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Summer always seems to be about the Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta trio, but this year is actually different.
Cabo isn’t seeing the same number of record-breaking visitors as usual, which got us thinking: where else in Mexico is it actually worth taking a holiday away from the norm for more cultural depth and enough space to enjoy Mexico’s world-famous paradise beaches?
We got you.
We have completed our top 5 summer holidays south of the border for less crowds, quality over quantity, because we all know what it feels like to wake up early and snag a poolside seat in Cancun.
Yeah, forget that life…
No need to set the alarm at the crack of dawn in these 5 dazzling beach getaways that aren’t so mainstream for your sun and sand vacation.
5) Tijuana
Tijuana? On a recommendation list?
We follow that up with a resounding “you betcha” in Sarah Palin style.
If you’re wary of Tijuana, it’s probably because you haven’t been there lately.
Much of the city is welcoming to touristsincluding the revitalized downtown area – it’s the very geography of a “border town” that keeps people from considering it a full-fledged vacation destination, where, believe it or not, certain neighborhoods are reminiscent of Mexico City, and others are so underrated that you might not even realize that “TJ” is a beach town.
And then a very beautiful one…
The reason there are no beach crowds is one, because it is a border town, and two, because there are persistent bacterial problems infecting the waters.
But then again, many of Cabo’s beaches aren’t swimmable either, so why not enjoy some freshly caught ceviche and lie down by the sea for a beautiful blue view of the Pacific Ocean?
At the very least, you can take an easy day trip from San Diego.
The only thorn in the side is safety. Travelers indicate on our Safety Index that they do not feel safe here and score a modest 50/100.
Sorry, folks. I don’t agree. I’ve been to TJ’s hundreds of times and I even feel safer here than certain neighborhoods on the other side of “the wall”.
4) Campeche
Did you know that North America has two walled cities?
It’s true: Quebec City, far from a beach oasis, and Campeche, the “Dubrovnik” of Mexico.
It’s not just a fortified town packed with charm; it’s an epic escape from the overload of tourists. If we’re honest, we’ve all wondered why we chose a particular place because of the crowds.
That won’t be the case here in Campeche, which is a super safe destination despite being off the beaten track.
In fact, it is one of only two destinations in Mexico designated as “Level 1” other than the U.S. Department of State, but the reason it sees fewer visitors is that it is a trek for Americans to reach.
There’s a downside to everything, I guess…
According to TripAdvisorthese are the top 3 beaches in Campeche this summer:
- Playa Punta San Julian
- Isla Arena
- Bahamatas Beach
3) Manzanillo
Santorini vibes in Mexico?
You’d have to talk to the architectural masterminds about what inspired a random, albeit dazzling, whitewashed hideaway on the Pacific coast, but it’s one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets for all-inclusive outings.
What makes Manzanillo truly unique is that it practically caters to Americans and Canadians, while still retaining the quintessential Mexican charm, unlike where millions of the same demographic congregate practically every day.
Why Manzanillo isn’t more popular is a mixed bag: it saw a surge in tourism earlier this year, but remains in Colima, a state long associated with high crime, even if this Santorini dupe feels far removed from the headlines that are so well protected.
2) Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo may be a mouthful to say, but that’s just a foreshadowing of all the all-inclusive meals you’ll happily make room for.
This twin paradise features numerous luxury resorts in both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, especially with the relatively new Thompson Zihuatanejo, by Hyatt Social amenities fill up with the glamorous ocean views and luxurious amenities.
Personal, Solar landscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa calls me for my next stay, but to each their own…
Beaches on both sides are phenomenal, but my personal favorite is El Palmar (where Sunscape is located).
In second place would be Ixtapa’s secret island, Isla Ixtapa, purely for its isolated feel and epic seafood that is clearly caught the same day as it is filleted right next to your table.
If there was ever a time to vacation here, it’s now because it’s become one of Mexico’s trendiest vacation destinations, but still nowhere near the Cancun-level crowds.
Moreover, travelers feel very safe here (just like me). The current safety score is 81/100:
1) Loreto
There’s a sleepy town in Baja that isn’t often discussed as a bona fide vacation destination, especially as officials have pumped the brakes on cruise tourism to reshape their vibrant port.
I just got back from Loreto, and it was every bit as dreamy as I imagined: effortlessly charming, impossibly delightful, and unapologetically unhurried.
With ample boat trips to some of the most amazing landscapes I’ve seen south of the border, Loreto proves that you don’t have to travel all the way to Los Cabos or even La Paz to captivate your sense of wonder.
I mean, scroll all the way back to the first paragraph and tell me I’m not in my happy place…
Hello. That’s me.
Loreto wants more tourists – but the right kind – and not the ones who want to close down Cabo Wabo Cantinaand more the type who respects nature, appreciates local cuisine and does not need a household name hotel to validate their holiday.
I felt safe at all hours Exploring Loreto, even swimming with giant manta rays bigger than my ex’s ego and devouring raw food almost every meal.
When it is That fresh, it’s hard not to…
Travelers currently score Loreto 85/100 (after my own vote):
