The 11 Best Beaches in Mexico
The 11 Best Beaches in Mexico
With its stunning coastlines on the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of California, Mexico is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. Whether you move to Mexico or drop by for a week, visiting those beaches is a breeze. Some, you may have heard of before, while others may turn out to be hidden gems. Here’s our picks for the best beaches in Mexico. Did Cancun make the list?
11) Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
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This popular resort town is located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. With plenty of luxury hotels, restaurants and shops, this beach destination is a great spot for a family getaway. Spend your days lounging on the beach or take a boat tour to explore nearby islands and coves.
10) Bucerias, Nayarit
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Bucerias is a quaint beach town located on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. This small town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning beaches. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets or take a dip in one of the nearby lagoons. Make sure to check out Los Muertos Beach where you can relax and enjoy the best sunsets in Mexico.
9) Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
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Home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a great spot to relax and enjoy the sun. From stunning waterfront views to fine dining options, you’ll find plenty of things to do here. Enjoy time lounging on the beach or rent a boat to explore the nearby islands. It’s also a great spot for retirees, digital nomads, and LGBTQ folks.
8) Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
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This beach town is located on the Oaxaca coast and is known for its surfing and laid-back vibe. There’s even a daily turtle release you can participate in! Aside from plenty of great waves, you can also enjoy amazing seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and bars. If you’re looking to take a break from the beach, head over to nearby Lagunas de Chacahua National Park for exploration.
7) Huatulco, Oaxaca
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Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Huatulco is home to stunning scenery and many beaches. With nine bays and 36 beaches, you’ll have plenty of options for lounging on the sand or swimming in the sea. Take a boat tour to explore nearby islands and coves or head into town for local shopping.
6) Acapulco, Guerrero
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Growing up in the ’80s watching The Price is Right, I’d dream of winning the Showcase Showdown and an exciting trip to Acapulco. For those looking for a party, Acapulco is the place to be. This city is known for its vibrant nightlife, so expect plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants. During the day, head over to Caleta Beach for stunning waterfront views or take a taxi boat to Isla Roqueta for snorkeling and sunset views. You may even take up scuba while you’re there.
5) Sisal, Yucatan
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Our favorite beach doesn’t have a single resort or even a highway to get you there, but it’s pure joy on the Gulf of Mexico. Stay in gorgeous centro Mérida and drive the 45 minutes through small town Mexico to spend the day on this laid-back beach.
4) Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
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This picturesque beach town is situated on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, making it a great option for those looking for plenty of white sands and fun in the sun. As one of the more breathtaking beaches in Mexico, you can expect plenty of amenities such as restaurants, bars and shops along the beachfront promenade. If you’re looking for a day of relaxation, head to Mamitas Beach Club or the nearby beach club at Lido Beach for excellent service and amenities.
3) Cancun, Quintana Roo
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No list of best beaches in Mexico is complete without Cancun. Home to brilliant blue waters and white sands, this resort destination draws over 25 million visitors every year. It’s one of the most peaceful beaches I’ve ever been to; Sisal, number 5 on this list, is the only one to top Cancun for me. Get your cultural fix and visit Isla Mujeres while you’re in town.
2) La Paz, Baja California Sur
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If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head over to La Paz located on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. With miles of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and stunning sunsets, this is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or peace and relaxation. Enjoy time lounging on the beach or take a boat tour to explore nearby islands and coves.
1) Tulum, Quintana Roo
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For a more serene experience, head to Tulum on Mexico’s Riviera Maya which boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country. With golden sand and crystal-clear blue waters, this is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or peaceful escape from everyday life. Spend your days lounging on the beach or visiting nearby ruins to learn more about Mexico’s past. It’s also in Quintana Roo, the same state as Cancun.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Costa Rica?
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One of the gems of Latin America, Costa Rica’s cost of living weighs heavily on people’s minds. Americans have been moving to Costa Rica for years, after all. Beach lovers enjoy life around Tamarindo in Guanacaste state, enjoying the warm breezes off the central Pacific. Digital nomads seek major cities like capital city San Jose, looking to save money while working from a laptop among the lush vegetation of the Central Valley. Retirees find the cost to live in Costa Rica to be significantly cheaper, with housing costs, healthcare, and average rent prices coming in well below their comparable cost of living in the US.
➤ How Much Does It Cost to Live in Costa Rica?
The 7 Safest Cities in Mexico, According to Expats
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For those looking for a change of pace, many immigrants and retirees have been drawn to Mexico in recent years. With beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and a much lower cost of living than many other countries, it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to move to Mexico. However, safety is an important consideration when relocating to any new area. Here’s a look at some of the safest cities in Mexico for expats.
➤ The 7 Safest Cities in Mexico, According to Expats
Panama’s Best Beaches: Escape the Crowds and Find Your Own Paradise
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Panama, located in Central America, is a favorite of American retirees, adventurers, and remote workers. That’s partly because it’s blessed with an incredible variety of beautiful beaches. Its unusual isthmus shape mean that you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Caribbean! Panama City is located on the Pacific coast, so those beaches tend to be more populated, while the sandy white Caribbean beaches are less inhabited. The Caribbean beaches can also be pricier and see more of the rainy season. Here are our picks for best beaches in Panama:
➤ Panama’s Best Beaches: Escape the Crowds and Find Your Own Paradise
Brett Andrews is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps expats discover how to leave the U.S. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching comic book movies and reading unusual books.
Brett Andrews is the co-founder of Expatsi, a company that helps expats discover how to leave the U.S. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching comic book movies and reading unusual books.