.
Back in town, enjoy fine Pacific seafood at the locally renowned Almoraduz restaurant, then head to La Punta neighborhood for a drink at a thatched-roof bar on the sandy streets, or head to Cactus Beach Club for a beer while listening to the rolling waves.
Where to stay
Hotel Santa Fe Puerto Escondido (rooms from $200) is a colonial-style oceanfront resort with three outdoor pools and lush tropical gardens.
Read more: Eight Caribbean Islands Best for Winter Sun
2. Sayulita, Nayarit
Colorful and carefree Sayulita, located on the Pacific coast, is very quiet and different from the larger resorts like Cancun or Cabo, but has enough infrastructure to provide a stress-free vacation experience. This is quintessentially laid-back Mexico, where life is gentle and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Aside from soaking up the sun (Sayulita has 320 to 345 days of sunshine per year), the number one activity is surfing on the gently rolling waves of Sayulita Beach. There are dozens of surf schools to choose from.
Another “must” is hiking the short jungle trails to shop-less Playa Carricitos for a wild sunset.
For gourmet specialties, La Rustica restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizza and seafood, while the Escondido bar is an inviting and chic venue for after-dinner cocktails.
Where to stay
Hotel Isuriza Yulita (rooms from $220) features charming minimalist bohemian interiors, an oceanfront pool and direct access to Sayulita Beach.
Read more: 10 of the best experiences in Antigua, from jungle safaris to beautiful beaches
3. San Pancho, Nayarit
Welcome to Sayulita’s more laid-back neighbor, officially called San Francisco but almost universally known to locals and travelers (and many hotels) as San Pancho.
In this soulful destination, you can soak up the sun without the crowds during the day and then watch it disappear in near-silence at night.
In fact, watching the sun melt into the horizon on the golden sands of Playa San Pancho is one of the things to do here.
Another delightful experience is to explore the EntreAmigos Community Centre, a library, art space and fair trade shop often referred to as the “heart of the town”.
Also make time for a guided walk along the estuary to the nearby La Patrona Polo and Equestrian Club wetlands on the edge of a tropical forest. Keep an eye out for American alligators, iguanas and the occasional armadillo.
As for food, Barracuda San Pancho offers some of the best diner fare in town (think ceviche and grilled fish), while La Cervecería San Pancho is where locals and long-term visitors come to sample small-batch Mexican beers and mezcal cocktails.
Where to stay
Mali Boutique Hotel (rooms from $190) has lush gardens and a small swimming pool, just a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Read more: 8 Best Caribbean Cruises for Vacations 2025
4. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
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Isla Mujeres is the calm Caribbean Sea in contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cancun.
The island is just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city, but once you disembark you enter a haven from the hustle and bustle of world-class beaches and all-around good vibes.
One of the biggest draws is the water surrounding the surrounding five miles of land. Put on your snorkel mask and view the rich coral reef ecosystem, home to fish like sergeant major, blue tangs and angelfish, as well as a mesmerizing museum of surreal underwater sculptures.
Other attractions for tourists include the stunning Playa Norte beach with its soft sand, and the island’s colorful streets, shops and restaurants, which you can explore by renting a golf cart from one of the many rental shops.
Where to stay
Ixchel Beach Hotel (Rooms from $150) With a prime location in front of the island’s iconic Playa Norte Beach, it features two outdoor swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Read more: I visited Mexico’s most colorful cities for a vibrant, culture-filled vacation
5. Holbox Island, Quintana Roo
The barefoot paradise of Isla Holbox is a stark contrast to the resorts of Mexico.
This uninhabited island, 26 miles long and 1 mile wide, is located on the northern coast of the Pacific Ocean. yucatan peninsula It’s a place where you can get away from civilization without being too far from it.
Here you can spend the day watching the sunrise, lying in a hammock, swimming, strolling along the beachy streets, and then watching the sunset on the wide, west-facing beach. Afterwards, head to the open-air bar Hot Corner for cocktails and live music.
If you visit between mid-May and mid-September, you can also take advantage of a whale shark boat trip. During this time, these gentle giants congregate in plankton-rich offshore waters, and visitors can jump in and snorkel alongside them. It’s a (carefully managed) experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.
Where to stay
Boutique style turtle house (rooms from $280) offers direct access to a postcard-perfect beach and the all-important hammock.
Read more: Six of the Most Affordable Caribbean Vacations
6. Huatulco, Oaxaca
Keep understated gem Huatulco firmly on your radar, as this is one of the cleanest, safest and calmest coastal destinations in Mexico.
The signature experience here is a boat trip to explore nine protected Pacific bays (“Las Bahías de Huatulco”) and 36 beaches. You’ll be able to jump into photo-worthy waters where dolphins and turtles live, and admire the area’s bay cliffs.
Also not to be missed is a guided tour into nature in Huatulco National Park, a world of mangroves and tropical forests, home to crocodiles, iguanas and armadillos, as well as numerous bird species.
Quench your hunger at Terra-Cotta Restaurant, known for its coffee-rubbed meats and coconut shrimp.
For a nightcap, head to La Crema bar, decorated with colorful murals and serving tequila cocktails to patrons seated on stiletto stools.
Where to stay
Huatulco Dreams Resort & Spa (Rooms from $325) Family-friendly, with kids-only pool and spacious suites.
Read more: The 12 Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Mexico, From Adults-Only Hideaways to Family-Friendly Hotels
7. La Paz, Baja California Sur
In La Paz on the Sea of Cortez, the beach sets the pace of life.
The most striking is Balandra, with its dazzling white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that are knee-to-waist deep at low tide, 500 feet from the coast. The ecosystem here is fragile so visitor numbers are limited and you need to reserve a seat.
For an unforgettable meal, book a table at local favorite Nim, where specialties include tuna tiradito and grilled octopus.
Then grab a nightcap at La Miserable (don’t let the name put you off), which serves craft cocktails in a rustic lantern-draped courtyard.
Where to stay
La Paz Cathedral Hotel (rooms from $145) is located in the historic center and has a rooftop swimming pool and stylish, minimalist rooms.
Read more: The best vacation spots in Mexico – and the best time to travel to each destination
8. Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto will fascinate you. It’s official – the Mexican government has designated it magical townmeaning it has “magical” qualities.
Where is the charm? Loreto Bay National Marine Park, of course, where you can take a boat tour.
This UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve is made up of five uninhabited islands, with nutrient-rich waters where you can spot dolphins, sea lions, and even blue and humpback whales.
Back on land, the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, the first mission in all of Baja California, is mesmerizing with its stone facade and charming museum next door.
Tacos and homemade soup at Mi Loreto will be another memorable part of your trip.
Where to stay
Mission Hotel Loreto (Rooms from $170) Styled in a charming Euro-Mexican hacienda, this hotel is located on the beachfront promenade with views of the Sea of Cortez from the stunning outdoor pool.
Read more: The best hotels in Cancun, from family vacations to wellness retreats