Summer always seems to be about the trio of Cancun, Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta, but this year is actually different.
Cabo isn’t seeing the same level of record-breaking visitors as usual, which got us thinking: where else in Mexico is actually worth vacationing away from the norm for more cultural depth and ample space to enjoy Mexico’s world-renowned paradisal beaches?
We got you.
We’ve rounded up our top 5 summer getaways south of the border for fewer crowds, taking a quality-over-quantity approach, as we all know what it feels like to wake up early to snag a poolside seat in Cancun.
Yeah, forget that life…
You won’t need set the alarm at the crack of dawn in these 5 eye-popping beach getaways not as mainstream for your sun and sand fix.
PLUS: We’ve put together an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!
5) Tijuana
Tijuana? On a recommendation list?
To that we give a resounding Sarah Palin-style “you betcha”.
If you’re wary of Tijuana, that’s likely because you haven’t been lately.
Much of the city is welcoming to tourists, including its revamped downtown district — it’s just the geography of being a “border town” that turns people away from treating it as a full-fledged vacation spot, where believe it or not, certain pockets are reminiscent of Mexico City, and others are so under-hyped, you may not even realize “TJ” is a beach city.
And a very pretty one at that…
The reason there’s no beach crowds is one, because it’s a border town, and two, because there have been ongoing bacterial problems infecting the waters
But hey, you can’t swim at plenty of Cabo beaches either, so why not savor freshly caught ceviche and post up seaside for gorgeous blue Pacific views?
At the very least, you can make an easy day trip from San Diego.
The one eyesore is safety. Travelers are claiming on our Safety Index they don’t feel safe here, scoring a lowly 50/100.
Sorry, folks. I have to disagree. I’ve been to TJ hundreds of times and even feel safer here than certain neighborhoods on the flip side of “the wall”.
4) Campeche
Did you know North America has two walled cities?
It’s true: Quebec City, a far cry from a beach oasis, and Campeche, the “Dubrovnik” of Mexico.
Not only is it a fortified city chock-full of charm; it’s an epic escape from tourist overload that, if we’re being honest, we’ve all questioned why we chose a certain place due to the crowd factor.
That won’t be the case here in Campeche, which happens to be a super safe destination despite being off the beaten path.
In fact, its one of only 2 destinations in Mexico that’s designated as “Level 1” but the U.S. State Department, but the reason there are fewer visitors is its a trek to reach for Americans.
There’s a downside to everything I guess…
According to TripAdvisor, these are Campeche’s top 3 beaches this summer:
- Playa Punta San Julian
- Isla Arena
- Bahamitas Beach
3) Manzanillo
Santorini vibes in Mexico?
You’d have to speak with the architectural masterminds on 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 getaways.
What makes Manzanillo truly unique is that it practically caters to Americans and Canadians all while still holding quintessential Mexican charm unlike you know who that millions of the same demographic flock to practically every day.
Why Manzanillo isn’t more popular is a mixed bag: it saw a strong tourism surge earlier this year, yet still sits in Colima, a state long associated with high crime, even though this Santorini dupe feels far removed from the headlines being so well-protected.
2) Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo may be a mouthful to say, but that’s just foreshadowing all the all-inclusive meals you’ll be happily making room for.
This dual-paradise boasts numerous high-end resorts in both Ixtapa, and Zihuatanejo, especially with the relatively new Thompson Zihuatanejo, by Hyatt filling up socials with its glamorous ocean views and posh amenities.
Personally, Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa is calling 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).
Second best would be Ixtapa’s secret island, Isla Ixtapa, sheerly for its isolated feel and epic seafood that’s clearly caught the same day because they filet right by your table.
If there were ever a time to vacation here, it’s now as it’s become one of Mexico’s trendiest vacation spots, but still nowhere close to Cancun-level crowds.
Plus, travelers feel very safe here (as did I). The current safety score is 81/100:
1) