Puerto Vallarta: Spectacularly wide Banderas Bay is graced by 42km (26 miles) of sandy beach. Some, such as Playa Los Muertos -- the popular public beach in town -- abound with palapa restaurants, volleyball players, and parasailers. The beaches of Punta Mita, the exclusive development north of Vallarta, have white-sand, crystalline waters and coral reefs just offshore. Others around the bay nestle in coves, accessible only by boat. Puerto Vallarta is the only beach town in Mexico with an authentic colonial feel as well as first-rate resort amenities.
Puerto Escondido: The best overall beach value in Mexico is principally known for its world-class surfing beach, Playa Zicatela. The surrounding beaches all have their own appeal; colorful fishing pangas dot the central town beach, parked under the shade of palms leaning over so far they almost touch the ground. Puerto Escondido offers unique accommodations at excellent prices, with exceptional budget dining and nightlife.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: These side-by-side resorts afford beachgoers the best of both worlds: serene simplicity and resort comforts. For travelers seeking to get back to basics, the best and most beautiful beach is Playa La Ropa, close to Zihuatanejo. The wide beach at Playa Las Gatas, with its restaurants and snorkeling sites, is also a great place to play. The high-rise hotels in Ixtapa, on the next bay over from Zihuatanejo, front Playa Palmar, a fine, wide swath of beach. The most beautiful beach in Ixtapa lies in front of Las Brisas hotel.
Cancún: Cancún and the coastline of the Yucatán state of Quintana Roo are home to Mexico's most enticingly beautiful beaches, with powdery white sand and Caribbean waters the color of a Technicolor dream. Cancún also has the widest assortment of luxury beachfront hotels, plus more restaurants, nightlife, and activities than any other resort destination in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres: There's only one main beach here -- Playa Norte -- but it's superb. From this island, you can dive El Garrafón reef, snorkel offshore, and take a boat excursion to the Isla Contoy national wildlife reserve, which features great birding and a fabulous uninhabited beach.
Tulum: Fronting some of Mexico's best Caribbean beaches, Tulum's small palapa hotels afford guests a little slice of paradise far from crowds and megaresorts. The bustling town lies inland; the coast is quiet and should remain so, because all the hotels there are small and have to generate their own electricity. If you can pull yourself away from the surf, you'll find nearby ruins to explore and a vast nature preserve as well.
Playa del Carmen: "Playa" is Mexico's hip beach destination with a pronounced mañana attitude. Above all, it's easy and low key. You walk to the beach, you walk back to the hotel, you walk to one of the many good restaurants. Next day, you repeat. The sand is white; the water is clear blue and ideal for swimming. If you want more variety, you'll find that ancient Mayan ruins, Cozumel, and the megaresort of Cancún are near enough to round out your beach vacation.
La Paz: This state capital borders a lovely beach, dotted with colorful playgrounds and lively open-air restaurants. Take a cue from the local residents, though, and pass on swimming here in favor of the exquisite beaches just minutes from downtown. La Paz's beaches and the islets just offshore have transformed this tranquil town into a center for diving, sea kayaking, and other adventure pursuits.
Los Cabos: Dramatic rock formations and crashing waves join forces with wide stretches of soft sand and rolling surf breaks. Start at Playa Palmilla and work your way down the Tourist Corridor to the famed Lover's Beach at Land's End. Some beaches are more appropriate for contemplation than for swimming, which isn't all bad.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
