8 most beautiful beaches in Mexico
There’s a lot to love Mexico – historic cities, hot street tacos, colorful festivals and endless art. But undoubtedly, what attracts most visitors to Mexico is, first of all, the beautiful beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline divided between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that will appeal to everyone. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a wave-chaser, or a beach bum just to eat tacos and watch the sunset, there’s something for you here.
But not all beaches are created equal, and Mexico’s beaches fall into three distinct categories: Caribbean, Pacific, and Baja Peninsula. Caribbean beaches have powder-white sand and Tiffany turquoise waters. On the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sands and worthy waves are a draw for surfers. And Baja? Think cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes with remote fishing villages and miles of saguaro cacti.
So if you’re planning to set foot on the most beautiful sand this side of paradise then you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Playa Norte, Isla Soones, Quintana Roo
Land: Caribbean Coast
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like stepping into a screensaver (sorry for the millennial reference). Picture shallow waters bathed in stunning turquoise and soft white sand.
This beach is the epitome of “no shoes, no problem,” as loungers line the shore and beach bars happily serve up margaritas while you indulge in the area The Caribbean Sea is quiet. Sunsets here are legendary because the beach has a westward view of the mainland. Take a front row seat and raise a glass to another day in paradise.
Need another reason to book a trip? Marriott recently opened an adults-only all-inclusive resort called Almare, a luxury resort at the other end of Isla Soones.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Land: Baja Peninsula
Balandra is more than just a beach; it’s a landscape Located on the Sea of Cortez, about a 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this beach looks like a surreal painting, with sandbanks rising from shallow turquoise waters surrounded by by dramatic desert hills.
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The water here is so calm and shallow that you could wade out forever. Kayaking? Star. Sunbathe? Great. Take a photo? Obligatory. Keep an eye out for Calandra’s famous mushroom rock formation, a natural masterpiece like the rest of this beach.
Additionally, getting to La Paz is easier than ever thanks to Alaska Airlines’ new direct flight between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP), launched in November.
Related: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Explore Mexico’s Baja California from top to bottom
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Land: Pacific Coast
Nestled in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a little piece of golden sand paradise. The catch? You will have to earn it. To get in you have to go down a steep set of stairs, but trust us, the reward is worth every step.
When you arrive, you’ll find calm waves that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or trying your hand at beginner-friendly surfing. Small beach huts rent lounge chairs and serve cold beer, fresh seafood and coconut water. Don’t miss the ice cream vendor pushing his cart of homemade coconut ice cream along the beach.
Related: The 10 best boutique hotels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Land: Caribbean Coast
Playa del Carmen may be bustling and bustling, but tucked away on its southern edge is Playacar – a quieter, more refined stretch of Riviera Maya coastline. The sand here is pillow soft and the water is an iconic Caribbean blue.
In front of Playacar are mainly high-end homes and all-inclusive resorts – like Viva Azteca by Wyndham – gives it a feeling of exclusivity. If you’re nearby, this is the perfect place to escape the crowds, get some sunshine and people-watch.
It’s a quick walk to the bars and restaurants of Quinta Avenida, but because the beach is mostly backed by private property, you’ll have to carry everything with you for the day if you’re not staying at a resort local nutrition.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Land: Pacific Coast
If you like relaxing beaches without crowds, head to Playa Chacala. Nestled in the Riviera Nayarit, this golden sand beach offers a romantic small-town atmosphere. The waves here are gentle, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily floating with a cold cervix in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachfront restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood – don’t miss the zarandeado fish, a local specialty where the local catch is buttered, marinated and grilled .
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Land: Pacific Coast
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for those who love a more rustic, wild stretch of coastline. This beach is long, wild and incredibly quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings – just soft golden sand and the crashing Pacific waves.
This is the ideal place for hiking, kite flying or simply enjoying the peace. Seaside palaces serve fresh ceviche and cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has long been a quieter alternative to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is an impressive example.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Land: Caribbean Coast
Shoes are optional on Isla Holboxwhere hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the main means of transportation. Isla Holbox’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches here – they’re all pristine and dotted with colorful fishing boats, gentle waves and coastal birds.
Don’t miss the chance to paddleboard or kayak. The water is so calm and clear that you can see marine life passing below you. If you visit between May and September, you can see majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
Related: Mini Beach Escape in Mexico: Review of Royalton’s Mystique Holbox
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Land: Pacific Coast
If you’re craving a remote, secluded beach experience, Playa Mayto delivers. Located in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of coastline feels far away from everything.
The beach is vast, golden and almost pristine, making it the perfect spot for those seeking solitude. The waves can be a bit hectic so it’s not always ideal for swimming, but it’s a great place to watch the sun as it sets in fiery colors over the Pacific. Bring snacks, a good book, and a sense of adventure.
Nearby, you can explore the small villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, famous for some of Mexico’s largest and tastiest oysters.
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