The Best Beach Towns in Mexico for Couples—Romantic Escapes Without the Crowds

Nestled on the southern Pacific coast, Zihuatanejo offers a tranquil oasis for those seeking a small beach town with a less touristy feel as compared to nearby Ixtapa. Laid back and authentic, it sits atop dramatic cliffs that surround a deep bay with stunning sweeping views. There are four beaches here with Playa La Ropa being the most popular. This long and pretty stretch is just outside downtown and offers typically mild waves ideal for swimming and bodysurfing. Or take a short boat ride to the pristine white sands of Playa Las Gatas. It sits in a cove with clear blue shallow water and is the top spot in the area for snorkeling just offshore. Plus, it’s lined with eateries serving fresh seafood that can be enjoyed with a cold cerveza.

Don’t Miss: In town, the boardwalk, Paseo del Pescador is a gathering place where you’ll see the fresh catch brought in every morning to sell to restaurant chefs and locals at the Fishermen’s Market. The walkway hugs the coastline from Playa Principal to Playa Madera providing a fabulous place for a romantic stroll with many outstanding photo ops.

Sometimes referred to as Oaxaca’s “secret” beach town, Mazunte is known for its romantic, laid-back vibe and idyllic beaches. Set along the country’s Pacific coast in a small bay to the east of the Punta Cometa peninsula, it’s a true hidden paradise with a hippy feel. As it’s an 8-hour drive on winding roads from the city of Oaxaca, the journey keeps the crowds away. But once you arrive, that will be a distant memory as you gaze out at the endless blue of the ocean.

Don’t Miss: The quiet beach setting with few others around to spend your days on the sand between swimming and sipping fresh-made juices. You will find a handful of eateries with vegetarian dishes available, a limited party scene, and vacation home rentals.

If you’re looking for a romantic beach town that isn’t as secluded with plenty of shops, art galleries, shops and restaurants, Puerto Vallarta may be ideal. It’s home to the vibrant Zona Romantica, both romantic and bohemian, a fabulous place to wander with the one you love, complete with cobbled streets. It’s like a walking museum, complete with street art reflecting the creative and cultural diversity. Playa de Los Muertos offers a lively central beach ideal for swimming and sunset watching with several outstanding bars and restaurants.

Don’t Miss: You can shop for handmade items at the Old Town Farmers’ Market and in Lazaro Cardenas Park, walk the Malecon and enjoy the many bars and clubs after dark.

Couples who prefer outdoor adventures might consider Sayulita. Just an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, it’s a top spot for surfers, including first-timers who can take advantage of the surf schools and beginner-friendly waves (although there’s plenty for the more experienced too). It’s also possible to take a boat tour to the protected Marieta Islands, a gem for snorkeling with abundant marine life. Between December and early April, you’re likely to spot humpback whales too. With lush jungle just beyond the beach, Sayulita is also ideal for hiking and ATV rides.

Don’t Miss: The town itself is an arts and culture hub with colorful streets lined with boutiques, artisan craft shops and local markets for buying handmade items. Nearby, the smaller town of San Pancho offers even more as an artistic community with galleries and artisan workshops.

Encompassing both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is one of the top travel destinations in Mexico. It’s renowned for its upscale resorts, high-end shopping and fine dining, with plenty of opportunities for romance. Visiting Playa del Amor (Lovers Beach) via water taxi is a must for couples with its stunning scenery, including the famous rock formations like El Arco. Along the way, you can watch for the many sea lions and pelicans in the area and look down into the clear turquoise water to see a myriad of colorful fish.

Don’t Miss: While there are many spectacular beaches throughout Los Cabos, many are not exactly swimmable. Playa Medano near downtown Cabo is the best stretch for swimming and has a hearty party scene, with many famous lively bars like The Office. It’s also possible to rent wave runners and kayaks and join boat tours to Playa del Amor and El Arco. For a quieter stretch, head to Playa Santa Maria, less than eight miles away toward San Jose del Cabo. Nestled in a secluded cove, its waters display striking hues of blue and green and offer a tranquil spot for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.

Just an hour from Cabo San Lucas between the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the artsy town of Todos Santos has cobbled streets lined with colonial architecture that makes it lovely to explore. There are countless galleries and independent shops to keep you browsing for days, along with a thriving food scene featuring seafood and farm-to-table dishes. From December through early April, watch for gray whales that come very close to the shore and humpback whales that breach in the distance. This is also the season for baby sea turtle releases, held in the hour before sunset—an experience made even more magical by the stunning year-round skies.

Don’t Miss: Just minutes from downtown is a long, often empty stretch of soft golden sands. The waves are too powerful for swimming but popular among experienced surfers. It’s also ideal for a romantic walk while enjoying the beautiful views.

The small town of Loreto, along the Sea of Cortez in the Sierra de la Giganta, might just be my favorite of all Mexican beach towns. Once the original capital of the Province of the Californias, it is surrounded by natural beauty. The area boasts numerous beaches, both in town and on the uninhabited islands of the adjacent Bahía de Loreto National Park. Kayaking and snorkeling tours depart from the marina along the waterfront, and in winter, Loreto becomes one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive blue whale—the largest animal to have ever lived. Humpback whales, fin whales, orcas and a variety of dolphins can also be seen.

Don’t Miss: Loreto itself is a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town), a designation awarded to Mexican towns for their charm, heritage and cultural authenticity. It is home to several impressive colonial buildings, including the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto. At the city museum, you can delve into its history as the first permanent Spanish settlement in the Californias. In the historic center, you’ll find an array of art galleries, shops, cafés and restaurants, while the Malecón offers the perfect vantage point for witnessing one of the most glorious sunrises you might ever see.

The island of Cozumel is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving and is naturally home to some of the most beautiful beaches. San Miguel de Cozumel is the main town, often referred to simply as “Cozumel.” Located on the west side of the island, it offers access to some of the best, including Playa Morena, Playa Mia and Playa Palancar with chalk-white sands and clear turquoise water.

Don’t Miss: Benito Juarez Park, a lively plaza that opens to the ocean on one side and is lined with shops on the other, features a colorful “Isla Cozumel” sign perfect for photos, along with shaded benches where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere. On its east side, you’ll see the Cozumel Crafts Market with all sorts of locally crafted items for sale, from ceramics and silver to blankets, clothing and souvenirs. Like many towns in Mexico, there’s a waterfront strip called the Malecon that’s ideal for strolling with a stunning view of the Caribbean.

Tulum has evolved significantly in recent years, becoming one of the world’s trendiest beach destinations. Popular for its upscale bohemian vibe, it attracts everyone from romance seekers to wellness enthusiasts. Its natural beauty is unmatched and it also offers a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization with its famous ruins—one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the region.

Don’t Miss: Many visitors start their day with yoga on the beach before diving into activities like snorkeling and scuba diving among coral reefs, hiking and biking scenic trails, or exploring the region’s cenotes. Luxurious spas are scattered throughout too, with massages and wellness treatments to indulge in.

An island paradise with a serene atmosphere off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Chiquila, about a two-hour drive from Cancun. Its remoteness keeps the crowds away and allows visitors to enjoy the remarkable beauty in peace. This is a car-free island with transport by golf cart, including golf cart taxis that will bring you to your accommodation. The only town here is also called “Holbox,” and is easily walkable from the ferry terminal.

Don’t Miss: The main beach, Playa Holbox, offers unspoiled white sands just a short walk away. Fringed with swings, hammocks and intimate cafes, it’s the perfect place to chill. From June through September, it’s a top spot for swimming with whale sharks. Other wildlife encounters are possible throughout the year, including sea turtles, flamingos and dolphins.