Top Mexico Destinations in 2025

Mexico is a vast land of contrasts. There are sunny coastlines with glassy blue waters and vast desert stretches.  You’ll find jungle paradises rich with flora and fauna and immense archaeological sites. Intersperse all this with bustling cities full of Spanish and indigenous influences and intricately satisfying culinary traditions that inspire, and you have some top Mexico destinations.

With so much to do, it’s no wonder Mexican destinations are popular with travelers from North America and increasingly from around the world. Mexico’s large coastline makes for the most popular tourist areas. These areas include hotspots like Cabo and Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, where eternal sunshine, delicious food, and plenty of hot, sandy beaches combine to make for the perfect Mexico vacation destination.

Mexico has a long history dating back thousands of years, evidenced by the hundreds if not thousands of ruins of complex structures and buildings built by the Mayans, Aztecs, Olmecs, and Totecs, among many other cultures.

Traveling from December to April is best to avoid stormy weather and hurricane season. Keep in mind the March-April spring break crowds can tend to get rowdy.

Cancun

Situated at the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, known as a tropical haven with endless beaches and countless luxury resorts, Cancun is a breathtaking beach getaway worthy of anyone’s bucket list. Equal parts relaxing resort destination, and infamous party hotspot, Cancun has the beautiful Caribbean at its doorstep.

To get your bearings, it’s safe to say Cancun itself is divided into two sections. There’s the narrow sandbar known as the Hotel Zone or Cancun Island and El Centro or downtown, away from the beaches and mainland.

The Hotel Zone, a vast 13-mile stretch of narrow sandbar, is the hub, sprawling with luxury hotels, bars, and restaurants, drawing travelers to Cancun time and again.

The high season is from December to April, while June through November is the rainy season, with September being the wettest month. There’s also a seaweed season from May until October.

Accommodation

Cancun is a prime destination for big luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels. The Hotel Zone, in particular, is thick with hotels lining the beachy coast. Here, you’ll find hotels for all budgets, from boutique to affordable and luxury. There are plenty of family-friendly places as well as adult-only accommodation. El Centro, or downtown, is popular for budget travelers.

Travelers who want apartment-style accommodations can find places within reach of both restaurants and local markets, for those who want to take advantage of their own kitchen.

Dining

Cancun is home to many culinary treasures, particularly if you’re a seafood lover.  Freshly-caught fish and ocean delights are easily accessible in Cancun’s diverse and plentiful dining scene.

Ranging from local tacos and traditional dishes of the Yucatan, ceviche, to suckling pig and tamales, Cancun’s restaurant scene has something for everyone. Part of this comes from how international Cancun has become. Alongside traditional local fare, you’ll find fusion, and international food like Italian, Thai, Japanese, and more.

Try Puerto Madero for upscale lobster and amazing sea views. Yamamoto is delectable Japanese. Los Tarascos has several locations and is where you go for no-nonsense tacos.

Late-night eats and bars are easy to find in the Hotel Zone.

Night Life

Cancun is renowned for its rollicking nightlife scene—discos, bars, restaurants, and clubs all collide in a hazy, tequila-fueled Cancun-style extravaganza. It’s the official party capital of Mexico, after all, and a must when you’re in town.

Let loose and indulge in some dusk-till-dawn dancing or sip on craft cocktails with a breezy ocean view, or enjoy a pub crawl —Cancun’s got it all.

In the Hotel Zone alone, there are hundreds of bars to get the night started. You can easily spend the night going from bar to bar in the Hotel Zone. Coco Bongo, Senor Frogs, Mandala, and the City are some legendary favorites.

The year-round sunshine means there’s room for a party whenever you go.

Activities

Playa Delfines is a popular free public beach away from the towering hotels that boasts tranquil waters and plenty of thatched huts known as palapas to easily spend a day enjoying the tropical breeze.

Explore local culture in Downtown Cancun. Downtown is where the locals live, and you’ll find authentic cuisine and flea markets like Mercado 28, shopping, and historical sites.

