The Best Beaches in Mexico

Updated on 9 May 2022

White sand. Bright sun. Beautiful sea. The beaches in Mexico have rightly got a reputation for their sheer magnificence and you’ll most certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to plant your parasol.

We could probably write several books about which is the best beach in Mexico but we’ve tried to boil it down to just five. Our choice isn’t just based on stunning sand and sea alone but also the Mexican beach town that lies behind the coast.

Any of these five choices could offer days of pleasure to those looking for somewhere perfect along Mexico’s 5,800 miles of coastline.

Cancún

How could we not include Cancún on our list? It’s Mexico’s most popular beach town for a number of reasons, including its easy accessibility for holiday goers. Stay at Cancún for your chance to find your perfect strip of white sand.

To the North, beaches such as Playa Langosta offer waters that are calm and beautiful. Ideal for those who just want to float on the water with a drink in their hand. To the unprotected East, the sea is a little more lively offering opportunities for surfing and other fun sports. Give Chac Mool a go and dive the surrounding areas.

One other thing that’s good to know: the sand on Cancún's beaches is made of white coral that doesn’t get hot and burn your feet. Which means no more hopping around, making the stroll from the bar to your lounger a whole lot more enjoyable.

Playa Mazunte, Oaxaca

Playa Mazunte is one of the coolest stretches of sand in the country. In between sunning yourself in a mini-paradise, you can wander back and join the bodysurfers sampling the local seafood at numerous little pop up restaurants dotting the shoreline.

Even more charming is the local turtle sanctuary where these placid creatures are bred and protected. Head for The Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga where you can get up close and personal with the local residents including the rare leatherback turtles. We guarantee you’ll fall in love instantly!

La Paz

La Paz gives you a widescreen view of the Gulf of California. A short distance from the city centre are some remarkable beaches where you’ll find endless stretches of white sand and water that just demands a dip.

Even better, La Paz is off the radar of many tourists meaning it’s quiet and relaxing. Playa Coromuel is good for families with charming palm umbrellas to shade you from the sun. Balandra is pure bliss with spectacular views, clear waters and only the noise of sea birds to wake you from your reverie.

Puerto Morelos

If Cancún is a little too much for you then head 30 kilometres along the coast to Puerto Morelos where the masses have yet to discover some of the cleanest and prettiest beaches in the entire country. The waters are calm and perfect if you fancy just floating on your back and watching the rare cloud float by. It’s ideal for the kids as well.

Snorkelers will find an amazing reef teeming with multicoloured sea creatures just a short boat ride away off the coast. If you fancy a cenote experience then this area is close to some of the best around.

Playa Norte

The Quintana Roo-located Isla Mujeres combines quaint charm with a great selection of bars and restaurants. You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas for the day and then order all your favourite food and drink without moving a muscle. Hire a golf cart and explore all around the island if you want.

Playa Norte itself is the ideal Mexican beach with its powdery white sand and totally transparent blue water that only ever comes up to chest height, making it ideal for some safe dipping. In short, it’s the quintessential beach experience in a country with a cornucopia or amazing seaside havens.