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These Are The 6 Most Popular Beach Destinations In Mexico According To New Report

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Looking to escape a cold dreary winter for a relaxing beach vacation? Mexico is a beautiful country where the sun always shines so it’s no wonder that it is the most popular destination in the world for American sun seekers traveling abroad.  

With soft sand beaches and crystal clear waters Mexico boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and regularly appears on best beach lists.  

Playa del Carmen statue and beach

But which beach resort should you choose?  

According to a new report released by the Mexican Tourism Ministry, these are the 6 most popular beach destinations in Mexico:  

6. Puerto Vallarta  

2023 was a record-breaking year for visitors to Puerto Vallarta, and it’s easy to see why this beach resort is so popular.  

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Mexican Pacific coast with beautiful golden sand beaches. It has a reputation for being home to some of the best restaurants in Mexico and for its growing wellness industry.

Playa Las Animas in Mexico. It is a beautiful beach in the southern zone of Puerto Vallarta.

This is the place to go if you want to enrich your mind, body, and soul by visiting one of the many luxurious 5-star spas in the resort.  

It’s also worth noting that Puerto Vallarta is considered Mexico’s LGBTQ+ party capital and is the place to be if you’re looking for welcoming bars, clubs, and events. There are fewer better places in Mexico to party. 

5. Nuevo Nayarit 

Looking for a relaxed but vibrant beach destination? Nuevo Nayarit boasts a five-kilometer (three-mile) shoreline and beautiful golden sand beaches.  

People often compare Nuevo Nayarit to Puerto Vallarta as they are both located on Mexico’s Pacific coast but they both have very different vibes. Riviera Nayarit is more relaxed, and its resorts tend to be more luxurious.  

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit  Mexico

Nuevo Vallarta is a planned resort, meaning that it is very modern, but it is surrounded by fascinating and historical attractions in its wider vicinity.  

Some of the attractions that make the region one of Mexico’s most popular beach resorts include the biodiverse Marieta Islands that are just off its coastline and the popular laid-back surfing village of Sayulita.  

4. Cancun 

Cancun is historically America’s favorite destination in Mexico. With direct flights from many U.S. cities, one of the reasons that Cancun is so popular is because it is so easy to get to.  

But it’s not just convenience that makes Cancun such a popular spot. The white sand beaches are beautiful, and it has an excellent tourism infrastructure in place. Cancun is home to an amazing array of all-inclusive resorts.  

beach resorts in cancun

If you’re interested in exploring Mexico’s rich history, then the destination is also located near some incredible Mayan architecture, such as the ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum.  

3. Cabo San Lucas  

Cabo San Lucas is regularly rated as one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations, and now it is one of its most popular beach resorts too.  

The beaches are the main attraction of Cabo San Lucas and the destination has a huge concentration of Blue Flag beaches. If you want to enjoy the ocean then this is a great place to be. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular here.  

Panoramic View Of A Beach In Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexican Pacific, Mexico

From the shoreline you can see iconic sights such as the Arco de San Lucas and Mount Solmar.  

Cabo San Lucas has something to offer everyone. It is considered one of the most exclusive destinations in Latin America and is the place to be if you’re looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation.  

2. Akumal 

Akumal is a relatively new tourist destination that started life as a base for scuba divers in the 1950s. Now it is still a popular dive and snorkeling center but it is also a popular destination for sun seekers.  

Fishing Boats Docked By A Sandy Beach In Akumal, On The Mayan Riviera, Caribberan Sea, Mexico

Some of the highlights of any trip to Akumal include the chance to see its coral reefs, swim in the warm water and explore the rich marine life. People travel from all over Mexico and the world to Akumal to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.  

Akumal has a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars but this isn’t the spot for hard-core party animals. Akumal has a serene ambiance that makes it incredibly appealing.  

1. Playacar  

The most beautiful and exclusive hotel zone in Playa del Carmen, Playacar is considered to be the jewel of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera and is its most popular beach destination.  

Playacar is home to Mexico’s most beautiful white sand beaches, and because it’s an exclusive gated community of luxurious hotels, it’s also an incredibly safe destination.  

view of Playacar beach in sunny day, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Playacar is popular with golf fans thanks to its very own 18-hole championship golf course. Because it is close to Playa del Carmen you can be near to a vibrant and bustling resort destination but in a quieter and more upscale environment.  

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach resort where you can sip cocktails at beachfront bars and unwind while enjoying life music, then Playacar is the perfect choice.  

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com