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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