The Best Coastal Destinations in Mexico

Mexico’s beaches have a well earned reputation as some of the most beautiful in the world. This top coastal destination has plenty to offer to its visitors from dramatic rock formations carved by the Pacific, exciting nights full of parties and good times, to serene beaches that take you away from the tourist-flocked attractions. Whatever your preference, Mexico has surely something that will entice and enchant you, creating a truly memorable vacation experience that will last for a lifetime.

Barra de Potosi
This serene fishing village, 26 kilometers from Zihuatanejo is the exact opposite of the crowded mega beaches where tourists flock to. This is the perfect choice for vacation goers who want to enjoy an amazing stretch of beach with white sand without the crowds. Barra de Potosi is perhaps one of the few hidden hideaways on Mexico’s coastal shores and is well worth the trip.

Things to do

  • Visit Morros de Potosi, a cluster of ocean rocks 20 minutes from the shore that houses an extreme number of seabirds.
  • Experience sublime scuba diving pleasure at Playa Manzanillo.
  • Visit El Refugio de Potosi, a wildlife conservation center that breeds and rehabilitates local wildlife ranging from parrots, armadillos, and the jaguarandi.

Tulum
Tulum is an amazing destination to head out for on coastal Mexico. Its spectacular coastline is even made all the more amazing with the presence of a Mayan ruin, excellent diving sites, and even a chance to encounter the world’s largest fish – the whale shark.

Things to do

  • Visit the Tulum Ruins that stands atop the jagged coastline overlooking the Pacific. Head out to the ruins early in the morning to catch the sunrise or end the day there to witness the sunset fade over this majestic sight.
  • Take a dip at Gran Cenote to mingle with fish and other marine wonders at this popular diving site.

Xcalak
With its rickety wooden houses, fishing boat launches, and general air of remoteness, Xcalak is a wonderful alternative destination for those truly looking to get away. Its remoteness has maintained the tiny town’s serene and lazy-vacation air, but it still provides a lot of venues for the more adventurous types.

Things to do
Take a dive into Xcalak’s virtually unspoiled diving sites.
Take an adventurous stroll into the jungle and bird-watch on the local population of rare bird species.

Puerto Vallarta
This is perhaps Mexico’s most sophisticated resort destination and is the perfect choice for those looking for a cosmopolitan vacation. Enjoy your days lazing on dazzling beaches with palm lined beachfronts and sparkling blue waters, while waiting for the party to start. Its cobbled streets teeming with quirky shops and amazing restaurants provide a different option if you want to take a break from the ocean and sun.

Things to do

  • Enjoy your day at Playa de los Muertos. Even if it means “Beach of the Dead”, this lively beach is the center of amazing parties.
  • Snorkel at Los Arcos and see for yourself the underwater caves and arches that make this dive spot a true beauty.
  • Sample the best of Mexican cuisine at Red Cabbage. This popular restaurant offers traditional Mexican food and even serves indigenous cuisine.

Sources

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/places/mexico-s-best-beaches
http://gomexico.about.com/od/beachesandresorts/tp/beach-vacation-destinations.htm
http://gomexico.about.com/od/cruisesspas/tp/Mexican-Riviera.htm
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/mexico/713359
http://thepointsguy.com/2015/02/5-coastal-hotspots-in-mexico-that-you-must-visit-in-2015/