Mexico’s Four Coastlines
Do you know that Mexico has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of California, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea? That’s over 7,000 miles of coastline. Mexico is one of the favorite travel destinations for Americans and Canadians who flock to Mexico’s coastal and beach towns to vacation and relax.
Pacific, Yucatan, Baja California and Gulf of Mexico
Because of the many coastlines, Mexico has a plentiful selection of coastal and beach towns. Whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, surf, fish deep seas, or be a beachcomber, the coastal cities in Mexico can fulfill your activity list. Let’s look at some towns based on their location around the Pacific Ocean, Yucatan Penisula, and Baja California coasts.
Best Beach Towns Pacific Coast Mexico
If you plan a trip to the Pacific Coast of Mexico, you have several beach towns to choose from, including Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mazatlan, Huatulco, and Los Cabos. Each beach town has its personality and attractions; however, they’re all known for their beaches.
Puerto Vallarta is on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and The Sierra Madre mountains surround this beach town. Visitors are impressed with the essence of its arts and culture, food and restaurant scene, and cultural traditions.
Puerto Vallarta has activities such as swimming with dolphins, deep sea fishing, spa treatments, and relaxing on the beach. Hotels and resorts range from budget-friendly to luxury.
Hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta
Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is one of Mexico’s newest beach destination, located just minutes north of Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport. It has 200 miles of pristine Pacific coastline dotted with dozens of seaside towns and pueblos.
You can view lush rainforest-covered mountain peaks, visit nature sanctuaries, walk on golden sand and palm-fringed beaches, and lodge at luxurious resort hotels.
Hotels and resorts in Riveria Nayarit
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is a Mexican coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and warm, sunny weather. Not only is it a major resort destination and an important Pacific port. Walk the sandy beaches along its 21km-long malecón (boardwalk).
Mazatlan is renowned for big-game fishing. However, you can hike, snorkel, shop, and enjoy nightlife activities in the district of Zona Dorada.
Hotels and resorts in Mazatlan
Huatulco
Huatulco has nine bays on the Pacific Ocean, which has something to do with you and your travel buddies. The central bays of Huatulco include Santa Cruz, Chahué, Tangolunda, Conejos, San Agustin, Chachacual, Cacaluta, Maguey, and Órgano.
You can relax on the beach or explore the nature parks by hiking and visiting all the secret spots in the forest. Huatulco has some fantastic waterfalls.
You can also meet the indigenous community and try their local food. Whether you are a surfer, backpacker, or nature lover, Huatulco is a special place to visit.
Hotels and resorts in Huatulco
Best Beach Towns Yucatan/Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean Sea
Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Lake Bacalar, Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Moreles
Let’s begin this section with the most popular place in the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun. It’s located in Quintana Roo on the northeast end of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun
Cancun is one of the best coastal and beach towns in Mexico and a top tourist destination. Don’t worry; Cancun has a reputation for being the ultimate “Spring break” and popular vacation destination. However, there are plenty of things to do and places to stay.
Cancun is the go-to place for luxury hotels with swim-up suites and bells and whistles. It fits the bill if you love snorkeling, scuba diving, other watersports, sophisticated restaurants serving global cuisine, and spa treatments.
Remember that Cancun has Caribbean white-sand beaches that are great for morning and sunset walks.
Tulum
Tulum is another beach town in the Yucatan. Recently, a new airport opened in Tulum, making travel more accessible. Tulum is a little calmer than Cancun, but if you like to party, there’s nightlife, too.
Staying in Tulum means you have choices of resorts or boutique hotels. If wellness is your thing, many yoga studios are available. Foodies, Tulum has an impressive restaurant scene. You can soothe and satisfy the body and soul in this coastal town.
When you visit Tulum, you must visit the Mayan Ruins, another of its biggest draws. The ruins date back to the 11th century, and it is incredible to see how they have withstood the test of time. The ancient Mayan city of Tulum sits on cliffs, and the views are spectacular.
Akumal
The coastal town of Akumal is halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. If you are looking for a gem with unspoiled beaches, look no further.
Akumal is a must-visit place. Here, you will find everything that the Rivera Maya is famous for—turquoise waters, white beaches, and lots of colorful tropical fish—without so many people.
