8 Best Sights in Oaxaca, Mexico

Of Puerto Escondido's seven beaches, Playa Manzanillo, which rings Puerto Angelito, is one of the safest for swimming. It's also one of the best for snorkeling, with a sandy ocean floor (watch for the occasional large rock), some coral formations, and calm, clear water. Locals are working towards Blue Flag eco-certification, so you'll see recycling bins, solar-powered lighting, and eco-toilets. Dogs must be leashed. You can reach this beach on foot (a 15-minute walk west of the Adoquín), by taxi (MX$25), or via a pathway from Playa Angelito. There's a long staircase down to the beach. The beach offers plenty of shade and is lined with casual beach restaurants (Palapa de Carrasco is a top choice) with lounge chairs. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

This divine stretch of sand between Zipolite and Playa Mazunte is fringed by elegant coconut palms. It's somewhat safe for swimming, although the current can be strong. Keep to the western edge of the beach for the calmest waters. Early mornings you're likely to see people practicing yoga poses on the sand; there are several yoga schools nearby, including the world-renowned Hridaya Yoga Center and Solstice Yoga. Afternoons, as on neighboring beaches, vendors roam the sand selling ice cream, roasted peanuts, and serapes. Several excellent restaurants offer grilled fish, pizza, and welcome shade from the strong sun. Hang out for the day in a beach lounger; they're free with the purchase of food. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; surfing.

Although several hotels, shops, and restaurants (serving mostly lunch and dinner) are near the main road, Boulevard Benito Juárez, the area is still being developed. A marina is located at the eastern end of the bay. Playa Chahué itself has a negative reputation: people reportedly drown here more than water conditions seem to warrant. At the main beach you'll find a swimming pool, changing rooms, restrooms, a restaurant and bar, children's playground, and shaded lounge chairs at the Hotel Castillo Club de Playa Chahué (admission MX$100). Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: walking; partiers.

The Ex-Convento San Pablo has been turned from dereliction into a stunning new cultural and academic center for the city of Oaxaca. Visitors can enjoy the ongoing program of artistic and musical events, as well as the café, the children’s library, archaeological exhibition, restored chapel, and the interesting Moroccan-Oaxacan restaurant with roof terrace. San Pablo really is a triumph of sensitive restoration creating a truly public space.

Tour operators often combine a trip to Playa Mazunte and its sea turtle center with a visit to Laguna de Ventanilla to see resident and migratory species of birds, as well as crocodiles. Alternatively, you can arrange a 1½-hour tour of Laguna de Ventanilla directly from boat owners from the Ventanilla Ecotourism Cooperative at the lagoon's entrance, about 10 minutes by taxi west of the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga.

The Stamp Museum in Oaxaca is located on a quiet street alongside the botanical garden. It is a small, free museum that celebrates all that is good about letter writing. The collection of Asian mailboxes in the entrance sets the scene for a world tour of miscellany about our communication. Highlights of the museum include its collection of Frida Kahlo’s letters, its ever-changing exhibitions, and its wonderful children’s programs—all offered free.

Playa Agua Blanca is about 30 minutes east of Puerto Escondido, at Km 172 of the road towards Mazunte. You'll see a sign for Agua Blanca pointing down a winding road. At the end of this road is a pristine beach with soft white sand, big waves, and lots of rocks with tidal pools perfect for children or cautious swimmers to take a dip in. Although this beach is becoming better known outside the local community and the restaurants are becoming more substantial, it's still a quiet spot to relax beneath a palapa and eat oysters picked fresh from the sea. Or enjoy a full lunch at any of the shady comedores that dot the beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; walking.

If you're looking for the best fishing and water sports in the area, head to this beach west of Bahía Santa Cruz, where dozens of fishermen aren't shy about offering their services from the moment you set foot in the sand. It's a great place to head out on a fishing boat in the early morning (negotiate a price with one of the captains on the beach); when you come back to Playa Entrega, have one of the little seafood restaurants on the beach cook up your catch. Lobster fishing is another option, as are snorkeling and kayaking. The calm waters are good for children or timid swimmers. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; fishing; snorkeling.