The Official Guide to Mexico’s Best Beaches

One of the best things about living in Mexico is how easy it is to explore every corner of the country. With 5,795 miles of coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California, beach options are basically endless. While some of the most beautiful spots are close to my home, I’ve crisscrossed the country and collected more than a few favorites. These beaches are playgrounds for sun-seekers, adventurers and culture lovers alike, each one offering its own unforgettable experience.

To get to Lovers Beach, officially called Playa del Amor, you’ll need to take a water taxi from the Cabo marina or Medano Beach. Your reward is a stunning vision of one of Mexico’s most jaw-dropping beaches. Think: dramatic rock formations and postcard-perfect golden sands, with a striking contrast of the calm, turquoise Sea of Cortez on one side and the powerful waves of the Pacific on the other. During the ride, you’ll almost always see a variety of wildlife, including numerous sea lions and pelicans, while colorful fish appear in the crystal-clear water below. 

Once you’ve reached the beach, enjoy a tranquil setting for a picnic on the sand, sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling. Make sure to bring all your own supplies as there are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind here; it’s just about peaceful seclusion.

Just 10 miles south of downtown Todos Santos, about a 45-minute drive north of Cabo, Cerritos Beach is the best beach for swimming in the region on the Pacific Coast. Located in the small community of Pescadero, it also offers outstanding surf and incredible sunsets. It boasts the best surf break on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, with a long, wide stretch of sand. The calmer areas are great for swimming, while surfers chase the northeast and south swells near the cliffs on the western end of the beach. If you’re interested in learning to surf, there’s a surf school here too. 

Beyond surfing, there are many other activities here, including horseback riding on the sand, ATV excursions, kayaking, seasonal whale watching and beach walks. There are lifeguards and restrooms right on the beach and a handful of restaurants in the tiny town itself.

You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California Sur in La Paz, but there’s none more breathtaking than Balandra. Nestled around Balandra Bay, it’s renowned for its shallow, translucent turquoise waters, soft white sands and its Insta-famous mushroom rock. It’s basically like a big infinity pool with the water generally no more than waist high, which means you can walk across the sandy bottom or just float while enjoying the serenity. As the beach is part of a protected area, facilities are limited to just a couple of bathrooms, although kayaks and paddleboards can be rented here. There are no lifeguards, so proceed at your own risk. 

Insider tip: Because Balandra has become so famous, the number of visitors allowed to enter is limited, with two entry slots to choose from: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s best to arrive early, about 7:30 a.m., to ensure a spot. If you can’t get in or it’s too crowded, head to Tecolote Beach, just five minutes away. It has a lot more room with a long stretch of sand.

Located just a 25-minute boat ride from the marina in the small town of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, the beaches on Isla Coronado are idyllic with pristine white sands, beautiful shells and rock formations.It doesn’t get much more remote than this—peaceful seclusion that’s surprisingly easy to reach, right within the boundaries of the national marine park. You can kayak or take your own boat out to reach it, or join a small-group tour. The island is ringed by crystal-clear aquamarine water teeming with marine life—think manta rays, sea lions, dolphins and even whales, from playful humpbacks to the elusive blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth. It’s a paradise for bird watchers too, with the chance to spot frigate birds, cormorants and even blue-footed boobies.

As you might expect, there are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind here, so you’ll need to bring all your own supplies. This is a great place to snorkel, so if you’d like to explore the underwater world, you’ll want your gear.

Nestled along the southern Pacific coast, Manzanillo Beach lies between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa in a region renowned for its miles of unspoiled beaches and charming towns with cobbled streets. It’s not as commercialized as many of the other popular vacation destinations in the country, providing a serene getaway for rejuvenation, adventure and relaxation. Manazanillo isn’t as well-known as other beaches, providing a secluded setting and an outstanding spot for snorkeling. 

At the far end of the stretch in Manzanillo (known as Playa La Boquita) there are restaurants, beach bars and vendors offering inflatable water toys, snorkeling gear and boogie board rentals. Rustic showers and restrooms are available, but there are no lifeguards. A 10 to 15 minute swim will bring you to the San Luciano shipwreck in Santiago Bay that sits in relatively shallow waters. 

Ruinas Beach, or Playa Ruinas, is the most famous beach on the Yucatan Peninsula. Translating to “Ruins Beach,” it sits beneath the internationally renowned Tulum Ruins, one of Mexico’s most visited Mayan archaeological sites. Surrounded by 40-foot-high cliffs, the beach has white powdery sands where you can swim or snorkel among abundant marine life, most notably manta rays and sea turtles. The downside is that this beach gets very busy as it is so well-known, which means it’s best to arrive early (well before 10 a.m. if possible). 

As the beach is part of the Tulum archaeological site, there are no lifeguards or facilities of any kind. You will find restrooms at the entrance; however, so plan accordingly. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to swim, as there is no place to change either.

Playa Norte, or North Beach, is often called the very best beach in Mexico and frequently makes its way onto lists of the very best beaches in the world. Curving around the northern edge of Isla Mujeres, just a 30-minute ride from Cancun on the mainland followed by an easy 5 to 10 minute stroll, it’s considered the top spot to stretch out on a comfy lounge chair. Soak up the sun, relax and enjoy fresh homemade coconut ice cream from one of the carts that roll along the soft, chalk-white sands. In between, the turquoise water is shallow and calm making it ideal for refreshing dips in between.

You can simply toss down a towel under a palm tree or rent loungers and umbrellas. Some bars and restaurants here offer them complimentary if you spend just a small amount. Public restrooms and showers are available, but there are no lifeguards on duty.

Holbox Beach (Playa Holbox) is the main beach at the heart of Isla Holbox at the northeastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s just a 15 minute ferry ride from the town of Chiquila on the mainland. Holbox Beach offers a wide stretch with striking white sands and shallow, clear aquamarine water. One of the top things to do is lounge around in one of the hammocks that hang in the crystal-clear shallows while immersed in the incredible scenery. They can be rented, or you can use them for free by purchasing food and drink from the restaurant that owns them. Families with little ones can even take their afternoon nap in them, or play in the sand without getting too much sun exposure.

Caballo Beach (Playa Caballo) can be reached within an hour’s water taxi ride from the main pier in Puerto Vallarta to Las Animas Beach, followed by a short walk east. It offers a tranquil oasis with fine golden sands surrounded by lush, tropical greenery.  If you’re up for a hike, start from Boca de Tomatlan and walk along the coast, passing jungle and beaches while watching for the myriad of bird life along the way. It takes at least a couple of hours, but the adventure is well worth the reward. It’s the perfect place to unwind and savor the scenery as a mostly secluded stretch with the sounds of the waves lulling one into a state of calm. The turquoise water is calm and ideal for swimming. 

You’ll find basic beach amenities here too, including public restrooms, umbrella and lounger rentals. A variety of restaurants are within walking distance, or bring a picnic.

Tucked into the westernmost point of Bahías de Huatulco, at the edge of Parque Nacional Huatulco, Playa San Agustín is a local favorite—and somehow still manages to stay blissfully low-key. There’s no resort development here, just a laid-back fishing village and a handful of rustic beachside spots serving up fresh seafood and cocktails in coconuts, all steps from the soft, golden sand. Some places even rent out snorkeling gear so you can explore the clear, calm bay, where coral formations and rocky outcrops are home to colorful fish, sea urchins, crabs and other marine life.

Most beachgoers at San Agustin spend most of the day relaxing beneath an umbrella and enjoying the view. With cell service limited, it’s a great place to disconnect. There aren’t any lifeguards on duty, but some of the beachfront eateries do have basic facilities like restrooms.