212 Best Sights in Mexico

A calm enclave—with golf courses, residences, and Chileno Bay Resort—is roughly midway between San José and Cabo San Lucas. Consistently ranked one of the cleanest beaches in Mexico, Chileno has been awarded “Blue Flag” certification, meaning 32 criteria for safety, services, water quality, and other standards have been met. The beach skirts a small, crescent-shape cove with aquamarine waters and an outside reef that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming (there are even restrooms, showers, and handicap access). To the east are tide pools great for exploring with the kids. Getting here is easy, thanks to the well-marked access ramps on both sides of the road. Along the western edge of Bahía Chileno, some 200 yards away, are some good-size boulders that you can scramble up. In winter this part of the Sea of Cortez gets chilly—refreshing for a dip, but most snorkelers don't spend too much time in the water. On weekends get to the bay early if you want to claim shade under a palapa. Amenities: toilets; showers; parking lot. Best for: swimming; snorkeling; sunset.

This wide, sloping, horseshoe-shape beach is surrounded by cactus-covered rocky cliffs; the placid waters here are a protected fish sanctuary. The bay is part of an underwater reserve and is a great place to snorkel: brightly colored fish swarm through chunks of white coral and golden sea fans. Unfortunately, this little slice of paradise has limited palapas for shade, so arrive early or bring a beach umbrella. In high season, from November to May, there's usually someone renting snorkeling gear or selling sarongs, straw hats, and soft drinks. It's best to bring your own supplies, though, including lots of drinking water, snacks, and sunscreen. Snorkel and booze-cruise boats from Cabo San Lucas visit the bay in midmorning through about 1 pm. Arrive midafternoon if you want to get that total Robinson Crusoe feel. The parking lot is a quarter mile or so off the highway and is sometimes guarded; be sure to tip the guard. The bay is roughly 19 km (12 miles) west of San José and 13 km (8 miles) east of Cabo San Lucas. Heading east, look for the sign saying "playa santa maría." Amenities: toilets; free parking; showers; lifeguards. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; surfing; walking.

The most popular spot on Isla Ixtapa (and the one closest to the boat dock) is Playa Cuachalalate. An excellent swimming beach, it was named for a local tree whose bark has been used as a remedy for kidney ailments since ancient times. A short walk across the island, Playa Varadero hugs a rocky cove and is also good for swimming, but watch for coral-covered rocks on both sides of the cove. Just behind is Playa Coral, whose calmer, crystal clear water is great for snorkeling. Each of the above beaches is lined with seafood eateries eager to rent snorkel equipment. Playa Carey, toward the island's south end, is small and has no services. Pangas run between the boat landings at both Cuachalalate and Varadero beaches and Playa Linda on the mainland, where you'll find a few all-inclusive, high-rise hotels. The ride costs MXN$40 round-trip, and boats run from about 9 to 5 (later in high season). Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

You can walk or ride a bike to long, lovely Playa Borrego, 1 km (½ mile) south of town. Rent a surfboard at Stoners' or Mar y Sol restaurant to attack the year-round (but sporadic) shore or jetty breaks here, or stroll down to the southern end to admire the lovely, palm-fringed estuary. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: walking; sunset; solitude.

In a region full of beautiful beaches, Playa Carrizalillo can still take your breath away. The high cliffs that surround it ensure that it's never too crowded. The aquamarine water is clean, clear, and shallow—perfect for swimming and snorkeling, especially around the rocks that frame the beautiful cove. Sometimes there are waves large enough to lure novice surfers. A handful of palm-thatched restaurants offer free use of loungers if you buy food and drinks. The beach is a MX$25 taxi ride from El Adoquin with access to the stairs through an orange archway on the Rinconada. From there it's 167 steps down to the water, but the steep stone staircase is well maintained and there's a handrail to help you along. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets; food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; snorkeling; surfing.

Near Ruinas del Rey, where Boulevard Kukulcán curves into a hill, this local favorite is one of the last before Punta Nizuc. Hotels have yet to dominate this small section of coastline that's considered a Blue Flag Beach. ("Yet" is, unfortunately, the operative word here.) Delfines showcases an incredible lookout and the iconic sign with large letters painted in bright colors that spell "Cancún." It's a popular photo op, so you may have to wait in line to get a picture. The sand is darker and more granular here than on other Cancún beaches, and on a clear day you can see at least four shades of blue in the water. Swimming is treacherous unless a green flag is posted, but you'll find plenty of sand and waves. It's one of the few places in Cancún you'll see a surfer, though even during hurricane season, waves seldom hit "epic" status; at best, you might find choppy, inconsistent surf. Amenities: lifeguard; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: sunrise; surfing.

"Clothing Beach" apparently got its name hundreds of years ago when a textile-laden ship spilled its silks, which washed up on the sand. The area's most magnificent beach is a 20-minute walk from Playa La Madera and a five-minute taxi ride from town. Parasailers drift above the 1-km (½-mile) stretch of soft light sand; below, concessionaires rent Jet Skis (US$50 for 30 minutes) and Hobie Cats (up to US$50 an hour, depending on the size). Up and down the beach are open-air restaurants—some with hammocks for post-meal siestas—and a handful of hotels. Kids can splash in the calm, aquamarine water or toss a ball or Frisbee on the shore—but not too close to the little stream that empties into the southerly end: it's a crocodile refuge! There's free parking in a lot at the south end of the beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; sunset.

