Mexico's 16 best beaches

23.08.2024 - 12:59 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 22, 2024 • 9 min read

With coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean and seemingly endless miles of coastline, narrowing down a list of the best beaches in Mexico is a challenge. The diverse array of shoreline experiences – from surfing the waves of Puerto Escondido to relaxing in blue waters in Puerto Vallarta  – assures there is an exotic beach that will meet anyone’s desire to sink their toes in the sand.

On the Pacific Coast, among the favorite local spots in Mexico are intimate coves lined with fresh fish taco stands. Looking for the best beaches in Cancun?  Head to the Caribbean side, beckoning with calm, turquoise waters that are excellent for snorkeling, fishing and boating. Take advantage of its rich history, Mayan archaeological sites, uniquely delectable cuisine and beachside abodes. Still more of the best beaches in Mexico are in remote areas of Baja California, where you can live your beach bum life in a camper van and get up close and personal with an occasional gray whale. 

Here at Lonely Planet, we appreciate every kind of beach day, so we’ve put together a list of the best of the best, whether you’re looking to stay far from the crowds, get active, or join the party. 

This stretch of hidden coves south of Mulegé in Baja California Sur is one of the most stunningly beautiful stretches of coast in Baja, if not all of Mexico. Bahía Concepción is a stop for outdoorsy road trippers, who often stay for weeks. The milky, blue-green water, funky rock formations and marine wildlife make it a top stop for kayakers. And the protection of the coves make for great swimming. 

There are a number of budget-friendly, water-front camping areas throughout the coves, and we recommend you settle in before nightfall if you’re planning to stay a while.  

Looking for a truly remote stay but need lodging? Check out Todos Santos Eco Adventures (TOSEA). They have three glamping options tucked away so well, you may forget the rest of the world even exists. Camp Cecil de la Isla is in a protected cove on Espiritu Santo. Their few luxury glamping tents come with an amazing chef and all the swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding you can handle. Or swim with sea lions – an unforgettable adventure – as you learn about the island’s ecology from a certified naturalist and guide.

And you can rest easy, TOSEA works hard to create sustainable experiences for guests. Working in tandem with naturalists, conservationists and the residents of Baja California, they’ve managed to help reduce plastic pollution in Todos Santos while creating a glamping experience, where “leave no trace” is the norm.

While Mexico is flush with tourist beaches that all have their charms, Tulum is our favorite. Many visitors to Tulum bike or