It’s that time of year again when winter has ended and we are looking forward to next year’s vacation on the beach of Mexico. After your tan has worn off, start planning for next winter’s vacation getaway to one of the most beautiful beaches you can find in Mexico. We have assembled a list of the top beaches in Mexico to make it easier for you to plan your vacation. First off, let’s explore what makes a beach a truly “Great Beach”? Here are a few ideas to consider and some tips that will help you decide where your next great beach getaway will be.
- Quality of sand must not be full of rocks and trash
- Tropical or desert setting, both offer many day trips and adventures
- Resort versus private Bed & Breakfast or condo
- Non-inclusive or all-inclusive resort
- Safe clean beaches & surf must be swimmable
- The scenery in or surrounding the area
- Amenities and activities on the beach
- Proximity to nearest towns, shops, bars, restaurants
- East Coast sunrises, verses West Coast sunsets
- Does Hotel have an exotic pool, swim-up bars and next to the beach
The following beach resort destinations are possibly the finest in all of Mexico. From the high dive platforms in Acapulco to the white sandy beaches of Riviera Maya, you are sure to find more than one place you can call Paradise.
Acapulco
Acapulco, Mexico with a population approaching 900,000 people, Acapulco was established in 1599 and was the primary trading port for goods between Mexico and the Philippines. Today, it is brimming with dozens of high rise resort hotels that once catered to the likes of John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rita Hayworth to name a few. One of this area’s claim to fame is its 9 plus miles of beaches and glamour, tropical hillside backdrop and loads of outdoor activities. Before Cancun was made popular, this beach community was the number one hot spot in all of Mexico. It is still a port of call to major cruise ship lines and a hot spot for movie stars.
Belize
Belize, Mexico recognized by many as a secret paradise, this quiet seaside location is rich with white sands and blue waters and uncrowded compared to its neighbor (Cancun). Its snow-white beaches, coastal island adventures, islands, and sea sports are what make this a true hidden gem. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, its neighbors to the west and south are Guatemala and Honduras.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico located at the very end of the Baja Peninsula, incredible beaches lined with rock formations, championship golf, deep-sea fishing, and exciting nightlife awaits you with many world-class seaside resorts. One of the best features of these beachside resorts is their incredible pools. Visit our pools of Ixtapa page for a few examples. As more Enterprise hotels come on board, we will have a huge collection of the best pools in every one of these communities. Vacationers want high-end pools for entertainment and social interaction and this community like all the others has the best pools with the best sunsets you can imagine.
Cancun
Cancun, Mexico undoubtedly has the largest collection of five-star hotels anywhere in Mexico. From the Marriott Casa Magna, Westin Resort & Spa, Gran Melia, and Gran Oasis Playa, your every desire awaits you here. Pampering is a standard procedure. Amenities rival the largest casino hotels and the beaches border unrivaled aqua blue waters. Most of these resorts provide a variety of restaurants, loads of entertainment and unlimited domestic drinks, incredible pools, gift shops, all-inclusive packages and much much more.
Cozumel
Cozumel, Mexico is a well-known mecca for travelers who simply want a great island beach getaway in a tropical paradise. With majestic coves, reefs, and backwaters, Cozumel is located just off the coast from Playa del Carmen and is Mexico’s largest populated island destination. At 29 miles in length and 9 miles wide, Cozumel is home to scattered Mayan ruins and the city of San Miguel. The west side of the island has the calmest waters and best beaches whereas the east side of the island is rocky with rough pounding surf of the Caribbean Sea. The main airport is in Cancun where you can purchase additional tickets to the island of Cozumel.
Ixtapa
Ixtapa, Mexico is a new community of about two dozen hotels and resorts built by the Mexican Department of Tourism in the 1980s exclusively to attract tourists to this new area. The community is surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountain range and coconut plantations dating back several decades. All sorts of beach activities can be found here as well as a robust nightlife just across the street from most of the hotels. Taxis take you everywhere you want to go for about $5.00 U.S. and there are dozens of great restaurants and gift shops within walking distance.
Manzanillo
Manzanillo, Mexico on the Pacific Coast is sandwiched between Puerto Vallarta to the north 160 miles and Ixtapa to the south. Blessed with two bays and a beautiful tropical backdrop of jungle and banana plantations, in 1979, the film “10” was filmed here with star Bo Derek. Yes, that was the golden sand beach she was jogging on with her famous braided hairstyle. Manzanillo has several beaches to chose from with Playa la Audiencia topping the list for swimmers. The rocky outcroppings here shelter some of the best snorkeling in the area.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan, Mexico and its close proximity to the United States border help provide a high percentage of tourists to this beach destination. From November through May, the temperatures here are very pleasant and always sunny. July through September is the rainy season and dress is usually casual. There are many beaches to choose from along the 11-mile long waterfront known as the Malacon. Many water sports, charter boats and parasailing are available along the beach in what’s known as the Golden Zone.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or PV as it is known locally, is perhaps one of Mexico’s top resort communities attracting some two million tourists annually. The weather here ranges from the ’60s to the ’70s on the low side and ’80s to ’90s on the high side. With approximately 350,000 residents, this beach and resort community has everything you could ever want on your next vacation. High season dates start in mid-December and run through mid-April each year. Many travelers set their sights on PV early to beat the crowds and get some sun before the Christmas holiday. There are dozens of great hotels with fantastic pools and many fine restaurants and local eateries.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico a beach lovers’ dream with turquoise waters and sugar white sands, palm trees and palapas to fill your view. Facing the Caribbean Sea, this area South of Cancun offers a tranquil scene, romantic waters and pleasant surroundings that will calm any jet setter wanting a simpler time out in paradise. If you don’t like the big crowds and big buildings, and simply want noiseless beaches and crystal blue waters, check us out on the Riviera Maya.