6 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families

Aerial shot of Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres, island located near Cancun
Aerial shot of Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres, island located near Cancun

White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, scenic views, breath-taking landscapes: There are countless reasons why Mexico is one of the top beach holiday destinations. Mexico’s beach towns offer the finest tourist attractions and amenities to suit any type of holiday goer. 

We will look at 6 of the best Mexican beach family holiday destinations that you should consider for your next family vacation.

Tulum

The Kaan Luum lagoon is located in Tulum, Quintana Roo in Mexico.
The Kaan Luum lagoon is located in Tulum, Quintana Roo in Mexico.

Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and only a short distance from Cancun, Tulum is one of Mexico’s best family beach destinations. Along with the gorgeous coastline, the stunning landscapes and ancient Mayan ruins are sights to behold. This hidden gem is quickly becoming a favorite amongst holiday goers

The crystal clear water, white sand, and lush backdrop make Tulum one of the most picturesque beach destinations in Mexico. Tulum has various beaches that are a few miles apart and are connected by scenic hiking and bicycle paths that make for a magical family excursion. 

Tulum has developed a lot in recent years and is now home to plenty of top-tier hotels, restaurants, and resorts. Despite this, the town remains authentic and relaxed. Tulum is a great combination of adventure, education, exploration, and fantastic beaches.

Cancun

An aerial image of a beach in Cancun, Mexico.
An aerial image of a beach in Cancun, Mexico.

Cancun is the most popular tourist destination in Mexico and it is easy to see why. Cancun is an island just off of Mexico’s southeast coastline. It is rich in history and full of stunning beauty. The city boasts all kinds of adventures, entertainment, and attractions. 

Cancun caters to all types of holiday goers. From the vibrant cuisine to the exciting nightlife, you will never have a dull moment. The Mayan temples, cultural performances, and beautiful beaches are all must-see attractions.

If you are booking a family trip, Cancun will tick every box. The city has plenty to offer for all age groups, there is a huge variety of fantastic resorts and beaches to choose from. Many of the resorts are family-oriented and can give you the peace and quiet that you crave.

Although it is best known for its party scene, there is so much more to Cancun and there is no better place to take your family for an exciting, fun, and diverse Mexican beach experience.

Puerto Vallarta

Amazing view of the city of Puerto Vallarta
Amazing view of the city of Puerto Vallarta

Located in Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a gorgeous beach town that has become a must-see for tourists. Although it is not as busy as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta is still one of the most vibrant and lively holiday vacation spots in Mexico. There is fun for the whole family with countless water activities such as surfing, snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming with dolphins.

Puerto Vallarta’s coastline spans approximately 40 kilometers and has plenty of stunning beaches from which to choose. If you are in the mood to explore or find your private paradise, water taxis allow you to hop between the beaches with ease. 

The mainland is lush and mountainous, with loads of tours, parks, hikes, zip-lining, and other outdoor activities to keep your family active. The surrounding jungles and waterfalls along with the gorgeous beaches give you the best of both worlds. From vibrant beaches with a carnival vibe to the secluded and intimate, the choice is yours

Los Cabos

Santa Maria Beach, Los Cabos, Baja California sur, Mexico
Santa Maria Beach, Los Cabos, Baja California sur, Mexico

Los Cabos is situated in the South of the Baja California Peninsula and consists of two towns, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Los Cabo is home to some of Mexico’s finest golf courses and fishing destinations. 

The surrounding forests and colonial architecture make for a stunning setting and unique Mexican experience. The white sandy beaches with the mountainous backdrop are truly stunning sights. The rocky desert terrain contrasts spectacularly with the turquoise waters that surround it.

Exploring the scenic outskirts will reveal a wealth of outdoor activities and adventures such as zip-lining, bungee jumping, horseback riding, and camel rides through the great dunes. Los Cabos is ideal for families who want a variety of outdoor activities and want a more secluded, intimate family experience.

Playa Norte

Aerial shot of Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres, island located near Cancun
Aerial shot of Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres, island located near Cancun

The gentle waves and clear waters of Playa Norte make for a great kid-friendly beach holiday destination. Playa Norte is a part of Isla Mujeres which is a small island off the coast of Mexico. It is only a short ferry ride from Cancun, so it is definitely worth a visit.

Diverse restaurants and bars line the pedestrian avenue opposite the seaside. Despite the wealth of dining options, there is plenty of space on the vast beach for some peace and quiet. Most people on the island get around using golf carts which can take you anywhere on the small island.

The town is small but still has a great buzz about it. Just like the waves of Playa Norte, the locals are friendly and accommodating. Due to the calmness and clarity of the waters, Playa Norte is an extremely popular swimming and snorkeling destination. A perfect beach destination for a family with young children.

Huatulco

Beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific beach in Huatulco, Mexico
Beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific beach in Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco is a resort town in the state of Ocaxa along Mexico’s south-western coastline. The town borders a massive national park that is home to naturally protected areas that are some of the most beautiful and remarkable untouched spots in Mexico.

 Huatulco is surrounded by nine uniquely stunning bays and thirty-six beaches that offer a variety of conditions for every type of beachgoer. Whether you like calm or wild, Huatulco has the perfect beach for you. It is a fantastic destination for sailing, snorkeling, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, and pretty much every other water-based activity that you can imagine.

Huatulco is laidback compared to the other bustling tourist towns along Mexico’s coastline, but in terms of natural beauty, you can’t beat it. The many shipwrecks and great reefs make for scuba diving and snorkeling paradise.

If you want to experience Mexico’s natural beauty and have a family vacation focussed on exploration and the outdoors, then Huatulco should definitely be near the top of your list.

Conclusion

Mexico is a wonderful place to take your family for a beach holiday and there are a variety of options from which to choose. Apart from the beaches, outdoor activities, and natural beauty, Mexico is a vibrant country full of rich history, cuisine, and culture. Whatever your family requires, you will be able to find the perfect beach, resort, and town for your fantasy beach vacation. 

See Also

US Beaches

6 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families

Hi and welcome to my travel blog! Based in London, I work in investment banking in a quantitative field and although I am not part of the travel industry, I have a ton of passion for travel. My blog is a reference guide for my fellow travelers with the same passion as me. Hopefully the blog is easy to navigate and my aim is to bring the most relevant and interesting information before you begin your journey!