There’s a lot to love about Mexico — the historic cities, the sizzling street tacos, the colorful festivals and the endless art. But undoubtedly, what draws most visitors to Mexico, first and foremost, are its show-stopping beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that appeals to everyone. Whether you’re a sun-worshipper, a wave-chaser or a beach bum only in it for the tacos and sunsets, there’s something here for you.
But not all beaches are created equal, and Mexico’s offerings fall into three distinct categories: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Baja Peninsula. The Caribbean beaches feature powder-soft white sand and Tiffany-blue turquoise water. Over on the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the show. And Baja? Think cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with remote fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, if you plan to plant your feet in some of the best sand this side of paradise, you’re in the right place. Here are eight of the best beaches in Mexico that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Region: Caribbean coast
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like stepping into a (excuse the millennial reference) screen saver. Picture shallow bathlike waters in stunning turquoise hues and soft white sand.
This beach epitomizes “no shoes, no problem,” as loungers line the shore and beach bars happily serve margaritas while you float in the calm Caribbean. Sunsets here are legendary, as the beach has western views back to the mainland. Grab a front-row seat, and toast 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 Collection Resort on the other end of Isla Mujeres.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Region: Baja Peninsula
Balandra is not 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 surrealist painting, with sandbars peeking up from shallow aquamarine waters framed by dramatic desert hills.
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The water here is so calm and shallow that you can wade out for what feels like forever. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Sublime. Snapping photos? Mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for Calandra’s famous mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a natural masterpiece like the rest of this beach.
Plus, it’s easier than ever to get to La Paz thanks to Alaska Airlines’ new direct route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP), launched in November.
Related: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico’s Baja California from top to bottom
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Region: Pacific coast
Hidden in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a little slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You’ll have to earn it. Access requires descending a steep set of stairs, but trust us, the reward is worth every step.
Once you arrive, you’ll find calm waves that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling or trying your hand at beginner-friendly surfing. Small beachside shacks rent out loungers and serve cold beers, fresh seafood and coconut water. Don’t miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of homemade coconut ice cream along the shoreline.
Related: 10 best boutique hotels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Region: Caribbean coast
Playa del Carmen may be buzzy and bustling, but tucked away at its southern edge lies Playacar — a quieter, more refined stretch of the Riviera Maya coastline. The sand here is pillow-soft, and the water is that iconic Caribbean blue.
Playacar is primarily fronted by upscale homes and all-inclusive resorts — like Viva Azteca by Wyndham — giving it an exclusive feel. If you’re staying nearby, this is the perfect place to escape the crowds, catch some sun and indulge in people-watching.
It’s a quick walk to the bars and restaurants of Quinta Avenida, but seeing as the beach is mostly backed by private property, you’ll have to bring everything in with you for the day if you’re not staying at a local resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Region: Pacific coast
If you like your beaches chilled out and crowd-free, make your way to Playa Chacala. Tucked into Riviera Nayarit, this golden-sand beach has a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves here are gentle, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing around with a cold cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside restaurants serve some of the best fresh seafood — don’t miss the fish zarandeado, a local specialty where the local catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Region: Pacific coast
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for those who appreciate a more rustic, unspoiled stretch of coastline. This beach is long, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — just miles of soft, golden sand and the Pacific waves rolling in.
It’s prime for long walks, flying kites or simply soaking up the peace. Beachside palaces dish up fresh ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has long been a quieter alternative to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic example.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Region: Caribbean coast
Shoes are optional on Isla Holbox, where hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the main mode of transportation. Isla Holbox’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for travelers looking to escape the noise of Cancun. You can’t go wrong with any beach here — they’re all pristine and dotted with colorful fishing boats, gentle waves and shorebirds.
Don’t miss the chance to paddleboard or kayak. The water is calm and clear enough to see marine life gliding beneath you. If you visit between May and September, you may spot majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
Related: Boutique beachfront escape in Mexico: A review of the Mystique Holbox by Royalton
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Region: Pacific coast
If you’re craving a remote, off-the-grid beach experience, Playa Mayto delivers. Located in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of coastline feels worlds away from, well, everything.
The beach is vast, golden and nearly untouched, making it the perfect spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get a little lively, so it’s not always ideal for swimming, but it’s a fantastic place to watch the sun as it sets in fiery hues over the Pacific. Bring snacks, a good book and a sense of adventure.
Nearby, you can explore the small villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, known for some of Mexico’s largest and most delicious oysters.
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