Mexico’s Dreamiest Beaches

You'll find famous beaches and hidden secrets on this map of Mexico. And all of them are beautiful.

Mexico is proud to have long coastlines on the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Countless beaches dot its silhouette, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Whether you want a luxurious resort experience or a sleepy fishing town, the country has many seaside options. To help you decide where to go, we’ve gathered the 10 best beaches on a map of Mexico.

Some are quite famous, but others are still a well-kept secret that we’re willing to share with you.

A Map of Mexico’s Most Gorgeous Beaches

Alexa Vincent / Far & Wide

Are you good or bad at geography? Either way, you’ll love this map of Mexico.

We made it so you can conveniently know where the country’s must-see beaches are.

10. Sisal Beach, Sisal

Susan Vineyard / Getty Images

State: Yucatan

Tulum and Cancun may be overrun with tourists, but you only need to head to the other side of the Yucatan Peninsula to find quiet beaches. In the small town of Sisal, you’re not very likely to run into other foreigners. Instead, you’ll be vacationing where Mexicans do.

Sisal Beach offers soft sand and clear, warm waters. Don’t expect large resorts or loud beach clubs. Instead, come here for the quiet, laidback vibe and some great local seafood.

Where to Stay Near Sisal Beach

Casa Kinich / Facebook

The best place to stay near Sisal Beach is Casa Kinich Sisal. Besides being within walking distance of the beach, the property also has a pool and garden to enjoy.

This is a locally-owned small hotel, so you won’t get five-star amenities, but you’ll actually get a feel of “real” Mexico.

9. Enmedio Island, Veracruz

yisus.nomada / Instagram

State: Veracruz

Veracruz isn’t exactly known for its beaches. And, if we’re honest, it’s because they’re not all that pretty. Except, of course, Enmedio Island.

Literally translating to the “Island in the Middle,” you can take a boat from the city to get to this popular beach, which comes with a lighthouse, a large dock and crystal clear, blue water.

Giant dead trees that have fallen and turned white provide spectacular pictures and an interesting nature excursion. Snorkeling is also a popular activity.

Where to Stay Near Enmedio Island

Ricardo de la Concha P.V. / Courtesy of Booking.com

Since Enmedio Island is an uninhabited island, you can’t actually sleep there. Instead, book the beachfront Grand Fiesta Americana for a true seaside vacation.

Booking.com granted this property a Travel Sustainable Badge, so you can stay here with some peace of mind.

8. Las Gatas Beach, Zihuatanejo

Ashley_Minkus / Getty Images

State: Guerrero

Tourists once went in droves to enjoy Acapulco’s swanky resort beaches. But the city’s glory days are far behind it, and people now set their eyes on Zihuatanejo’s beautiful beaches.

Somewhat remote, Zihua, as locals call it, boasts cliffs, mangroves and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range — all on the Pacific coast. We especially love Playa Las Gatas, located on a long cove that gets visits from humpback whales at certain times of the year.

This is a beach to alternate between kicking back cold ones and taking refreshing dips in the sea.

Where to Stay Near Las Gatas Beach

Villas Del Vigia / Facebook

The good news is that Las Gatas is remote enough to be free of hotels on its shores. The bad news is that your hotel won’t be directly on the beach — though that’s a small price to pay in order to preserve this beautiful destination.

Stay at Villas del Vigia, which is a short seven-minute walk from Las Gatas. If possible, book a room with a private balcony pool from which you can gaze at the ocean.

7. North Beach, Isla Mujeres

North Beach on Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Mexico

DarrenTierney / Getty Images

State: Quintana Roo

It’s extremely tough to choose one pretty beach on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, as we’ve yet to see an ugly beach in the area.

But if you happen to be on a short trip and can only do one place, we recommend North Beach, or Playa Norte, on Isla Mujeres. The island is right off the coast of Cancun (which has plenty of cool things to do) and can be reached by road or boat. Despite its proximity to the city, it’s secluded enough to still feel like paradise.

The see-through turquoise waters with white sand on the island feel so much more relaxed than in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Where to Stay Near North Beach

Cuxos Boutique Hotel / Facebook

If you don’t want to waste a single second of beach time, stay at Cuxos Hotel Beachfront. As its name implies, this hotel is directly in front of North Beach, so all you have to do is leave your room and walk straight to the ocean.

Many rooms also enjoy privileged views of the sea.

6. Lover’s Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Lovers Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Grey_82 / Getty Images

State: Baja California Sur

A short flight from the west coast of the United States, Los Cabos is undeniably pleasing to the eye. Sadly, most of its beaches have strong currents that discourage swimmers.

But there’s at least one exception to the rule: Lover’s Beach. Here, the waves seem to calm down just enough to make swimming possible. As a bonus, you’ll find the rock formations and sea arches that are emblematic of the destination.

The beach is fairly small and very popular, so plan to get here early.

Where to Stay Near Lover’s Beach

Courtesy of Booking.com

The closest and most spectacular resort near Lover’s Beach is Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa. If you stay here, you can easily get to the coveted beach before the crowds do. You’ll also be near other beaches that are almost as beautiful.

What’s best, this is another one of Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable properties.