Snorkel in the underwater museum, MUSA. Discover relics, statues, and modern day art sculptures.

Find a deal and shop in La Isla, an open air mall with designer goods and restaurants.

Playa del Carmen

An easy-going, breezy coastal town some 45 minutes from Cancun, Playa del Carmen is quieter than its neighbor but with equally picturesque views and lengthy stretches of soft, white beaches with tropical temperatures year round.

The tranquil waters of Playa del Carmen, or simply ‘Playa,’ make for the ultimate getaway for families, digital nomads, and vacation seekers alike. Explore Mayan ruins, relax on the beach before hitting up a local taqueria and soaking in the lively nightlife. Choose your own adventure. It’s a great balance of tourism and local life.

The weather at Playa del Carmen is variable, but the summer months from June to September are reliably warm during the day. During the night, it can get chilly, so pack accordingly.

Accommodation

Playa del Carmen offers a wide range of accommodations suitable for every traveler, from families to adult-only to luxury and all-inclusive. Most accommodations are a short walk from the beach in the pedestrian-only Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue, the main artery with a lot of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Luxury, upscale, and boutique private residences are found in Mayakoba, a secluded area in the jungle. Four award-winning resorts are also popular options.

Playacar, an upscale residential area south of downtown, is great for families. It’s also home to many all-inclusive resorts and a luxury golf course.

Dining

From traditional Mexican taquerías serving up mouthwatering tacos al pastor and sizzling fajitas to international restaurants offering Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and fusion cuisines, Playa del Carmen has something for everyone.

Discover ancient flavors of Quintana Roo with authentic Mayan flavors or delve into the area’s fresh seafood scene. Feast on a variety of catches from octopus to lobster or even sashimi.

As the main hub of activity in Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida is lined with an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that cater to all tastes. Cueva del Chango, Ceiba Negro, Sota Vento, and Casa Amate are all popular places.

Nightlife

Bars and clubs abound in Playa del Carmen, mainly on the Quinta Avenida. Expect a more relaxed and intimate setting, where bar-hopping is easy and less go big or go home spring break vibes than in Cancun.

Playa del Carmen’s thriving nightlife starts with trendy rooftop terraces, dive bars, vibrant beach bars, and chic cocktail lounges. After dipping into a cool, refreshing drink, head to the clubs. Mandala, Clandestino, and Speakeasy are popular choices.

Activities

Playa del Carmen, and the areas around, offer so much to do. Just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel is home to an extensive coral reef range. It has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Watersports are also in-demand pastimes. Kitesurfing and paddleboarding are great ways to experience the beautiful sea in and around Playa del Carmen.

Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul in one of Playa del Carmen’s world class spas. Or discover meditation and up your yoga practice with one of the many retreats available.

Explore Cenote Chaak Tun, an underwater cave with eye-catching rock formations.

Visit Fundadores Park, one of Playa’s oldest parks located on Fifth Ave and home to the famous Portal Maya sculpture.

Tulum

If Cancun is the spring breaker’s paradise, then Tulum is its bohemian sister, a place that serves up a lot of history and more than enough balmy beaches and summery cerulean waters to satisfy travelers looking for something a little more off the beaten path.

Although it’s no longer the hidden beach town it once was, it’s a tropical paradise that’s well worth a visit.  Lately, Tulum has become a popular spot for health-minded travelers. Holistic- and wellness enthusiasts will find plenty to do. Spas and relaxation abound, as do yoga classes and smoothies. Go to Tulum for nature, stay for the wellness retreats, and boho swagger.

Tulum is perhaps best known for the ancient Mayan ruins that dot the area, with a myriad of lagoons and cenotes— natural sinkholes that expose groundwater— in the vicinity.

The rainy season in Tulum is from June to October, with August and September being the rainiest and cheapest.

Accommodation

The center of Tulum, Pueblo, is conveniently located next to nightlife, shopping, and adventures and has many places to stay. The Hotel Zone, as the name implies, is home to much of the accommodation in Tulum. The Hotel Zone is located on Tulum Beach and houses many of the luxury hotels and resorts in Tulum.

