The 10 best beaches in Mexico
1) Xpu-ha Beach in Tulum: With a beautiful bay and talcum powder white beaches, Xpu-ha is a bit remote and perfect for a romantic walk or a quiet swim. Just a few miles south of Cancun, this beach has a few beach bars, a few all-inclusive resorts, and a couple of dive shops. It’s not at the ends of the earth, but it can feel that way compared to the beaches at the more popular resorts.
2) Playa Maroma in Playa del Carmen – Tucked away on the eastern coast of Mexico, just a few miles from Cancun, Playa Maroma is one of Mexico’s best kept secrets and may just be its most alluring and fascinating beach. This is a private strip of sand, adjacent to the sumptuous Hotel Maroma, so staying at this high-end resort is the only way to access the beach, but it’s well worth the price.
3) Playa Chacala in Puerto Vallarta – Not too long and a bit wild, Chacala is low-key and rarely crowded with tourists. It’s the place to go when looking for a place where the locals meet and mingle. With dense jungle at the edge of the beach and some tasty restaurants along the sand serving fresh fish, Chacala offers a taste of authentic Mexico.
4) Bahías de Huatulco in Oaxaca: With 10 bays and 36 beaches, many of which are only accessible by boat, this strip of beaches delights with its unspoiled natural beauty and rustic landscape. The best kept secret is Playa Arrocito, a secluded beach in a hidden cove on a rocky cliff. It’s hard to find but worth the effort.
5) Playa del Amor in Cabo San Lucas – This secluded beach is only accessible by boat and sits where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Very few beaches in Mexico can match the spectacular scenery, with amazing rock formations jutting out of the blue water. In fact, the rock formations are some of the most famous in Mexico and are found on many postcards.
6) Mayakoba Beach along the Riviera Maya: A private beach for Mayakoba Fairmont guests, this inviting stretch of sand will charm the most jaded traveler with its wonderful restaurant, tranquil pool, and shady cabanas. Secluded and quiet, the Mayakoba will not disappoint.
7) Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres: Just outside noisy Cancun is charming Playa Norte, a place with wide stretches of sand, calm waters for swimming, and few crowds of tourists or vendors hawking their wares. With blue skies flecked with clouds and calm waters that stretch as far as the eye can see, North Beach is a real delight.
8) Four Seasons Punta Minta in Punta Minta – Just north of Puerto Vallarta are some of the best beaches in Mexico. One in particular can be found at the upscale Four Seasons, where the white-sand beach meets the turquoise sea. The water here is calm and shallow, making it a great beach for swimming.
9) Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido – One of the best surfing beaches in Mexico and one of the top 10 surfing beaches in the world, Playa Zicatela is not only beautiful but also a fun place to meet, dine at one of the many restaurants affordable and watch the surfing action on the water.
10) Playa La Ropa in Zihuatanejo¬ Complete with delicious restaurants and sweeping ocean views, Playa al Ropa has the basics right and is a welcoming spot for vacationers looking for no-fuss sunbathing and restful relaxation.