- Cancun is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, but there are plenty of other less popular Mexican beach towns just waiting to enchant travelers.
- From charming surf towns to snorkeling alongside sea turtles, travelers should explore the diverse beauty of the rest of Mexico's vast coastline.
- With warm weather, sunshine and surf galore in Mexico, these destinations offer a quieter, less crowded experience.
Cancun reigns as one of the best in the world top tourist destinations, and it's no mystery for nothing. The region adjacent to the Caribbean Sea is home to a myriad of sprawling resorts, clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife. In 2023, Cancun welcomed more than 21 million tourists.
While Cancun is a beautiful and vibrant city, there are plenty of other less popular Mexican resorts just waiting to enchant travelers. From charming surf towns to snorkeling alongside sea turtles, travelers should explore the diverse beauty of the rest of Mexico's vast coastline.
With warm weather, sunshine and waves in abundance throughout Mexico, these destinations offer a quieter, less crowded experience than enjoying Cancun alongside 30 million other tourists.
Distant houses spotted hidden treasures on the Mexican coast, examining the destinations' natural beauty, recreational offerings, safety and accessibility to learn and experience local culture. To evaluate each city's safety ratings, Far Homes published a report Looking at crime statistics from the Executive Secretariat of the National Security System, we can see that some of these places are known for attracting tourists, but they are nowhere near as saturated as Cancun or Cabo.
Here are eight underrated beach towns in Mexico to add to your travel bucket list.
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Sayulita
Located about an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita perfectly balances bustle with a laid-back energy. “Sayulita is a fun little town full of eclectic restaurants and shops,” says Gene Alvarez, a local real estate agent with Net Real Estate who works with Far Homes. “With several surf spots and a laid-back vibe, it attracts surfers, backpackers, and bohemians.” Getting around is easy for travelers who don’t speak Spanish well, and many rent mopeds or golf carts to zip around town. While the town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita, can be crowded with surfers and sunbathers, travelers can head north to the neighboring village of Playa San Pancho for quieter, more serene beaches.
Akumal
Fly into Cancun airport and head about three hours to Akumal for a more leisurely getaway from Cancun and Tulum. Having scored highly on Far Homes for its natural beauty, Akumal has become better known among travelers for its pristine beaches and lush jungles. Akumal must-dos include snorkeling with sea turtles in the clear waters of Half Moon Bay Marine Protected Area and swimming in the enclosed Yal-Ku Lagoon cenote, says local real estate agent Rob Kinnon of BuyPlaya. Just 15 minutes south is the famous archaeological site of Tulum, where limestone Mayan ruins are perched on a cliff.
Puerto Escondido
Located in the state of Oaxaca, facing the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Escondido is a growing destination for its world-class surfing and laid-back lifestyle. Travelers can fly direct to Puerto Escondido International Airport, less than two miles from the city. “From the hip bars of Zicatela to the laid-back vibe of La Punta, the city has something for everyone,” said local real estate agent Jon Ferioli of Bayside Real Estate. “And with accolades from international magazines, Puerto Escondido is quickly becoming a favorite for digital nomads looking for inspiration and connection.” The city scored highly for its activity offerings. Even if you don't want to brave the often powerful waves, travelers can take crocodile boat tours through the mangroves, admire the bioluminescent plankton glowing in two of the nearby lagoons at night, or visit Casa Wabi, a museum of contemporary art and architecture.
Holbox Island
If you really want to escape the crowds, head to Isla Holbox, a 26-mile-long, car-free island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. While the island has grown in popularity and development, it still offers travelers a secluded beachfront retreat. Travelers can stroll the sand-paved streets barefoot or by golf cart, the main form of transportation on the narrow island. To get there, travelers fly into Cancun International Airport, then drive two hours to Chiquila to board a 15-minute ferry to the island. While Isla Holbox is more difficult to visit than Cancun or Cabo, it’s well worth the effort. The resort town is ranked among the best for its natural beauty, including its bioluminescent lagoons and whale shark tours, and for its safety.
Huatulco
Sun and sand lovers will find Huatulco a paradise with 36 beaches and nine bays, as well as a sunny climate at all hours. Less developed than Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, this small resort town offers activities like kayaking, hiking to waterfalls, and scuba diving, and is bordered by Huatulco National Park. Of course, travelers can also relax on the beach. To get there, travelers can fly into Bahias de Huatulco International Airport, a short 1.5-hour flight from Mexico City. “The international airport is only 10 minutes away, and the area attracts tourists looking for a more authentic Mexican experience and a small-town feel,” said Brent May, founder and CEO of Bayside Real Estate.
Zipolite
Located on the Pacific coast in Oaxaca, Zipolite retains its laid-back, rustic charm and ecotourism focus. “The community evolved around a hippie beach culture and is now known for its great restaurants, bars, trendy boutique hotels and low-key party culture,” May said. More than an hour’s drive from Puerto Escondido International Airport, the town scores well for activities and safety, and it doesn’t have as many tourist traps as more developed parts of Mexico. Zipolite’s sprawling beach remains Mexico’s only legal nude beach, but there’s also a western end known for surfing and a small bay to the east called Playa del Amor, known for its LGTBTQ+ community.
Mahahual
The sleepy fishing village of Mahahual has gained popularity among travelers, thanks in part to cruise ships. However, it still has plenty to offer travelers, and is ranked among the top for culture and safety by Far Homes. “This charming coastal town is best explored by bike,” said Gaby Ortiz, sales manager at Maya Ocean, a local real estate brokerage. “As you pedal through its quaint streets, you can lose track of time, immersed in the natural beauty and tranquility of your surroundings.” To get to Mahahual, travelers can fly into Chetumal International Airport and drive for about two hours. Travelers eager to experience vibrant marine life will find Mahahual the perfect destination. Stretching nearly 71 miles (115 kilometers), the largest barrier reef system in Mexico and the Caribbean, Banco Chinchorro, is just an hour away by boat. The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to coral, American crocodiles, rays, turtles, nurse sharks, and even sunken ships. On land, travelers can visit the Costa Maya Museum and the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins to learn more about local history and culture.
All Saints
About an hour’s drive from Los Cabos International Airport on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Todos Santos is known as a haven for artists and creatives as well as its colonial architecture. Nestled between the coast and the desert, the town is ranked among the top cities for natural beauty, safety and culture with Far Homes. If travelers venture away from the bustling downtown area, which is home to art galleries, shops and restaurants, they can surf at nearby Los Cerritos Beach or hike the coastline of Punta Lobos. “Once a small fishing village, Todos Santos is now home to several chic hotels and world-class restaurants, but it hasn’t lost its independent soul. Be sure to stop by Jazamango for a true Todos Santos culinary experience,” says Nancy Costa, a local real estate agent with Costa Cabo Realty.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.
