Discover Seven Surprising and Delightful Destinations in Mexico
Our family loves traveling to Mexico. And all the times we’ve visited, we always felt safe, were treated with wonderful hospitality, and enjoyed a myriad of great adventures. Not to mention the incredible Mexican cuisine we adore.
And though we’ve had fun in vibrant bustling more popular places such as Cancun and Los Cabos, we much prefer the slower pace that other less-traveled Mexican destinations provide. Overall, they are less crowded, more authentic and offer unforgettable experiences we talk about for years.
Here are some of our favorite destinations offering a slice of the real and more undiscovered Mexico.
Zihautanejo
You may not have heard of Zihuatanejo, but in the iconic blockbuster The Shawshank Redemption, Zihuatanejo is the idyllic beach where Red finally meets up with Andy working on his boat in the movie’s final scene.
Zihautanejo, or Zihua (zee-wah) as the locals call it, is situated on the Mexican (west coast) Riviera midway between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. Throughout the years, this unpretentious and charming destination with its protected picturesque bay ringed by lush verdant mountains has somehow managed to retain its small-town fishing village vibe.
One of the main draws are its stunning beaches: Playa La Ropa for its golden sand and calm sea ideal for swimming and Playa Las Gatas for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and incredible snorkeling.
San Miguel de Allende
Located in the far eastern portion of Guanajuato, Mexico at 6,200-feet above sea level, San Miguel de Allende is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Earning a distinctive honor as a UNESCO World Heritage City, this delightful mountaintop community nicknamed the ‘Heart of Mexico’ is filled with unforgettable Old Mexican charm.
It’s here in this magical place that the modern and the ancient blend together in perfect harmony. Picturesque cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, inspired works of art, and fascinating 18th-century churches celebrate San Miguel De Allende’s folklore and age-old traditions.
The purity of San Miguel’s seductive colors, character, and light draws painters, writers, and sculptures like moths to a flame. It’s all this and more that gives the town a mystical quality that lures visitors time and again.
Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
A small coastal town on Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, Todos Santos is situated about 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas and 45 miles south of La Paz. The town is known for its picturesque beauty, charming atmosphere, cobblestoned streets, rich cultural heritage and history dating back to the 18th century when it was established as a mission town by Spanish missionaries.
There’s no doubt the town’s prestigious designation as one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos is well-deserved. With its colonial architecture, iconic structures like the Hotel California that inspired the famous Eagles song, its stunning natural beauty, remote beaches and quaint boutique shops, Todos Santos is a destination you need to put on your must-visit and one you’ll long remember.
Bucerías
In Spanish, Bucerías means “place of divers.” Once a small fishing village with cobblestone roads and brightly colored homes (with enormous doors), this town in the state of Nayarit still maintains a laid-back simple lifestyle that feels like a trip back in time.
Many say that Bucerías is what Puerto Vallarta was 50 years ago. It’s an easily walkable town that’s a photographer’s dream with its vibrant colors, fascinating sculptures, creative wall murals and charming boutique shops. As the sleepy village with its fun, teeming marketplace is slowly becoming more cosmopolitan, we wonder how long before the word gets out about this secret slice of Mexican paradise. But for now, it’s still delightfully quaint.
Merida
Though Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatan in the southeastern part of Mexico, it’s renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and impressive colonial architecture. It’s often called the “White City” due to its prevalent use of white limestone in its buildings.
Merida is a fascinating blend of Mayan and Spanish influences. Founded in 1542, the current city is located on the site of a former Mayan City of T’hó, and remnants of this ancient civilization can still be found in its environs.
The historic downtown area known as the Centro Historico is one of its main draws with magnificently preserved colonial buildings. Add in museums which provide insight into Mayan life, a lively cultural scene which includes the Jarana, the traditional Yucatan dance, numerous festivals and an impressive culinary scene and you have all the ingredients of a beloved Mexico destination. In addition, the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza are easily accessible from the town.
La Paz, Baja California Sur
Some visitors to Mexico may have experienced the magical paradise of this capital city of Baja California Sur sitting about 2/3 down the lengthy Baja Peninsula along the Sea of Cortez. La Paz is well-renowned for its abundant biodiverse marine life. Home to an impressive array of marine species which includes whales, dolphins, sea lions and more than 800 species of fish including the immense whale sharks, La Paz has become a popular destination for eco-tourism and water-based adventures such as scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
Espiritu Santo Island, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a nearby treasure that offers many opportunities for wildlife encounters, pristine beaches and crystalline waters that visitors are often unaware of.
And even more secretive, stunning Belandra Bay located just 20 minutes from the heart of La Paz feels a world away. Surrounded by massive rock formations, Belandra Bay is also known as the “Laguna de la Colores” for its six different contrasting colors of blue and turquoise and its warm shallow pristine waters ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Mazunte, Oaxaca
A small coastal village on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mazunte is beloved for its pristine beaches, laid-back ambience and ecological consciousness.
Once a bustling fishing village, Mazunte has transformed into a destination sought out by travelers looking for a tranquil and nature-oriented experience often associated with holistic and alternative lifestyles. Visitors will find yoga retreats, meditation centers and workshops promoting sustainable living and natural medicine.
The village itself is nestled between lush verdant hills with breathtaking views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its beaches are wide and golden with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Mazunte’s National Mexican Turtle Center plays a crucial role in the conservation and preservation of sea turtles.
What we also love about this area is its incredibly fresh seafood that creative chefs transform into artistic culinary treasures. Seafood lovers will find an abundance of beachfront restaurants and seafood shacks offering delicious meals and stunning ocean views.
The next time you’re thinking of heading to Mexico, consider one of these lesser-visited destinations for a more authentic and enriching Mexican experience that you’ll long remember.