There’s rather a lot 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 initially are its show-stopping seashores. With practically 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 seashore 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 characteristic powder-soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Over on the Pacific aspect, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the present. And Baja? Suppose cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with distant fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, if you happen to plan to plant your ft in among the finest sand this aspect of paradise, you are in the fitting place. Listed here are eight of one of the best seashores in Mexico that deserve a spot in your bucket checklist.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean
Only a 20-minute ferry trip from Cancun, Playa Norte appears like stepping right into a display screen saver. Image shallow, bath-like waters in beautiful turquoise hues and comfortable, white sand.
This seashore epitomizes “no sneakers, no drawback,” as loungers line the shore and seashore bars fortunately serve margaritas whilst you float within the calm Caribbean. Sunsets listed below are legendary, because the seashore has western views again to the mainland. Seize a front-row seat and toast to a different day in paradise.
Want another excuse to ebook a visit? Marriott just 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 seashore; it is a panorama. Positioned on the Gulf of California a couple of 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this seashore resembles a surrealist portray, with sandbars rising from shallow, aquamarine waters, framed by dramatic desert hills.
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The water right here is so calm and shallow which you could wade out for what appears like ceaselessly. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Elegant. Snapping photographs? Necessary. Preserve your eyes peeled for Calandra’s well-known mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a pure masterpiece like the remainder of this seashore.
Plus, it’s simpler than ever to succeed in La Paz due to 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 a bit of slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You may should earn it. Entry requires descending a steep set of stairs, however belief us, the reward is value each step.
When you arrive, you may discover calm waves which might be good for swimming, snorkeling or making an attempt your hand at beginner-friendly browsing. Small beachside shacks lease out loungers and serve chilly beers, contemporary seafood and coconut water. Do not miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of selfmade 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 finest boutique resorts 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, corresponding to Viva Azteca by Wyndham (beginning at $509 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards factors per evening), which lends it an unique really feel. Should you’re staying close by, that is the perfect place to flee the crowds, catch some solar and take pleasure in people-watching.
It is a fast stroll to the bars and eating places of La Quinta Avenida, however seeing because the seashore is generally backed by personal property, you may should deliver every little thing in with you for the day if you happen to’re not staying at a neighborhood resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Area: Pacific
Should you like your seashores chilled out and crowd-free, make your strategy to Playa Chacala. Tucked away within the Riviera Nayarit, this golden sand seashore boasts a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves listed below are mild, very best for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing round with a chilly cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside eating places serve among the finest contemporary seafood — do not miss the pescado zarandeado, a neighborhood specialty the place the native catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Take your rest to the following stage 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 many who recognize a extra rustic, unspoiled stretch of shoreline. This seashore is lengthy, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — simply miles of sentimental, 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 contemporary ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has lengthy been a quieter different to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic instance.
Hilton Honors loyalists can ebook La Casa Que Canta, an SLH Resort, ranging from $814 or 115,000 factors per evening.
Associated: 5 detour locations in Mexico past the vacationer scorching spots
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean
Footwear are optionally available on Isla Holbox, the place hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. The island’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for vacationers trying to escape the noise of Cancun. You’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with any seashore right here — they’re all pristine and dotted with colourful fishing boats, mild waves and shorebirds.
Do not miss the possibility to paddleboard or kayak; the water is calm and clear sufficient to see marine life gliding beneath you. Should you go to between Might and September, you might 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 on the market from as little as $191 or 45,000 Marriott factors per evening.
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Area: Pacific
Should you’re craving a distant, off-the-grid seashore 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, every little thing, making it an incredible day journey.
The seashore is huge, golden and practically untouched, making it the proper spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get a bit of vigorous, so it is not all the time very best for swimming, nevertheless it’s a implausible place to look at the solar set in fiery hues over the Pacific. Carry snacks, a great ebook 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.
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