21 Best Beaches in Mexico

Mexico: More than just tacos

Mexico is more than tacos, fiesta and pyramids. Besides being known for its incredible gastronomy, architecture and traditions, it is also known for being one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity and wealth of beautiful beaches. Read on to learn about the best beaches in Mexico.

With more than 11,000 kilometers of coastline bordering the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez, the Gulf of Mexico and the stunning Caribbean Sea, Mexico offers an incredible diversity of coastal landscapes and beach destinations worthy of a post on your social networks. From golden sands and calm crystal clear waters to white sand beaches and surfing waves, Mexico has a beach for every type of traveler!

Playa del Amor, Baja California Sur

Playa del Amor, also known as Lover's Beach to foreigners, is located in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and is famous for its location near the iconic rock formation of El Arco, one of Mexico's most famous landscapes. This golden sand beach is on a small peninsula southeast of Cabo and offers a unique atmosphere due to the tranquility of its waters, which is rare in Los Cabos. We recommend only swimming on the side of the peninsula where Playa del Amor is located, as the opposite side, for which it is also called “Divorce Beach”, is known for its rough surf and dangerous currents.

Fun fact: Playa del Amor changes its size throughout the year due to the tides, which makes its beauty even more special and ephemeral.

How to get to Playa del Amor:
From downtown Cabo San Lucas, you can get there by taking a water cab. Most boats leave from the Cabo Marina, and the trip takes a few minutes. If you are lucky, you can enjoy an additional tour to admire the marine fauna, such as sea lions and pelicans, very popular in BCS.

by Cabo Airport Shuttle

📍 Playa del Amor - Google Maps

Playa Sisal, Yucatán

Sisal is located one hour from Merida, Yucatan, and is considered one of the ideal destinations for those looking to escape the tourist centers of Quintana Roo, such as Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. In this beautiful corner of Yucatan, you can enjoy the beautiful white sands that distinguish the region, crystal clear waters with turquoise tones, and it has that special rustic tour with relaxed vibes. The beach is adorned with small palapas and charming open-air restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, making Sisal the perfect destination for a relaxing day.

How to get to Playa Sisal in Yucatan:
Traveling from Merida: Take the state highway to Sisal. The drive is about an hour depending on traffic and the road is easy to navigate. You can rent a car or take a bus from Mérida, which will take you directly to the town of Sisal.c

📍 Playa Sisal - Google Maps

Playa Carrizalillo, Oaxaca

For those who wish to enjoy a more intimate experience in Puerto Escondido, Playa Carrizalillo is a hidden gem. This crescent-shaped beach, surrounded by palm trees, offers turquoise waters, perfect for relaxing and surfing. Its access is a bit complicated, as it is located at the foot of more than 160 steps, but the effort is rewarded with a natural paradise that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of other nearby beaches, such as Zicatela.
By the way, we recommend you don't miss the coconut shrimp at the farthest restaurant on the right side of the beach, and try the ice cream that a local vendor offers daily.

How to get to Playa Carrizallo:
From downtown Puerto Escondido, you can take a cab or walk to the entrance to Playa Carrizalillo. The descent down the steps can be a bit strenuous, but it is well worth it. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, locals offer surf lessons for beginners, and you can find comfortable beach bars and beach bars offering light food.

📍 Playa Carrizallo - Google Maps

Playa Delfines, Quintana Roo

Playa Delfines Cancun is frequented by locals and visitors alike due to its stretch of fine sand, turquoise blue water, and peaceful atmosphere. It is the only beach in the Hotel Zone with no skyscrapers or resorts nearby, and it is one of the few places on the Mexican Caribbean coast where visitors can surf. The atmosphere here is entirely different from other beaches in Cancun: a simple beach with impressive waves in one of the most tourist places in the world.

How to get to Playa Dellfines: 
Traveling from the airport: If you take some kind of transportation from Cancun Airport to the hotel zone, head for the Airport Hotel Zone highway. Travel time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
From Downtown Cancun: You can take several methods of transportation such as Taxi, Bus, or rent a car; however, either way, you will have to take the road to kilometer 0 of the Hotel Zone, and once incorporated into the avenue, the travel time will be approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

➡️Get to know the best Cancun Airport Guide, here

📍 Playa Delfines - Google Maps

Playa Mayto, Jalisco

Playa Mayto is one of Mexico's longest and most remote beaches. This beautiful coastline is not very advisable for swimming or snorkeling, but it serves as a desert refuge for those seeking calm in such a touristy place and cobblestone roads. To reach Mayto, travelers must venture about 90 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta, where they must cross a dusty and rocky road, which turns off at the small town of “El Tuito.”
Upon arrival, travelers will find almost 11 kilometers of virgin sand, the occasional hotel and restaurant, and turtle protection camps (which we recommend you visit if you plan to take this trip to Jalisco). 
Why is it on this list? Many people don't feel like swimming at the beaches but like the beautiful views that the sea offers and are fans of activism, so Playa Mayto in Jalisco could not be left off our list.

How to get to Playa Mayto:
From Puerto Vallarta, take federal highway 200 south and continue to El Tuito. Once there, follow the signs to Mayto. The drive is about two hours, and the last stretch is a dirt road straight to the beach.

📍 Playa Mayto - Google Maps

Playa Troncones, Guerrero

Playa Troncones, located north of Ixtapa, Guerrero, is one of the best-kept secrets of this state of the republic. This quiet golden sand beach is a paradise for travelers seeking calm and surfing adventures. With perfect surfing waves and a low-key atmosphere, Troncones is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. Many people love to visit this beach to do yoga in front of the sea; the calm and tranquility, along with the sound of the waves, are ideal for this type of activity.

How to get to Playa Trocones:
To get to Troncones, you can travel by air directly to Zihuatanejo and, from there, take a cab or rent a car to go north on federal highway 200 (travel time is approximately 45 minutes). Shuttle services are also available to Trocones from Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo.

📍 Playa Trocones - Google Maps

Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur

Playa Balandra, located less than a 30-minute drive from La Paz, Baja California Sur, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Its bay, which looks like a lagoon, has calm turquoise waters that combine perfectly with the fine white sands. Playa Balandra is ideal for snorkeling, where you can explore the marine life of the gigantic Sea of Cortez, known as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
However, we recommend you arrive early, as access to this beach is highly protected to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Don't forget to bring water and some food since restaurants or stores are not nearby.
The calm waters of this beach make it an ideal place for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or enjoying a snorkeling session.

How to get to Playa Balandra:
You can take the highway north for about half an hour out of La Paz. It is easy to get there by car, and you can find parking near the beach, so you don't have to worry about walking too far to the ocean. 

📍 Playa Balandra - Google Maps

Puerto Progreso, Yucatán

Puerto Progreso is the ideal beach destination for those visiting the Yucatan Peninsula who have already visited several cenotes, but want to experience the Gulf of Mexico.
Famous for its extensive boardwalk, the picturesque seaside town of Puerto Progreso offers a very relaxed beach atmosphere. Numerous restaurants and bars on the shore serve everything from fresh seafood and refreshing drinks to pizza and tacos while you are captivated by the sound of the ocean waves.
Currently, we recommend you visit the sculpture area, where it is possible to see the statue of Poseidon (a very popular symbol in Yucatan), as well as the carousels and statues of the bench.
Did you know that the Port of Progreso is considered the longest pier in the world? 

How to get to Puerto Progreso:

From Mérida, you can take a bus to Progreso, and the travel time is approximately 40 minutes on federal highway 261. Or if you prefer and have a vehicle to get around on your own, you can do so by heading along the same highway, the travel time due to the absence of continuous stops will be approximately 25 minutes. The trip is simple and straightforward, making it a popular getaway for local residents and tourists alike.

📍 Puerto Progreso - Google Maps

Playa El Medano, Baja California Sur

Playa El Medano is the heart of beach life in Cabo San Lucas. It is extremely safe to swim here, thanks to its calm waters compared to other beaches in the region. With its vibrant social life, both day and night at seaside bars and restaurants, El Medano is the ideal place to enjoy a day full of energy.
El Medano is the perfect place for those looking for water sports, such as parasailing and jet skiing, and as if it weren't already a beautiful place, it's also the best place to enjoy Cabo San Lucas' nightlife. The beach has a variety of lodging and dining options, so you won't lack for anything during your visit.

How to get to Medano Beach:

El Medano is located right in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. You can easily walk there if you are downtown, or take a cab from anywhere in town.

📍 Playa El Medano - Google Maps

Reserva de la Biósfera de Sian Ka'an, Quintana Roo

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of the few areas declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is considered the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. This natural paradise is ideal for all those who love nature, with its beautiful virgin beaches of white sand, swaying palm trees, thick mangroves and crystal clear waters that mirror the Caribbean sun.
Sian Ka'an is a haven for wildlife, with the possibility of spotting dolphins, whales, spider monkeys, jaguars and ocelots. In addition, travelers can enjoy activities such as bird watching, snorkeling, kayaking and the unique experience of “floating” through the natural canals.
We recommend bringing biodegradable insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be abundant in this area and in the mangrove area, due to the humidity that favors their reproduction.

