I’m always looking for unique, adventurous and exotic travel destinations that are convenient for me to travel to from my home in Western Canada. Crossing the entire continent (and losing four or five hours due to the time change) isn’t always feasible when I’m looking for a short, sunny-weather getaway. That’s why I’m so partial to Mexico’s west coast, a region I’ve visited again and again.
My introduction to Mexico’s west coast came in 2008, when I spent a semester studying abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico. I only had classes four days a week, so I would spend every long weekend exploring the region, both inland and along the coast. I fell in love with the landscapes, the people, the food and the weather, and once I returned to Canada I immediately set up an alert so I’d be notified when flights to the area went on sale.
Below, I’m highlighting ten of the best destinations on Mexico’s west coast. Each has something unique to offer, and each caters to a different style of traveler. I hope that you’ll see why I’ve fallen in love with this region, and I also hope that you’ll get a little bit of inspiration for your next trip!
Do you have a favorite destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast? Make sure to leave a comment letting me know where it is and why you love it so much!
1. Sayulita
Sayulita is one of the destinations on Mexico’s west coast that I have visited the most. When I lived in Guadalajara I would often spend my long weekends in this pueblo magico.
Over the years, Sayulita has grown from a quaint fishing village into a bustling tourist destination with countless restaurants, bars, shops and vacation rentals. The beach here is great for beginner surfers (it’s actually where I learned to surf!) and there are easy walks through the jungle to more remote stretches of sand.
For more information, I wrote two comprehensive articles about Sayulita: The Essential Sayulita Travel Guide that covers the best things to do in town, along with where to stay and where to eat, and a complete guide to The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Sayulita for anyone looking to eat more healthy, plant-based meals in Sayulita.
2. San Pancho
On a recent trip to Mexico’s west coast I also spent some time in San Pancho, a small fishing village that reminds me of Sayulita fifteen years ago. Just a little bit further down the coast, San Pancho has a main road with locally-owned restaurants, shops and hotels, which leads to the town’s pretty beach.
This is a great place for skilled surfers to catch a break, while luxury travelers will want to take in a polo match at the upscale La Patrona Polo & Equestrian Club, which is also home to a trendy new beach club.
I also have a complete guide to San Pancho, as well as a full review of the best hotel in San Pancho.
3. Puerto Vallarta
Most travelers visiting Sayulita or San Pancho will arrive via Puerto Vallarta, and this major city is also worth a day or two (or more!). The heart of the city is the historic Zona Romantica, where the best locally-owned hotels and guesthouses (not resorts) are surrounded by traditional Mexican restaurants and independent boutiques.
Other highlights of a visit to Puerto Vallarta include a stroll along the waterfront malecon, a visit to the colonial Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, and an evening out at the famous Rhythms of the Night open-air cabaret show, featuring musicians, acrobats, dancers and more (sort of like Cirque du Soleil).
Find Puerto Vallarta Hotel Deals
4. Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas has recently become one of North America’s premiere resort destinations, thanks to properties like the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (recently voted the #1 best resort in Mexico).
Cabo San Lucas is a great destination for adventure travelers, and for families with children. There are lots of organized excursions departing from the marina area, ranging from snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz to cruising past the iconic Los Arcos rock formations at sunset.
While the marina promenade is beautiful, it’s also very touristic. You can experience a more authentic side of Cabo San Lucas simply by walking ten minutes from the marina. Here, you’ll find authentic taquerias, bars and shops serving the local community and domestic travelers.
I’ve got a full guide to the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas (only the actually-good ones, I promise!) and a separate guide to the best hotels in downtown Cabo (if you don’t want to be stuck at a resort in the middle of nowhere).
5. San Jose del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas’ little brother, San Jose del Cabo, is only thirty kilometers up the coast from Cabo San Lucas. However, the vibe in this town is completely different, with artisan boutiques and natural estuaries in place of the all-inclusive resorts and busy beach bars.
This is a destination for chilled, laid-back travelers who want do a little surfing, a little strolling and a little shopping. A major highlight is the Thursday night art walk, where the inner city streets close to vehicle traffic and the galleries along the roads stay open late, welcoming pedestrian visitors. Another highlight is Flora Farms, an organic farm, restaurant, spa and community hub where you can take a Mexican cooking class (I am partial to Friday’s salsa class) and then do some sunset yoga surrounded by fruit trees.
Find a San Jose del Cabo Hotel
6. Mazatlan
Located in the state of Sinaloa, on Mexico’s west coast, Mazatlan has some of the country’s most affordable resorts and all-inclusive vacation packages. It’s a popular party destination for domestic tourists, so if you want to drink tequila and dance to Latin music with locals, this could be your ideal destination.
When you’re not partying, Old Mazatlan has a charming historic center that is worth a visit. After, you can hop on a local ferry to Isla de la Piedra (“Stone Island”), a peninsula with beaches and waterfront restaurants. And of course, spend a few minutes watching the cliff divers at El Clavadista (shown above), a 50-foot tower on the beach in the city center.
In early 2023 Mazatlan experienced a short period of drug cartel violence unlike anything it had seen recently, following the arrest of a major cartel leader. The incident appears to have been a one-off as of publication time (Summer 2023), but keep an eye on local safety precautions before and during your visit.
