There’s a lot to love about Mexico — historic cities, sizzling street tacos, colorful festivals and endless art. But undoubtedly, what attracts most visitors to Mexico, first and foremost, are its show-stopping beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Sea of Cortez, Mexico offers a sandy buffet that appeals to everyone. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, wave-chaser or beach bum just into tacos and sunsets, there’s something here for you.
But not all beaches are created equal, and Mexico’s offerings fall into three distinct categories: Caribbean, Pacific, and Baja Peninsula. Caribbean beaches boast powder-soft white sand and tiffany-blue turquoise waters. On the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sand and surfer-worthy waves steal the show. And Baja? Think cinematic desert-meets-ocean landscapes dotted with remote fishing villages and miles of saguaro cactus.
So, if you plan to plant your feet in the best sand this side of heaven, you are in the right place. Here are eight of the best beaches in Mexico that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Rs
territory: Caribbean coast
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like stepping into a screen saver (excuse the millennial reference). Picture water like a shallow bath in stunning turquoise hues and soft white sand.
This beach is the epitome of “no shoes, no problem” as you float in the calm Caribbean, as loungers line the shore and beach bars cheerfully serve margaritas. The sunsets here are legendary, as the beach has western views towards the mainland. Take a front row seat and toast to another day in heaven.
Need another reason to book a trip? Marriott recently opened an all-inclusive resort for adults Almare, a luxury collection resort At the other end of Isla Mujeres.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
territory: Baja Peninsula
Balandra is not just a beach; It is a landscape. Located about a 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this beach looks like a surrealist painting, with sandbars peeking out from shallow aquamarine waters framed by dramatic desert hills.
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The water here is so calm and shallow that you can wade out for what seems like forever. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Excellent. Taking photos? Compulsory. Keep your eyes peeled for Calendra’s famous mushroom-shaped rock formations, which, like the rest of this beach, are a natural masterpiece.
Plus, getting to La Paz is easier than ever, thanks Alaska Airlines’ new direct route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP) began in November.
RELATED: From Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico’s Baja California from the Top to the Bottom
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
territory: Pacific Coast
Tucked away in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a little slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You have to earn it. Access requires climbing down a steep set of stairs, but trust us, the reward is worth every step.
Once you arrive, you’ll find calm waves that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or trying your hand at beginner-friendly surfing. Small beach huts rent out loungers and serve cold beer, fresh seafood and coconut water. Don’t miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of homemade coconut ice cream along the beach.
Related: 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
territory: Caribbean coast
Playa del Carmen may be glitzy and bustling, but on its southern shore lies Playacar – a quieter, more refined stretch of the Riviera Maya coastline. The sand here is pillow-soft, and the water is the iconic Caribbean blue.
Playacar is primarily fronted by upscale homes and all-inclusive resorts — viz Viva Azteca by Wyndham — giving it an exclusive feel. If you live nearby, this is a perfect place to escape the crowds, catch some sun and people watch.
It’s a quick walk to the bars and restaurants of Quinta Avenida, but since the beach is mostly backed by private property, you’ll need to bring everything with you for the day if you’re not staying at a local resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
territory: Pacific Coast
If you like your beaches crowd-free, head to Playa Chacala. Tucked away in the Riviera Nayarit, this golden sand beach has an imaginative small-town atmosphere. The waves here are gentle, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or lazing around with a cold cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside restaurants serve the best fresh seafood — don’t miss fish zarandedo, a local specialty where the local catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
territory: Pacific Coast
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for those who appreciate more rustic, unspoiled beaches. The beach is long, pristine and blissfully quiet, with few crowds and few buildings — just miles of soft, golden sand and Pacific waves lapping in.
It’s prime for long walks, kite flying or just soaking up the tranquility. Beachfront palaces are stocked with fresh ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has long been a quieter alternative to Ictapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic example.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
territory: Caribbean coast
Don’t miss the opportunity to paddleboard or kayak. The water is calm and clear enough to watch the sea creatures glide beneath you. If you visit between May and September, you can see magnificent whale sharks off the island’s shores.
Related: Boutique Beachfront Escape in Mexico: Review of Mystic Holbox by Royalton
Playa Mateo, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
territory: Pacific Coast
If you’re looking for a remote, off-the-grid beach experience, Playa Mayto delivers. Located in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of beach feels a world away from, well, everything.
The beach is wide, golden and almost untouched, making it the perfect destination for solitude-seekers. The waves can get a little choppy, so it’s not always ideal for swimming, but it’s a wonderful place to watch the sun set a fiery color over the Pacific Ocean. Bring snacks, a good book and a sense of adventure.
Nearby, you can explore the small villages of Meto and Tehuamixtal, known for some of Mexico’s largest and tastiest oysters.
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