There’s a lot to love about Mexico—historic cities, sizzling street tacos, colorful festivals, and endless art. But without a doubt, the number one thing that draws most tourists to Mexico is its stunning beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of California, Mexico offers a smorgasbord of beaches that appeal to everyone. Whether you’re a sun worshiper, a wave chaser, or a beach bum who’s here just for tacos and sunsets, there’s something for everyone.
But not all beaches are created equal, and beaches in Mexico can be divided into three distinct categories: Caribbean, Pacific, and Baja California Peninsula. Caribbean beaches feature soft white sand and turquoise water. On the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves deserve surfers to steal the show. What about Baja? Picture cinematic desert and ocean landscapes filled with remote fishing villages and miles of cacti.
So if you’re planning to put your feet on the best sand this side of paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Here are eight of the best beaches in Mexico that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
North Beach, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
area: caribbean
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like you’ve stepped into a screensaver. Picture shallow, bath-like waters, stunning turquoise hues and soft white sand.
This beach embodies “no shoes, no problem,” with lounge chairs lined along the shore and beach bars happily serving margaritas as you float in the calm Caribbean Sea. Sunsets here are legendary as the beach offers views of the west coast and 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 Alma, a Luxury Collection Resort on the other side of Isla Mujeres. Rates this winter start at $775 per night or 116,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
area: Baja California
Balandra is more than just a beach; it’s a landscape. Located on the Gulf of California, about 40 minutes north of La Paz, this beach resembles a surrealist painting, with sandbars rising from shallow turquoise water and surrounded by dramatic desert hills.
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The water here is so calm and shallow that you can wade through it for what feels like forever. Kayaking? star. Sunbathing? sublimation. Photograph? Mandatory. Keep an eye out for Calandra’s famous mushroom-shaped rock formations, which are as much a natural masterpiece as the rest of the beach.
Additionally, reaching La Paz is easier than ever thanks to Alaska Airlines’ direct flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP), launching in November 2024.
RELATED: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Explore Mexico’s Baja California from top to bottom
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
area:Pacific Ocean
Tucked away in a quiet bay in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is a small slice of golden sand paradise. What’s the gain? You have to earn it. Getting here requires walking down a steep flight of stairs, but trust us, the reward is worth every step.
Once you arrive, you’ll find calm waves perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or trying beginner-friendly surfing. Beachfront shacks rent out lounge chairs and serve cold beer, fresh seafood and coconut water. Don’t miss the ice cream man pushing his homemade coconut ice cream cart along the shoreline.
World of Hyatt now offers three Mr & Mrs Smith properties in or near Puerto Escondido, including the adults-only Casa TO, with rates starting at approximately $375 per night or 40,000 points.
Related: The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
area: caribbean
Playa del Carmen may be bustling with activity, but Playacar is tucked away on its southern edge—a quieter, more sophisticated area of the Riviera Maya. The sand here is pillow-soft and the water is that signature Caribbean blue.
Aimed primarily at upscale residences and all-inclusive resorts such as Viva Azteca by Wyndham (starting at $509 or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night), Playacar has a unique feel. If you live nearby, this is the perfect place to escape the crowds, soak up the sun, and watch the comings and goings.
It’s a short walk to the bars and restaurants of La Quinta Avenida, but since the beach is mostly private property, you’ll have to bring all your belongings for the day if you’re not staying at a local resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
area:Pacific Ocean
If you prefer a cool beach without crowds, head to Playa Chacala. Tucked away on Riviera Nayarit, this stretch of golden sand has a dreamy, small-town feel. The waves here are gentle, perfect for swimming, paddling, or lazing around with a cold beer in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachfront restaurants serve some of the best fresh seafood around – don’t miss the pescado zarandeado, a local specialty where locally caught seafood is butterflied, marinated in spices and grilled.
Take your relaxation experience to the next level at the new Siari Riviera Nayarit luxury hotel, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel. In early 2026, rates start at $878 per night or 184,000 Marriott points.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
area:Pacific Ocean
For those who appreciate pristine, unspoiled coastline, Zihuatanejo’s Playa Blanca is simply a magical place. This beach is long, pristine, and peaceful, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings—just miles of soft golden sand and rolling Pacific waves.
It’s perfect for long walks, flying a kite or just enjoying the peace and quiet. The beachfront palace offers fresh ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has long been a quiet alternative to Ixtapa, with Playa Blanca being a dramatic example.
Loyal Hilton Honors members can book SLH Hotel La Casa Que Canta starting at $814 or 115,000 points per night.
RELATED: 5 Destinations Outside of Mexico’s Travel Hotspots
Holbox Island, Quintana Roo
area: caribbean
On Holbox Island, shoes are optional, hammocks swing lazily in the shallow turquoise water, and golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. The island’s laid-back, bohemian vibe attracts visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches 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 go between May and September, you might even spot majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
Mystique Holbox by Royalton is Holbox Island’s first (and perhaps only) points-only hotel, with rates starting as low as $191 per night or 45,000 Marriott points.
Meto Beach, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
area:Pacific Ocean
If you’re craving a remote beach experience away from the hustle and bustle, Playa Mayto has you covered. Located in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of coastline feels far away from it all and makes for a great day trip.
The beach is vast, golden, and virtually unspoiled, making it the perfect place for those seeking solitude. The waves can get a little active, so it’s not always suitable for swimming, but it’s a great spot to watch the fiery sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Bring snacks, a good book and a sense of adventure.
Nearby you can explore the villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, known for some of the largest and most delicious oysters in Mexico.
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