Discovering Mexico’s top destinations

Mexico's premier travel spots offer diverse experiences, from white sandy shores to breathtaking hikes through lush rainforests and iconic ruins. It's the ultimate getaway, guaranteed to please everyone.

Top destinations in Mexico

Featuring pristine beaches along the Caribbean, vibrant urban markets, and charming colonial towns, the best destinations in Mexico cater to all interests. History enthusiasts can explore ancient Mayan ruins scattered throughout the country, along with picturesque colonial settlements.

For food lovers, Mexico is a culinary paradise, with dining options ranging from upscale eateries to bustling market squares. Don't miss trying a street stall hamburguesa in Oaxaca—once you taste it, a regular burger will never suffice again. This local delight is piled high with a hotdog, cheese, pineapple, jalapeños, and ham. These are just a few of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Mexico.

Mexico City

Serving as both a state and a city, Mexico City ranks among Mexico's premier destinations. This vibrant metropolis boasts a thriving culinary scene, featuring everything from high-end restaurants to fantastic street food markets, making it a delightful introduction to rich cultural experiences. The downtown area showcases a stunning blend of colonial and pre-Hispanic architecture.

With limited car access, it's a perfect place for leisurely strolls to soak in the sights. The impressive Palacio de Bellas Artes is located in Alameda Central, home to remarkable works by renowned Mexican artists.

Inside, you'll find various significant murals, including a piece by Diego Rivera, which was recreated after the original was destroyed at the Rockefeller Center due to its capitalist themes.

The La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods feature wide, tree-lined boulevards and elegant mansions, ideal for shopping and people-watching. A bit further from the city center, Coyoacan is filled with winding cobbled streets, authentic eateries, and numerous museums. Among these streets is the iconic blue door of Frida Kahlo’s former residence, now the Museo Kahlo.

Cholula

Head further southeast of Mexico City to discover Cholula, a town of significant religious and economic importance during the Mesoamerican era, long before the Spanish conquest. This is evidenced by the monumental Tlachihualtepetl pyramid, one of the largest ever built by ancient civilizations in the Americas, which remains a major attraction in this city near Puebla.

You can explore the tunnels beneath the pyramid via the Museo Regional de Cholula, an excellent spot to learn more about its construction. The museum features ceramic artifacts recovered from the site, alongside intriguing displays detailing the temple's construction.

The Baroque Spanish-style church of Sant Gabriel, the oldest Christian structure in the Americas, adds to the area's historical allure. Built atop a temple that was destroyed by the Spanish, it is said to have burned for two days; its facade showcases exquisite Plateresque decoration.

Beyond the city, there are fantastic hiking opportunities. Consider hiking the fragrant pine trails at Cerro Zapotecas, where you can admire views of the great pyramid and the peaks of the Popocatepetl volcano. For the adventurous, tackle the Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltepetl, the highest mountain in Mexico.

Oaxaca State

Just a short distance from Puebla lies the state of Oaxaca, with its capital sharing the same name. Between October 31st and November 2nd, this city and its surrounding towns become the focal point for one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations, making it one of the top experiences in Mexico.

Visitors flock from all corners to witness streets adorned with vibrant marigold garlands and illuminated altars, culminating in a parade of intricate costumes. Oaxaca is also renowned for its exceptional culinary scene; the mole here, a spicy sauce blended with chocolate, is unparalleled. Enjoy it with tortillas at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, paired with a shot of mezcal for the ultimate experience.

The entire downtown area of Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make your way to the Zocalo Courtyard, the vibrant center of the historic district, where colorful colonial architecture lines the streets. Situated in front of the National Palace, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a mezcal while people-watching.

For a dose of culture, the Santo Domingo Cultural Centre is a must-visit, featuring historic attractions like a Baroque-style church, a museum, and botanical gardens to explore.

Pacific Coast Mexico

Once overshadowed by the more famous beaches of Cancun and Tulum, Mexico's Pacific Coast is rapidly emerging as one of the top holiday destinations in the country. This coastline, which stretches alongside the US state of California, includes Baja California, one of Mexico's largest states.

Baja California boasts fantastic hiking trails, charming towns, and breathtaking beach resorts. The bustling border city of Tijuana is well-known for its tequila shots, margaritas, and spicy cuisine. For a richer experience, venture beyond the city limits.

Baja California Sur

Traveling south leads you to Baja California Sur, an idyllic holiday destination. Its capital, La Paz, is a lively port city filled with numerous restaurants and bars, celebrated for hosting various festivals. The most famous of these is Carnaval La Paz, held every February, featuring parades, events, fireworks, and countless food stands throughout the city.

