By Dionne Aiken

By Dionne Aiken and J.B. Bissell

Whether you want to go back to your favorite Mexican hotspot or are looking for a new-to-you coastal gem, this scrapbook will inspire your next south-of-the-border sojourn.

There is no shortage of ideal vacation destinations up and down Mexico’s shoreline. The question is which one is ideal for you. Each has eternally agreeable weather and unique attractions, innumerable outdoor activities and local culinary specialties, and comfortable accommodations—including some top-rate all-inclusive properties—from which to explore the individual regions.

Scroll on to see where you’d like to travel next.

From cliffs to church

Acapulco

Even if you’ve never been to Acapulco, you’ve heard about the clavadistas—or cliff divers—at La Quebrada. Adjusting for wind gusts and timing their jumps with the ocean current, these brave performers leap from as high as 130 feet or more during their near daily shows.

The best way to experience this breathtaking spectacle is to book an organized tour, some of which might include additional sites or a meal and cocktails.

With bright white walls, blue artistic touches, and vivid yellow tiles, Acapulco’s Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral is a unique stop for history fans and anyone seeking a bit of solitude and inner peace.

The church is located in the Zócalo, the city’s main public square, so you’ll also find plenty of restaurants to sample, a fun mix of street performers, and shops to peruse.

As nature intended

Cancún

Cancún’s nightlife is legendary, and while the late-night dance clubs and raucous bars remain popular attractions, perhaps the most pleasant surprise here is the beauty of Mother Nature’s contributions.

Go snorkeling, join a catamaran cruise, take a boat tour through lesser-known (and quieter) waterways, or simply stake your claim to a stretch of sand on the beach.

Just be sure to dedicate a few days of your trip to natural Cancún. You’ll certainly appreciate it after a night or two of revelry at Coco Bongo.

The Mundane Doesn’t Exist

Throughout Mazatlán, even run-of-the-mill cityscapes present opportunities for strikingly colorful scenes.

it’s all vibes

Mazatlán

If you had to describe Mazatlán in one word, vibrant would be a fine choice. From the architecture and art galleries to the cuisine and welcoming public spaces, the spirited vibe here doesn’t just seep into the everyday, it permeates it.

New Fun, Old Mazatlán

Dating to the 19th century, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the centerpiece of Old Mazatlán. Marvel at the church’s intricate architecture and then stroll through nearby markets and enjoy a bite from a local taco stand.

Bust a Move

You can take dance lessons and find dance clubs around Mazatlán, but you may also find yourself busting out a spontaneous twirl thanks to the roaming mariachi bands in town.

A Seafood Specialty

There are plenty of excellent restaurants around town, but be sure to enjoy some of the city’s famous ceviche, too (ideally enjoyed beneath an umbrella with beach views). Often made with Spanish mackerel and a mix of carrots, cucumbers, and onions, it’s a refreshing mid-afternoon snack.

Your Secret Hideaway

Puerto Peñasco

Puerto Peñasco—also known as Rocky Point, especially to old-school U.S. visitors—has been a hidden-gem drive-to destination for decades thanks to its location at the northern edge of the Gulf of California, about a four-hour drive from both Phoenix and Tucson.

And while it may be gaining in popularity, the small-town expat charm remains.

The shoreline is the undisputed star here, and water activities run the gamut from boat tours to kayaking, paddleboarding to snorkeling, and parasailing to exploring the fascinating tide pools.

Hiking, shopping, and off-road excursions are fun ways to fill the days when you’d prefer to keep your feet dry.

An all-around destination

Puerto Vallarta and
Nuevo Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region, including nearby Nuevo Vallarta, is certainly one of Mexico’s most well-rounded vacation destinations. The deep cultural roots mixed with natural beauty—not to mention a fun, welcoming atmosphere—mean there truly is something here for every sort of traveler.

Around the Old Town

Situated on Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is a bustling beach city. Stroll the sand around the unique spiral-shaped Los Muertos Pier before exploring the shops, cafes, and galleries along the Malecón boardwalk and through the Romantic Zone.

One Tequila, Two …

By law, the vast majority of tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, which means Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to learn more about the spirit and, of course, sample some of the best.

Country Tours

Guided day trips through tequila country are available, and often include a meal, factory tour, and sightseeing.

A Serene paradise

Riviera Maya

Situated a short drive south of Cancún, Riviera Maya puts you in close proximity to a number of Quintana Roo’s coastal treasures, including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.

The scenery here is the stuff of postcards, so wherever you decide to explore, you’ll want to take your time soaking up the topography—and snapping some awe-inducing photographs.

Take a day trip to see the Tulum archeological site. The remaining structures are believed to be 500 to 800 years old and are very well preserved. Perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to trade a beach day in order to visit: The sentinel ruins are perched right above a beautiful Caribbean strand.

Cenotes—sinkholes flooded with fresh water from underground cave systems—are some of Mexico’s coolest natural attractions. You can snorkel (or even scuba dive) or simply float in the refreshing water shaded by the surrounding jungle.

A tale of two cities

South Baja

In many ways, the two main towns that make up the Los Cabos region—Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—remain polar opposites. One is very popular, with a bustling marina, golf courses, and lively nightlife. The other has maintained a bit of a backwater persona, known (by those who know) for art walks and farm-to-table restaurants. But both grant you access to this spellbinding spit of land, where the desert slopes into the sea and oceans collide.