Puerto Escondido has long been a magnet for surfers chasing the legendary Mexican Pipeline, but this stretch of Oaxaca’s coastline offers far more than massive swells. It is a place where rugged cliffs meet golden sand, where fishing boats launch at dawn, and where the pace of life slows the moment you arrive. Whether you are looking for a secluded cove, a family-friendly lagoon, or a front-row seat to world-class waves, the beaches here each carry their own distinct personality.
The coastline is divided into distinct zones, from the bustling hub of Playa Zicatela to the quieter shores further north and south. Some beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while others demand respect due to powerful currents and shore breaks. Understanding the character of each beach is the key to matching the right stretch of sand to your travel style, fitness level, and comfort in the water.
Local infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, yet many beaches retain a raw, undeveloped charm that feels increasingly rare along Mexico’s Pacific coast. You can still find palapa-style restaurants serving fresh catch of the day just steps from the tide line. The balance between accessibility and authenticity is part of what makes exploring Puerto Escondido’s beaches so rewarding.
Because the town sits along a series of bays and points, the orientation of each beach changes how it receives swell, wind, and afternoon sun. That means conditions can vary dramatically within a short drive. A beach that is calm in the morning might become choppy by midday, while another spot just around the headland stays glassy and protected.
For travelers, this variety is an advantage. You can spend one morning learning to surf on a gentle beach break, then retreat to a sheltered cove for an afternoon swim without ever leaving the immediate area. Families, solo travelers, couples, and surfers can all find their ideal patch of sand without compromise.
Below is a curated guide to the best beaches in Puerto Escondido, organized by what makes each one special. Use it to plan your days around the conditions, your skill level, and the kind of coastal experience you are after.
Playa Coral
| Address | Playa Coral, Del Pacífico Norte, Bacocho, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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Cynthia Bishop★★★★★
Google maps will direct you to a closed off entrance. The Hotel Villa Mexicana is they way to go. I was charged 100pp. And the locals chair/umbrella person tried for 350 and came down to 250pp. It wasn't clear to me that the hotel chair/umbrella area was available non hotel members. Give it a try.
The swimming in front of the hotel area is a bit more accessible. Go there first.
Of the 3 beaches I visited in the area, this was the least crowded. It's a beautiful beach.
Paul Donovan★★★★★
The easiest way to access this lovely beach is paying for a wristband at the Hotel Villa Mexicana Puerto Escondido. We have absolutely no problem with this. They built the long concrete zig zag ramp and the infrastructure and they allow non guests access so more power to them ! And thank you. If you want to get there there is access from further north. There are different levels of access but we just didn’t the simple $50.P each. There are hotel umbrellas with 2 comfortable looking lounges for $250.P. A little further south there are umbrellas with plastic chairs for $200. from locals. At the southern most cliff there are palm trees and limited shade. Gotta keep moving with the sun, chasing the shade or cook ! Some decent snorkeling in this area depending on the ocean conditions. There are guys that will sell you ice cold beers, pop and chips / snacks for a reasonable price. Lovely way to enjoy the afternoon.
Yanjka★★★★★
This beach is pretty quiet during the week and has many spots in the shade. There are cute dogs running around, playing with the waves. The waves can be strong, don't swim with glasses. To reach the beach directly from the road, you can either pay a $50 fee to go through the hotel or go through a pretty adventurous path on the side. It's fine if you're fit and don't have vertigo
Saba B★★★★☆
Beautiful beach with rough waves, entrance was through Villa Mexicana. $50/person to enter and $100/per person if you want a hamburger included. The ramp leading down to the beach is pretty steep, so anyone with mobility issues might have a problem going down/getting back up from the beach.
Trevor Cavell★★★★★
You have to pay to get in here through the hotel (we paid $100 for two at 7am one morning), but it was worth it for sure. The old creepy abandoned water park is amazing and the beach was perfect for swimming. There’s some rocks and bits to walk around on the right too, which was nice.
Playa Principal
| Address | Bahia Principal, 71984 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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Doug Buchanan★★★★★
We particularly loved this beach ⛱️ a beautiful 😍 spot to swim. We sat at the end of the beach under a very large tree, where we enjoyed cervesa and lunch.
