10 Vacation Spots in Mexico You Have To Visit

Mexico offers a stunning variety of travel experiences, from turquoise Caribbean beaches to ancient ruins and vibrant cities. Choosing the best places in Mexico to visit can be a challenge given the country’s diversity. This list highlights ten of the top destinations – a mix of popular hotspots and hidden gems – that cater to families, couples, solo travelers, and adventure seekers alike. Many feature well-rated all-inclusive resorts, making them perfect for hassle-free vacations. And if you’re planning a getaway during the warmer months, some of the best places to visit in Mexico in summer also happen to offer incredible seasonal highlights (like marine wildlife encounters and lively festivals). Whether you’re after culture, relaxation, or adventure, the following destinations showcase the best places to visit in Mexico, including spots ideal for those who love the best places to visit in Mexico all-inclusive style of travel.

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1. Cancún

Cancún – Mexico’s Caribbean jewel – offers powder-white beaches and ancient Mayan wonders in equal measure. This famous resort city on the Yucatán Peninsula boasts velvety soft sands and turquoise waters that rank among the best in the Caribbean for swimming and snorkeling. Beyond the beaches, it’s a gateway to rich history: you can day-trip to Chichén Itzá, a New Seven Wonder of the World. Summer visitors enjoy a special treat – from June through September, tours head out to swim with whale sharks, an unforgettable adventure alongside gentle giants. Thanks to its blend of relaxation and adventure, Cancún is consistently listed among the best places to visit in Mexico all-inclusive for travelers who want everything in one place.

• Natural highlight: Whale-shark season (June–September).
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Hyatt Ziva Cancún.

2. Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas & San José del Cabo)

Dramatic desert-meets-sea scenery and upscale resort living make Los Cabos one of the best places in Mexico to visit for both luxury seekers and adventure lovers. Iconic El Arco rock formation marks Land’s End, where sea lions lounge and whale-watching cruises depart in winter. Golf on championship courses, snorkel in clear coves, explore art galleries in San José del Cabo, or head inland by ATV through cactus-studded hills. Whether you crave nightlife or serenity, the dual-town destination covers all bases.

• Natural highlight: Winter humpback- and gray-whale migrations.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Grand Velas Los Cabos.

3. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta blends colonial charm with Pacific-coast beauty, making it one of the perennial best places to visit in Mexico for travelers who want culture and coast in one destination. Wander the waterfront Malecón, admire sculptures and street performers, then duck into cobblestone streets lined with cafés and art galleries. Golden-sand beaches curve around Banderas Bay, where humpback whales breach in winter and the Marietas Islands beckon snorkelers. Jungle zip-lining, Sierra Madre hikes, and sunset cruises add extra thrills.

• Natural highlight: Marietas Islands marine reserve.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

4. Mexico City

A dynamic capital packed with museums, historic sites, and world-class cuisine, Mexico City surprises many as one of the best places to visit in Mexico in summer, when festivals, mild high-altitude weather, and leafy parks invite exploration. Roam the Zócalo’s grand plaza, tour the National Museum of Anthropology, and savor street food in bustling mercados. Nearby Teotihuacan offers pyramid climbs, while Chapultepec Park provides lakes, a castle, and family-friendly fun. Nightlife ranges from mezcal bars to mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi, ensuring nonstop energy.

• Natural highlight: Green respite in Chapultepec Park.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma (luxury board-plan optional).

5. Playa del Carmen

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen serves up beaches, nightlife, and adventure, securing its spot among the best places in Mexico to visit for a little of everything. Stroll pedestrian-only Fifth Avenue for boutiques and taco stands, ferry across to Cozumel for coral-reef dives, or swim in nearby cenotes like Río Secreto. Eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xplor blend zip-lines, underground rivers, and cultural shows, perfect for families and thrill seekers alike.

• Natural highlight: Snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef off Cozumel.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Hotel Xcaret México.

6. Tulum

Tulum’s boho-chic vibe, pristine coastline, and cliff-top Mayan ruins secure its reputation as one of the best places to visit in Mexico for beach lovers and history buffs. Gaze upon the Temple of the Wind God above turquoise surf, cycle to cenotes like Dos Ojos for a freshwater dip, or kayak through Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve spotting dolphins, manatees, and exotic birds. Evening beach clubs pulse with music beneath starry skies, while wellness retreats offer yoga and jungle spas.

• Natural highlight: Cenote dives and the protected Sian Ka’an lagoon.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa.

7. Cozumel

An underwater wonderland famed for coral reefs and drift diving, Cozumel is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Mexico all-inclusive for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Arrecifes National Park reveal kaleidoscopic marine life, while San Miguel’s waterfront charms with handcrafted souvenirs and seaside cafés. Rent a jeep to circle the island, hunt for iguanas on the wild east coast, or learn Mayan lore at San Gervasio ruins.

• Natural highlight: World-class diving on Palancar Reef.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Cozumel Palace.

8. Huatulco

Quiet bays, eco-friendly planning, and jungle-backed beaches make Huatulco a rising star among the best places in Mexico to visit for serenity seekers. Nine pristine bays offer 36 beaches, many untouched; boat tours hop between them for snorkeling in crystal coves like San Agustín. Inland, coffee plantations and waterfalls await in the Sierra Madre, and the village of La Crucecita brims with local color around its central plaza. Sustainability and Blue Flag beaches underscore Huatulco’s unspoiled appeal.

• Natural highlight: Snorkeling in the untouched bays of San Agustín & Cacaluta.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa.

9. Bacalar

Set beside the mesmerizing Lagoon of Seven Colors, Bacalar exemplifies the best places to visit in Mexico in summer for peaceful, nature-oriented escapes. Kayak or paddleboard over sapphire to teal waters, float the mineral-rich Pirates’ Channel, and explore Fort San Felipe’s pirate history. With minimal nightlife, this Pueblo Mágico invites hammock lounging and star-gazing while bioluminescence sometimes twinkles beneath paddles on moonless nights.

• Natural highlight: Kayaking the crystalline Lagoon of Seven Colors.
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Rancho Encantado.

10. Isla Holbox

Car-free streets, flamingos, and whale-shark encounters crown Isla Holbox as one of the best places in Mexico to visit for off-grid tranquility. From June to September, snorkel tours glide with whale sharks; by day, bike sandy lanes to secluded beaches, and at night, wade into bioluminescent waters at Punta Cocos. Yum Balam Reserve shelters pelicans and mangroves, while colorful murals and lobster pizza await in the village.

• Natural highlight: Swimming with whale sharks (June–September).
• Recommended all-inclusive hotel: Villas HM Paraíso del Mar.

Where are you visiting next?

From the sparkling resorts of the Caribbean coast to cultural highlands and hidden beaches, Mexico’s diversity means every traveler can find their perfect destination. The best places to visit in Mexico include crowd-pleasing hubs like Cancún and Los Cabos, as well as tranquil gems like Bacalar and Holbox. Many rank among the best places to visit in Mexico all-inclusive, while several shine as the best places to visit in Mexico in summer with seasonal wildlife and festivals. Whatever your style—culture, adventure, or pure relaxation—these ten spots prove you don’t need to look far to discover the best places in Mexico to visit. ¡Buen viaje!