Mexico has long been thought of as primarily a spring break destination thanks to rowdier areas in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. However, despite the fiestas, there’s more to Mexico than just parties and tequila; although, there’s plenty of that, too! Fortunately, there is also a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect beach for rest and relaxation. Get ready to pack your favorite sexy designer bikini for a trip across the border.
Enjoying an insider’s look at the culture and stunning scenery of Mexico is becoming more of a hot topic among travelers. In addition to Cabo and Cancun, it could be argued that Tulum is quickly gaining speed as the number one tourist destination for travelers in recent years. Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel are also known for their beachside allure and all-day activities.
It’s tough to narrow down the choices and play favorites with any of these desirable locations. Here’s just a closer look at some of the best beaches in Mexico so you can start planning your next vacation.
Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has a friendly, welcoming vibe and there are on-the-beach resorts everywhere you go. Early in the day, the palapas are set up with their palm leaves providing shade to sunbathers looking out to the Sea of Cortez. It also doesn’t hurt that Cabo shares the sentiment of happy hour being an all-day affair. After all, what’s a beach vacation without a fruity, frozen drink, and a paper umbrella to top it off?
These beachside options are a signature to Cabo, but where to go specifically? Two of the best-named beaches are Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) and Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach). Playa del Amor is reachable by water taxi and is a great spot for snorkeling and sightseeing. Divorce Beach isn’t as sad as it sounds; it’s named for the more dangerous undertow so sunning on the popular beach is the best way to go here.
All of the beaches in Cabo have interesting names and one common amenity to provide: full relaxation. A stylish bikini with bright, flirty, and fun colors and prints is the only swimsuit you’ll need for Cabo. Wear yours for a day spent in the sun on the beach or with a cover up for a day of shopping along the shoreline.
Playa Delfines, Cancun
For decades, Cancun has been one of the top Mexico vacation spots, especially among spring breakers and bachelorette/bachelor parties. The beaches simply can’t be beat. The bars are always open. And, it’s commonly the first place that pops into people’s heads when you say Mexico. The only “problem” with beaches in Cancun is finding which ones to go to.
Playa Gaviota Azul or Blue Seagull Beach is central to the party and club district of Cancun. There you’ll find a row of bars, while also enjoying a spot on the sand. Water activities and sunbathing by day and drinking and dining by night is the ultimate combination.
Then again, you may want to stray from the typical party crowd and do your own thing at a beach less crowded but still packed with plenty of fun things to do. Playa Delfines is known as “El Mirador” because of the spectacular views it has of the beach and city. It’s easily accessible with plenty of parking and cabanas on the beach. It’s also the location of the colorful Cancun sign where you can snag a photo to help make your trip more memorable.
Vibrant color is welcome here so it's time to break out your brighter prints and bolder fashion choices. One standout swimsuit style, the Hermosa Rope Bikini, as well as the entire Triangle Bikini collection are two designs that will blend in nicely with Cancun’s surroundings. They’re playful, polished, and perfect for whichever beach vibe you choose.
Playa Paraiso, Tulum
The gorgeous views from Tulum beaches are pure paradise. It’s quickly becoming one of the best places to visit in Mexico everyone has added to their list. Cabo and Cancun are often considered more chaotic spots for tourists, whereas Tulum has a more serene atmosphere to it. It doesn’t shy away from its share of activity, but it’s also a place where travelers go for a more zen-like experience. Yoga, beach bike rides, and heading off the beaten path better reflect the pace in Tulum.
The amazing beaches are nestled by palm trees swaying in the breeze. It’s easy to become entranced with the waves during quiet time on the beach. Playa Paraiso translates to Paradise Beach so you know to expect something spectacular when you visit here. The expansive beach means there’s room for plenty of people without feeling too crowded.
Akumal Beach is an alternative option. It provides a more resort-like feel complete with restaurants and bars. It makes for a convenient day where all you have to worry about is securing shade from a palm tree palapa on the sand and watching the waves roll in. From afar, the blue waters look like a mix of bright turquoise and deep blue and together they create a magnificent view from wherever you are on the beach.
In addition to the crystal clear beaches, there is a myriad of activities to do in Tulum. From exploring ancient ruins to discovering local artists and jewelers, there’s no shortage of cultural adventure. The good news is that you can easily transition your swimwear into a look appropriate for non-beach activities as well. When in vacation mode, pretty much anything goes.
Parque Fundadores, Playa del Carmen
The white sands and sea green waters are a picturesque sight, but it’s the beach community vibes from locals and out-of-town guests that make Parque Fundadores a favorite among all. The entrance arch is a dramatic welcome to a day of relaxation and fun in the sun.
Pull up a beach chair and secure your spot in the sand at one of the busiest and most beautiful spots in Playa del Carmen. The ocean waves are always in view and areas around here aren’t too crowded, despite the high volumes of tourism. Plus, when you need a break from the sand, there are bars and restaurants close by.
Because the playful look of a bandeau bikini will accent your collar bones and minimize the tan lines of straps from other styles, this bikini is the perfect choice for spending all day lounging at the beach with your favorite margarita.