J M★★★★★
LOVED spending the days here, swimming in the cool water, reading in the sun, eating and drinking coconuts. Literal heaven 🌴
Isabelle-Sterling Peloso★★★★★
This area was so fun to explore! We stumbled on the 2025 Marlin Fest, which offered a cash prize for the fisherman with the largest Marlin catch. There were tons of vendors and families enjoying the water. Such a picturesque area to walk around. We enjoyed local ice cream and explored the neighboring street vendors. Highly recommend to visitors.
David Mills★★★★★
The older part of Puerto Escondido and the fishing port area. Charming street. Lots of shops and places for coffee and food. Swimming beach as well.
Oxana★★★★★
Large beach with free shade close by, lots of locals come here but it's not too crowded. You can buy fresh fruits and eat on the beach and also there are restaurants.
Playa Bacocho
jose luis Pulido★★★★★
Great beach to see the baby turtle release, if you want to release them you need to pay 150 pesos. The sun down on this beach has the best views!!!! You need to be very careful to swim. Go at 18:00 +- to enjoy the above.
Arriana Michopoulou★★★★★
Really beautiful beach, such a great scenery. Gets busy by sunset time, almost empty during midday. No shadow so bring umbrella. Difficult to enter the sea if you are not experienced because of big waves. At 5pm there is the turtle release by the organisation (didn't participate, felt really touristic and not that environmental friendly). Beautiful sunset.
Niklas Baudy★★★★★
Nice beach. The waves are quite tall. Not that suitable for swimming. On the plus side there's almost no one. It's a bit further out though.
sebastian ferreyra★★★★★
Playa Bacocho is a beautiful beach located in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Visitors can enjoy the soft sand, clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. Additionally, the experience of releasing baby turtles into the sea is emotional and unforgettable, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area.
Chesk Parker★★★★★
Lovely beach but would not recommend the turtle release. Feels extremely touristy and strange… especially when you have to watch 80% of the turtles get eaten by the birds once they’re in the ocean. A bit traumatic tbh!
Bahia Puerto Escondido
| Address | Bahia Puerto Escondido, Marina Nacional 3, Hidalgo, 71984 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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JustLeo24★★★★☆
Need a scooter to move around, Some restaurants are very good.
Rene Schütte-Bruns★★★★★
Great place for pictures, a walk, or a swim - or all of the mentioned. Make sure to bring sunscreen since it can get hot. Yet, there are many restaurants who offer seating by the beach with a great view and a relaxing vibe. Different to Playa Zicatela, the majority of people is of Mexican origin, and potentially local.
Eh U★★★★☆
Nice beach, very clean, locals, families and some touris, not very crowded but defently not empty or spacy, some days there were people all over.
Boats come directly to the beach, you'll have to watch out
Erian Ajuria★★★★★
Clean and peaceful beach. Not good for swimming, but for surfers, beach walkers and the like.
Pete Tavares, Jr★★★★★
Beautiful, clean,🌴, friendly people!!!! Wonderful 🏄!!!! Plenty of hotels & bars are close @ hand!!!!
Playa Bacocho
| Address | Bacocho, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours |
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Gustavo Quiroz★★★★★
Beautiful beach, certified.
Let’s start with the fact that you won’t find more beautiful sunsets at any other beach! If you love sunsets you need to come here!
One of the things we liked the most is that street selling is not allowed, which makes the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable. The beach feels clean, calm, and well maintained.
You have access to Bacocho Beach Club even if you do not pay the daily access fee. You can still sit down, eat at the restaurant, and use their bathrooms, which is a big plus. There is also a coconut water stand nearby that offers good food if you want something more casual.
The best part by far is the waves. They are huge, powerful, and incredibly fun. This is a perfect spot for wave lovers, even if you are not a surfer. Just being in the water and feeling the energy of the ocean here is amazing.
The beach feels private, safe, and peaceful, while still being exciting because of the waves. We absolutely loved Playa Bacocho and would come back without hesitation.