You’ll find all kinds of accommodation in Tulum including all-inclusive resorts and spas, boutique hotels, and budget hotels.

Tulum is particularly known for its smaller, compact beach houses and villas, as well as its eco-conscious hotels, perfect for couples and small groups. These sustainable accommodations are truly a home away from home and a great way to reconnect with nature.

Dining

The foodie experience in Tulum is rich and satisfying. Find everything from swanky to homestyle taco stands, with plenty of mezcal cocktails and cold, refreshing beers thrown in to beat the heat. Quintana Roo style cooking and invigorating tastes are what make Tulum cuisine stand out.

Taqueria Honorio taco stand offers classic Mayan flavors and techniques. It’s very good and very popular.

Other tourist faves found in the Beach zone: Casa Banana, Hartwood, Arca Tulum, and Kitchen Table. Cetli, Asadero, and Dona Paty Tacos de Guisado are in Pueblo or the town center.

While there are a number of grocery stores in Tulum, they’re hard to reach for those staying in the Hotel Zone or the more residential areas.

Night Life

With all-night raves, pub crawls, and clubs filling the night with techno beats and tequila, Tulum is no stranger to nightlife. Drift from the Hotel Zone’s beaches to the nightlife across the street. Grab a craft cocktail while sinking your toes in the sand–the beach hosts plenty of late night beach clubs and bars where you can lay back and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

This renowned nightlife town has cut its chops on many a party. The nightlife, like much of Tulum’s offerings, takes place at the Hotel Zone or in the Pueblo or Tulum Town.

In town: Nana Rooftop Bar, Santino Bar, Batey, and Guarapo Bar

Beach Zone: Casa Jaguar, Gitano, Bonbonniere

Activities

Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum. Although not as big as others, Tulum’s ruins are located on a cliffside, facing the ocean. You can also go for a walk on the beach and enjoy a swim. The ruins are 15 minutes from Tulum Town by bus.

Playa Paraiso is a small secluded beach near the ruins. There’s even a beach club and hotel.

Explore stunning underwater views at Cenote Dos Ojos. A part of an underwater cave system. Cenote Dos Ojos is popular for snorkeling and diving. Here you’ll find gorgeous rock formations and diverse marine life.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabos San Lucas’ proximity to California–it’s located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula–makes it an gorgeous and popular choice for many west coast Americans. It’s only a short flight away to wellness and relaxation.

Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, itself, is a prime example of Mexico’s land diversity. Crystal clear blue green waters of the Sea of Cortez and secluded beaches line one side of Cabo, while further inland, you’ll find gorgeous desert and mountainous landscapes. It also boasts a healthy nightlife where you can dance the night away after a chill day at the beach.

Traveling from April to June is prime for tourist season, while August through October are the rainiest months but also the warmest months.

Accommodation

Cabo San Lucas offers something for everyone as far as accommodations go. It has cozy bed and breakfasts, timeshares, boutique hotels, hostels, villas, luxury resorts, and all-inclusive resorts. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts, including adults-only options and family-friendly options.

There’s also an ample number of vacation home rentals available with different amenities depending on budget and need. Some even come with an on-site chef. For those that don’t,  Cabo has a number of grocery stores and grocery delivery services.

Many of the resorts are located in what’s known as the Los Cabos Corridor, a stretch of 18 mile coastline facing the Gulf of California. Getting around this area is easy by foot or car.

Dining

Expect to find more than enough delicious fare to delight your inner foodie in Cabo. Naturally, there will be plenty of seafood and tacos, but throw in some delectable fusion and international dining to round out your palate.

Metate Cabo is a popular spot specializing in traditional Mexican dishes. For trendy tacos, La Lupita Taco & Mezcal is a must.

The Office on the Beach, is exactly what its name says, on the beach. It offers seafood and tacos along with tons of atmosphere. For something more farm-to-table try Flora Farms, which uses seasonal, fresh ingredients.

