Snorkelers spot a green sea turtle at secluded Akumal Bay in the Riviera Maya area. Image credit: Polly Dawson/Shutterstock

Turquoise Waters and Historic Sites

Puerto Vallarta resort town on the Pacific coast. Image credit: Findlay/Alamy Stock Photo

From the cactus-studded desert and remote surf breaks of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur in the north to the tranquil, windswept bays of Huatulco along Oaxaca’s Pacific coast in the south, Mexico has some of the world’s most stunning beaches. No matter the region, there are unique experiences and big adventures to be had. Los Cabos, located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, has long been a beloved seaside retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers peace, space, and thrills in droves. For surfers, there are plenty of waves to enjoy, from the left-hand point break at Monuments Beach near Cabo San Lucas or the gentle right-hand point break at the remote Nine Palms in the East Cape. Divers head to Cabo Pulmo National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that offers a thriving coral reef with plenty of marine life to spot. During whale migration season – which peaks between January and March – there’s no better place to be than on a sunset catamaran ride near El Arco, Los Cabos’ famed granite arch formation, for the chance to see humpback whales breach.

While the majority of Mexico’s most stunning northern beaches are located on the Pacific Coast, its Caribbean coastline is at its most beautiful in southern Mexico, as is the case of Riviera Maya. South of the once-sleepy fishing village of Cancún and extending to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve near Tulum, this region is located along one of the most idyllic stretches of the country’s Caribbean coast. Cancún – a formerly uninhabited coastline until the 1970s, when the Mexican Government established it as a burgeoning tourist destination – is the first touchpoint for many visitors to Mexico and it can be hard to pull yourself away. Beyond the pristine beaches, dig deep into the region’s roots by visiting historical Maya sites. Begin at Cobá, where the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the tallest in the region, is on display, as are sacbeob, causeways that once connected cities in the Maya Empire. To cool off, there are plenty of cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes), including Cenote Escondido, located just south of Tulum, and Cenote Sac Actún, known for its impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites. For an ocean adventure, travelers can snorkel or dive in the waters along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the world’s second-largest coral reef system, for chances to see species such as reef sharks, manta rays, leatherback turtles, and parrotfish.

The Arch of Cabo San Lucas sits in pristine waters at the tip of Baja California Sur. Image credit: Frederick Millett/Shutterstock

Venture past Mexico’s golden shores to discover tropical sanctuaries and the traces of ancient civilizations

More Inspiration

Farther south along the Pacific Coast is Puerto Vallarta, impeccably located on the expansive Bahía de Banderas, one of the world’s largest natural bays with the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. To get the lay of the land, begin with a casual stroll along the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s oceanfront promenade with art installations and bustling shops and restaurants. Then visit the Marietas Islands, a natural area located about an hour by boat from the Marina Vallarta. The islands are home to coveted species such as blue-footed boobies and the renowned Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach), a secluded sandy patch accessed by swimming through a water tunnel. Near Manzanillo, the ruins at La Campana might not be as well known as those in the Yucatán, but that means fewer visitors and more time to explore the ancient city away from the crowds. A refuge for at-risk species like the jaguar, Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve has diverse landscapes that include dry tropical forests, coastal wetlands, and coral reefs. Home to puma and ocelot, Unesco-protected Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve’s scenery comprises waterfalls, canyons, and limestone karsts. Huatulco, meanwhile, is more revered for its rustic charm. With its nine stunning bays and dozens of pristine beaches, the region, situated along the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, feels like a forgotten paradise. You could potentially be the only person at a stretch of coastline there. Though each beach has its appeal, Playa Cacaluta is a tranquil sanctuary located within Huatulco National Park, a protected area spanning almost 30,000 acres that includes a mix of tropical forests, mangroves, and coral reefs.

Basalt stone Olmec heads at Xalapa Museum of Anthropology. Image credit: Richard Ellis/Alamy Stock Photo

Follow the coastline around the tip of the Yucatán peninsula and along the shores of the Bay of Campeche to the state of Veracruz, which has more miles of coastline than anywhere else in the country. Step inland and this is the place to explore the history of the Olmecas, the earliest-known Mesoamerican civilization, which flourished here thousands of years ago. Standing serene with a truly magical presence, marvel at the Olmec heads carved from basalt stone now housed at Xalapa Museum of Anthropology. Mystery surrounds the origins of El Tajín, once a mighty city of more than 20,000 people. One of the best preserved pre-Hispanic cities, the extensive ruins include a beautifully proportioned six-tier pyramid, ball courts, and the remains of buildings decorated with geometric stone mosaic patterns. These days, the region is synonymous with the aromatic, smooth, and mellow flavors of its coffee. Explore the state’s plantations dotted with colonial haciendas by first visiting Coatepec, a small pueblo known for its coffee culture. Whether travelers prefer big adventures, getting closer to wildlife, or a remote paradise away from the crowds, Mexico has a captivating getaway for everyone.

There’s no better place to be than on a sunset catamaran ride near El Arco, Los Cabos’ famed granite arch formation

VIEW Hotels

Where To Stay in Mexico

View Hotels

Where To Stay in Nashville

More Inspiration

Where To Stay

View All Issues

Life & Arts

Food & Drink

Experiences

Inspiration

Central & South America

Caribbean

Asia & Pacific

Europe

North America

Top Destinations

Destinations

Experiences Food & Drink Life & Arts

Inspiration

Top Destinations North America Europe Asia & Pacific Carribean Central & South America

Destinations

Destinations Inspiration View All Issues Where to Stay

A Timeless Legacy

Experiences

By MICHAELA TRIMBLE

March 2025 (Volume 27)

Viva Mexico

Embark upon an adventure in a country with a colorful culture and extraordinary attractions

Destination: Mexico

Rediscover Mexico City

Explore the art, architecture, and culinary havens of this capital city

Destination: Mexico

The Tantalizing Taste of Tequila

Discover the different styles of this celebrated spirit made...

Destination: Mexico

Cycling City Centers

The best cities to meander by bike

Destination

Viva MExico

Embark upon an adventure in a country with a colorful culture and extraordinary attractions

Destination: Mexico

Rediscover Mexico City

Explore the art, architecture, and culinary havens of this capital city

Destination: Mexico

Beaches and Beyond

June 2025 (Volume 28)

By MICHAELA TRIMBLE

Destination: Mexico

Travelers

Best Rate Guarantee About Us Philanthropy Careers

Global Directory American Destinations International Destinations

Destinations

Partners & Press

Preferred Meetings & Events Press Center Travel Partners Travel Professionals Become a Member Hotel Become an Alliance Partner PreferredNet

Offers

Discover Offers I Prefer Gift Cards

* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.

Download the App

#ThePreferredLife

Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation

1 (866) 990-9491

International Phone Lines

* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.

#ThePreferredLife

Partners & Press

Preferred Meetings & Events Press Center Travel Partners Travel Professionals Become a Member Hotel Become an Alliance Partner PreferredNet

Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation

Offers

Discover Offers I Prefer Gift Cards

Global Directory American Destinations International Destinations

Destinations

Travelers

Best Rate Guarantee About Us Philanthropy Careers

1 (866) 990-9491