In a nutshell
- Mexico is a fantastic destination for a beach vacation — we’ve rounded up the 9 most beautiful beaches in Mexico so you know exactly where to go.
- For turquoise Caribbean water, head to Yucatán. For surf and raw scenery, the Pacific coast — especially Oaxaca — is your spot.
- Each beach comes with honest tips on how to get there, what to expect, and our favorite place to stay nearby.
The 9 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mexico on a Map
For orientation, we’ve marked the 9 most beautiful beaches in Mexico on a map.
Beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula
Yucatán is a peninsula in southeastern Mexico and the most popular travel destination in Mexico. The area is especially popular with beach vacationers because it sits on the Caribbean: turquoise water is practically guaranteed.
Playa Paraíso
What do you need to know? Playa Paraíso is located in Tulum on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and, unlike many other beaches in the area, is open to the public. The water is turquoise blue, the sand is soft, and the palm trees provide shade — honestly, what more could you ask for!
Is Playa Paraíso worth it? Absolutely. It’s the perfect mix of nature, beach life, and Caribbean vibes. Keep in mind, though, that the currents are often strong and you can’t swim very far out.
How do you get to Playa Paraíso? Walk from the Tulum Maya ruins — one of the most popular Maya sites in Mexico. You can park there. Or rent a bike from Tulum town.
Our hotel pick for Playa Paraíso: Mezzanine Boutique Hotel
Read all our tips for Tulum
Playa Norte
What do you need to know? Playa Norte is located on Isla Mujeres near Cancún and is a picture-perfect Caribbean beach. It fills up fast in the afternoon, so we’d recommend heading there in the morning.
Is Playa Norte worth it? Definitely! If you’re in Cancún, this day trip is absolutely worth making.
How do you get to Playa Norte? You can either book a guided tour from Cancún or take a ferry with Ultramar or Jetway to Isla Mujeres. From the ferry terminal, it’s just a ten-minute walk.
Our hotel pick for Playa Norte: Lotus Beach Hotel – Adults only
Playa Holbox
What do you need to know? The Holbox Peninsula is a dream for free spirits and nature lovers. There are no paved roads here — just a seriously laid-back island lifestyle. And the beach itself, with its turquoise water, is right on your doorstep.
Is Playa Holbox worth it? Yes, if you’re into bohemian vibes and unspoiled nature, absolutely.
How do you get to Playa Holbox? You can book guided tours to Holbox from anywhere along the Riviera Maya. Going independently, take the ADO buses or drive to Chiquilá and catch the ferry from there.
Our hotel pick for Playa Holbox: Palapas del Sol
Playa Akumal
What do you need to know? Playa Akumal is famous for the chance to swim with sea turtles — but long walks and snorkeling in the nearly wave-free water are a real highlight too. Admission is 120 MXN, which includes restrooms and showers.
Is Playa Akumal worth it? Oh yes! It’s an absolute paradise beach with calm water, and it’s especially great for families.
How do you get to Playa Akumal? Akumal sits between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. You can reach it from either town by colectivo, taxi, or rental car.
Our hotel pick for Playa Akumal: Las Villas Akumal
Playacar
What do you need to know? Playacar is an upscale area with stylish hotels in the southern part of Playa del Carmen. The beach itself is publicly accessible, though — and it’s seriously stunning. White sand, turquoise water, and pure Caribbean vibes.
Is Playacar worth it? Of course! It’s one of the top Mexico beach destinations on the entire Riviera Maya.
How do you get to Playacar? From Playa del Carmen, you can walk or bike there. Even better: book a hotel right on the beach.
Our hotel pick for Playacar: Riu Palace Riviera Maya
Read all our tips for Playa del Carmen
Beaches on the Pacific Coast
Unlike on the Yucatán Peninsula, the atmosphere along the Pacific is wilder, rougher, and more rugged. Here it’s less about luxury resorts and postcard-perfect scenery, and more about surfing and truly switching off.
Particularly popular areas are the beaches in Oaxaca and Baja California.
Playa Balandra
What do you need to know? On the Baja California Peninsula lies what is arguably Mexico’s most photogenic beach: Playa Balandra. It’s best known for its breathtaking scenery and as a spot for incredible photos. Access is limited and it sometimes closes, so check opening hours before you go.
Is Playa Balandra worth it? The photo answers that question, doesn’t it? 100%!
How do you get to Playa Balandra? The nearest major town is La Paz (not to be confused with La Paz in Bolivia). From there, you can reach Playa Balandra by bus or car.
Our hotel pick for Playa Balandra: Casa Juarez B&B
Playa Carrizalillo
What do you need to know? Playa Carrizalillo is a fantastic beach for surfing — it’s especially well-suited for beginners. The vibe is super relaxed, the surfer atmosphere is everywhere, and the surrounding nature is beautiful.
Is Playa Carrizalillo worth it? Yes, especially if you surf — this place is a genuine paradise.
How do you get to Playa Carrizalillo? Walk or bike from Puerto Escondido. The beach is very close to town.
Our hotel pick for Playa Carrizalillo: Villas Carrizalillo
Playa Zipolite
What do you need to know? Playa Zipolite is Mexico’s only nude beach — though swimsuits and bikinis are totally welcome too. You’ll find a colorful mix of people and a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. The beach is long and perfect for a full day by the shore. Just be aware that the waves can be strong.
Is Playa Zipolite worth it? Yes, if you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse crowd, you’ll love it.
How do you get to Playa Zipolite? From Mazunte by bike, car, or bus. There are also accommodations right on the beach.
Our hotel pick for Playa Zipolite: Casa KalmarPlaya Maruata
What do you need to know? Playa Maruata is a wonderful beach for switching off and breathing in the sea air. The scenery amid the untouched, rugged nature is seriously breathtaking. The sea isn’t ideal for swimming, though, due to the waves and strong currents.
Is Playa Maruata worth it? Yes, if you love dramatic coastlines with towering cliffs, absolutely.
How do you get to Playa Maruata? Since there’s very little accommodation in Maruata itself, your best bet is to stay in Lázaro Cárdenas. From there, you can reach the beach by colectivo or car.
Our hotel pick for Playa Maruata: Hotel de Casa BlancaBonus Tip: Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico
Mexico is a vast country. And yet most vacationers only know the best beaches in Mexico on the Yucatán or Pacific coast. But what about the Gulf of Mexico? After all, that coastline takes up a huge portion of the country.
The Gulf of Mexico beaches aren’t quite as idyllic and photogenic as our nine top picks — but there are a few seriously underrated spots that are well worth the detour.
Our top pick is Playa Chachalacas, with its beautiful sand dunes in the state of Veracruz. Further north in Tamaulipas, we recommend Playa Miramar near the town of Tampico.
FAQ About Beaches in Mexico
To wrap things up, we’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about Mexico beaches.
Is swimming in Mexico dangerous?
Generally safe, but stay alert. In open water, never swim too far out — currents are often stronger than they look, especially at unguarded beaches.
As for sharks, you don’t need to worry too much. They do occasionally appear off Mexico’s coasts, but warnings are issued promptly and swimming is discouraged whenever there’s any real risk.
How warm is the water in Mexico?
You can swim in the ocean in Mexico year-round — with one exception: the northern part of the country. In Baja California, temperatures can drop to around 59°F during the coldest months.
In the Yucatán, the average water temperature is around 81°F, and on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca it’s about 77°F. So you can pretty much jump in at any time of year.