PV's original happening beach has nice bay views, and as action central, it's definitely the area's most engaging beach. Facing Vallarta's South Side (south of the Río Cuale), this flat beach hugs the Zona Romántica and runs about 1½ km (1 mile) south to a rocky point called El Púlpito.

The steps (more than 100) at Calle Púlpito lead to a lookout with a great view of the beach and the bay.

Joggers cruise the cement boardwalk early morning and after sunset; vendors stalk the beach nonstop, hawking kites, jewelry, and serapes as well as hair-braiding and alfresco massage. Bar-restaurants run the length of the beach; the bright blue umbrellas at the south end belong to Blue Chairs resort, the hub of PV's effervescent gay scene.

The surf ranges from mild to choppy with an undertow; the small waves crunching the shore usually discourage mindless paddling. There are lifeguards on the beach, but the service isn't consistent. The Los Muertos Pier underwent a recent face-lift and it's now one of PV's main landmarks and a prime spot for romantic night walks. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing.

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.

If you have to choose just one beach in all of Costalegre, this is the one. Difficult to reach, the unspoiled beauty of the place makes the adventure well worth it. The long wide beach invites peaceful walks. Swimming might be risky here, though. Camping under the stars is highly recommended. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

North Beach is easy to find: simply head north on any of the north–south streets in town until you hit it. The turquoise sea is as calm as a lake here, though developers have built along most of the coast. The small cove between Mia Reef Resort and the Caribbean is the nicest section. Relatively shallow, the water flows directly from the open sea, so it's clean and good for snorkeling; tour guides often lure the fish with food. A food or drink purchase from the Playa Norte Beach Club gives you access to beach beds and changing facilities at Privilege Aluxes Resort. Alternately, you can enjoy a libation at one of the palapa bars where wooden swings take the place of bar stools; Buho's is especially popular, as MX$100 lounge chairs and MX$200 beach beds come with a free drink ticket. At Sunset Grill, lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, toilets, and showers are included when you spend MX$300 on food or drink. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

In 2014 Playa Palmares became the first beach in the area to get the coveted international Blue Flag certification. This certification is an eco-award designed for beaches, marinas, and boating tourism operators; recipients of the Blue Flag comply with a series of stringent environmental, accessibility, and safety requirements. Palmares is connected to Punta Negra, but its waves are smaller, which makes it a better fit for families. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

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.

Other than the occasional villa and resort, including Royal Catalonia Tulum smack-dab in the center, this stretch of white sand is fairly isolated. South of here are a few spots where you can grab a midday snack, like La Playa Beach Club. There are no hidden rocks in shallow areas, so many people come to swim or snorkel, especially when the winds are calm. The sugary sand is raked, making it a good place for an unobstructed stroll, too. Unlike many beaches, this one isn’t blocked by resort security. You can access it through La Playa or by having lunch at one of the nearby restaurants and beach clubs. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This beach club and restaurant is one of the few open every day from morning (8:30 am) to late (1 am). Take a dip in the ocean and then catch some rays on one of the sun beds or chaise lounges. When the sun goes down, there is live music, shows, and salsa lessons on the beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming.

This is the first beach to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification, a program run by the Foundation for Environmental Education. To get a Blue Flag a beach needs to meet 32 criteria regarding water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services. Located 6 km (3 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown, Playa Palmares is a pristine stretch of beach, good for swimming and equipped with all the necessary services. Facilities: food concessions; restrooms, showers, parking. Best for: swimming; walking; sunset.

Accessible only by boat, this charming beach at the tip of the Land's End peninsula is just as lovely as its name implies. Though the towering cliffs on either side lend an air of romantic seclusion, don't expect much privacy: it's one of the area's most photographed spots. It's an excellent place to swim and snorkel, with a variety of tropical fish easily visible in the clear, shallow water. Walk through a gap in the rocks to reach the cheekily named Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio); while the water at Lover's Beach faces the Sea of Cortez and is calm and pleasant, Divorce Beach is on the turbulent and unpredictable Pacific. It's far too dangerous for swimming, but ideal for sunbathing. Picnics are also popular, but be sure to bring your own food and refreshments; there may be a vendor or two selling drinks, but not reliably. To get here, you can hire a water taxi (called a "panga") to bring you there and back from Playa El Médano or the marina. Prices vary and can be negotiable depending on the vendor, but typically the cost can be $10--$20; the final departure back to shore is usually 4 pm. You can also rent a kayak, Jet Ski, or paddleboard and make your way over independently. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