Gowdess Coleman★★★★★
My favorite beach! Its not crowded like the other beaches nearby. I often feel like I have my own private beach when I go. The beach club is a nice place to have a little food and drinks as the sun sets and they have movie nights on Wednesdays and they have an entire snack bar/buffet kinda thing which is really nice. The water is also not as crazy as Zicatela or la Punta. I enjoy it a lot!
Meet Virk★★★★★
I absolutely love this beach! It’s clean and very large. There is a lot of space to spread out and often times it feels like you’re the only one there. It is very serene. The waves crashing is a wonderful sound.
I personally don’t swim here because I am not a strong swimmer but if you are confident then it’s swimmable and not rocky. The waves are strong! Bring your own towel and drinks, food. There isn’t much around in terms of convenience.
Matthew Nix★★★★★
Stunning beach - very clean, with tons of space for people to walk and explore. Waves and the tide are pretty strong, definitely for more experienced swimmers.
Gabriel Heyes★★★★☆
Beautiful beach with some massive waves. Really nice to have a walk up and down for a relaxing afternoon.
Puerto Angelito
| Address | Puerto Angelito, Hidalgo, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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Maria Armendariz★★★★★
One of the best Beaches around Puerto Escondido, you can swim and relax while you’re getting served by local restaurants and bars, I had an amazing experience walking around the island
Esme L. Robinson★★★★☆
Good beach, VERY busy at all times because of easy access. Best for children because of the calm water and safety.
Errol Lewis★★★★★
Beautiful local beach. Not much room on the sand, due to boats. Crystal clear water and many vendors. Can get busy, but worth checking out. Can book boat tours here very easily.
Carol-Marie Haywood★★★★☆
Spent a few hours here. Although it is a small beach the water is beautiful! I can see how it can get crowded fast since it’s a hot spot for the locals. There’s not much room for sun bathing but if you dine at the restaurant you’re able to leave your stuff there to swim about in the water.
Henry Harry★★★☆☆
It’s a lovely bay but very very busy at the weekends. At one point there was 5 rows of people in the shallows making almost impossible to enter the water. You can see some fish in the rocks if you are early in the morning and there are many many bars and restaurants to grab food or drink, most are more expensive than the other local beaches. It is nice but go early and on a weekday.
Playa Carrizalillo
| Address | VVMR+GR, 71983 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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Sandra Sanchez★★★★★
The waves were so powerful ,everyone was battling to get out of the water because the waves pulled you in deeper or forced you to go in and out aggressively. I do not recommend children or elderlys to swim here. I was scared most of the time until I finally got out to sit at the cabana even the waves reached to that area and people almost jumped on to me from the waves pressure . It was better to float on a surf board to rest i was so tired from all that movement then to get out your have to go up so many stairs and that was so tiring.
Cynthia Bishop★★★★★
This beach is right in the heart of the Rinconada neighborhood. Get a lounge with an umbrella, 500 pesos for 2 people, 250 for one. There is food and drink to be had, a massage, Laura selling beaded necklaces. There are a lot of people but that's also what makes it fun. The water is wonderful and the beach is clean, that yellow more granular sand. No need to wear water shoes but bring your snorkel gear there's a lot to see.
Tina Tierney★★★★★
This beach is excellent for swimming.
Massage therapist strolling the beach
I prefer Pina coladas from the last restaurant all the way down to the end... excellent 👌
There are 200 stairs to walk down to arrive at beach
Alexander Isai Prado Cedano★★★★☆
Very busy beach. It's the best place to swim in Puerto Escondido, but it's small and it requires of many stairs to arrive. It is a must to visit anytime.
Horacio Bentez★★★★★
Very nice, very good atmosphere, it is a beach to enjoy, relax and live together.
Playa Zicatela
Diana Rojas★★☆☆☆
Didn't like the fish smell and the weather is super hot. I couldn't stay for more that a day. Not a very beautiful place to stay or do shopping. View is similar to other beaches ⛱️. My personal opinion
Doug Buchanan★★★★☆
Very long beach ⛱️ if you walk do so in the morning as the surf is too strong for swimming to go for dip. Central beach area known for surfing, this area also hosts a number of good restaurants and bars. Very hot 🥵 30 - 31C Feb/Mar.
