7 family-friendly destinations in Mexico (that aren't the Riviera Maya)
Thanks to numerous all-inclusive resorts and near-guaranteed winter sunshine (outside of hurricane season, at least), Mexican vacation hot spots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the rest of the Riviera Maya are top choices for families.
But these spots can also be crowded, expensive and devoid of authentic Mexican culture or charm.
If you want to enjoy a more affordable family vacation, infused with local culture, here are some alternative Mexican destinations, ranging from well-known family destinations to under-the-radar towns and resorts. (Don't worry, you'll still find those quintessential vacation perks like beautiful hotels and winter sun.)
Guanajuato
Visitors to the popular tourist town of San Miguel de Allende should also hop over to Guanajuato, also a silver mining town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids, teens and adults will all enjoy exploring the colorful town on foot, especially the famous Callejón del Beso, which is so tiny that young neighbors in love could stretch across their balconies to kiss. When everyone needs a walking break, take the city's funicular up to the Pípila Monument, which offers expansive views of the city down below.
Kids will also love a visit to the mummy museum or a stroll around the Presa de la Olla, a reservoir where families can rent boats and paddle around. Once the sun sets, consider a Callejoneadas tour, where traditional town musicians lead visitors around the city to rhythms of music and dance.
Oaxaca
Visitors wanting a mixture of beach, culture and Zapotec and Mazatec ruins to explore should head to the state of Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico. With crystal-clear Pacific waters and gorgeous beaches, but without the crowds, it offers families a more peaceful sun and sand alternative to the Riviera Maya.
Some of the best beaches are located within striking distance of the unpolished resort town of Puerto Escondido. Although some spots have high waves, better suited to surfers than young children, families can still enjoy activities such as releasing baby turtles on the beach at sunset.
Developed in the 1980s with an ecological bent, Huatulco offers more than 35 secluded, forested beaches as well as the Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita, where families can visit pre-Hispanic ruins, pyramids and even a cemetery.
If you'd prefer a more urban experience, explore one of the country's gastronomic capitals, the city of Oaxaca, which is known for its delicious chocolate and famed mole sauce.
Baja California
Los Cabos is the main call on the Baja California peninsula, but there's so much more to see — and residents of the southwestern U.S. can even visit by car. About an hour north of Los Cabos is Todos Santos, which attracts visitors looking for rugged, coastal scenery but who want a more bohemian vibe, similar to what Tulum once was to Cancun. Some beaches in Todos Santos have family-friendly surf classes, and many restaurants offer a laid-back, outdoor dining experience where kids can run around while adults enjoy cuisine and cocktails.
Also don't discount Mexico's most famous wine region, Valle de Guadalupe. It's clearly popular with adults, but also surprisingly child friendly. Many wineries are located on farms or estates where kids can pet baby goats or picnic outdoors while parents enjoy wine tasting.
Querétaro
Santiago de Querétaro's pedestrian-friendly streets are perfect for families keen to stroll the city's parks, squares, churches, fountains and large aqueduct. There are even pyramids in El Cerrito, an often overlooked Chupícuaro archaeological site just outside the city center. The Cerro de Las Campanas National Park is located on the city's outskirts, featuring landscaped gardens, landmarks and museums, including mysterious stones that, as legend has it, make bell-like sounds when touched.
Families can really immerse themselves in nature with a bike tour of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, which comprises mountains, valleys, waterfalls and the Estorax River. Or, you might want to consider a family trip to the iconic Peña de Bernal, a massive monolith that is one of Mexico's 13 famous natural wonders.
Lacandon Jungle, Chiapas
In the state of Chicapas, the Lacandon Jungle is one of Mexico's largest rainforests. Extending across the border of Mexico and Guatemala, it's protected as part of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Perfect for adventurous families, the area offers plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, and kids will love spotting monkeys and other wildlife on the trails. A highlight is Las Golondrinas waterfall.
For families that want to delve into some history and culture, there are ancient Mayan ruins to explore off the beaten path like Bonampak, which is known for its intricate, painted murals. Farther north, mysterious, jungle-clad Palenque is one of Mexico's most awe-inspiring archeological sites. Whichever ruins you choose, you will always get the most out of your visit by hiring a guide.
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
If you're looking for a Cancun-style beach vacation but with fewer tourists and at a more affordable price, Mazatlán is a viable alternative. Although the Pacific waters aren't quite as Caribbean crystal clear as that of Cancun, the beaches are less crowded and populated with local families in addition to tourists.
An accessible, family-friendly activity is to take a boat over to Stone Island, where kids can play on deserted beaches that extend for miles. Parents can enjoy an ice-cold beer at a casual village beachfront bar or restaurant. There's also a large, child-friendly aquarium in the city if you need to escape the sun for a while.
Mérida, Yucatan and Campeche
Those who want to enjoy the ease of the Yucatan Peninsula (flying into Cancun from the U.S. is relatively simple, after all) can rent a car at Cancun International Airport (CUN) and head west towards the city of Mérida instead of taking the traditional route south along the Riviera Maya.
With an array of free museums and walking tours, it's easy to learn about Mérida's colonial highlights even if you're on a budget. They include the 16th-century Casa de Montejo estate, filled with period furnishings, as well as the striking cathedral — the oldest in Mexico — built partially from Mayan stone.
The city-state of Campeche unfurls along the southeastern coast. Although it doesn't have beaches, the city is famous for its boardwalk where families can stroll for several miles. Between Mérida and Campeche, visitors can really get out into the wild. There's snorkeling in cenotes (limestone sinkholes), boat tours through swampy mangroves and flamingo colonies in the Petenes-Ría Celestún Natural Park.
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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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
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.