7. Acapulco
In the 1950s and 1960s, Acapulco was the hottest destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra flocked to Acapulco to visit the seaside restaurants, tip their toes in the ocean water and stay in luxurious hotels.
Unfortunately, in the 2010s, Acapulco experienced an unprecedented wave of drug cartel violence. Reports on the current situation today vary: many Mexicans recommend that foreign tourists avoid Acapulco, while many foreign tourists report that they enjoyed their recent visits. Consult your country’s government travel advisory site for current updates.
When it does become safe to visit Acapulco again, make sure to go see the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, who dive from heights of up to 135 feet into the waters below. Also visit Diego Rivera’s former studio, as well as the striking Exekatlkalli mosaic he designed for the wall of a local home.
2023 Update: In October, 2023, Acapulco was hit by a Category 5 hurricane – the worst to ever make landfall in Mexico. It will be a while before the tourist infrastructure recovers and I would recommend holding off on traveling to the city for now. Instead, consider donating to a registered non-profit organization like World Central Kitchen that will be aiding in the recovery efforts.
8. Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are as close together as Sayulita and San Pancho, yet these two beach towns on Mexico’s central Pacific Coast feel like they are worlds apart.
Ixtapa is definitely the more touristic of the two coastal towns. As you can see from the top photo, its beachfront is lined with high-rise hotels and vacation rentals. Here, you’ll find activities like golf, fishing, boat tours and even scuba diving. Ixtapa also has the more vibrant nightlife scene, with local bars playing live music until approximately midnight.
On the other hand, Zihuatanejo still retains a lot of the rugged charm from its early days as a quiet fishing village. The beaches here are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the nearby Aztlán Ecological Reserve is home to a diverse assortment of wildlife (keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, armadillos and iguanas!). Zihuantanejo has more independent boutique hotels than resorts, and many of the local restaurants, cafes and bars have “local” prices, rather than “tourist” prices.
9. Puerto Escondido
I visited Puerto Escondido when I was staying in nearby Zipolite (not a destination that I’d recommend, which is why it didn’t make the list). Puerto Escondido is a surfing hotspot, making it ideal for adventurous travelers, backpackers, solo travelers and anyone looking to escape the ordinary.
There is a good selection of beaches in Puerto Escondido, ranging from sheltered coves that are good for swimming to open expanses of sand that attract not only huge waves, but also international surfing competitions (the biggest is usually held in November). Puerto Escondido also has the best selection of hostels on Mexico’s west coast, with options ranging from the upscale Selina (don’t miss their mescal tasting) to the homey Casona Puerto Dreams.
As I mentioned, I visited Puerto Escondido while I was staying in Zipolite, a hippie hangout about 90 minutes down the coast. This is the place to visit for clothing-optional beach days in Mexico (not why I was there, I swear!). From Puerto Escondido you also have easy access to Mazunte, a tiny town that is famous for its “natural whirlpools” and sunset views. You could easily combine both in a day trip from Puerto Escondido if you’re looking for something even more off-the-beaten-path.
Find a Hotel in Puerto Escondido
10. Huatulco
Huatulco is an up-and-coming tourist destination on Mexico’s west coast. You’ll want to rent a car if you stay here, as many of the area’s best attractions around outside the historic town center of La Crucecita.
Huatulco is one of the few places on Mexico’s Pacific Coast where you can still find Zapotec and Mazatec ruins. At the Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park you’ll find the ruins of an ancient civilization that abandoned the area more than 1000 years ago, leaving behind the stone remains of a temple, pyramid and ball court, as well as a waterfront “lighthouse”.
There aren’t just ruins in the park, however. Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park and the nearby Parque Nacional Huatulco have earned the region sustainability certification, and are now protected environments for many varieties of local flora and fauna. In the winter, you may be able to see migrating whales passing by the shore, and year-round you can spot pelicans, deer and snakes (careful!).
Should you visit Mexico’s West Coast?
As you can see, Mexico’s west coast offers a diverse range of destinations ranging from upscale resorts to laidback fishing villages, and everything in between. While you won’t find the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that you’d find on the Yucatan Peninsula, you can still find unspoiled landscapes, authentic cultural experiences and yes, the occasional indulgence.
Personally, I never get tired of visiting this region and I’m always browsing for affordable flights to Pacific Mexico. If you’re flying from the west side of Canada or the USA, the short flight duration and the minimal time change means you can spend more time in your destination and less time en route.
The most important thing when you’re considering traveling to this area is that you need to know the type of trip you want to have, and understand which coastal cities and towns align with your expectations. Don’t go to Cabo San Lucas if you’re looking for a budget beach holiday, and don’t go to Puerto Escondido if you’re looking for big-city vibes. All it takes is a little research and you should be able to find the perfect destination for your next Mexican getaway!
Looking for more Mexico travel tips? Check out all my Mexico travel guides.
New to traveling in Mexico? Make sure to also read my guide to saving money while you travel and avoiding common travel mistakes.
Planning a trip to Mexico? Pin this post for later!
 |
 |