The 8 best beaches in Mexico, from the Caribbean to Baja California
Editor's Note
There's a lot to love about Mexico — the historic cities, the sizzling street tacos, the colorful festivals and the endless art. But undoubtedly, what draws most visitors to Mexico first and foremost are its show-stopping beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of California, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that appeals to everyone. Whether you're a sun-worshipper, a wave-chaser or a beach bum only in it for the 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: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Baja California peninsula. The Caribbean beaches feature powder-soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Over on the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the show. And Baja? Think cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with remote fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, if you plan to plant your feet in some of the best sand this side of paradise, you're 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 Roo
Region: Caribbean
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like stepping into a screen saver. Picture shallow, bath-like waters in stunning turquoise hues and soft, white sand.
This beach epitomizes "no shoes, no problem," as loungers line the shore and beach bars happily serve margaritas while you float in the calm Caribbean. Sunsets here are legendary, as the beach has western views back to the mainland. Grab a front-row seat and toast to another day in paradise.
Need another reason to book a trip? Marriott recently opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort called Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, on the other end of Isla Mujeres. Prices start at $775 or 116,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this winter.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Region: Baja California
Balandra is not just a beach; it's a landscape. Located on the Gulf of California about a 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this beach resembles a surrealist painting, with sandbars rising from shallow, aquamarine waters, framed by dramatic desert hills.
The water here is so calm and shallow that you can wade out for what feels like forever. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Sublime. Snapping photos? Mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for Calandra's famous mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a natural masterpiece like the rest of this beach.
Plus, it’s easier than ever to reach La Paz thanks to Alaska Airlines’ direct route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP), launched in November 2024.
Related: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico's Baja California from top to bottom
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Region: Pacific
Hidden in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a little slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You'll have to earn it. Access requires descending 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 beachside shacks rent out loungers and serve cold beers, fresh seafood and coconut water. Don't miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of homemade coconut ice cream along the shoreline.
World of Hyatt now offers three Mr & Mrs Smith properties in or near Puerto Escondido, including the adults-only Casa TO, where rates start around $375 or 40,000 points per night.
Related: 10 best boutique hotels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Region: Caribbean
Playa del Carmen may be buzzy and bustling, but tucked away at its southern edge lies Playacar — a quieter, more refined stretch of the Riviera Maya. The sand here is pillow-soft, and the water is that iconic Caribbean blue.
Playacar is primarily fronted by upscale homes and all-inclusive resorts, such as Viva Azteca by Wyndham (starting at $509 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night), which lends it an exclusive feel. If you're staying nearby, this is the ideal place to escape the crowds, catch some sun and indulge in people-watching.
It's a quick walk to the bars and restaurants of La Quinta Avenida, but seeing as the beach is mostly backed by private property, you'll have to bring everything in with you for the day if you’re not staying at a local resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Region: Pacific
If you like your beaches chilled out and crowd-free, make your way to Playa Chacala. Tucked away in the Riviera Nayarit, this golden sand beach boasts a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves here are gentle, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing around with a cold cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside restaurants serve some of the best fresh seafood — don't miss the pescado zarandeado, a local specialty where the local catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Take your relaxation to the next level at the luxurious new Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Prices start at $878 or 184,000 Marriott points per night in early 2026.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Region: Pacific
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for those who appreciate a more rustic, unspoiled stretch of coastline. This beach is long, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — just miles of soft, golden sand and the Pacific waves rolling in.
It's prime for long walks, flying kites or simply soaking up the peace. Beachside palaces dish up fresh ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has long been a quieter alternative to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic example.
Hilton Honors loyalists can book La Casa Que Canta, an SLH Hotel, starting from $814 or 115,000 points per night.
Related: 5 detour destinations in Mexico beyond the tourist hot spots
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Region: Caribbean
Shoes are optional on Isla Holbox, where hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the main mode of transportation. The island's laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for travelers looking to escape the noise of Cancun. You can't go wrong with any beach here — they’re all pristine and dotted with colorful fishing boats, gentle waves and shorebirds.
Don't miss the chance to paddleboard or kayak; the water is calm and clear enough to see marine life gliding beneath you. If you visit between May and September, you may even spot majestic whale sharks off the island's coast.
The first — and perhaps only — points hotel on Isla Holbox, Mystique Holbox by Royalton is available from as low as $191 or 45,000 Marriott points per night.
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Region: Pacific
If you're craving a remote, off-the-grid beach experience, Playa Mayto delivers. Located in Cabo Corrientes, about a two-hour drive south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of coastline feels worlds away from, well, everything, making it a great day trip.
The beach is vast, golden and nearly untouched, making it the perfect spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get a little lively, so it's not always ideal for swimming, but it's a fantastic place to watch the sun set in fiery hues over the Pacific. Bring snacks, a good book and a sense of adventure.
Nearby, you can explore the villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, known for some of Mexico's largest and most delicious oysters.
Related reading:
- The best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
- TPG's favorite points hotels on the beach in Mexico
- Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort: An impressive first for the Marriott brand
- The 10 best places to travel in January
- Laptops, tents, binoculars and other surprising items you could be fined for when you travel to Mexico
- These are the best times to visit Mexico
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.