The 8 best beaches in Mexico, from the Caribbean to Baja California

26.12.2024 - 14:41 / thepointsguy.com / Isla Mujeres

There's a lot to love about Mexico — the historic cities, the sizzling street tacos, the colorful festivals and the endless art. But undoubtedly, what draws most visitors to Mexico, first and foremost, are its show-stopping beaches. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that appeals to everyone. Whether you're a sun-worshipper, a wave-chaser or a beach bum only in it for the tacos and sunsets, there's something here for you.

But not all beaches are created equal, and Mexico's offerings fall into three distinct categories: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Baja Peninsula. The Caribbean beaches feature powder-soft white sand and Tiffany-blue turquoise water. Over on the Pacific side, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the show. And Baja? Think cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with remote fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.

So, if you plan to plant your feet in some of the best sand this side of paradise, you're in the right place. Here are eight of the best beaches in Mexico that deserve a spot on your bucket list.

Region: Caribbean coast

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Playa Norte feels like stepping into a (excuse the millennial reference) screen saver. Picture shallow bathlike waters in stunning turquoise hues and soft white sand.

This beach epitomizes "no shoes, no problem," as loungers line the shore and beach bars happily serve margaritas while you float in the calm Caribbean. Sunsets here are legendary, as the beach has western views back to the mainland. Grab a front-row seat, and toast to another day in paradise.

Need another reason to book a trip? Marriott recently opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort called Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort on the other end of Isla Mujeres.

Region: Baja Peninsula

Balandra is not just a beach; it's a landscape. Located on the Sea of Cortez, about a 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this beach looks like a surrealist painting, with sandbars peeking up from shallow aquamarine waters framed by dramatic desert hills.

The water here is so calm and shallow that you can wade out for what feels like forever. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Sublime. Snapping photos? Mandatory. Keep your eyes peeled for Calandra's famous mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a natural masterpiece like the rest of this beach.

Plus, it's easier than ever to get to La Paz thanks to Alaska Airlines' new direct route between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and La Paz International Airport (LAP), launched in November.

Related: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico's Baja California from top to