J M★★★★☆
A 3.5 km long stretch of paradise.
The sunsets I saw here are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen.
The waves can be pretty tough depending on which side of the beach you’re on so do be careful.
Loungers for rent scattered across the playa.
A happy and peaceful place to spend the days.
shahin mehrvarz★★★★☆
As touristy as it gets!
Beautiful beaches and lots of vars and restaurants!
On the path to be a fancy Tulum in a few years.
P. Howe★★★★☆
Great place to sit on the beach and watch the waves crash in… swimming here though not a good idea with large waves and undertow
Playa Agua Blanca
| Address | 70944 Santa Maria, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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| Phone | — |
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Michael Hyde★★★★★
Stayed a couple nights here at this beach. Restaurant owner, who was very friendly, allowed me to camp on the beach in exchange for ordering food. Nothing better than a fresh coconut water and seafood at the beach! Super safe and much quieter than the beaches south and east of here. It’s possible to catch a bus on the highway to Agua Blanca followed by a short walk (be careful of getting overcharged by the bus attendant). Definitely worth the effort to arrive here!
aza ruiz★★★★★
I had an amazing day in playa Agua blanca the tide was a bit high but if you time de waves you can go in when the waves are not too strong also there is little pools that are protected from the waves I left from Chedraui in puerto Escondido the bus line is called Delfines they charge me $45 pesos and they dropped you off on the road and is about 3/4 of a mile to get to the beach and to come back just go on the side going back to puerto there is a blue shade bench where you wait for the bus 🙏
Phillip Shockley★★★★★
This was by far the least crowded beach we found. The surf is too strong for kids to get in our people who aren't very strong swimmers. I'm sure that sometimes it's not too strong but most of the time it is. However, there are tidal pools that appear that are sheltered from the big waves although sometimes really big can come in some. Overall a nice beach especially early in the morning before 10am.
Fresh fish is swimmer available at most of the beach restaurants too which is a big plus.
Julie Vad★★★★★
Beautiful beach. Many places to eat. The water was a bit rough today so couldn’t swim. We felt like we were on a private island.
Nathan Chandler★★★★★
A long stretch of beach interspersed with rocky areas where the surf really crashes. There are some restaurants along the way but almost all of them were closed when we visited on a Thursday. Nice and relaxing and we should have brought our umbrella to sit and enjoy it.
Playa Carrizalillo
Tom, not the guy from MySpace.★★★★★
Chill, free beach to spend the mornings. The palapas will rent the camastros and tables for low prices, be ready climb down and up the stairs, “free” parking, the parking is based on donation, please be sure you guys feed the two little dogs on the empty lot! We left food and water bowls under the three.
amandamondro★★★★☆
It’s looks really pretty and the water is a nice temp. However, it was crowded and there was some kind of rubbish floating on top of the water. The swim area gets deep rather close to the shore, but it’s nice and calm to swim in.
Mark gannon★★★★★
Lovely beach - we paid $500 for a bed on the left hand side of the beach. Very comfortable and staff took care of us.
Be mindful of the steps down to the beach and lack of toilet facilities available
Wayne Rempel★★★★★
A great little beach with calm water for swimming. We paid 500 pesos for 2 chairs for the day.
lesmil - let's go!★★★★★
Very long stairway to get to the beach. Unless you really want to get there and in very good shape, well, good luck. We went down a little ways as the sun was setting and it was lovely.
Playa Marinero
| Address | Marinero, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | — |
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Kdub★★★★☆
This is a must do when visiting the Oaxaca region.
In addition to being stunningly beautiful, Puerto Escondido is well protected because it lies within the isolated coastal region of Oaxaca. Though it is developed, it remains Beautiful, tranquil atmosphere, often uncrowded; making it ideal for relaxation and enjoying sunsets. Be aware of strong under current.
The postcard-perfect locale, which can be accessed via car and open daily from sunrise to after sunset.
Puerto Escondido offers amenities such as restrooms, rinse-off showers and a few beachfront restaurants that serve fresh caught seafood and lical fruits. Guests can also rent umbrellas, beach chairs, boats, motorcycles and snorkeling gear.