Los Cabos is among the top resorts in the region, boasting charming cobbled streets lined with vibrant bars and outdoor restaurants serving up delicious seafood. The ideal time to visit is from October to mid-December; otherwise, the weather can be excessively hot and rainy. From mid-December onwards, it can get quite busy, which is perfect if you enjoy a lively atmosphere.

If you’re seeking an active vacation, the shallow waters of Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park feature one of just three living coral reefs in North America, making it perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also enjoy activities with Dinogo here. Alternatively, the Desierto de El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve is an excellent spot for hiking, biking, and camping. During winter, you might witness stunning pods of whales at San Ignacio Lagoon.

Rosarito

Once a retreat for Hollywood stars, Rosarito has evolved into one of the best destinations in Mexico to mix a beach vacation with adventure sports and fantastic cuisine. The beach offers breathtaking sunsets and is a hotspot for thrill-seekers of all levels. Explore local art galleries and artisan markets, or visit Baja Studios, where the replica ship for the Titanic was constructed, with the film shot nearby.

Puerto Nuevo

For couples, one of the top destinations in Mexico is Puerto Nuevo, a culinary haven featuring over 30 restaurants serving both local and international dishes. It's an ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at the luxurious Spa Ventana al Mar before enjoying a delicious lobster dinner at Villa Ortega.

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is arguably one of Mexico's most stunning regions, nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. This popular stretch of the Caribbean Coast includes the renowned resort city of Cancun and approximately 18.5 miles of breathtaking coastline known as the Riviera Maya further south. It’s your go-to destination for an idyllic beach holiday at some of the finest resorts in Mexico. Yet, there’s much more to explore beyond just lounging with cocktails on the powdery white sands.

Cancun

When visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun should be at the top of your list, especially for families. With its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, the boulevard Kukulkan is flanked by all-inclusive hotels, making it the perfect base for your stay in the region.

Many of these hotels boast private beaches where you can relax and enjoy cocktails without leaving the resort. If you're in the mood for exploration, visit El Centro, which features traditional markets and eateries.

The Mayan Museum of Cancun is filled with artifacts from nearby ancient Mayan ruins, making it a great spot for a day trip. Chichen Itza and Tulum are two of the most renowned ruins, perfect for stepping away from the beach. Additionally, there are numerous cenotes and charming villages nearby for an authentic Mexican experience.

Tulum

For those particularly interested in Mayan ruins, Tulum is the ideal destination. It features some of Mexico's most iconic landmarks, including the Tulum Ruins and El Castillo, often referred to as the lighthouse. This stunning site overlooks the Caribbean Sea from a cliff, with the beautiful Playa Ruinas beach below.

The coastline of Tulum is lined with charming beaches, each offering thatched-roof hotels. For a serene getaway, visit Playa las Palmas, a secluded beach with just two hotels. One of the most scenic spots is Playa Pescadores, where you can admire the ruins in the distance.

If you arrive early, you might see fishermen bringing in their daily haul, and it's a great spot for snorkeling. The most popular beach for accommodations is the lively, boho-chic Papaya Playa Project Beach, which features a beach club where you can relax on cozy beach beds or join in a game of beach volleyball.

Playa del Carmen

Located further along the Quintana Roo coastline, Playa del Carmen is the trendiest destination in the Riviera Maya, making it an excellent choice for families. It's a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions, including the ancient ruins of Coba, Tulum, and the island of Cozumel.

In the northern area of town, Punta Esmeraldas offers a serene cenote that’s shallow enough for kids to enjoy, along with a lovely beach for sandcastle building. One of the must-visit attractions here is El Acuario de Playa del Carmen, featuring over 200 fish species across 45 exhibits, sure to delight the kids.

Parque Fundadores not only boasts a fantastic playground for children but is also one of the best sunset-viewing spots in town. The Portal Maya statue, a towering 50-foot sculpture honoring Mayan culture, attracts crowds each evening, making it the ideal place to watch the sun dip below the sea. The vibrant mile-long stretch of beach along Quinta Avenida is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cozumel

Just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen takes you to Cozumel, Mexico's third-largest island paradise. This serene destination offers whiter beaches and is renowned for its scuba diving opportunities. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park features some of the island's best diving spots, where you can explore the underwater Mesoamerican Reef and the Museo Subacuatico de Artes sculptures.