5. Miramar Beach, Manzanillo

Sunset on Miramar Beach in Manzanillo Mexico

KellyThorson / Getty Images

State: Colima

If you want to visit a true hidden gem in North America, go to the quiet village of Manzanillo in the state of Colima. Most people haven’t even heard of this town and the few who do make it here spread out around its multiple beaches.

Go to Miramar Beach, one of the calmest in Manzanillo. Surfing is a favorite pastime, as is heading out into the reefs to snorkel and dive.

But the one thing you absolutely cannot miss is the sunset. Since the beach enjoys a mountainous backdrop, the sunset is particularly dramatic.

Where to Stay Near Miramar Beach

Courtesy of Booking.com

If you want a laid-back, no-frills local hotel, stay at Hotelito Escondido. Its name translates to “little hidden hotel,” and that’s exactly what it is. You’ll have direct access to secluded beaches in Manzanillo.

But if you want a pampering experience and don’t mind being a bit farther away from Miramar, book Barceló Karmina. Located near the city center, the all-inclusive resort also has a private beach and a Travel Sustainable Badge.

4. Carrizalillo Beach, Puerto Escondido

Carrizalillo Beach in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Piero Zanetti / Getty Images

State: Oaxaca

Though its name means “hidden port,” Puerto Escondido is not the secret it once was. On the contrary, it is quickly becoming one of Oaxaca’s most coveted beach destinations. But while the crowds sunbathe in beautiful Zicatela Beach, we like to head to Carizalillo Beach instead.

To get here, you’ll have to trek a bit down (and then up) around 150 steps. The reward for your effort is a beach that still feels like a treasure only the lucky few know about.

Some shacks dot the shore, so you’ll have things to eat and drink. There’s also a very strong probability that someone will be playing music.

Where to Stay Near Carrizalillo Beach

Villas Carrizalillo / Facebook

By the nature of its geography, Carrizalillo Beach doesn’t have any properties on its shores. But you can be quite near it if you stay at Villas Carrizalillo.

Spend the day swinging from a hammock overlooking the sea. Once the sight becomes tempting enough, you can head out and do a mild trek to the beach.

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz

Balandra Beach, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

MattGush / Getty Images

State: Baja California Sur

Cabos may get most of the attention, but we actually think the best beach in the Baja California Peninsula is Balandra Beach.

Its allure stems from how unusual it is, with low tides and high sandbars creating a swirling effect on the blue waters. Arid mountains with scattered handfuls of cacti surround the beach, protecting it from strong winds and crowds.

We love the desert feel of this beach that gives it the quality of being a true oasis and that sets it apart from other Mexico beaches.

Where to Stay Near Balandra Beach

Courtesy of Booking.com

If you’re going to an unusual beach, you might as well stay at a unique accommodation. Skip the resorts in La Paz, and stay at the locally owned Casa Kootenay Waterfront B&B.

This eco-friendly bed and breakfast boasts beautiful Mexican architecture, beach access and homemade breakfasts. (Plus, it’s yet another Travel Sustainable property). Really, what more could you want?

2. Ruins Beach, Tulum

SL_Photography / Getty Images

State: Quintana Roo

We’re sure you’ve seen a picture of this astonishing beach — or maybe a million. But as popular as it is, there is no denying that Ruins Beach is one of the most impressive in the world. Yes, the world.

Where else do you get the chance to bathe near Mayan Ruins? As you go into the sea and look back, you’ll get the remnants of one of the most important civilizations in the Americas rather than a string of cookie-cutter resorts. There really is no dispute that this is one of the best beaches in Mexico.

The vibe is something else altogether.

Where to Stay Near Ruins Beach

Courtesy of Booking.com

Given that Ruins Beach is located right in the middle of Mayan ruins, you can’t actually stay there. But it is possible to stay within Tulum National Park. Since this is a protected area, it’s important to make sure that you stay at a property that’s safeguarding the environment.

At Villa Pescadores, you’ll quite literally walk into the sand as soon as you step out of your room. Connect to nature and sleep at ease knowing this is a sustainable property.

1. Hidden Beach, Marieta Islands

CassielMx / Getty Images

State: Nayarit

Imagine getting on a boat in Puerto Vallarta or Punta Mita (one of Mexico’s pueblos magicos) and heading to two islands where you see large rocks rising from the water. Then, you’re instructed to jump in the sea and swim through a cave. As you get past the lower walls, a hidden beach opens up to you, like a secret that’s been waiting to be discovered.

No, this isn’t a scene out of an adventure story, but the actual experience you get when you visit Hidden Beach, also known as Love Beach, or Playa del Amor. Made when a cave wall collapsed, the beach is now a popular spot to visit off the coast of Nayarit.

Several tours will take you here, but try to come with a small group. Secrets aren’t as fun when they’re shared with too many people.

Where to Stay Near Hidden Beach

Victor Elias / Courtesy of Booking.com

As with other secluded beaches listed here, it’s not possible to sleep at Hidden Beach — not that you’d want to sleep in a secret sea cave when the tide goes up.

To take advantage of everything Punta Mita has to offer, stay at the Conrad Punta de Mita resort. With the white-glove service the hotel is known for, it’ll be incredibly easy to book a small-group (or a completely private) boat tour to Playa Escondida.