15 BEST Beach Towns in Mexico

Chances are if you’re considering a beach vacation in Mexico, Cancun comes to mind immediately. This busy city on the southeast coast of the country often serves as the gateway to the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula (and the Riviera Maya) and all its tropical allure.

Other than epic beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun is well known for one very specific thing: spring break. It’s party central for sun-seeking travelers every spring. But there are lots of things to do in Cancun—it’s so much more than glitzy nightlife and beach bars. Cancun is home to Maya culture, tons of watersport activities, ecotourism tours, artisanal markets, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.

Playa Delfines is where all the locals like to hang out. It’s not owned by any resort or major hotel, so you’ll have uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea. The vibe is super chilled out here, and it’s entirely public, so you’ll find lots of local food stalls.

If you’d like to go a little further out of town, check Puerto Morelos. This sleepy fishing village is calm and quiet, and the coral reef here is popular for divers and snorkelers.