Discover the 15 finest beaches in Mexico

Dive into fun with family and friends at Mexico’s top beaches. With coastlines along the serene Caribbean Sea and the vibrant Pacific Ocean, you can choose between a peaceful dip or an exhilarating surfing adventure. Perfect for swimmers of all abilities, a beach getaway in Mexico is enjoyable for both young kids and watersports enthusiasts. Read on for our best beach tips in this stunning country.

Top beaches in Mexico: Yucatan Peninsula

As one of the most famous stretches of the Mexican coastline, the Yucatan Peninsula truly shines. Perfect for families, these beaches often feature shallow, calm waters.

Tulum, Riviera Maya

For a beach vacation in Mexico, Tulum should be at the top of your list. Just a two-hour drive from Cancun, this stunning white-sand beach is perfect for families, friends, and couples alike. With its crystal-clear waters, it is bordered by a jungle that houses 13th-century Mayan ruins. For sports enthusiasts, kitesurfing is a popular activity along this beautiful coast.

Akumal Beach, Riviera Maya

Another gem in Tulum is Akumal Beach, known for its lovely white sand and turquoise waters. Unlike many other beaches in the Riviera Maya, Akumal is less crowded, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter experience. It’s also a paradise for animal lovers, as large sea turtles nest here. If you visit during nesting season, you're likely to spot turtles swimming nearby.

The beach is family-friendly, with calm waters suitable for swimmers of all levels. Additionally, an offshore coral reef provides excellent opportunities for snorkelers and scuba divers. Akumal Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Tulum.

Cancun Beach, Riviera Maya

Cancun, Mexico, boasts some of the country’s most renowned beaches, with golden sands stretching an impressive 14 miles. This destination is ideal for visiting with a group of friends, as the city is highly developed and famous for its vibrant tourism and nightlife. This region is also home to several Mayan temples and ruins, making day trips to historical sites easily accessible.

On the beach, you’ll discover numerous restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, while divers and snorkelers can explore the nearby coral reef. The beach is conveniently within walking distance from the city of Cancun, making it a great spot for families as well.

Isla Holbox

If you’re seeking a quieter vacation in Mexico than the bustling resorts of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is worth considering. In contrast to its more popular neighboring islands like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, this island offers a more laid-back atmosphere. Located about three hours north of Cancun, you can take a 30-minute ferry from Chiquila to reach the island, or opt for a private flight, though this is pricier.

The beaches of this island are perfect for travelers looking to escape the crowds. With numerous secluded beaches, you’ll have plenty of spots to explore. On the northern side, a white coral beach provides excellent conditions for windsurfing, while the southern part features calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming at any skill level.

Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

One of Mexico’s top beach resorts is Playa del Carmen, located just about an hour's drive from Cancun. This vibrant destination attracts both tourists and locals, so expect a lively atmosphere. With a bustling town seamlessly connected to the beach, it’s perfect for families, friends, and couples. The soft, white sand and clear turquoise waters create a true paradise experience.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Another beloved beach in Mexico is Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. You can reach this picturesque island by ferry in roughly one hour from Cancun. Renowned as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, the shallow turquoise waters provide an excellent setting for young children to swim. The surrounding coral reefs make it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

If water sports aren’t your preference, simply find a palm tree on the soft white sand and relax with a good book for the afternoon. Isla Mujeres is also a fantastic option for a day trip if you prefer not to stay overnight. The main town offers a great selection of shops and restaurants to cater to tourists.

Discover the finest beaches in the Baja California Sur peninsula

Along the Pacific Coast, the Baja California Sur peninsula features a more rugged beach environment. With stunning landscapes and a variety of water sports, this region is perfect for those eager to embrace the ocean.

Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas

On the Pacific Coast, Playa del Amor stands out as one of our top picks. Located approximately 2.5 hours south of La Paz, it’s nestled in Cabo San Lucas. The terrain here is particularly striking, with the desert stretching between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Majestic cacti and beautiful sand dunes add to the breathtaking views.

Although Playa del Amor is situated on the mainland, it can only be accessed by water taxi. Another intriguing feature of this beach is that it provides access to both the ocean and the sea, allowing you to ride the Pacific waves or enjoy a gentler paddle in the calmer waters. The famous rock formation of El Arco is also visible from the beach, making it a fantastic spot for photographers. With its golden sands, Playa del Amor caters to a variety of visitors, from families and friends to couples and sports enthusiasts.

Balandra Beach, La Paz

Approximately a 35-minute drive north of La Paz, Balandra Beach is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the crowds. This beach features soft white sands and resembles a serene lagoon. With its shallow waters, it’s an excellent choice for families with young children. Plus, the nearby reef offers fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, making it a versatile beach for all kinds of fun.

Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Medano Beach, located just a 20-minute walk from Cabo San Lucas, is another popular spot. Its golden sands stretch invitingly along the coast, perfect for leisurely strolls. While the currents can be strong in some areas, there’s a designated safe swimming zone for those wishing to take a dip.

One of the key draws of this beach is the wide range of water sports available. From banana boat rides to jet skiing and boat rentals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the beach is lined with various restaurants and bars, allowing you to relax and spend the entire day there.

Ride the waves at Nayarit's top surf beach

On the Pacific coast, the beaches of Nayarit provide an ideal retreat for surfers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your skills, these spots cater to all levels.

Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit

For surfing enthusiasts, Sayulita Beach ranks among the finest in Mexico. Located about a 55-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, this beach features expansive golden sands and is nestled against the charming village of Sayulita, with the stunning Occidental Mountains in the background.

With numerous surf schools lining the beach, it's an excellent destination for beginners. The village also boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, making it a perfect spot for a multi-day getaway.

Discover the top beaches in Mexico: Oaxaca

For more surfing adventures, make your way to Oaxaca, where a variety of fantastic beaches await. There's plenty for non-surfers too, making it a perfect destination for groups of friends.

Puerto Escondido

Another prime surfing beach in Mexico is Puerto Escondido, located along the Pacific coast. It’s easily accessible from the town center, making it convenient for everyone. This beach features golden sands and challenging waters, best suited for experienced swimmers. One of its highlights is its relatively undeveloped nature, keeping costs low.

With waves sometimes reaching 10 feet and annual surfing competitions taking place, this area is a haven for those looking to improve their surfing skills. The town also offers excellent dining options at affordable prices, making it well worth a visit.

Zipolite Beach

Another beach in Oaxaca State, Zipolite Beach is renowned for its surfing. Nestled between two rocky headlands and surrounded by lush hills and trees, it’s a picturesque spot. The currents here can be quite strong, so make sure to swim only in the designated safe areas monitored by lifeguards.

The beach is just a short stroll from the town, which features a variety of bars and restaurants. Additionally, the nearby Mazunte Beach is home to the Mexican Turtle Center, where you can learn more about the fascinating sea turtles.

Experience the top beaches in Mexico: Jalisco

For beautiful beaches that cater to all ages, Jalisco is the place to be. From whale watching to snorkeling, there’s something for everyone here.

Puerto Vallarta Beach

On the Pacific coast of Mexico, we find Puerto Vallarta, a beloved resort town. The beach features an extensive stretch of golden sand, flanked by the Sierra Madre mountains. The waters here can be quite deep, so be sure to stay within the designated safe swimming areas.

For snorkelers and divers, a variety of nearby coves await exploration. With opportunities for excursions like whale watching and deep-sea fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The beach is easily accessible on foot from the town, making it ideal for families with young children. A wide array of restaurants ensures that your little ones will have plenty of food options throughout the day.

Yelapa Beach

Yelapa Beach, nestled beside a quaint fishing village, exudes a natural and unspoiled charm. Accessible in about 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta by water taxi, this beach features golden sands encircling a spacious bay, making it an ideal romantic getaway. Activities include dining and paddleboarding, with excellent snorkeling opportunities available as well.

Best beaches in Mexico: Guerrero

Guerrero boasts Pacific beaches that are perfect for families. If you're eager to paddle with your child but wary of strong waves, this region is an excellent choice.

Playa Las Gatas, Zihuatanejo

Finally, we have Playa Las Gatas, located just a 10-minute drive from Zihuatanejo. This white-sand beach is family-friendly, shielded from currents and winds, ensuring safe swimming for all. With fantastic snorkeling in nearby coves and various local restaurants, it’s the ultimate spot for a day of fun. Don't miss Las Gatas Lighthouse, which provides stunning coastal views.

What’s the ideal time to visit Mexico?

For the best beach weather in Mexico, plan your trip during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this period, you can expect average temperatures around 82°F and minimal rainfall.

Which Mexican beaches are free from seaweed?

While we can't promise a seaweed-free experience, your chances are higher at beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula compared to the Pacific. Notable spots like Isla Mujeres and Cancun Beach often have less seaweed.

What are the safest and most enjoyable beaches in Mexico?

Mexico offers fantastic family-friendly beaches. Generally, those in the Yucatan Peninsula, like Tulum Beach, feature safe, shallow waters ideal for swimming. Always check for designated safe swimming areas before entering. On the Pacific coast, the waters can be rough, known for great surfing spots, but you can find calm beaches like Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo that are perfect for swimming.

Which part of Mexico boasts the best beaches?

The best beaches in Mexico depend on your preferences. For a picture-perfect desert island vibe, the east coast offers stunning, unspoiled beaches. Conversely, if you're seeking water sports, the west coast stands out as the top choice.

Discover more amazing beach destinations in our article on the best beaches in Australia.