Looking for destinations to visit in Mexico? Let this list of beautiful beaches guide your decisions and make sure you don’t miss any of them when you are in the area.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, thanks to John Huston who directed the film “Night of the Iguana” and chose this beautiful place as the setting for his movie and later on decided to settle here. Then Richard Burton, who starred in the film, bought Elizabeth Taylor a house in Puerto Vallarta and soon the place became famous for the celebrities who visited the village.
Puerto Vallarta surrounds the Bahia de Banderas or Bay of Banderas, a horse-shoe shaped bay that is considered Mexico’s largest. Local fishermen visit the bay for yellow fin and huge black marlins. Surfers and divers love Vallarta for its pristine waters, black coral formations and its diverse marine life. Sea turtles, dolphins and even whales take refuge in these coastlines. There are whale watching expeditions every winter that you don’t want to miss out.
With its perfect weather, a diverse open-minded culture and friendly neighborhoods, visiting Puerto Vallarta is one great experience. Spending some time strolling along El Malecon, the town’s center, is like discovering the whole of Mexico. There are vendors on the sidewalk balancing trays of freshly baked empanadas on their heads, not unlike acrobats. Tamales are sold and even leather bracelets. There are lots of festive activities you will surely enjoy. Malecon is also a favorite spot for shoppers where you can find the finest handicrafts and artworks Mexico has to offer. At night, Mariachi musicians serenade the Plaza and set a romantic mood for everyone. Or you might want to visit Nikki Beach for some Champagne sipping and slow dancing in the sand. If you’re looking for a more exciting night life, go to a Vallarta club. Christine features laser shows and international DJs. And of course, don’t forget the tequila tastings.
You can get to the town by bus, a less than five hour ride from Guadalajara. But with Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, it is more convenient to travel by air.
Sayulita
An hour of fascinating drive from Puerto Vallarta through green and dense jungle will lead you to the abundance of virgin forests and nature’s wonders. Sayulita is the perfect getaway if you need some relaxation and tranquility. Have a laid back vacation while enjoying the beach or taking on some hiking trails. Relish the tourist life without its hustle and bustle.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a town located in Oaxaca, Mexico. Known for its big waves and perfect surfing conditions, surfers flock its beaches all year round. Playa Zicatela is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Escondido. Surf or just enjoy watching people surfing while having a drink at the beach restaurant Los Tios. If you are lucky you may even watch a surf competition. If you’re looking for a beach to enjoy swimming and learn surfing, Playa Carrizalillo is the best beach to visit. The beach is small and not too crowded. You can enjoy the beach with some privacy. If you need relaxation and some pampering experience, you might also want to try a temazcal, an indigenous steam bath native to Mexico.
Las Bahias de Huatulco
Another beach area located in Oaxaca is the Huatulco Bays. It consists of nine bays and thirty six beaches, most of them undeveloped. Tangolunda is the largest of the nine bays and is home to most of the large resorts in Huatulco. For a different experience, try visiting remote beaches which are accessible only by boat. With local guides you can beach hop and explore the natural beauty of these tropical waters in a more quiet and intimate way.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located in Sinaloa, a state along the Central Pacific Coast. One of the Mazatlan beaches you should add to your list is the Playa Olas Altas. As its name implies, the beach is known for its high waves, perfect for surfing. There are vendors who offer surfboards for rent, so you have no reason to not try surfing while hanging out on this beautiful beach. Another popular surfing spot that you might want to explore in Mazatlan is the Playa Bruja. It is known for its consistent waves, a good location for surfing at any time of the year. For a more secluded beach, why not go to Playa Los Cerritos. Enjoy its big waves and sandy bottom minus the crowd. Another great location is the Playa Sabalo. Another thing you can enjoy in Mazatlan is touring the Centro Historico where you can find restored historical structures and buildings. For a more adventurous and thrilling activity, you can climb up the famous El Faro, one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world. It is located at the top of Cerro Creston, the highest hill in Mazatlan, so prepare for a steep, challenging but rewarding trail. The lighthouse offers the best seat to watch the cliff divers as they climb the rock formations and patiently wait for the perfect wave to take the plunge.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
Another beachgoer destination is found in Costa Grande, a section of the Mexican Pacific Coast. Ixtapa and its sister city Zihuatanejo offer its visitors the best of both worlds. Ixtapa features high rise hotels, golf-courses, fine restaurants, discos and all modern amenities while Zihuatanejo is a fishing village with all its simplicity and candor. There is a series of beaches you can explore starting from Municipal Beach which is located in front of Zihuatanejo lying next to the port. Following a walkway will lead to Playa Madera and Playa La Ropa, the most beautiful beach in this area. The most popular snorkeling beach in Zihuatanejo is the Playa Las Gatas.
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