With a location spanning from the coast of Texas all the way to Guatemala, there are many different beaches that each have something unique and interesting about them.
You could visit a beach with a long, white sandy shoreline perfect for contemplation, or a secluded bay where you can go for a swim without being bothered by other people. Regardless of what your preference is, one thing’s certain there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches in Mexico!
There’s no question that beaches are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. People love the sun, sand, and surf, and there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches to be found on every continent.
But not all beaches are created equal. Some offer better swimming and surfing conditions, while others are ideal for relaxing walks or simply taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best beaches in Mexico to visit on your next vacation.
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What Makes a Beach in Mexico Great?
There are many things that can make a beach great, but some of the most important factors are the sand, the water, and the scenery.
The sand should be white and soft, making it easy to walk on and comfortable to sit on. The water should be crystal clear with a pleasant temperature, and there should be plenty of interesting things to see in the area surrounding the beach.
Whether it’s mountains, cliffs, forests, or ancient ruins, a great beach has something for everyone just ensure you use 1001beach.com to find the best spots and beaches.
According to the best sources on travel, Mexico has some of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for a secluded getaway or a lively beach party, take your pick from this list of the best Mexican beaches – they’ll make your trip unforgettable.
The Best Beaches in Mexico for Families
Let’s get into the best beaches to visit for families in Mexico.
1) Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is an amazing place with great waves and a laid-back surfer vibe. A favorite among surfers, Puerto Escondido will give you a truly unique experience!
This quaint beach town has some of the best surfing beaches in Mexico and is home to world-class waves! The best time to go is during the winter months to catch the best waves.
A popular way to get around Puerto Escondido is by taking a taxi. You can also rent a car if you want more freedom!
It has plenty of interesting things to do, such as visiting the famous Piedra de la Marina – a monolith that’s believed to be the best-preserved meteorite in Mexico! You can also take surfing lessons, go kayaking, or check out the nearby archaeological sites.
There are many different places to stay in Puerto Escondido, ranging from luxurious resorts to simple beachfront hostels. Here are a few of our favorites:
- La Casa de los Arboles – A beautiful and secluded eco-lodge located right on the beach. This place is perfect for those who want to get away from it all!
- Las Palmas – A great option for those who want all the amenities of a resort without breaking the bank. Las Palmas has a pool, tennis courts, and a restaurant on site.
- Casa Mexicana – A charming little hostel right in the heart of town. Casa Mexicana has dorms and private rooms and is a great choice for those looking to meet fellow travelers.
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2) Acapulco, Guerrero
Acapulco is best-known as one of the most popular beach destinations in Mexico! With world-famous beaches and resorts that epitomize Mexican charm, you’re sure to have a great time here whether you plan on relaxing by the pool or getting up to crazy shenanigans.
Acapulco has plenty of things for families to do, from relaxing at the beach to going on a jungle hike! If you want to take it easy, stop by one of Acapulco’s best wellness retreats and let your mind and body rejuvenate.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, take the whole family mountain biking or zip-lining through the jungle!
Acapulco offers a wide range of options when it comes to accommodations. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hotel del Río – A luxury boutique hotel located right next to the best public beach in Acapulco. Hotel del Río offers luxurious rooms and impeccable service, making it the best option in town for those looking for a truly five-star experience.
- Hostel Casa Mexicana – A great budget hostel located in the heart of Acapulco’s best neighborhood. Hostel Casa Mexicana will give you a real Mexican experience and is a great option for those looking for a more authentic stay.
- Casa Mexicana Hostal – Another awesome hostel located in downtown Acapulco, best known as the best-value hostel in all of Mexico! With cheap rates, awesome amenities, and an awesome rooftop bar, you can’t go wrong with Casa Mexicana Hostal.
3) Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Puerto Morelos is best-known for its white-sand beaches and gorgeous waters. In addition to being a great place for snorkeling and diving, there are also manatees in the region!
As for accommodations, there are plenty of options available for all budgets. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Casa Mexicana Tulum – An amazing hostel located right on the best beach in Puerto Morelos. Casa Mexicana Tulum has comfortable dorms, an awesome rooftop bar, and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Ky – A cozy boutique hotel with clean rooms, fantastic service, and incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. Hotel Ky is best for those looking to get away from it all in a quiet area with beautiful vistas!
- Coqui Coqui Boutique Hotel – Budget-friendly hotel best known for having a great location and an awesome pool area. Coqui Coqui Boutique Hotel is best for those looking to get the most value for their money, with prices that are hard to beat anywhere in Mexico!
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4) Cancun, Yucatan Peninsula
Cancun is best-known as one of the best beach destinations in Mexico, if not the world!
