18 Idyllic Small Beach Towns in Mexico You’ll Fall in Love With
Mexico is filled with beautiful beaches, many of which are full of tourists. However, if you crave peace away from the crowds, small beach towns are waiting for you to fall in love with them.
These beach towns in Mexico are relaxed destinations that offer a taste of authentic Mexico, complete with secluded beaches, local customs, and vibrant landscapes.
So, take the road less traveled and keep local communities alive. With pristine sand in El Cuyo and colorful street art in La Paz, each town has attractions to consider as you plan your next beach vacation in Mexico.
1. Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
Puerto Morelos is a wonderful beach town in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. Here, you can walk on powder-white sand and dip your feet in crystal-clear turquoise water.
This small town is peaceful and moves at a slow pace — the perfect combination to make your trip unforgettable with both calm and fun activities. There are also beautiful beaches where you can sunbathe or snorkel in the surrounding coral reefs.
2. Sisal, Yucatan
Located in northwestern Yucatan, Sisal is recognized as one of the seven “Pueblos Mágicos” (magic towns) by the Mexican Board of Tourism, highlighting its cultural, culinary, and natural attractions.
Because of this label, some locals aren’t happy about recent developments, like the construction of new buildings, which threaten to alter Sisal’s traditional charm. If you wish to experience Sisal before it potentially transforms into a more mainstream Mexican destination, don’t sleep on this destination and visit soon.
3. Mazunte, Oaxaca
When it comes to the Pacific Coast destinations in Mexico, Oaxaca is often overlooked. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks beauty; in fact, you should expect the opposite.
It is where you can find the very small, quite scenic place of Mazunte. The beaches here are phenomenal with its glimmering turquoise waters and tranquil setting. There are only a handful of businesses lining the lone main street in town. With so few people around, you can leisurely take in the cultural vibe.
4. Mahahual, Quintana Roo
Located on the Costa Maya in southern Quintana Roo, Mahahual is a beach town that was a fishing village not long ago. Despite its growing popularity, Mahahual remains somewhat undiscovered compared to Tulum, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. The town’s charm lies in its turquoise waters, perfect for unwinding on the beach and enjoying delicious local cuisine.
If you have a car, you can extend your visit to nearby attractions like Lake Bacalar, the Chaccoben Mayan ruins, and Lake Noh Bec, enhancing your coastal getaway with inland exploration.
5. Progreso, Yucatan
Progreso, a beach town in Yucatan, is the nearest ocean getaway from Merida, drawing many locals on weekends for leisure. Its appeal lies in its authentic Mexican atmosphere, catering to Mexican visitors rather than foreigners.
Progreso Beach is pleasant, though it can be busy on weekends. Consider booking a spot at one of the beach clubs to relax in a cabana all day, enjoy water sports, lounge by the pool, and access other amenities.
6. Yelapa, Jalisco
Yelapa is a small beach village in Jalisco, south of Puerto Vallarta. It follows a “no car” lifestyle, and since it’s quite hard to get to, it rarely gets crowded.
You can take a water taxi from the Los Muertos Beach Pier or Boca de Tomatlan to reach Yelapa; it’s a half-hour journey on a small wooden boat. Rest assured Yelapa is worth the trouble to get to it. Visitors are greeted with golden sand beaches in secluded covers, surrounded by thick jungle.
7. Celestun, Yucatan
Celestun is a pretty fishing village in the far west of Yucatan, near the Campeche border. It has white-sand beaches, quaint seafront eateries with tables and chairs on the sand, and crystal-clear aquamarine waters that captivate visitors.
Though it’s a newer tourist spot, Celestun hasn’t seen the development typical of beach towns along the Riviera Maya. A few mid-range hotels and some guesthouses are available, but most travelers visit on day trips from Merida.
After swimming, snorkeling, and lying on the beach, have local Yucatecan specialties for lunch, then go to the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve for a guided boat tour through the mangroves.
8. Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Bacalar is a nice town in the southeastern coastal area of Quintana Roo, Mexico, bordering on Belize. Once a Mayan region, it lacks sandy beaches but is renowned for the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, nicknamed the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” due to its varying blue hues.
This 26-mile-long freshwater lagoon, fed by numerous cenotes (naturally-formed stone pits), is sometimes called “The Maldives of Mexico.” It’s perfect for kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat tours.
9. Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita is a colorful beach village in Nayarit, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, just 26 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. Known for its laid-back surfing culture with a touch of Bohemian chic, you can find beautiful beaches, painted streets, and a mix of adventure and relaxation in Sayulita.
The centerpiece is Playa Sayulita, featuring gentle waves perfect for beginners, seaside bars, restaurants, and surf schools. For bigger waves, head to nearby Playa Carricitos or Playa Los Muertos, which houses a calm cove and the picturesque “Hill of the Dead.”
10. Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
You can find Todos Santos on the Baja California Sur Peninsula. It is separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, making it feel more authentic.
The beach town has been able to maintain a quaint village feel, as its downtown is still peppered with art galleries, small boutique hotels, and other low-profile businesses. Here you can enjoy that peaceful beach-town vibe.
11. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
This fair beach town on the Mexican Pacific Coast in Oaxaca features world-class waves, stunning beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Puerto Escondido is a haven for surfers, beach lovers, and travelers who want to let loose and relax.
We also love this town’s sea turtle conservation efforts. From June to December, you can observe the nesting and hatchings of Olive Ridley and other sea turtles right on the beaches.
12. Chacahua, Oaxaca
You can find the stunning beach town of Chacahua, Oaxaca, in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. It is a little further away, so you can enjoy this idyllic beach town in Mexico without many others around.
You can reach this small town via a lancha (small boat) from El Zapotalito. During the boat ride, you’ll pass through mangroves, which are home to turtles and various bird species. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and go surfing without a crowd.
13. San Pancho, Nayarit
San Pancho is a very interesting coastal town in Nayarit. It is a relaxed spot that captures the easygoing vibe Mexico is known for. The beaches have golden sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming, tanning, and beachcombing.
San Pancho embraces the local indigenous Huichol culture, with art galleries and stores showcasing traditional Huichol art. The town also has a polo club where visitors can watch matches and even take lessons. Eco-travelers and adventure seekers will love the scenery with options for birdwatching and hiking through jungle trails and waterfalls.
14. Isla Holbox, Yukatan
One of the off-the-beaten-beach paths I love is Isla Holbox. It’s an enchanting small island located off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island features sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and abundant wildlife. Since it’s not connected to the mainland by bridge, the only way to get there is either by boat or ferry.
One of the main reasons travelers go to Isla Holbox is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks from May to September, when these gentle giants migrate. The island is also home to different types of marine creatures and diverse species of birdlife, like flamingos, pelicans, and frigate birds.
15. Troncones, Guerrero
Troncones is a very small, quiet beach community that is one of the best hidden gems in Mexico, located west of the Guerrero region. It has minimal traffic and awesome waves favored by surfers. This beach town actively promotes eco-tourism, with a focus on preserving its natural beauty.
Despite being small, Troncones is perfect for those in search of peace. Plus, you get those magical Pacific sunsets and sunrises.
16. El Cuyo, Yucatan
El Cuyo is a small coastal village in northeastern Yucatan. The atmosphere is serene, with some hotels and restaurants within traditional palapa huts. El Cuyo offers the homey feel of Tulum before it became popular.
Playa El Cuyo has soft, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters that can compete with the Mexican Caribbean. The sunrises and sunsets are some of the finer experiences of the Yucatan Peninsula, and often, it’s just you and the coastline.
17. Lo De Marcos, Nayarit
Lo De Marcos is a beautiful beach town along the beautiful Riviera Nayarit. It is peaceful and has a secluded charm, offering visitors solitude away from the busy tourist areas.
It is a place where you can slow down, relax, and live at a slow pace, surrounded by waterfronts. Lo De Marcos is ideal for anyone who wants to get away from stress and reconnect with nature.
18. La Paz, Baja California Sur
Located on the Sea of Cortez shores, La Paz is a beautiful Mexican beach town that represents the best of both worlds. Its historic center allows you to feel the pulse of local life in Mexico, and its colorful streets are lined with busy mercados, taquerias, and food stands.
You need not go very far to find beautiful nature in Baja California Sur. The La Paz malecón is lovely for sunset walks and extends from the Marina La Paz in the south along the coastal route to the Playa El Coromuel beach in the north.
La Paz also hosted the 2017 “Ciudad Mural” project, where 26 different artists were commissioned to decorate various structures, walls, and building facades with vibrant murals. It’s a great place for a self-guided street art tour.
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