The island is so compact that you can easily navigate it using a rented buggy. On one side lies San Miguel, home to the finest hotels and restaurants, as well as the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. Close to San Miguel, you'll also find the historic ruins in the charming town of El Cedral.

Merida

Situated in the northern region of the Yucatan Peninsula, the capital city of the Yucatan state is Merida. This vibrant city blends its Mayan heritage with colonial-era mansions and churches built from stones sourced from a once-thriving Mayan town. Along its wide boulevards, luxurious hotels coexist with historical sites, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby ruins and colorful villages throughout the state.

Merida is celebrated for its culinary delights, featuring unique Yucatec flavors that blend Spanish, Lebanese, Caribbean, and European influences. You can explore numerous fine-dining establishments and vibrant markets like Mercado Lucas De Galves and Mercado Santiago, where guided tours let you sample local dishes. Alternatively, visit Mercado 60, a casual dining food hall with about 18 eateries, or the yellow-walled courtyard at Museo de la Gastronomia for a relaxed meal.

Valladolid

As the second-largest city in the Yucatan state, Valladolid is a charming pueblo easily accessible from Merida. This picturesque city boasts cobblestone streets filled with locals, boutique shops nestled in colonial buildings, and haciendas serving delightful alfresco meals.

The city opens doors to stunning courtyards that harken back to a bygone era. One of its main attractions is the remarkable architecture left by the conquistadors, who were eager to leave their mark. You’ll find vibrant, Havana-like buildings scattered throughout, showcasing a burst of colors that earn it the title of pueblo. Calz. De los Trailers offers a great example of this rich heritage.

One of the top activities in Mexico is swimming in a cenote (a natural pool), and Valladolid offers a diverse selection. Zaci is just minutes from the main square, while Ik Kil, near the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, is one of the most stunning. Suytun is another popular choice, featuring cave-like waters and breathtaking structures resembling chandeliers hanging from its stony ceilings, drawing attention on social media.

Izamal

Affectionately called the 'yellow town' due to its vibrant yellow-painted buildings, Izamal is a hidden gem near Merida. This charming pueblo beautifully blends Spanish and Mayan heritage, offering visitors a laid-back and authentic experience, complemented by delightful culinary offerings. Once the capital of Yucatan before Merida took over, this small town boasts a variety of accommodations to fit any budget.

A key highlight of Izamal is the Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a stunning colonial structure built atop a Mayan site, serving as the heart of the city. This architectural marvel is definitely worth exploring. Be sure to stroll down the Spanish colonial center, a picturesque street lined with colonial-era buildings, all uniformly painted in cheerful yellow. Despite the high temperatures and small population, the town center may seem quiet during the day but comes alive in the evenings.

Campeche

When visiting the Gulf of Mexico, don’t overlook Campeche, the capital of its namesake state. This historic port city was once home to a thriving Mayan civilization, with nearby ruins such as Calakmul, Isla Jaina, and Edzna serving as testament to its rich history.

This historic fairyland features a walled city center, originally constructed to fend off pirates, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside these walls, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with mansions painted in soft pastel colors.

Yet, the true vibrancy of the city can be found beyond the walls, where a lively market and the old docks pulse with activity. The Malecon, a picturesque promenade stretching about four miles along the waterfront, offers stunning views of the region’s breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Guarding the city are two well-preserved colonial forts located on the outskirts. One of these forts houses the Museo de la Arquitectura Maya, a significant museum dedicated to Mayan history, showcasing remarkable archaeological artifacts.

Essential information before your journey to Mexico

If you’re still contemplating a trip to Mexico, the frequently asked questions below should provide clarity.

What is Mexico renowned for?

From stunning beaches to vast rainforests, Mexico is a goldmine of Mayan ruins and charming, vibrant towns. These destinations provide a fascinating glimpse into an ancient civilization.

When is the ideal time to visit Mexico for pleasant weather?

While Mexico enjoys warm temperatures year-round, it experiences a rainy season from approximately May to October. To steer clear of this period, consider visiting between December and April; however, the most favorable weather can be found from December to February, which are the coolest months in the country.

Is winter a good time to visit Mexico?

Winter in Mexico spans from mid-December to mid-March, featuring pleasantly warm daytime temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F and about 10 hours of daylight. This season makes for an excellent beach getaway. While mornings in higher-altitude areas may be cooler, the afternoon sun quickly warms things up.

Inspired by this article? Explore our guide to discovering Mexico City. If you're a food enthusiast, don’t miss our article on restaurants worth traveling for.