In a nutshell
- Mexico has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. From the turquoise Caribbean beaches to the wild beauty of the Pacific coast, there’s a beach in Mexico for every kind of traveler.
- If you’re dreaming of a relaxing getaway, head to the Yucatán for some of the best beaches in Mexico. For surfing and laid-back vibes, the Pacific coast – especially Oaxaca – is great for a beach vacation in Mexico.
- We’ll show you our favorite 9 nice beaches in Mexico, along with tips to help you plan your trip. You’ll even find an overview of the best Mexico beaches on a map.
The 9 Best Beaches in Mexico on a Map
For a better overview, we’ve marked the 9 best beaches in Mexico on a map so you can easily see where each beach is located.
Beaches on the Yucatán
Yucatán is a peninsula in southeastern Mexico and one of the most popular travel regions in the country. It’s especially famous with beach lovers, as it sits right on the Caribbean Sea with its trademark turquoise waters.
Playa Paraíso
What do you need to know? Playa Paraíso is one of the most famous beaches in Tulum and one of the nicest beaches in Mexico. Unlike many other stretches of sand nearby, it’s open to the public. Expect turquoise water, soft sand, and plenty of palm trees for shade.
Is Playa Paraíso worth it? Absolutely. It’s the perfect mix of Caribbean charm and relaxed beach vibes. Just note that currents can be strong here, so swimming is best close to shore.
How do you get to Playa Paraíso? You can walk straight down from the Mayan ruins of Tulum (one of the best Maya temples in Mexico) or cycle from Tulum town.
Our hotel tip for Playa Paraíso: Mezzanine Boutique Hotel
Playa Norte
What do you need to know? Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is a postcard-perfect beach in Mexico. Its shallow turquoise waters and soft white sand make it one of the best beaches in Mexico. Since it gets busy in the afternoons, mornings are the best time to go.
Is Playa Norte worth it? Definitely! If you’re visiting Cancún, this beach is an absolute must.
How do you get to Playa Norte? You can join a catamaran tour from Cancún or take a ferry from Ultramar or Jetway. From the ferry terminal on Isla Mujeres it’s just a short walk.
Our hotel tip for Playa Norte: Lotus Beach Hotel – Adults only
Playa Holbox
What do you need to know? Isla Holbox is a paradise for nature lovers and travelers looking for a laid-back island vibe. There are no paved roads here, just sandy paths and hammocks by the water. Playa Holbox is a wide, dreamy beach with shallow turquoise waters right at the edge of town.
Is Playa Holbox worth it? Absolutely. If you’re into boho charm, barefoot living, and quiet beaches, this is one of the nicest beaches in Mexico.
How do you get to Playa Holbox? You can book guided tours to Holbox from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. On your own, take a bus or car to Chiquilá and hop on the ferry to the island.
Our hotel tip for Playa Holbox: Palapas del Sol
Playa Akumal
What do you need to know? Playa Akumal is famous because you can swim with turtles here. The bay is calm and shallow, making it ideal not just for snorkeling but also for long walks along the sand. Entrance costs 120 MXN and includes access to toilets and showers.
Is Playa Akumal worth it? Definitely. It’s one of the nicest beaches in Mexico, with calm waters that make it perfect for families and kids.
How do you get to Playa Akumal? Akumal lies between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. You can reach it by colectivo, taxi, or rental car from either town.
Our hotel tip for Playa Akumal: Las Villas Akumal
Playacar
What do you need to know? Playacar is a private residential area in the south of Playa del Carmen, home to some of the most luxurious resorts. But the beach itself is public — and stunning. Expect soft white sand, crystal clear water, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe.
Is Playacar worth it? Absolutely. It’s one of the best beaches in Mexico for a relaxing vacation by the sea.
How do you get to Playacar? You can walk or cycle here from Playa del Carmen. Or, the best option: book a hotel right on the beach and wake up to the Caribbean every morning.