You can snorkel with sea turtles or relax on the beach, lying on the beach and sipping margaritas. It’s a no-stress zone.
If you want nightlife, Akumal’s not the place for you. Head in either direction to Playa or Tulum.
Lake Bacalar
Another coastal town with a chill-out vibe is Bacalar. It is further north in Quintana Roo (on the northeast side of the Yucatan Peninsula).
The town of Bacalar sits around six miles from the coast (close to the coastal city of Chetumal and the Mexico/ Belize border). The lagoons in Lake Bacalar reflect different shades of aqua and blue. It looks like the colors of the sea.
Boat tours of the lake take you to beautiful cenotes and hidden islands, and in a few locations, you can jump straight into the water.
You can also lazily swing in a hammock over the water, which is famously pleasurable. Another activity is Los Rapidos (Bacalar Rapids), where you can float down a lazy river (or glide downstream, depending on the water levels).
Hotels and Resorts in Lake Bacalar
Isla Mujeres
A list of the best beach towns in Mexico would only be complete with considering some of its islands. Add Isla Mujeres to your list of places to visit.
When Cancun’s energy wears you out, and you want to experience a more relaxed side of Mexico, tiny Isla Mujeres is the perfect day trip (or overnight escape).
Isla Mujeres is a popular tourist destination. It’s just a 30-minute high-speed ferry ride from Cancun.
Hotels and Resorts in Isla Mujeres
Playa Del Carmen
Another of Mexico’s top vacation and beach towns is Playa del Carmen, which huts the Yucatan’s Caribbean Coast and has over 20 miles of golden sand beaches.
This resort town has become extremely popular and developed because it’s relatively close to Cancun (about an hour’s drive along the gorgeous Mexican Caribbean Coast). It’s no longer a secret location; you can unwind and adapt to local culture.
Hotels and Resorts in Playa Del Carmen
Puerto Moreles
Puerto Morelos is still an unspoiled coastal town. Many tourists overlook it when visiting the Rivera Maya, but it’s perfectly positioned halfway between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.
Take some time to hang out and laze around in Puerto Morelos. It is one of the best beach towns near Cancun. Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are abundant (part of the Mesoamerican Reef is offshore). Water activities are reasonably priced, and you need more people to contend with.
Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Moreles
Best Beach Towns Baja California
Cabos San Lucas
One well-known beach town is Cabo San Lucas. It is located in Baja California, a region you can explore on a trip to Mexico. Cabo San Lucas is a famous resort city; here, you will find some of the most unique places to stay in Mexico.
If you are looking for a fancy beach town in a beautiful location, Cabo San Lucas is the place for you. It has beaches, resorts, restaurants, spas, and nature activities. You can’t go wrong with visiting Cabos. Take a sunset cruise, go whale watching, or go deep-sea fishing.
Cabo San Lucas has beautiful beaches; however, the water can sometimes be rough. It’s essential to be aware of the beach warnings. Even if the current in the sea is powerful, the water is so beautiful, and the scenery is impressive.
Hotels and Resorts in Cabos San Lucas
La Paz
One hidden gem is La Paz, a coastal and beach town on the Baja peninsula of Mexico. La Paz is a stunning destination on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja, which has the most pristine beaches, incredible marine life, and charming towns with authentic Mexican vibes.
Make sure to distinguish La Paz, Mexico, from La Paz, Bolivia. That’s easy to do because of its name. La Paz, Mexico, is excellent for marine life, architecture, and culture.
The food scene is known for its delicious and freshest seafood. La Paz is also known for having Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Playa Balandra.
Conclusion
Mexico is one of the most prominent North American tourist destinations. Visitors travel worldwide to enjoy the warm climate and the Mexican beaches. Some beach towns listed are small and quiet compared to more popular destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. The number of choices of coastal and beach towns in Mexico is vast. The beach and coastal towns have hotels or resorts to suit one’s needs and comfort.
Before planning a trip to any of the towns listed, do your research and homework to see what fits your needs. Always be diligent and check for any safety precautions, health and wellness tips, and travel documentation that is needed. Enjoy your next trip to the Mexican coast.