Legend has it that a Tarascan king (from an indigenous, pre-Hispanic community) built the breakwater on Playa las Gatas to create a sheltered area for his daughter's exclusive use. Named for the gatas (cat-whiskered nurse sharks) that once lingered here, this beach is bordered by a long row of hewn rocks that create a breakwater. Snorkelers scope out the rocky coves, and surfers spring to life with the arrival of small but fun summer swells. The beach is lined with simple seafood eateries that provide lounge chairs for sunning, as well as kayak and snorkeling-gear rentals, and guiding services. (You really can't go wrong with any of the concessionaires, but La Red del Pescador, at the far end of the beach, has the best setup with the hippest music; ask for Cruz if you need a kayak guide.) Overlooking the beach is El Faro (the lighthouse); the view from the top is marvelous, but the safe path up can be hard to find—ask any of the waiters to point it out. You can reach Playa las Gatas in about 20 minutes by climbing over the rocks that separate it from Playa la Ropa. But it's much more common and convenient to take one of the skiffs that run from the municipal pier every 10 or 15 minutes between 8 am and 6 pm. Buy your round-trip ticket (about MX$80) on the pier, and keep the stub for your return trip. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; snorkeling.

Known for the sea turtles that swim in its waters, Akumal Bay is sheltered by an offshore reef—though, sadly only about 30% of it is alive. It's best to explore the waters with a certified guide available through dive shops in town. Do not wear sunscreen in the water as it can harm the reef, and, above all, do not touch the wildlife or coral. Be careful to stay clear of the red "fire reef," which stings on contact. When you drag yourself away from the snorkeling, there are plenty of palm trees for shade, as well as a variety of waterfront shops, restaurants, and cafés. If you continue on the main road, you'll reach Half Moon Bay and Laguna Yal-kú, also good snorkeling spots. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

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 aquamarine, calm waters of this bay are a nice spot for swimming, although the area can be busy with tourists, vendors, and touts when cruise ships are in town. This is the most developed of Huatulco's nine bays. Browse for quality keepsakes in the upscale shops; dine with your toes in the sand at a seafood restaurant; mingle with the locals in the central zócalo; stroll the promenade; or just sip a cool drink and take in the lively beach scene. You can arrange boat tours, snorkeling excursions, and fishing trips at the marina. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

One of the largest and most impressive bays in the Huatulco area, Tangolunda is also the most developed, with a string of luxury hotels, a golf course, and a small shopping mall with restaurants across from the Barceló hotel on Boulevard Benito Juárez. It's about 10 minutes by taxi or bus from La Crucecita. The most swimmable section of the beach is at the easterly stretch near Dreams Hotel. If you're not staying at one of the hotels, there are few amenities directly on the beach, but you can inquire about a day pass at the Barceló or Dreams. Expect to see lots of vendors plying wares such as silver jewelry and inexpensive wooden toys. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking; snorkeling.

About 4 km (2½ mi) south of Playa Mocambo is Boca del Río, a small fishing village at the mouth of the Río Jamapa that is quickly getting sucked into Veracruz's orbit. A taxi from the city center costs about $4.

The stretch of sand right in front of downtown Bucerías is not as appealing as what you'll find if you just walk about 200 meters south. The shore break can get a bit sketchy when there's a swell, so you might just want to walk toward Nuevo Vallarta before planting your beach umbrella. Amenities: parking (free); food and drink; water sports. Best for: walking; windsurfing; sunset. 

Adjacent to the Grand Palladium Resort and the Secrets Resort, you'll encounter rocks and sea urchins at this beach once you reach the water. Burros has one of the most consistent surf breaks in the area and thus gets crowded with surfers. Non-surfers also come here to check out the action, and it is possible to swim when the waves are small. During low tide you can make your way to the beach on the other side of the small cliff where there's a natural saltwater pool. Amenities: water sports. Best for: surfing; walking.

Easily accessible by cab from downtown or the cruise piers, this spot at Playa San Francisco is a rowdy affair with a restaurant and bar where waiters break into song and draw customers into line dances. The food is typical of the chain—burgers, barbecued ribs, tacos—and the alcohol flows generously. While there's a wide array of water sports offered, the water is shallow, not always clear, and congested with Jet Skis and water toys. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.

Several grassy beach parks, including Punta Estrella and Dos Mulas, surround the bay. The latter is not recommended due to cleanliness issues. But Punta Estrella has parking, toilets, volleyball courts, and a small boat marina. The water here is calm, if cloudy, and there's plenty of shade from trees and little palapa-topped picnic tables. Popular with fishermen, the bay itself is shallow and the flats go on for miles. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: walking.

A favorite of party animals and the young and beautiful, Coralina offers nonstop music all day long with an open bar, fireworks, go-go dancers, and bikini contests also included in the rates. The pool parties here are legendary, as are the champagne wars. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: partiers.

Favored by locals because of its long stretch of sand and beautiful color, Destiladeras is especially popular on weekends. You can reach the beach by bus or car, and there's unofficial parking at the top of the cliff where guards will look over your car for a price. Amenities: parking (free); water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

The water at this beach is almost always still, and even when surf is bigger, the many jetties keep a section of the beach safe for swimming (though swimmers should still take caution). Take a panga tour to the Marietas Islands; in winter, whale-watching is popular here. You'll also have plenty of dining options nearby. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing.