The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beach towns in mexico"
Named by 6 of 81. TulumKnown for a bohemian feel, white-sand beaches and Mayan ruins.The ruins were a major trading post in the 13th and 14th centuries and are a draw alongside the beaches.Best time to visit TulumBest beaches in TulumNamed by 5 of 82. CancunBig resorts and nightlife define the Caribbean side here.The Hotel Zone is a long strip of resorts with direct beach access.Best time to visit CancúnBest beaches in CancunBest places to visit in Cancun
Named by 5 of 83. Playa del CarmenCaribbean beaches sit next to a walkable town center.Day trips reach Coba, Tulum, cenotes and Cozumel.
Named by 4 of 84. Isla HolboxShallow, clear water suits swimming and sunbathing, and the island is nicknamed the Maldives of Mexico.Reached by a domestic flight or by ferry from the town of Chiquila.
Named by 4 of 85. Puerto EscondidoNamed as a top surfing stop on the Pacific coast.Playa Zicatela is the iconic beach for hanging out or swimming.Named by 3 of 86. CozumelKnown for snorkeling and diving, and reached as a day trip from Playa del Carmen.Passion Island, on the north of Cozumel, has a better beach than the rest of the island.Best time to visit CozumelBest beaches in CozumelBest places to visit in Cozumel
Named by 2 of 87. Puerto MorelosAbout 20 minutes south of Cancun and described as close to traditional Mexico.A small-town feel with fewer resorts than nearby areas.
Named by 2 of 88. Playa Balandra (near La Paz)A shallow lagoon with very clear water; one writer ranks it number one in Mexico.Go early and avoid weekends and holidays, as numbers are limited.Named by 2 of 89. Puerto VallartaOne of the most established destinations in Mexico for international residents.Best time to visit Puerto VallartaBest beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Named by 2 of 810. IxtapaA popular Pacific coast beach with many palms.
Named by 2 of 811. Nuevo VallartaA resort area in the northern suburbs of Puerto Vallarta.
Named by 2 of 812. Punta MaromaA secluded Caribbean beach suited to people wanting quiet.
Named by 2 of 813. Cabo San LucasPlaya del Amor, southeast of town, is a wild beach.Best time to visit Cabo San LucasBest beaches in Cabo San Lucas14. San José del CaboA laid-back seaside town suited to a relaxing holiday.Known for fresh seafood and local food.
15. ZihuatanejoA city beach with palms and a positive atmosphere.
16. SayulitaA surfer beach north of Puerto Vallarta, slightly crowded.
17. Isla MujeresPlaya Norte is the only beach on the island suited to swimming.Best time to visit Isla MujeresBest beaches in Isla Mujeres
18. AkumalA beach town on the Caribbean coast.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Mexico.
Questions people ask
- What are some small towns near Cancun?
- Puerto Morelos is a small town about 20 minutes south of Cancun, described as close to traditional Mexico.
- Which side of Mexico has the best beaches?
- One source says the Pacific has quiet fishing villages and surf, while the Caribbean has Tulum and big resorts like Cancun.
- Which part of Mexico has the clearest water?
- One writer found the water in Bahia Concepcion in Baja California Sur unusually clear, and also rated Playa Balandra's lagoon highly.
