It would be tough to name all the beaches in Mexico.
The reason is there are almost 6,000 miles of coastline from east to west.
Essentially, no matter what you’re going to the beach for, Mexico has one that will cater to your plans.
For rest and relaxation, as well as a good swim, vacationers have plenty of places to pick from on the Gulf of Mexico to the east.
Surfers might have their eye on the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The wind is heavier and the waves are bigger, also great for windsurfing.
If you’ve been wondering which beach has your name on it, get your map out.
We’ve got the top 10 Mexican beaches and what makes them special right here.
10 Best Beaches in Mexico
1. Playa Balandra
On the Gulf of California, you’ll find Playa Balandra in Cabo San Lucas.
This cove brings in locals and tourists alike.
Balandra Beach is family-friendly due to the extent of shallow water.
Basically, you can walk across the cove and still not be in over your head.
That’s great for kids to go and explore without fear of getting pulled under.
Swimming has to take place further out than you’re used to.
On a positive note, it’s so beautiful that sitting in shallow water and taking in the tides might be all the excitement needed.
2. Playa Tangolunda
At the southern tip, Playa Tangolunda serves as a surf haven.
Due to the strong and frequent winds coming from the Pacific, this beach is great for water sports.
It’s also one for snorkeling to get a better view of the nearby coral reefs.
You might even call this adventure beach for all the water activities that are available.
Taking a walk around, you’ll find shops and restaurants that make taking a whole day at the ocean worthwhile.
3. Costalegre
Also, on the southern Pacific side, Costalegre represents a series of beaches in Jalisco.
The area is known for its all-inclusive resorts and expensive activity packages.
Fittingly, Costalegre is Spanish for Coast of Joy.
This grouping is located in the state of Jalisco and is close to another beach resort, Puerto Vallarta.
Back in the 1500s, Costalegre was used by the Spanish to work on their ships before setting sail to the Philippines.
In modern times, the state government wanted to take advantage of natural resources and began creating a luxury tourist experience.
Before heading out, it would behoove you to find where specifically you’d like to visit because 150 miles is a lot to take in for one trip.
4. Playa Carrizalillo
Only one state away from Guatemala, Playa Carrizalillo is on the Pacific side of Oaxaca.
Many come here to take in a day of swimming or snorkeling.
Surfing is usually good here, too.
There are restrooms, a lifeguard, and plenty of chairs to rest in by the water.
When you get tired of being wet and are ready to do something different, there are beach bars with plenty of snacks.
5. Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor, or Lovers Beach, is at the very tip end of Baja California.
Being on this beach feels like a hidden oasis.
In fact, you wouldn’t even know there was a beach within the open crater if you were just riding by on a boat.
It’s believed that this spot was formed by bombing exercises by the Mexican government a century ago.
Funny enough, there’s also a Divorce Beach nearby.
6. Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is what many who have been here would call a hidden gem.
It’s not a heavily visited beach, so it’s still clean and full of beauty.
Since it isn’t talked about a lot, it should be noted to be extra careful in the water.
This is a great place for surfing, but inexperienced swimmers should stay closer to the shore.
If you’re bringing little ones, keep them in the sand.
7. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
On the Caribbean side of Quintana Roo is a biosphere reserve.
Sian Ka’an was built in the late 80s and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sian Ka’an actually translates to Gate of Heaven, which is how it feels to walk around here.
As you could tell, this isn’t your normal beach vacation.
At this site, you can experience nature like never before.
When was the last time you got to see wildlife up close while exploring ancient ruins?
Exactly.
8. Puerto Progreso
Progreso is a port city located on Mexico’s upswing on the Gulf of Mexico.
While visiting the beach, feel free to stop by Faro de Puerto Progreso, a still active lighthouse that’s well over a century old.
Back at the ocean, the sand here is more silky than gritty.
It’s also unlikely to get overcrowded, due to the incredible length of the beach itself.
You might notice the water is more green than blue, thank a large amount of seaweed for that.
9. Playa Sisal
If seafood is what you want, then Playa Sisal is what you should get.
This beach area is known for the multitude of seafood restaurants that are right on the sand.
They pride themselves on having the freshest caught fish for your dining pleasure.
The water is shallow for quite a distance, so it’s quite safe for children.
Aquamarine is the color and it’s so easy to see through.
Tourists refer to the area in Yucatan, where Playa Sisal is located, as a Magical Town in Mexico.
10. Isla Holbox
At Mexico’s Gulf tip is an island getaway.
Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, flamingos call the picture-perfect Isla Holbox home.
This isn’t just a beach, it’s an entire way of life.
There are no cars and no fast pace settings.
Here, you can admire the sea turtles and watch for whale sharks.
Go in January to avoid crowds and have the place to yourself.
Mexico Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Mexico Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most visited beach in Mexico?
Cancun is the most popular place to go to the beach in the entire country of Mexico.
If you know anything about spring break, you’ve likely heard of Cancun.
If you’ve heard of beaches in Mexico, in general, you’ve heard of Cancun.
The most popular beach in Cancun is Playa Delfines.
It has stark white sand and crystal clear turquoise water.
Cancun, in general, is one of the biggest beach attractions in the world.
It probably helps that, in places like Playa Delfines, you can look out onto the horizon and see dolphins.
Is Mexico safe to travel to?
It really depends on the region.
Popular beach towns are big money-makers, so they tend to be more heavily protected.
If you head to a part of the country that is visited by fewer tourists, it might be risky.
No matter where in Mexico you end up, it’s important to stay vigilant regardless of how big of a hotspot it is.
But before departing, check the status of the specific area you’re planning to be at.
Tijuana and border towns tend to be the most dangerous places to go.
The US government keeps the travel advisories up to date online and that’s a good resource to use when looking for beaches to go to.
Which side of Mexico is the best for beaches?
More commonly than not, travelers familiar with Mexico prefer the east coast to the West.
The Caribbean water is clearer, warmer, and often comes with some spectacular scenery.
Even the sand is whiter and smoother than what you’ll find on the Pacific side.
Calmer waters are also a perk of heading to the east coast.
That’s not to say there aren’t some perfectly enjoyable beaches to the west, it’s just that there is more of an accumulation of quality on the east side.
That preference has been perpetuated for a long time.
Cancun, for example, is in the east.
Most people who come to the beach in Mexico plan for Cancun.
It’s logical that a reputation would build from that, making many travelers very happy with their choice to take in Caribbean water and temperatures during their stay.
What's the most expensive beach in Mexico?
Travelers who’ve been around the block have come to the agreement that Playa Norte is the most expensive place to enjoy some sand.
The first clue had to be that many refer to the area it’s in, Isla Mujeres, as a paradise.
The water here is so translucent it’s like walking through air.
There is a lot to love, especially if you have the money to shell out.
Sitting Pretty on the Sand is a top-tier hotel where reservations come with access to a private beach.
Knowing there will be fewer people is already a step above other places.
Also on site are restaurants with cuisine inspired from around the world.
If you have the money, honey, it’s worth visiting Playa Norte and indulging in all they have to offer.
