Mexico beaches can be divided into 4 categories or zones: those of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Coast, Baja California and the Pacific Mainland. Each area has its own beautiful beaches with distinct reputations. Here's a rundown on some of Mexico's best beaches, sorted out by zone.
Gulf of Mexico:
The Gulf of Mexico is the country's least popular destination for beach goers. The area tends to be wild and more suited for those who wish to tromp through natural lands. However, there are a few good beaches, mostly on the Costa Esmeralda.
Playa Marti is a pretty little beach that is popular with young people as a laid back destination complete with soccer and volleyball nets to help you expend some energy before relaxing on the beach.
Playa del Hornos is great for swimming and having picnics on the beach. There are also food stalls for those who prefer not to bring their own snacks.
Tecolutla is more popular and includes various types of accommodation as well as camping sites and restaurants.
Caribbean Coast:
Perhaps the most popular of all of Mexico's beaches are those along the Caribbean Coast. This stretch of Mexico includes beaches that are incredibly wild and incredibly beautiful.
Cancun is the king of Mexico beaches as far as popularity goes. The white sand is soft and beautiful and the waters are great for underwater activities. There are plenty of resorts, and the nightlife is incredible. Cancun is most popular with young people.
Playa del Carmen is a bit more low-key while still having all of the necessary hotels, restaurants and shops. You can also take boats to nearby Cozumel, which caters mostly to cruises.
Puerto Morelos is a small beach with inviting waters. The area's claim to fame is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, always a favorite for divers.
Tulum looks touristy at first, with its many shops and restaurants, but once you hit the beach you'll love the stretches of sand dotted with Mayan ruins.
Baja California:
Here you'll find beautiful, natural beaches and surfers galore. This is a popular destination for Americans who live in California and can drive down in a few short hours.
Playa Costa Azul is best known for its surfing. You'll find plenty of beach bums around here.
Playa Solmar, on the other hand, is great for diving, just be careful of the riptides if you venture in for a swim from the shore.
Playa Buenaventura offers some incredible kayaking opportunities.
Playa Requeson and Playa Coyote are best known for their incredible natural beauty. You can explore these beaches in peace and quiet.
Pacific Mainland:
Like the Caribbean coast, the Pacific Mainland coast is teeming with beaches that can be crowded with people.
Acapulco is perhaps the best known, and is often referred to as the Cancun of the Pacific. The beaches are lined with resorts.
Mazatlan is the opposite of Acapulco in that the accommodations are very low cost, making it popular with college students and young people.
Bahia de Matanchen has soft sands and makes for a relaxing vacation.
Finally, Zipolite is the most popular beach for backpackers, giving it a chilled out vibe that can't be beat.
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