Playa Las Gemelas, Puerto Vallarta
Los Muertos and Olas Altas are two of the most well-known beaches in Puerto Vallarta and are perfect for a beach day full of activity. However, the more secluded shores of Playa Las Gemelas are where you’ll get a more special view. Set approximately 20 minutes away from the city center, this beach has an appeal that inspires visitors to slow down and savor the moment.
Its crystal clear, calm waters and golden sands are a beautiful complement to the trees and greenery that hug the beach. As a nod to this more remote location, the animal print of the Paola Triangle Bikini elevates the exotic nature of the surroundings. The most beautiful beaches aren’t always necessarily the busiest, which is the case with this spot.
Playa Municipal, Ixtapa
In Mexico, there are “no bad days” and no bad views. All the beaches have the turquoise waters and soft sands that are common to the country’s coastlines. Therefore, there are other reasons to name a beach the “most beautiful,” as in the case with Playa Municipal. The beauty lies within the culture of the community. Here you’ll find colorful fishing boats dotting the ocean and local shops and eateries lined up along the waterfront.
The chance to explore what makes an area unique is one of the best parts of traveling. Don’t be mistaken, the beach views are gorgeous with palm trees to one side and mountains in the distance. But there are other areas to uncover as well like the pier and fishermen’s market, which will reveal their own local Mexican beauty.
Palancar Beach, Cozumel
The Cozumel coast has something for everyone with its soft sands and cool waters. There are areas better for families, beaches perfect for sunbathing, and then, there is Palancar Beach, which is lined with various water sport activities. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards all for relatively inexpensive prices to spend time on the water. Additionally, it’s a huge attraction for dive enthusiasts who want to explore underwater, further from the shore.
To fully embrace the beauty of this beach, it’s best to experience it from the water. Our stylish one pieces are optimal for doing just that. They’re secure enough for water sports adventures, while still providing a sexy silhouette. The flattering cut and stretch fabric makes this style comfortable for all day wear both pre- and post-activity.
The variety of options available in Cozumel means you’ll want to make time to visit more than just one spot. Nature lovers, beachcombers, and adventure seekers alike know Cozumel will have what they’re looking for and more.
Malecon, San Felipe
The Malecon refers to the stretch of beach and boardwalk that line the shore in San Felipe. This entire area is absolutely stunning, so it can be tough to single out on particular spot. The beach is full of palm tree palapa huts, beach umbrellas, and people spending a day at the beach. The coastal town has a laid-back vibe that vacationers long for when visiting a new place.
The sparkling waters of the Sea of Cortez and its palm trees swaying in the breeze are nothing short of perfection when it comes to the ideal beach excursion. Due to being named one of the best places to visit in Mexico, you can choose from luxury resorts to bohemian-style vacation rentals, all of which are closely located to the shore.
San Felipe is also brimming with cultural charm with plenty of specialty shops and restaurants to explore. One of its famed landmarks is the Shrine of Guadalupe, a lighthouse that sits upon a bluff and is accessible by stairs. At the top is where you’ll get the ultimate view of the beach.
Sayulita Beach, Punta Mita
Punta Mita is known for its luxury resorts and impressive real estate. This means the panoramic, beachside views are plentiful. To match the feel of world-class elegance, a full coverage one piece is a classy choice. The rich color and slimming silhouette is effortless sophistication at its finest.
Sayulita Beach embodies the epitome of beach vacationing with all kinds of activities. Snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and fishing are just a few of the options here. Beach chairs and umbrellas line the sands for the perfect setup to enjoy the soothing, aquamarine waters. The diverse culture is full of free spirits and welcoming personalities wherever you roam.
Costa Azul Beach, San Jose del Cabo
Not to be confused with Cabo San Lucas where water activities abound, San Jose del Cabo shorelines are often better suited for beach strolls and closer-to-the-shore snorkeling. Strong ocean tides aren’t as conducive to offshore recreation in some areas, but the views are still stunning. The smooth sand and sparkling water seem to extend forever.
Costa Azul Beach is an exception as this is one of the main areas for surfing in Baja. Paddleboarding is also popular here. This Mexican beach is a good place to people watch and be kissed by the sun while listening to the waves.
A Visit to Magical Mexico
These are 10 of the most popular Mexico vacation spots, although there are countless others. The beaches are some of the best in the world, making for the best destinations for your next adventure. The slower speed and easy, breezy nature of a trip south of the border is what makes Mexico all the more alluring for travelers. With a swimsuit picked out for every destination, half of your packing needs are already covered.
Sources:
http://www.cabosbest.com/best-beaches-in-cabo.html; https://www.cancun.com/;
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/the-most-beautiful-beaches-in-tulum/;
https://www.playadelcarmen.com/; https://www.frommers.com/destinations/ixtapa-zihuatanejo/active-pursuits/beaches; https://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/best-cozumel-beaches;
http://sanfelipe.com.mx/2014/05/24/san-felipe-its-all-about-the-beaches/;
http://www.sayulitabeach.com/map-your-path/punta-de-mita/;
https://www.sanjosedelcaboguide.com/;