Foaming waves glide across roaring pebbles, the surf slides over smoothed-out bright white and warm honeyed gold sand, surrounded by hanging palms.
Yaro Traveler★★★★★
In the morning you can buy fresh fish from fishermen
Abel Martinez★★★★★
Beautiful
Eduardo Zapién★★★★☆
Umbrellas are available at a regular price. They give you prices, but there are no food options. Swimming here isn't recommended for everyone. It's preferable to walk a bit to the main beach. It gets quite hot because the beach/sand area is so large. I think it must be nice at night to watch the sunset.
Dani nc★★★★★
This small beach, popular for morning fishing, is located next to Zicatela, so the waves are still huge and very violent. The steep slope of the sea makes swimming impossible. But the view is beautiful.
Playa Manzanillo
Lesley Mercado★★★★★
This beach is so pretty! I recommend for people to go early in the morning to avoid turbid water since it gets dirtier with people. The morning offers a more clear and prettier water to swim in!
Ariel Lherisson★★★★★
Beautiful beach, but keep in mind it’s only accessible by stairs, so not ideal for those with mobility issues. Go early and on a weekday for the best experience. I went on a Wednesday at 7AM and had the place practically to myself until around noon, when the crowds started rolling in.
Super Fantastic★★★★☆
Cute spot that gets a little packed on hot days. Getting to the beach itself is difficult because there is a long staircase you must go up and down. Not suitable for disabled persons. Once you're on the beach, though, it's pleasant!
Doug Buchanan★★★★☆
Less crowded beach, easy walk to access either north or south.
Caitlin★★★★☆
The beach is beautiful but it is a bit touristy and unfortunately it was HIGH TIDE like people were being washed into the ocean high tide so it wasn't very swimmable. If you want a lunge chair you gotta there very early.
Tips for Visiting Puerto Escondido Beaches
A little preparation goes a long way when exploring this stretch of the Oaxacan coast. The beaches here are beautiful but also powerful, and local conditions can shift quickly depending on the season, tide, and swell direction. These practical tips will help you stay safe, comfortable, and respectful of the local environment while making the most of your time by the water.
Check ocean conditions before entering. Puerto Escondido is famous for strong currents and heavy shore breaks, especially at Zicatela. Lifeguards use flag systems on some beaches, but not all. Watch the water for several minutes, ask local surfers or lifeguards if you are unsure, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Respect the sun and heat. The Oaxacan sun is intense year-round, and beach shade can be limited outside of restaurant palapas. Wear reef-safe sunscreen, bring a hat and sunglasses, and stay hydrated. The hottest hours between noon and 3 p.m. are better spent under shade or in the water.
Bring cash. Many beachfront restaurants, parking attendants, and small shops do not accept cards. Having pesos on hand makes transactions smoother and helps you support local family-run businesses directly. ATMs in town can run low on weekends, so plan ahead.
Time your visits around the tides. Some beaches reveal tide pools and wider sand at low tide, while high tide can shrink certain coves considerably. For swimming and snorkeling, mid-tide often offers the best balance. Surfers should check tide charts to match breaks to their preferred conditions.
Leave nothing behind. The beaches around Puerto Escondido are home to sea turtles, seabirds, and delicate dune ecosystems. Pack out all trash, avoid single-use plastics, and never disturb turtle nests or wildlife. Small actions help preserve the coastline for future visitors and the local community.
Puerto Escondido rewards travelers who arrive with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore beyond the most famous stretch of sand. Each beach has its own rhythm, and the best way to experience the area is to move between them based on the day’s conditions and your own mood. Some days call for adrenaline and ocean spray, while others are made for long walks and quiet sunsets.
Ultimately, the beaches here are not just scenic backdrops but living parts of the community. Fishermen, surfers, families, and visitors share the shoreline in a way that feels genuine rather than staged. By choosing the right beach for the right moment and treating the coast with care, you will leave with more than a tan—you will leave with a deeper connection to one of Mexico’s most dynamic coastal towns.
Mia Charlotte is a food journalist and certified Local Guide based in Brooklyn, New York. For over ten years, she has explored every corner of the city to discover hidden gems and the best places to visit.
