Uncover local travel hotspots in Mexico

Choosing a destination in Mexico can be overwhelming for travelers.

Should you explore the cactus-filled deserts in the north or the misty cloud forests of Chiapas? Perhaps the beaches and vibrant markets of Oaxaca are calling your name?

Every region offers unique cuisines, traditions, languages, and stunning landscapes, making Mexico much more than just a resort destination.

We reached out to our local writers to share their favorite spots in Mexico—and their recommendations are impressive. From charming beach towns and picturesque wine routes to places serving fresh fish by the kilo, here’s where the locals go in Mexico.

Sunset treks and seafood feasts: Melaque

Liza Prado is an author and travel writer specializing in Mexico guidebooks

My favorite vacation destination is Melaque, Jalisco, a traditional Mexican beach town where sandy streets invite strolls, doors are left open to catch the breezes, and local shops brim with tropical fruits, glass-bottled sodas, and coolers stocked with fresh tortillas.

And the beach! I long for it during those chilly winter months: a five-mile stretch of coastline adorned with whitewashed buildings and palm trees. The waves attract skimboarders, and the sandy shores are blissfully uncrowded for most of the year. For delicious beachfront dining, there are several thatched-roof restaurants along the northern side of the bay, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish served by the kilo, whole and fried.

I never forget to pack my sneakers for sunset hikes – the malecón (boardwalk) leads to a well-marked trail that climbs steeply to a breathtaking bluff. The payoff? Panoramic views of the rugged coastline, lush islets, hidden bays, and the quaint town of Melaque below.

In the evenings, the central plaza transforms into a lively social hub, with kiosks offering various trinkets and treats, laughter filling the air, and taco stands buzzing with activity. I usually stay just a short walk away at Red Tree Melaque, a cozy hotel featuring five updated studio apartments nestled around a courtyard pool shaded by palm trees – a place that always feels like home.

Vineyards, artisan cheeses, and horse-drawn carriage tours: Discover Querétaro

Originally from Mexico, Jennifer Fernández Solano now lives in Valencia, Spain, but often returns home to explore.

In my childhood, weekends were spent at Hacienda Jurica on the outskirts of Santiago de Querétaro, the state capital. This family-friendly hotel, set on a 16th-century colonial estate, boasts expansive gardens and offers delightful horse-drawn carriage rides. The city center features well-preserved Baroque architecture from the Spanish colonial period, rivaling that of its more famous neighbor, San Miguel de Allende, often celebrated as one of the world’s most charming cities. Yet, Querétaro remains a hidden gem for many foreign visitors.

While San Miguel de Allende is famed for its intricately carved pink stone parish church, Querétaro boasts its own iconic rose-stone structure: a 74-arch aqueduct. However, the true allure for me lies in the region’s wine and cheese route. As Mexico's second-largest wine-producing area after Baja, vineyards dot the roads, allowing for visits to multiple wineries in a single day. My favorite, De Cote, offers the chance to wander among the vines and enjoy a picnic at its charming checkered tables. I also love Freixenet, known for its bubbly specialty. If you visit during the harvest season in August and September, you'll find many events at the vineyards.

After indulging in wine tastings, make your way to Cava Bocanegra, an artisanal cheese cellar and shop near Tequisquiapan. Here, cheese boards are paired with stunning vineyard views. For accommodations, consider staying in old town Querétaro at a place like Hotel Criol. Adorned with mint-colored walls and modern design elements, the hotel features a cozy private library and offers winery tours, eliminating the need for a designated driver.

Aguachile, whale watching, and a relaxed beach vibe: Welcome to Mazatlán

Natalia de la Rosa is a food and travel writer hailing from Mexico City.

As an avid food traveler, I first set foot in Mazatlán in 2016, and its exceptional seafood and vibrant street food scene have lured me back repeatedly. Here, most restaurants and street vendors use the day’s fresh catch to craft a variety of dishes—from spicy caguamanta stew (a ray, shrimp, and tomato soup) to aguachile (raw shrimp with green chili sauce, lime juice, purple onion, and cucumber) and extravagant seafood tostadas (crispy flat tortillas).

Once a bustling commercial port on the Pacific coast of Sinaloa—opposite the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula—Mazatlán seems to unveil a new culinary gem with each visit. I’ve discovered that the finest aguachile features shrimp sourced from the Escuinapa estuary, located south of Mazatlán. Whenever I land, I always take a taxi from Mazatlán International Airport to the city, stopping at the nearby Villa Union for a seafood feast at Cuchupetas, renowned for its exceptional grilled oysters.

Mazatlán is a relaxed beach city rather than a typical resort destination. Visitors can wander through the streets of Centro Histórico, where French-inspired, turn-of-the-century architecture provides a vibrant backdrop for the lively atmosphere at Plaza Machado. You can cycle along the 21 km waterfront, catching glimpses of the ocean and sights like El Faro, one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. For a taste of the water, hop on a boat to Isla de Piedra for a dip in its tranquil waters, or embark on a whale-watching trip during the migration season from December to April.

The ideal time to visit is from late October to mid-April, when the weather is mild and less humid. This period also boasts the freshest seafood: clams, scallops, oysters, succulent shrimp, snapper, and mackerel. Aguachile is Sinaloa's signature dish, with Mazatleco variations highlighting the quality of the ingredients: raw shrimp bathed in freshly squeezed lime juice mixed with green chili, topped with cucumber and red onion. Be sure to try Mazatlán's mackerel ceviche tostada at the city's seafood street carts or dine at a restaurant like Mariscos Omar.

Mazatlán features all-inclusive beachfront accommodations in the Zona Dorada, but opting for a short-term rental in the Centro Histórico area or a boutique hotel like Casa Lulu lets you experience the city like a local.

Lagoon swimming and temazcal (sweat lodge) experiences: Bacalar

Rosie Bell is a travel journalist based in Mexico

For the past few years, I've called Playa del Carmen home as a digital nomad. This vibrant city nourishes my heart, mind, and palate with its beachfront eateries, yoga studios, coworking spaces, and rooftop pools. However, when I crave a slower pace, I frequently escape to Bacalar, a tranquil spot in Quintana Roo near the Belize border. Recognized by the Mexican government as a 'Magical Town,' Bacalar is among the selected destinations celebrated for their cultural and historical importance.

This beach town, devoid of a traditional beach, embodies the relaxed spirit of Tulum before it became inundated with Instagram influencers. Known for its stunning multicolored lagoon, Laguna Bacalar—often called the Lagoon of Seven Colors due to its breathtaking hues of green and blue—offers a variety of activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, boat tours, kayaking, and simply unwinding in lagoon hammocks at Los Aluxes.

Chetumal is the nearest airport to Bacalar, but I can reach the town in just over three hours via the direct, air-conditioned ADO Bus from Playa del Carmen. While I'm there, I enjoy fresh seafood at Bacalar Beach Club, located right by the water. I also love visiting El Manatí, a unique spot that combines a restaurant, boutique, and gallery with a breezy tropical patio. For lodging, the cozy 18-room Casa Hormiga, situated near the lagoon, provides a comfortable stay and opportunities to partake in local Mayan rituals like cacao ceremonies and relaxing sessions in a temazcal, a traditional igloo-shaped sweat lodge.