254 Best Sights in Mexico

It's perhaps unsurprising that in a city where disused hydroelectric and garbage heaps have been reimagined as parks and new neighborhoods, a badly polluting former oil refinery has been converted into a stunning, family-friendly green space with seven sections to replicate different climate-vegetation zones. The 136-acre preserve in the north of the city opened in 2010 on the bicentennial of the country's independence from Spain (hence the park's name). Key features include a lake that's lovely to walk around, picnic areas, playgrounds, jogging tracks, sporting fields and courts, an orchid greenhouse, and a gorgeous botanical garden that's definitely the highlight of any visit. Food stalls are located throughout the park, and there's even a little bar and grill with outdoor seating next to the lake. Concerts, festivals, and other noteworthy events take place here throughout the year—check the online calendar for what's coming up next. The park is a 15- to 20-minute drive north of Polanco (the vehicle entrance is at Av. F.F.C.C. Nacionales 221, on the east side of the park) and easily accessed from the Estación Refinería metro stop, which is at the park's northeast corner.

A half block north of the main plaza is this small, cozy park, officially known as Plaza Cepeda Peraza. Historic mansions, now reincarnated as hotels and sidewalk cafés (including a Starbucks), line its southern and eastern sides, and at night the area comes alive with marimba bands and street vendors. On Sunday, the streets are closed to vehicular traffic, and there's free live music performed throughout the day.

The Parque Lineal Río Pitillal is basically a scenic path along the Pitillal River, starting at Avenida Francisco Villa (right in front of Cinépolis) and extending all the way to the beach. There is a nice pathway perfect for bikes and trolleys, benches, picnic tables, and even a lookout that shows a scenic perspective of the city.

Though small by Mexican standards, this central park is picturesque with a beautiful view of Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. Half of the old-fashioned kiosk in the park's center contains a branch of the municipal tourist office. The other half houses a pleasant café-bar, where you can sit and watch residents out for a stroll and listen to the itinerant musicians who often show up to play traditional ballads in the evenings.

The simple market in Parque Santa Ana, just to the west of Paseo Montejo and north of Calle 47, is a popular breakfast spot, where locals happily start their days with regional dishes and fresh juices at plastic tables. The tamales are good, and the tortas de cochinita (pork sandwiches flavored with a few drops of sour-orange chile sauce) are heavenly. Most vendors close at 1:30 pm, but some reopen to sell snacks from 7 pm until late in the evening.

This park at Calles 60 and 55 is lined with popular, if a bit touristy, restaurants and draws crowds with its Thursday-night music and dance performances (shows start at 9, but come early if you want to sit close to the performers). On Sunday, couples also come to dance to a live band and dine on food from carts set up in the plaza. The Iglesia de Santa Lucía opposite the park dates from 1575 and was built as a place of worship for the Maya, who weren't allowed to worship at just any Mérida church.

This is the largest zoo in Mexico, with more than 3,800 wild animals. It also has the largest aviary in Latin America. This is a great place to take the kids, and there's an especially exciting nighttime tour Friday at 7:30; otherwise the zoo closes at 5 pm during the week, or 6 pm on weekends.

Mérida's top children's attraction features pleasant wooded paths, playgrounds, inexpensive amusement-park rides, an inline skating rink, a small lake you can row on, and a little train that circles the property. It also includes cages that house more than 300 native animals, including exotic ones like lions and tigers (a modern zoo this is not, and you might not approve of those cages). At the exit, you’ll find snack bars and vendors; there are on-site picnic areas, too. The French Renaissance–style arch commemorates the 100th anniversary (in 1910) of Mexican independence.

North of downtown, this 10-block-long street was the place to reside in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, when wealthy hacienda owners sought to outdo each other with the opulence of their city mansions. They typically opted for the decorative styles popular in New Orleans, Cuba, and Paris (imported Carrara marble, European antiques). Many mansions are now used as office buildings, but four are open to the public: the Palacio Cantón, which houses a museum focused on Maya culture; Casas Gemelas and Quinta Montes Molina, both of which are house museums; and El Minaret, home to the Yerba Santa restaurant. Although the broad boulevard has lost some of its panache, lined as it is with breadfruit, tamarind, and laurel trees, it's still a lovely place to explore—on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage—and enjoy a drink or meal at a restaurant with outdoor seating.

