Explore these stunning Mexican beaches that remain uncrowded

With around 5,800 miles (9,330 kilometers) of coastline, finding a private stretch of sand in Mexico is easier than you'd think, especially considering only a small portion is developed for tourism.

Most international travelers flock to a handful of well-known resort areas, leaving countless beaches untouched – perfect for those willing to stray from the beaten path.

Many of these remote beaches are completely off the grid. They're not accessible by paved roads and require a 4x4 vehicle or a boat ride to reach.

Overnight stays on these pristine beaches often involve booking through adventure tour operators who have permission to set up camp. Notable spots include Espíritu Santo Island near La Paz or the barrier islands of Magdalena Bay in Baja, a popular destination for watching baby gray whales with their mothers.

These hidden beaches are rarely crowded and offer a tranquil escape. For the ultimate relaxation, you can sip a Pacifico and enjoy ceviche with your feet in the sand, or even find a place to spend the night.

Costalegre Resort Beaches, Jalisco

For those willing to splurge on privacy, several exclusive resorts along Costalegre, between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, feature beachfront properties only accessible by boat. The newest addition is Four Seasons Tamarindo, which opened in late 2022.

At Las Alamandas, a 2,000-acre resort with its own airstrip, staff can arrange for a private beach day for your group. There are three secluded beaches to choose from, aside from the main one by the rooms and restaurant.

Budget-conscious adventurers can discover plenty of ‘secret beaches’ along Jalisco’s coast. Starting south of Puerto Vallarta and Mismaloya, most require navigating a dirt road or passing through small fishing villages. For a longer stay, Mayto Beach offers miles of coastline with available accommodations.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Although the Oaxacan coast remains a hidden gem for most travelers, Puerto Escondido is a surfing hotspot known for its challenging waves. Surfers flock to the area to tackle some of the most difficult surf conditions in the Americas. Playa Zicatela, the main beach, is better suited for a relaxing stroll than a swim.

Just a short walk from downtown, Playa Carrizalillo offers a calm retreat where visitors can rent lounge chairs, enjoy drinks, and munch on fish tacos while watching beginner surfers take lessons. Continuing northwest, you’ll find the secluded Playa Coral, followed by the vast and mostly deserted Playa Bacocho.

The crowds become even more sparse about an hour east at Mazunte and Zipolite, where the beaches are favored by backpackers and long-term travelers. (A heads-up: Zipolite is a nudist beach.)

The Flamingo Coast, Yucatán

For those seeking quiet and affordable accommodations, the beaches along the Gulf Coast, from Telchac Puerto to Celestún, offer an escape with fewer visitors – except during local holidays. These coastal towns north of Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, are tucked away and often overlooked by tourists, with Progreso serving as the nearest port city.

This stretch of coast has no towering hotels or massive resorts, with Reef Yucatán being the lone all-inclusive resort on the water. Instead, many travelers opt to rent beachfront houses, from modest cottages at reasonable prices to luxurious 10-bedroom villas complete with infinity pools.

Mahahual, Quintana Roo

The Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo is lined with hundreds of resorts stretching from Holbox Island through Cancún to Tulum, making it increasingly difficult to find a serene beach along this coast as the years go by.

However, the small town of Mahahual, nearly at the Belize border, still maintains a laid-back, undiscovered vibe. Most visitors are brief cruise stopovers arriving at the Costa Maya port, but once they leave, the beach returns to its quiet, uncrowded state.

Punta Mita Peninsula, Nayarit

While all beaches in Mexico are technically public, the private beach clubs within the Punta Mita development, located north of Puerto Vallarta, are mostly accessible only to homeowners and renters within the expansive gated community.

The two luxury resorts in Punta Mita – Four Seasons and St. Regis – feature their own exclusive stretches of beach for hotel guests. Renting a villa or suite within the community guarantees access to a serene, uncrowded Pacific beach.

For an option nearby that doesn't require exclusive access, Playa Litibu is just a short walk from the Punta Mita's Kupuri Beach Club.

Puerto Arista, Chiapas

Chiapas is known as an adventurous state, with its jungles, ancient Mayan ruins, and the highland city of San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Puerto Arista has a few great beaches, mostly quiet unless it's a Mexican holiday, when residents from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital, flock to the coast. At 20 miles (32 kilometers) long, the beach offers plenty of space to find a peaceful spot along its Pacific shoreline.

Hidden beaches of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Since Todos Santos is situated on the far side of a lagoon, it’s easy to find a secluded stretch of beach to enjoy, even on its main beach, which remains relatively uncrowded.

Put on your hiking boots and embark on a scenic trek across towering cliffs to reach Playa Las Palmas, a stunning crescent-shaped beach only accessible by four-wheel drive. It’s perfect for swimming, while other nearby beaches like Playa La Pastora are better suited for surfing and boogie boarding.