Americans can fly nonstop to this peaceful beach town voted the best in Mexico

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Forget Cancun and its glitzy (but packed) Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta and its infamous party scene, and the golden sands and luxury resorts of Los Cabos:

The best beach destination in Mexico this year, as chosen by the voters of the Readers’ Awards for Food and Travelis none other than Puerto Escondido. As the name suggests, a real ‘hidden’ place in the Mexican Pacific that has yet to be spoiled by mass tourism.

This laid-back beach town, located on the coast of Oaxaca, has it all: the golden sand, the warm, azure sea, an impressive level of safety, and even better: Americans can fly there non-stop!

Puerto Escondido is the true hidden gem you’ve been waiting to discover

In recent years there has been a lot of talk about the rising levels of gentrification along the Mexican coast, whether it be the Caribbean or the Pacific side. Tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo are bearing the brunt of it, and as some might argue, they hardly feel like Mexico anymore:

We’re talking sky-high prices, a dollarized economy that barely reflects the true cost of living locally, the fact that English is essentially a language franca in certain areas, due to the influx of American expats, and so on.

Don’t get us wrong, we still love vacations on the Riviera Maya, and Cabo is our favorite coastal destination when we like to spend some money and spoil ourselves, but there’s no denying that it’s not the best choice. Real Mexico.

Mexico’s official best destination this year

If you’re looking for a taste of Ik-ji-co away from the usual hustle and bustle, Puerto Escondido is where it is at: a quiet beach town on the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, with truly pristine beaches, an emerging nightlife and a large number of affordable accommodations.

It’s no wonder it was crowned Mexico’s best destination this year.

The largest stretch of sand is called ‘Principal Beach’ and is surrounded by tall palm trees and traditional thatched-roof bars, where you can usually get a cocktail for less than $6, and renting a lounger for the day costs around $10-16.

A bargain.

If tourists go to Oaxaca (the state capital) for colonial architecture and Old World charm, those who go to Puerto Escondido are after one thing: paradise beaches that stretch for miles, and if that appeals to you, you can be sure you’ve come to the right place.

It is the municipal beach busiest place in towndue to its central location close to most guest houses and hotels, but Zicatela is just as trendy and famous among surfers and water sports enthusiasts for its Mexican Pipeline surfing holiday.

For calmer seas and a family-friendly environment, head to nearby La Punta beach. As for the iconic Secret spot, nestled in a semi-hidden cove, wedged between steep coastal cliffs, you probably think of Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido’s picture-postcard beach.

Puerto Escondido is cheaper than you might think

In general, prices in Puerto Escondido are on the cheaper side compared to other coastal destinations in Mexico, especially the expensive Caribbean:

A meal at a street-style eatery costs $6 to 8, while a meal at a better quality restaurant, with perhaps an appetizer and a drink, will cost you $18 back.

Hotels are equally affordable, with Budget your trip estimating a three-day stay at a mid-range hotel in Puerto Escondido will cost an average of $193.

You can go overboard and pay hundreds of dollars a night for an all-inclusive stay, but this model of tourism is not as inherent to the culture here as it is in, say, Cancun.

One of the safest beach destinations in Mexico

Affordability aside, Puerto Escondido is among the least risky beach destinations in Mexico.

While we wouldn’t exactly encourage you to let your guard down in public areas, or in other words, leave items unattended on public beaches, the safety issues you’ll face here are similar to those at any major tourist destination.

As long as you use common sense, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid no-go, tourists in the suburbs have no business doing so Anywayand don’t paint a target on your own back by walking around with flashy watches and jewelry, Chances are, everything is going well for you.

Puerto Escondido is also administered by the state of Oaxaca, which is officially a Level 2 destination according to US authorities: Americans are not discouraged from visiting, but they are advised to exercise caution.

Fly non-stop to Puerto Escondido from Dallas

Just this month, American Airlines launched its first nonstop flights from the US to Puerto Escondido, adding an alternative for customers who have been suffering from Mexican Caribbean fatigue lately.

In operation since December 3, 2025flights depart from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) every Wednesday and Saturday, with round-trip fares averaging just $450.

More information about the flights can be found below:

Outgoing

• Departure from DW: 10:10 am local time
• Arrival in Puerto Escondido (PXM): 1:15 PM local time
• Flight duration: 3h25

Yield

• Departure from PXM: 2:05 PM local time
• Arrival in DFW: 5:20 PM local time
• Flight duration: 3h15

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.