Best Beach Towns in Mexico
Travelers from around the world arrive in Mexico every day for the sunshine and warm weather. Those two things are enough for some people. However, most travelers also want to feel the soft sand between their toes in between time spent in the refreshing sparkling water. While every beach town in Mexico offers sand and water, not all of them offer amazing amenities or attractions. If you are looking for those two options, you must choose one of the best beach towns in Mexico for your next vacation.
Best Beach Towns in Mexico
Puerto Escondido
When you are searching for a beach town that is comparable to paradise, you won’t need to look much further than Puerto Escondido. There are multiple beaches in Puerto Escondido. Swimming and snorkeling are best at Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito. If you prefer to catch the amazing waves that this best beach town in Mexico is known for, then you will want to head over to Playa Zicatela. You won’t find huge resorts in Puerto Escondido, but you will discover quite a few affordable hotel options.
There are plenty of things to do in this beach town when you are not swimming and surfing. Your days can be spent visiting Chacahua National Park, kayaking at Manialtepec Lagoon, and taking an ATV ride through the jungle. At night, you can choose to party at one of the many nightclubs or go for a swim with the bioluminescent plankton.
Tulum
Tulum is one of the most popular beach towns in Mexico, thanks to the Tulum Archaeological Site. When you are not at the beach, or the Mayan ruins, you may want to spend your time at the nearby cenotes. The El Gran Cenote and Cenotes Dos Ojos are two of the best in the area. There are plenty of eco-adventures to choose from in Tulum as well. You may want to spend a little time in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Or if you don’t mind a short road trip, there are spider monkeys waiting for you at the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve.
One of the best parts about staying in Tulum though is the different types of accommodations you can choose from. The all-inclusive resorts will all be waiting for you. But you may prefer to stay at one of the boutique hotels or even a rustic cabana.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of the more touristy beach towns in Mexico. This can be good, or bad, depending on what you are looking for during your Mexico vacation. A plethora of amenities and excellent food options are always a plus. The downside is the higher price tag you will pay for everything you do. However, Puerto Vallarta offers everything you want and more, which is why it is one of the best beach towns in Mexico.
When the main beaches get crowded in town, you can escape to Destiladeras Beach to the north. Long walks along the streets and time in the cobblestone filled area of Zona Romantica will only add to your time in this beach town. A few other incredible options to fill your days include ziplining through the jungle, visiting the botanical gardens, and taking long walks along the Malecón. And don’t forget about watching the sunsets every evening!
Playa de Carmen
If you want to experience the thrills of Cancun without spending all your time there, then Playa de Carmen must be at the top of your list. This best beach town in Mexico is just thirty-five miles to the south of Cancun. You can easily take day trips to many different areas when you stay in this beach town. In addition to Cancun, I recommend spending a day in Playacar, Cozumel Island, and Isla Mujeres.
There are many different accommodations available in Playa de Carmen, so you will have the opportunity to stay where you are the most comfortable. And the good news is that whichever accommodations you choose, you will never be too far from all the restaurants, bars, and dance clubs. When you are not dancing the night away, or lounging on the beach, you may want to spend a little time walking along Quinta Avenida. It is the perfect destination for purchasing souvenirs, people watching, and watching the sun set at the end of a long day.
Xcalak
There are times when you are going to want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of life. When that happens, you must consider visiting Xcalak. This town may be off the beaten path, approximately five hours to the south of Cancun. But there is a reason why it is one of the best beach towns in Mexico. There are not too many touristy things to do in Xcalak. But as a renowned scuba diving zone, you can have an incredible time with the marine life and shipwrecks in the water.
When you are not in the water, you may want to talk a walk on the town pier or visit all five lighthouses. A coral stone pyramid might sound unusual, but you can climb up one in this beach town. And you won’t want to miss some amazing day trips to Mahahaul, Pedro Santos, and Bird Island. The only downside to this beach town in Mexico is that the only electricity is from renewable sources. Therefore, you may experience periods of time when there is no electricity at all during your visit to Xcalak.
These are the best beach towns in Mexico. Each one offers something unique, which is why you may want to check them all out before settling on your personal favorite. Of course, once you do discover your favorite beach town, don’t be surprised if you decide to move there permanently one day. It seems to happen more often than you think!
