- Cancun is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, but there are plenty of other, lesser known, Mexican beach towns that also attract visitors.
- From charming surf towns to snorkeling with sea turtles, travelers should explore the diverse beauty of other parts of Mexico’s vast coastline.
- With no shortage of warm weather, sun, and surf across Mexico, these destinations offer a quieter, less crowded experience.
Cancun is World-class Cancun is a top tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the Caribbean Sea, it’s home to a plethora of sprawling beach resorts, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife. In 2023, Cancun is Over 21 million tourists.
While Cancun is beautiful and vibrant, Mexico has plenty of less popular beach towns that lure travelers. From charming surf towns to snorkeling with sea turtles, travelers should explore the rest of the diverse beauty of Mexico’s vast coastline.
With no shortage of warm weather, sun, and surfing throughout Mexico, these destinations offer a quieter, less crowded experience than enjoying Cancun with 30 million other tourists.
Far Homes Discovery Hidden gem We toured Mexico’s coastal towns and assessed their natural beauty, recreational opportunities, safety, and access to learning and experiencing the local culture. To assess each town’s safety rating, Far Homes used report Crime statistics from the National Security Agency’s data show that while some of these spots are known to attract tourists, they are not as saturated with tourists as Cancun or Cabo.
Here are eight lesser known beach towns in Mexico you should consider adding to your travel list.
learn more: Best Travel Insurance
Cancun without the crowds:Introducing Isla Mujeres, a tranquil resort town in Mexico
Sayulita
Just an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is the perfect mix of bustle and calm. “Sayulita is a fun little town with a variety of restaurants and shops,” says local real estate agent Gene Alvarez of Net Real Estate, which works with Far Homes. “It has some great surfing spots and a laid-back vibe, so it attracts surfers, backpackers and bohemians.” Travelers who don’t speak much Spanish can easily get around, and many rent mopeds or golf carts to get around town. The town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita, gets crowded with both surfers and beachgoers, but head north to the village of Playa San Pancho for quieter, more tranquil beaches.
Akumal
Fly into Cancun Airport and head south for about three hours to find yourself in tranquil Akumal, a haven away from Cancun and Tulum. Highly rated by Far Homes for its natural beauty, Akumal is renowned among travelers for its pristine beaches and lush jungle. Must-dos in Akumal include snorkeling with sea turtles in the clear waters of the marine reserve Half Moon Bay and swimming in the enclosed cenote Yaluk Lagoon, says local real estate agent Rob Quinones of Biplaya. Just 15 minutes south is the famous Tulum ruins, where limestone Mayan ruins are perched atop cliffs.
Puerto Escondido
Located in the Pacific coastal state of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido is a rising destination thanks to its world-class surfing spots and easy-going lifestyle. Travelers can fly nonstop to Puerto Escondido International Airport, located less than two miles from the town. “From the hip bars of Zicatela to the laid-back vibe of La Punta, this town has something for everyone,” says local real estate agent John Ferrioli of Bayside Real Estate. “And with international magazine coverage, Puerto Escondido is quickly becoming a destination for digital nomads looking for inspiration and connection.” The town scored highly for its abundance of activities. Even if you’re not brave enough to brave the raging waves, travelers can take a crocodile boat tour through the mangrove forests, watch bioluminescent plankton glow at night in two nearby lagoons, or visit Casa Wabi, a museum of contemporary art and architecture.
Holbox Island
If you really want to get away from the crowds, head to Holbox, a 26-mile-long, car-free island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Though the island has grown in popularity and development, it still offers visitors a secluded beachside retreat. Visitors can explore its sandy paths barefoot or in golf carts, the main mode of transportation on the long, narrow island. To get there, fly into Cancun International Airport, take a two-hour drive to Chiquila, and then take a 15-minute ferry to the island. Getting to Holbox may be more hassle-free than getting to Cancun or Cabo, but it’s well worth it. This resort town has earned a reputation for its natural beauty, including a bioluminescent lagoon and whale shark tours, as well as safety.
Huatulco
For sun and sand seekers, Huatulco is a paradise, with 36 beaches, nine bays and endless sunny weather. Less developed than Puerto Vallarta or Cancun, this small resort town offers activities like kayaking, waterfall hikes and scuba diving. It borders Huatulco National Park, and of course, visitors can also relax on the beach. To get there, fly into Bahías de Huatulco International Airport, just an hour and a half from Mexico City. “With the international airport just 10 minutes away, the area is attracting tourists looking for a more authentic Mexican experience and small-town feel,” says Brent May, founder and CEO of Bayside Real Estate.
Zipolite
Located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Zipolite still retains its hippie past, with a laid-back, rustic charm and a focus on ecotourism. The community developed around hippie beach culture and is now known for great restaurants, bars, trendy boutique hotels and a low-key party culture, says May. The town, just over an hour’s drive from Puerto Escondido International Airport, has a good reputation for activity and safety, with not as many tourist shops as more developed parts of Mexico. The vast Zipolite Beach is Mexico’s only legal nude beach, but it also has a western end known for surfing and a small eastern bay called Playa del Amor, known among the LGBTQ+ community.
Mahahual
The quiet fishing village of Mahahual has become increasingly popular among travelers, thanks in part to cruise ships. But the town has a lot to offer travelers, earning high marks in culture and safety rankings by Far Homes. “The best way to explore this charming seaside town is by bike,” says Gaby Ortiz, sales manager at local real estate broker Maya Ocean. “Biking through the scenic streets allows you to lose track of time and soak in the natural beauty and serenity of your surroundings.” To get to Mahahual, travelers can fly into Chetumal International Airport and drive for about two hours. For travelers who want to experience vibrant marine life, Mahahual is the perfect destination. It’s only a one-hour boat ride to Bancochinchoro, Mexico and the Caribbean’s largest barrier reef, stretching for about 72 miles. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to corals, American crocodiles, rays, turtles, nurse sharks, and even sunken ships. On land, you can visit the Costa Maya Museum and the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben to learn more about local history and culture.
Todos Santos
Located about an hour’s drive from Los Cabos International Airport on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Todos Santos is known not only for its colonial architecture but also as a haven for artists and creatives. Located between the coast and the desert, the town is rated highly by Far Homes for its natural beauty, safety and culture. Travelers who venture away from the bustling town center, lined with boutique galleries, shops and restaurants, can surf at nearby Playa Los Cerritos or hike the coast at Punta Lobos. “Once a small fishing village, Todos Santos now boasts several chic hotels and world-class restaurants, but it hasn’t lost its indie soul. Be sure to stop by Jazz Mango to experience true Todos Santos cuisine,” says local real estate agent Nancy Costa of Costa Cabo Realty.
Kathleen Wong is a Hawaii-based travel writer for USA Today. She can be reached at kwong@usatoday.com..
