Beach vacations are the most popular kind of getaway and Mexico is a great choice, especially if you are coming from the USA or Canada. Mexico is such a diverse country that you can choose exactly what kind of beach experience you are looking for: Caribbean, mountainous, quiet, lively. Even the color of the sand changes depending on your destination.
Pacific Coast Beach Vacations
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is home to some of the big names in beach vacations, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Acapulco. While Acapulco has lost its charm somewhat since the 60s and 70s, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit have taken over in popularity and choice.
The Ocean on the Pacific side is lively, with many spots for surfers and watersports. In Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, the deeper shade of sapphire tones contrasting with bright yellow sand is truly captivating especially with the mountains in the background and the huge curved form of Banderas Bay. There are lots of wonderful beaches that can still only be reached by boat and a host of outdoors activities to enjoy.
Baja California Beach Vacations
The appeal of Baja California for a beach vacation is easy to see. In the south, Cabo San Lucas offers a unique desert-like setting in addition to mountains, great nightlife and restaurants as well as excellent marine life. Where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, the Arco (or Landsend as it is known) also makes for a beautiful photo opportunity and day trip to its beaches.
The Islands of Loreto are another hidden gem in Baja California for those visitors to Mexico seeking quiet colonial charm and stunning beaches. Marine-life lovers will have a field day in Loreto and romantics will lose themselves in the beauty of the quaint town.
Caribbean Beach Vacations
On the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico mainland meets Caribbean charisma for a beach vacation experience unlike any other. Caribbean palm tree beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, delicious Mexican cuisine and fascinating local traditions merge. Visitors to Cancun for example can enjoy amazing beaches as though lost in the Caribbean yet also delight in all the customs and traditions that Mexico has to offer.
You cannot visit Cancun or any of the surrounding destinations without visiting at least one site of archeological interest. The Mayan empire dominated the whole area and so you cannot drive a mile without seeing a sign post to one or another Mayan ruin. In that way your Caribbean beach getaway offers a distinct cultural element that is unique to Cancun and its surroundings.