Night Life

Cabo is home to Sammy Hagar’s famous nightclub, the Cabo Wabo Cantina, among many other lively nightlife spots. With stunning marina views and live music, the iconic Cantina sets the stage for unforgettable nights.

Start your night off with a refreshing cocktail and make your way downtown near the Plaza Bonita, where Cabo’s vibrant nightlife thrives. It’s teeming with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs, including El Squid Roe, Mandala Los Cabos, and The Nowhere Bar.

Activities

Mother nature is one of Cabo’s greatest assets. From fishing, surfing, water sports, snorkeling, whale watching, ziplining—Cabo’s not short on outdoor activities. There’s plenty to do in Cabo if you find yourself taking a break from rest and relaxation on the beach.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas also known as Land’s End  is a famous rock formation located where the Pacific Ocean becomes the Gulf of California. It’s also famous for whale watching and snorkeling.

Head to Medano Beach for warm, calm waters and soft, silky sand. The waters are great for swimming, jet skiing, and even parasailing.

Puerto Vallarta

Hugging the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco on the Bay of Banderas. This laidback beach town boasts beautiful white beaches with glassy, turquoise waters. The historic city center sits perched on a hill and the surrounding area is a combination of nature’s finest, including waterfalls and pristine, dense tropical forests that inhabit the Sierra Madres.

The Hotel Zone sits on the beach side, starting from the stadium to the cruise ship terminal and offering beach activities, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping.

The rainy season takes place from July to October, with April to June being pleasant for weather and lower prices. Tourist season typically begins in November.

Accommodation

Puerto Vallarta consists of the Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone, with the popular Playa de los Muertos. Other areas to consider are Marina Vallarta, an upscale, tranquil area near the airport, Nuevo Vallarta, a resort destination with luxury accommodations, and the convenient Hotel Zone, located along the coastline.

Old Town and the Hotel Zone are the most popular areas to stay, offering everything from budget stays to all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and bungalows. There are a number of adult-only hotels as well as family-friendly options.

Dining

Puerto Vallarta is a hidden food paradise. Savor a wide array of traditional Mexican cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors.

From beachside crunchy tostadas topped with ceviche and hot sauce to fine dining fusion bites to more local fare like tacos al pastor, food is plentiful and diverse.

The seaside location means you’ll find a treasure trove of seafood on the menus. Simple taco gets elevated with fresh fish and other marine delicacies in many of the town’s stands and old-school traditional taquerias.

Cafe des Artistes, Mar y Vinol, La Milpa Fondo Bistro, Tacos La Mucca, Ocho Tostadas, and Vitea are a good start to whet your appetite.

Supermarkets and mini-stores are plentiful in Puerto Vallarta and reachable by foot or car, depending on where you are staying.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Puerto Vallarta sheds its tranquil daytime air for a vibrant nightlife scene. The city comes alive, ready to cater to every taste and preference. Head down to the Romantic Zone for all-night bars, clubs, and fiestas.

Venture further into the Malecon, a bustling waterfront promenade with open-air bars, cafes, and restaurants.  Chill out at beach bars or go all out in one of the many clubs that provide the perfect setting to unwind and take in the balmy ambiance.

Mandala, La Vaquita, and Sky Bar are all popular hotspots.

Activities

The Bay of Banderas is a tranquil sea perfect for swimming and tropical vacationing.

Old-school lazing on the beach and working on your tan is a must on these pristine beaches.

Playa de los Muertos is Puerto Vallarta’s most popular and lively beach, complete with a variety of eating and drinking options steps away from the Malecon and downtown.

For a more tranquil beach experience, Playa Las Animas is a hidden gem located in Puerto Vallarta’s south. You can only reach Las Animas by water taxi or boat.

Embark on an thrilling adventure in the Sierra Madres where the lush mountainous terrain is perfect for biking, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, ziplining, or an ATV tour.

Deep sea fishing, snorkeling, and diving are great options for when you’re not beach bound. And golf has a long history in the Puerta Vallarta area, with beautiful scenery, and famous course designers you can have an unforgettable golf vacation.