How to get to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve:
From Tulum, you can drive to Punta Allen, a journey that takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. Part of the road is dirt, so it is recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle. You can also hire guided tours, these usually include transportation and activities departing from Tulum.

📍 Reserva de la Biosfera de Sian Ka’an - Google Maps

Playa Tangolunda, Oaxaca

Playa Tangolunda is one of the coveted treasures of Tangolunda Bay, one of the nine bays that make up Huatulco in Oaxaca. This destination is distinguished by its breathtaking natural beauty, with diverse modes of travel, from budget options for solo travelers, couples, and families, and even luxury options with huge golf courses. Here, you can enjoy water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing or simply relax in one of the resorts near the sea. The bay is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, which creates an ideal environment to relax between adventures. A place we can't recommend enough.

How to get to Tangolunda Beach
From Huatulco International Airport, Playa Tangolunda is only 30 minutes away by car. You can get there by taxi or shuttle service from the terminal. If you are staying at a resort, you may find that most of them offer direct transfers.

📍 Playa Tangolunda - Google Maps

Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo

Playa Maroma is distinguished by its white sand and calm, bright blue waters. This exclusive beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Mexico. It is ideal for those looking for a more intimate experience, as only a few hotels occupy this coastline, some of which offer overwater bungalows, unique in Mexico. If you visit the Riviera Maya, this one is undoubtedly one of the best options for seeing the beach. We recommend renting a car, this way you will be able to get to know the surroundings that the Riviera has to offer.
The beach is ideal for visiting as a couple, with friends, or with your family, since it has very calm, crystalline waters and plenty of space for the little ones to play without risk.
It is important to know that to visit this beach, you must make a reservation at one of the resorts in the area since it is a private area. 

How to get to Playa Maroma

Playa Maroma is located about 35 minutes south of Cancun International Airport. You can get there by car on Federal Highway 307 to Playa del Carmen and then follow the signs to the hotels that line the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

📍 Playa Maroma - Google Maps

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

Isla Holbox, located off the north coast of Quintana Roo, is the perfect place to unwind. This bohemian destination offers white sand beaches, shallow waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy activities such as whale shark watching (in season) and kiteboarding or simply relax in a hammock by the sea.
Although Isla Holbox does not consist of only one beach, it is very small, so you can visit it in one or a couple of days and get to know the island completely.
You should know that Transportation in Holbox is mainly by golf carts, so be prepared to move at a more leisurely pace.

How to get to Holbox Island
From Cancun, you can take a bus or car to the port of Chiquilá, which takes about two hours. From there, a ferry will take you to Holbox in 30 minutes. If you prefer a faster experience, there are also water cab services.

📍 Isla Holbox - Google Maps

Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Playa Mujeres, just north of Cancun's Hotel Zone, has gained popularity for its beauty and tranquility. This beach of white sand and calm waters is ideal for those seeking luxury and serenity. Despite growing hotel development, Playa Mujeres still retains its secluded charm.
Playa Mujeres is famous for its luxury resorts, such as TRS Coral and Beloved Playa Mujeres, which offer all-inclusive options.
The easiest way to get in is through the hotels, such as the Excellence Playa Mujeres, although you can walk there via the nearby beaches.

How to get to Playa Mujeres:
It is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Cancun. Located in the famous hotel zone. Most resorts offer transportation from Cancun International Airport. If your hotel does not include it, you can book a shuttle, ADO bus, or rent a car.

📍 Playa Mujeres - Google Maps

Playa La Punta, Oaxaca

Located at the southern end of one of the most beautiful beaches in Oaxaca, Playa Zicatela, Playa La Punta is known for its bohemian atmosphere and for being one of the ideal places for those looking for activities such as surfing in Oaxaca. This area of Puerto Escondido offers a very authentic, laid-back experience, with casual restaurants, hostels, and boutique hotels lining its coastline. Its waves are ideal for beginners and expert surfers. It is also an ideal place for photos, a relaxing day by the sea, and a meal or brunch at the restaurants in the area. We recommend visiting the food trucks area to try national and international food.

How to get to Playa La Punta:
Playa La Punta is 15 minutes by taxi or car from downtown Puerto Escondido. You can also walk along the beach from Zicatela.