The Maya were centuries ahead of their time in understanding the heavens. This newest addition to Cozumel's sightseeing roster mixes modern-day with pre-Columbian knowledge of astronomy, with a bit of Maya legend peppered in. A separate admission apart from the daily schedule admits you to the Velada Astronómica, hourlong stargazing programs held Thursday and Saturday nights at 8—weather permitting, of course.

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.

This club sits just north of the hotel of the same name. The beach is actually pockets of soft sand between limestone shelves; there's also a pool at the hotel that is open to club guests. The restaurant beneath a large palapa serves delicious ceviche and bountiful club sandwiches with a side of fries, and there's free Wi-Fi to boot. Live music on Sunday afternoon draws a crowd of fun-loving people. There's good snorkeling along the reef wall.Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunsets; swimming.

Also known as Whale Beach, this Blue Flag Beach is a raw stretch of sand and crystal water at Km 14.5 between the Hard Rock Hotel and Secrets The Vine. Jet Skiers often zoom through the water, and the strong wind makes the surf rough. The beach is open to the public; parking and beach access are at Calle Ballenas. Food and drinks are available at any of the resorts along this stretch, including the Hard Rock, Secrets The Vine, and Sandos Cancún—but keep in mind these all-inclusives cater only to hotel guests. Amenities: parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: sunrise; walking; windsurfing.

This beach of fine gray-blond sand is wide and flat, and it stretches for several kilometers. Gentle waves make it suitable for swimming, boogie boarding, and snorkeling, but beware the undertow. It's a great place for jogging or walking on the beach. The place goes completely bananas every year during one weekend in August when the International Beach Festival Boca de Iguanas takes place. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; surfing; swimming.

This V-shape, rocky bay lies at the mouth of the Río Horcones, about 5 km (3 miles) south of Mismaloya. Water taxis leave from Boca to the southern beaches. As far as most visitors are concerned, this is mainly the staging area for water taxis with nowhere else to hang out. However, this dramatic-looking bay lined with palm trees does have rustic appeal. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

On the southern peninsula in Old Acapulco, this beach and smaller Playa Caletilla (Little Caleta) to the south once rivaled La Quebrada as the main tourist areas, and were quite popular with the early Hollywood crowd Today their snug little bays and calm waters make them a favorite with Mexican families, and the newly renovated Boca Chica, one of Acapulco’s original hotels, keeps the glamour alive. Caletilla also has many small family-run restaurants serving good, cheap food. On both beaches vendors sell everything from seashells to peeled mangos; boats depart from both to Isla de Roqueta. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise.

A long, flat, brown-sand beach whose name translates to Shrimp Beach, Playa Camarones was the first urban beach in the country to receive the Playa Limpia (Clean Beach) certification by the federal government. The certification means that the beach will always have a lifeguard present, trash bins, clean bathrooms, and handicap accessibility. Its location—parallel to the malecón between the Hotel Rosita and the Buenaventura Hotel—attracts many locals. The shore is always changing: it could be rock-strewn in the morning and clear later when the tide goes out. Watch for whales in winter from trendy beachfront El Solar Bar or from the El Barracuda Restaurant next door. Although the waves are gentle, there are strange currents here, which should discourage all but strong swimmers. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; walking.

The last "real beach" along the east–west stretch of the Zona Hotelera is near Plaza Caracol and the Xcaret dock. Located at Km 8.5, the whole area has been eaten up by development, in particular the high-rise condominium complex next to the entrance. Playa Caracol (caracol means "snail") is also hindered by the rocks that jut out from the water to mark the beginning of Punta Cancún, where Boulevard Kukulcán turns south. There are several hotels along here and a few sports rental outfits. It's also the launching point for trips to Contoy Island. Closer to the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach hotel, the water is calm because of the jetty that blocks the wind and waves.Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; windsurfing.

This beach is named for the careyes (hawksbill) turtles that lay eggs here. It's a lovely soft-sand beach framed by headlands. When the water's not too rough, snorkeling is good around the rocks, where you can also fish. There's a small restaurant at the north end of the beach, and often you can arrange to go out with a local fisherman (about $20 per hour). Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This village may not have the classic beaches of the Caribbean, but it does have several kilometers of lovely coastline, perfect for long walks and seashell collecting. There are no crowds, even at the main beach in town, and the water is a pretty emerald-green color. The nicest stretch is near Hotel Eco Paraíso, home to 5 km (3 miles) of white sandy beaches, where turtles nest from April through July and bottlenose dolphins can be seen swimming. The waters are usually tranquil until late afternoon; when winds pick up, this isn't the best place for a dip—but it's perfect for relaxing or kayaking (rentals are available at the hotel). There are no lifeguards on duty, so ask hotel staff about rip currents and incoming swells. Amenities: food and drink; water sports (through the hotel). Best for: walking.