With miles upon miles of gorgeous beaches, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience here. Whether you want to relax by the pool or party all night long, Cancun has something for every type of traveler, including these great Cancun best beaches.
Cancun offers a wide range of accommodations, so you can be sure to find something for your needs. Here are some of our best picks:
- Hotel Coral & Marina – A gorgeous five-star hotel with an on-site casino and a world-class spa. Hotel Coral & Marina is best for those looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Hotel Hacienda del Caribe – One of the best hotels in Cancun for those looking to spend as little as possible. Offering clean rooms, a great pool area, and amazing price-value, you can’t go wrong with Hotel Hacienda del Caribe!
- Hostel Zocalo – Another great hostel located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Hostel Zocalo is best for those looking to party, boasting a rooftop bar and a nightclub on-site!
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5) Isla Holbox, Yucatan Peninsula
Isla Holbox is a small island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
It’s best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, making it one of the best beaches in Mexico.
There are also plenty of cenotes (natural sinkholes filled with fresh underground water) on the island, as well as a turtle farm that allows visitors to help release newly hatched turtles into the wild.
If you’re looking for a place to stay on Isla Holbox, there are a few options. Many people choose to camp on the island, but there are also some small hotels and resorts available.
The best way to find out what’s available and book your stay is to go to one of the many websites that specialize in travel accommodations.
6) Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
The beautiful beach of Zihuatanejo is known for its beautiful bay and amazing sunsets.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can visit many exciting natural areas nearby such as the Laguna de Potosi or the Sierra Madre del Sur. You can also go kayaking, horseback riding, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and more.
There are many great places to stay in Zihuatanejo, depending on your budget and preferences.
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Las Villas Akumal hotel is a great choice, with its private beach and stunning ocean views.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Posada el Morro is a good option, as it’s located right on the beach. There are also a number of great Airbnb properties in the area, so be sure to check them out.
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4) Puerto Vallarta Beach, Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta is a lively destination best known for its exciting nightlife and great restaurants. It’s a safe family-friendly location that offers plenty of activities for children.
You can also go shopping, surfing, hiking in the nearby mountains, or visit archeological sites such as the Great Pyramid of Chetumal!
One great option for a place to stay in Puerto Vallarta is the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort. It’s located right on the beach and offers beautiful views of the water.
There’s also a kids club on-site that will keep your little ones entertained while you relax by the pool or take a dip in the ocean.
7) Boca Paila Beach, Quintana Roo
Boca Paila is a small fishing village located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
It’s best known for its remote location and untouched beaches with gorgeous turquoise water. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving in the coral reef there.
As an added bonus, there are plenty of exotic fruit orchards, so you’re sure to find fresh coconuts and mangoes!
One of the best hotels in Boca Paila is the La Casa del Puente Hotel. It offers rustic cabins on stilts over the water with private balconies that provide amazing views of the ocean.
It’s best for couples looking to get away from the modern world and relax in peace and quiet.
8) San Blas Island, Nayarit
Located on the western coast of Mexico, San Blas offers powder-soft sand beaches that are easy to access with fewer crowds than other popular destinations in Mexico.
The best time for a visit is between October and May, when the weather is best. You can also spend time snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.
One of the best hotels to stay at in San Blas is Hotel Maribel. It offers comfortable accommodations at a budget-friendly rate and has a pool with views of the ocean so you can watch the sun go down after a long day of exploration.
9) Tulum Beach, Quintana Roo
Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Mayans before they disappeared, and it’s best known for its spectacular cliff-side location overlooking the turquoise water. It’s best for adventurous couples who want to go spelunking, swimming in hidden lagoons, or relaxing on the beach.
When visiting Tulum, there are a few different areas you can stay in. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and secluded experience, then the Riviera Maya is the best place to stay.
Here, you’ll find all-inclusive resorts as well as beautiful villas right on the beach. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, Tulum Town is a great option.
It’s located close to the main attractions in Tulum, and there are plenty of small hotels and hostels to choose from.
One of the best hotels to stay at in Tulum is Xibalba Hotel. It’s located right on the beach with upscale rooms that have balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea. You’ll also have access to a restaurant and lounge where you can dine and drink as you watch the sunset after a day full of exploration.
10) Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen is best known for its long white beaches and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. You can take a ferry out to Cozumel or visit the nearby Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza.
There’s also excellent scuba diving, fishing, golfing, and kayaking in the area!
When looking for a place to stay in Playa del Carmen, you’ll have no shortage of options.
From luxurious all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone! Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in Playa del Carmen:
- The Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort – This beautiful all-inclusive resort is perfect for families or couples looking for a luxurious getaway. With on-site restaurants, a spa, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll never be bored here!
