Ten must-see destinations on Mexico’s Western Coast
posted in Calforex Blog, Homepage, North America, Travel and Events
When searching for places to visit in Mexico, one can seldom find an article setting out the best places to visit on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Yet, despite this fact, the beautiful coastline has so much to offer and, in some ways, makes a more charming destination than the famous Yucatán Peninsula. So let’s get into it, our ten favourite Pacific Coast Mexican destinations…
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State of Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta
State of Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta
Sayulita
Punta Mita
State of Guerrero
Ixtapa
State of Oaxaca
Huatulco
State of Baja California Sur
Cabo San Lucas
San José del Cabo
Todos Santos
La Paz
State of Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a well-known retreat located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in the Jalisco state. Originally a quaint hamlet, this bustling seaside town gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1900s due to its stunning beaches and beautiful views. Today, there is an abundance of activities for all, including waterparks, watersports, visiting the Islas Marietas or swimming with marine life.
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State of Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta, located a mere 20-minute drive up the coast from Puerto Vallarta, is another beautiful beach destination and a rightful constituent of this list. Nuevo Vallarta, home to the magnificent Nuevo Vallarta beach, is a well-known beach resort, but the region has so much more to offer than simply breathtaking beaches. Activities include whale watching (winter season), visiting the Turtle sanctuary or enjoy a round of golf at one of the many courses, to name a few.
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Sayulita
Sayulita, a small charming fishing village and surfers paradise, is located just north of Puerto Vallarta and was relatively unfamiliar to tourists until quite recently. For a long time, Sayulita has made an idyllic escape from the bustling city of Puerto Vallarta and presents a great mix of local culture, cuisine, and traditional architecture.
Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a 1500 acre peninsula-resort located to the north of Banderas Bay, about 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and is a true one-stop-shop for luxurious serenity. Despite its small stature, Punta Mita is jam-packed with lavish hotels, golf courses, tennis courts, and beautiful beaches. The breathtaking peninsula and promise of tranquillity have, in recent years, enticed many A-list celebrities and tech executives alike.
State of Guerrero
Ixtapa
Ixtapa is located in the State of Guerrero, Mexico, on the Pacific Coast in an area well known as the Mexican Rivera. Until the 1970s, Ixtapa was nothing more than a forest; however, it was decided that the Pacific coast needed a Cancun equivalent, and thus the resort we know today was born. Ixtapa makes an excellent destination for families seeking an all-inclusive, hassle-free getaway or sun worshippers.
State of Oaxaca
Huatulco
Huatulco (pronounced wah-tool-ko) is a seaside town in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. Beyond the obvious tropical climate, Huatulco is also home to 36 beautiful beaches, making this pacific gem irresistible to all travellers. As a humble seaside town, aquatic activities are abundant, for example, diving reefs and shipwrecks, sailing and kayaking, to name a few. If this isn’t your style, fear not, Huatulco is home to museums, fine art and spectacular in-land geography.
State of Baja California Sur
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a well-known portion of the Los Cabos Mexican resort located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The city is famous for beautiful beaches, aquatic activities and bustling nightlife. The cities significant attractions are centred around the famous marina home to some of the most spectacular yachts in the world. The stunning untouched coastal geography and turquoise waters make the perfect escape from the faster city life.
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San José del Cabo
San José del Cabo is the other half of the famous Los Cabos Mexican resort. San José del Cabo is often referred to as the older, more refined Cabo San Lucas, with a less prominent party atmosphere and a stronger sense of community. However, much like its younger sibling, San José del Cabo still offers spectacular views and an abundance of activities for all, including whale watching, walking the old city or simply relaxing by the sea. One thing is for sure; San José del Cabo is an excellent destination for indulging in traditional Mexican cuisine, so if that is your scene, look no further!
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Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a beautiful secretive village known locally as Pueblo mágico, or the magical town. The destination is located just around the coast from Los Cabos (circa 1-hour drive) and makes a great escape from the liveliness of the popular cities in the region. Todos Santos, allegedly the inspiration behind the Eagle’s famous hit “Hotel California,” certainly doesn’t disappoint; with rich heritage and beautiful traditional architecture, one can relax while exploring the city, visiting the hotel California bar, or simply relaxing on the beach.
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La Paz
La Paz is situated a few hours’ drive north of Los Cabos in The Gulf of California and is a leader in Eco-tourism. La Paz is a world-renowned destination for marine biologists and is known globally as the “aquarium of the world” for a good reason! Waters in the surrounding area are home to an incredibly diverse set of wildlife, including Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, Giant Mantas, Hammerhead Sharks and Sea Turtles, to name a few.