Located at Km 10 on Boulevard Kukulcán, this Blue Flag Beach can be accessed through the beach entrance across the street from Señor Frog's. As at Playa Caracol, development has greatly encroached on the shores here. There are a lot of rocks, but the water is a stunning turquoise; moreover, the beach is close to shopping centers and the party zone, so you'll find plenty of restaurants nearby. The short stretch to the south has gentler waters and fewer rocks. Public changing rooms and limited free parking are also available. The clear, shallow water makes it tempting to walk far out, but be careful—there's a strong current and undertow. Lifeguards are on duty until 5 pm. The closest hotel to Playa Chac Mool is Le Blanc Resort. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); toilets. Best for: partiers; sunrise.

The main beach in the Chamela Bay area is long and wide, with several hotels and restaurants scattered here and there. Lounge chairs and palapas are available for rent on the beach. The sea is good for kids and for swimming, as the islands in front of the coastline soften the surf in the bay. Boat trips to the islands are available. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

This long and wide, white sand beach has natural rock formations that serve as protection from the waves providing calm waters that are perfect for swimming with kids. There are several palapas scattered here and there to relax under. Visit the nearby Mirador Chen Rio for some of the best views on this side of the island. Amenities: food and drinks; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; swimming; walking.

This beach has a series of rocky coves with crystalline water. The individual coves are perfect for reclusive sunbathing and for snorkeling. It's accessible from Carretera 200 near El Set restaurant. You can walk—be it on the sand, over the rocks, or on paths or steps built for this purpose—from Playa Los Muertos all the way to Conchas Chinas. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

This small beach has the honor of being the first inclusive beach in the Mexican Pacific. You'll see plenty of "floating chairs" for people who need assistance getting into the sea. There are also many nonmotorized water sports options such as kayaks, pedal boats, or snorkeling. The surrounding mountains give it a touch of mysticism. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The community's most central section of beach stretches from the ferry docks up to Calle 14 at the Wyndham Alltra Resort, a swath of deep white sand licked by turquoise water. The beach and water are clean, but there is some boat traffic that makes swimming less idyllic. Snorkelers aren't likely to see much here, but you can't beat the beach for convenience: countless bars and restaurants are a short walk away on 5th Avenue, masseurs compete (discreetly) to knead out your kinks, and it's easy to find a dive shop ready to take you out to sea. The closer you get to the docks, the more people you'll find. If you're looking for seclusion, head farther north outside Playa del Carmen. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

The high-rise-backed Zona Hotelera beach goes by several names—mainly Playa del Holi but also Playa Peninsula. Most people, however, just refer to each piece of beach by the hotel that it faces. Interrupted here and there by breakwaters, this fringe of gray-beige sand is generally flat but slopes down to the water. Winds and tides sometimes strew it with stones that make it less pleasant. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); water sports. Best for: sunset; walking.

Foamy plumes of water shoot from wave runners and dozens of water taxis buzz through the calm waters off Médano Beach, a 3-km (2-mile) span of grainy tan sand that's more beautiful than you might expect from such a central, touristy zone. It's always crowded, but always fun. A variety of water-sports activities and rentals are available, with swimming areas roped off to prevent accidents. The water is usually calm enough for small children, but be aware of quick shoreline drop-offs: life preservers are a good idea for the little paddlers in your group. Bars and restaurants line the Médano, their waiters delivering ice buckets filled with beer to sunbathers in lounge chairs. The busiest and buzziest spot on the beach is around Mango Deck and The Office, where beachgoers can enjoy midday revelry, but there are plenty of more relaxed oceanfront venues, too. Feel free to spread out on the sand with your own towel, drinks, and snacks, whether to save money or simply do your own thing. There's a constant stream of passing vendors offering everything from silver jewelry to T-shirts ... and under their breath, smokeable substances. (The current craze is a collection of crass bandanas, the phrasing on some foul enough to make a sailor blush.) If you're not interested, just politely decline and they will respectfully continue on. Amenities: food concession. Best for: partying; beach clubs; swimming.