Our hotel tip for Playacar: Riu Palace Riviera Maya
Beaches on the Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast has a completely different feel than the Yucatán. Life here is wilder, more rugged, and more down to earth. Instead of luxury resorts and calm Caribbean water, you’ll find dramatic landscapes, great surf, and some of the best beach towns in Mexico.
The beaches in Oaxaca and Baja California are especially popular with travelers.
Playa Balandra
What do you need to know? Playa Balandra on the Baja California peninsula is often called the most beautiful beach in Mexico. Its shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and iconic mushroom-shaped rock make it one of the best spots for photos. Access is limited, so check entry times before you go.
Is Playa Balandra worth it? 100%. The pictures don’t lie — it’s one of the best beaches in Mexico, hands down.
How do you get to Playa Balandra? The nearest city is La Paz (Mexico, not Bolivia!). From there, you can reach the beach by bus, taxi, or rental car.
Our hotel tip for Playa Balandra: Casa Juarez B&B
Playa Carrizalillo
What do you need to know? Playa Carrizalillo is one of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido. It’s a small bay with gentle waves, making it a great place for beginner surfers. The setting is beautiful and the atmosphere is relaxed, with a strong surfer vibe all around.
Is Playa Carrizalillo worth it? Yes, absolutely. Whether you want to surf, swim, or just hang out, this beach is one of the highlights of Oaxaca.
How do you get to Playa Carrizalillo? It’s just outside central Puerto Escondido, easy to reach on foot or by bike.
Our hotel tip for Playa Carrizalillo: Villas Carrizalillo
Playa Zipolite
What do you need to know? Playa Zipolite is Mexico’s only official nudist beach — but don’t worry, swimsuits are just as common. You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, a diverse crowd, and a long stretch of sand that’s perfect for lazy beach days. Just keep in mind that the waves can be rough.
Is Playa Zipolite worth it? Yes! If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe and a colorful mix of people, this is one of the nicest beaches in Mexico.
How do you get to Playa Zipolite? From Mazunte you can reach Zipolite by bike, car, or local bus. There are also plenty of small hotels and guesthouses right by the beach.
Our hotel tip for Playa Zipolite: Casa Kalmar
Playa Maruata
What do you need to know? Playa Maruata is a hidden gem where you can really disconnect. The scenery is dramatic, with rugged cliffs and untouched nature. It’s not ideal for swimming because of the strong currents, but perfect for relaxing and soaking up the views.
Is Playa Maruata worth it? Yes, especially if you love wild coastlines and spectacular landscapes.
How do you get to Playa Maruata? Since there’s little accommodation directly in Maruata, the best option is to stay in Lázaro Cárdenas and take a colectivo or drive to the beach from there.
Our hotel tip for Playa Maruata: Hotel de Casa Blanca
Extra Tip: Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico
Mexico is huge, and most travelers only think of the Yucatán or the Pacific coast when it comes to beaches. But don’t forget about the Gulf of Mexico, which stretches along a large part of the country.
The Gulf might not have the postcard-perfect look of the best beaches in Mexico, but it’s full of underrated spots worth checking out. A real insider tip is Playa Chachalacas in Veracruz, with its unique sand dunes. Further north, near Tampico in Tamaulipas, you’ll find Playa Miramar, another beach in Mexico that locals love.
FAQ about the Beaches in Mexico
Finally, here are answers to some of the most common questions about Mexico beaches.
Is swimming in Mexico dangerous?
It goes like this. You should never swim too far out in the open sea, as the currents are often stronger than they look. You should therefore be particularly careful on unguarded beaches.
You don’t need to worry too much about sharks. There are sharks off the coast of Mexico from time to time. However, if they pose a danger, you will be warned in good time and advised against swimming.
How warm is the water in Mexico?
You can go swimming in the sea in Mexico all year round. The only exceptions are the northern regions of the country. In Baja California, temperatures drop to 15 degrees in the coldest months.
In Yucatán, the average water temperature is 27 degrees and in the Pacific in Oaxaca it is around 25 degrees. So you really can jump into the sea here at any time of the year.