📍 Playa La Punta - Google Maps

Playa Paraíso, Tulum, Quintana Roo

Playa Paraiso is an earthly paradise with white sands and turquoise waters located just south of the famous Tulum ruins. This beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
Arrive early to find a good spot, as this beach is popular with travelers. You can also walk from the Mayan ruins for a full day of exploration and relaxation. The view from this beach is one of the most privileged in all of Mexico. You can witness hundreds of years of history and the wonders of nature at the same time.

How to get to Playa Paraiso:
Playa Paraiso is only 10 minutes away from downtown Tulum by bike or taxi.

📍 Playa Paraíso - Google Maps

Playa Blanca, Guerrero

Playa Blanca provides a sense of isolation and serenity to all its visitors. This beach, with endless white sand and little development, is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a “Robinson Crusoe” style atmosphere. The sunsets at Playa Blanca are spectacular, and while lodging options are limited, places like Las Palmas Luxury Villas offer a luxury experience on what feels like your own private beach.
Playa Blanca is ideal for leisurely walking along the beach and admiring the breathtaking views without the crowds. Don't forget your camera to capture this beach's beautiful views.

How to get to Playa Blanca
You can take a taxi or drive along the road to the airport from Zihuatanejo. Playa Blanca is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Zihuatanejo and is easy to find by following the signs to the airport.

📍 Playa Blanca - Google Maps

Costalegre, Jalisco

Costalegre, located on the southern coast of Jalisco, is a stunning region of nearly pristine beaches stretching from Puerto Vallarta to the state of Colima. Here, you'll find sheer cliffs plunging to golden beaches while palm trees and sea turtles outnumber tourists. This area is home to luxury enclaves like Cuixmala and Careyes, which attract creatives, tycoons, and nature lovers.

How to get to Costalegre:
From Puerto Vallarta, you can drive south on Federal Highway 200. Depending on the specific destination in Costalegre, the drive can take between 2 and 4 hours. Alternatively, there are domestic flights to the Manzanillo airport, located close to the region.

Playa Cerritos, Baja California Sur

Playa Cerritos, near Todos Santos, has been a paradise for surfers and travelers looking for an authentic BCS experience for decades. This beach, one of the few in the Mexican Pacific where it is safe to swim, offers a mix of perfect waves for surfers and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for those looking to escape Los Cabos. Today, the Cerritos community combines art galleries, unique stores, and seafood restaurants with a touch of luxury.
Don't miss the surf lessons available on the beach, which are suitable for beginners and experts alike, and enjoy the vibrant sunsets that make this one of the most unique places in Baja.

How to get to Playa Cerritos
Playa Cerritos is just an hour's drive north of Cabo San Lucas. You can rent a car or take a bus from the Cabo terminal to Todos Santos and then a local cab to Cerritos.

📍 Playa Cerritos - Google Maps

Playa Canalán, Nayarit

Playa Canalan, on the coast of Nayarit, is a recently developed beach that combines the natural beauty of its white sands and mountainous surroundings with modern luxury. Home to the exclusive One&Only Mandarina and the sophisticated Canalan Beach Club, this beach offers a unique experience for those seeking tranquility and luxury. Visitors can enjoy the privacy and exclusivity offered by Nayarit's still unspoiled corner.
This is a perfect destination to enjoy a luxurious stay in a breathtaking natural environment. Don't miss the Allora restaurant, which offers delicious Italian food with spectacular ocean views.

How to get to Playa Canalan
Playa Canalan is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Drive north on Highway 200 until you reach Mandarina, where the beach is located.
📍 Playa Canalán - Google Maps

Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca

Lagunas de Chacahua is a hidden treasure on the coast of Oaxaca. Getting to this remote paradise involves extra effort, but it's worth it. A water cab will take you through the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, where you will encounter one of Mexico's most secluded and unspoiled beaches. With its rustic atmosphere, surfers from around the world come here to catch the perfect waves and enjoy the absolute tranquility. At nightfall, the lack of light pollution reveals a breathtaking starry sky.
This is an ideal destination for adventurers looking to disconnect completely. Don't expect luxuries, but an authentic experience in contact with nature.

How to get to Chacahua Lagoons
To get to Lagunas de Chacahua, you must first travel to Puerto Escondido. From there, you can take a bus to the town of El Zapotalito, where you will take a water cab that will take you directly to Chacahua. This trip takes about two hours.

😀 We hope this post helps you add more unique places to your bucket list of things to do in Mexico!