- Posada del Sol – This budget-friendly hostel is perfect for backpackers or anyone on a tight budget. It’s located right on the beach and has a rooftop bar for some of the best views in Playa del Carmen!
- Hotel Pueblo Bonito – Another all-inclusive resort, this hotel is perfect for families on a budget. With three different pools on-site, two on-site restaurants, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll never get bored here!
The best way to get around Playa del Carmen is by bus. There’s also the option of hiring a taxi, but this can be expensive especially if you’re traveling with more than one person.
11) Acapulco Bay
If you want to enjoy some beach time without the hustle and bustle of a crowded resort, Acapulco Bay is perfect for you.
You can even go on a cruise around the bay. With the combination of its secluded beaches and popular beaches, you’ll surely find something that suits the entire family.
For the best prices in Acapulco, check out Flexa Tours! This tour company can help you find everything from Chiva tours, and Acapulco Bay Sunset Cruise to all-inclusive resorts. They’re a one-stop-shop for anything you’ll need in the area.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Acapulco Bay, you’ll have no shortage of options. From luxurious all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hostels, there’s something for everyone! Here are a few of our favorite places to stay in Acapulco Bay:
- The Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort – This beautiful all-inclusive resort is perfect for families or couples looking for a luxurious getaway. With on-site restaurants, a spa, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll never be bored here!
- Posada del Sol – This budget-friendly hostel is perfect for backpackers or anyone on a tight budget. It’s located right on the beach and has a rooftop bar for some of the best views in Acapulco Bay!
- Hotel Pueblo Bonito – Another all-inclusive resort, this hotel is perfect for families on a budget. With three different pools on-site, two on-site restaurants, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling, you’ll never get bored here!The best way to get around Acapulco is by taxi. There’s also the option of hiring a bus, but this can be expensive especially if you’re traveling with more than one person.
12) Cabo San Lucas, Baja California
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the best beaches in Mexico with your family, look no further than Cabo San Lucas!
This coastal town is located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and is known for its stunningly clear water, dramatic cliffs, swaying palm trees, and world-class resorts along the Pacific Ocean.
The best part is that it’s not as crowded as some of the other tourist destinations in Mexico, so you can actually relax and enjoy yourself without having to worry about being jostled around by hordes of people.
When you’re in Cabo, you’ll have no shortage of places to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort right on the beach or something a little more budget-friendly, there’s definitely something for everyone.
Some of our favorite places to stay include:
- The Marbella Resort
- Villa del Palmar
- Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort and Spa
- Gran Solaria Hotel and Beach Club
In addition to finding a good place to stay, you’ll also have plenty of dining options.
Whether you’re looking for tasty Mexican or Italian food or want to try something local like Baja Med cuisine, Cabo San Lucas has tons of restaurants that will satisfy every member of your family!
Some of our favorite restaurants in Cabo San Lucas include:
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Cabo San Lucas, including fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. No matter what your skill level is when it comes to water sports, you’ll find something that’s easy enough for anyone to enjoy in the Pacific Ocean.
When all is said and done, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Mexico beaches of Cabo San Lucas. Not only are the beaches beautiful, but there are plenty of things to do that everyone in your family will enjoy!
So what are you waiting for?
Check out our website today for great deals on Cabo San Lucas hotels and get ready to enjoy some of the best beaches in Mexico!
FAQ
Which side of Mexico has better beaches?
From museums and galleries to ancient traditions and architecture, West Coast provides an excellent insight into Mexicos history.
Because of the Pacific Ocean waves, it offers the best surfing spot on any beach in the world. And the marine life is amazing, so strap in a snorkel and get ready.
It depends on what type of beach best suits your needs. The best surfing spot is on the west coast, but if you’re more interested in relaxation then the east coast would be best suited.
There are areas within Mexico with both coasts. If you’re looking for specific examples, Riviera Maya has some beaches worth checking out it’s often called “the Riviera” because of its distinctive all-white sand and blue water.
You’ll find waves so big they won’t provide mild surf for hours, but instead inspire awe at their height and power.
This is an area that sees far less crowding than other popular Mexican destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, or Puerto Vallarta; moreover, it’s also home to Cenotes, underground caverns, and rivers that offer a whole new experience for adventure-seekers.
What is the cleanest beach in Mexico?
The cleanest beach in Mexico is San Felipe in Baja California.
Is Cabo San Lucas or Cancun better for families?
Ultimately, either destination would be great for your family. Cabo San Lucas is more charming than Cancun, though Cancun has a greater variety of attractions. Where you’re really speaking to your preference best bet will be deciding if you prefer the beach or food.
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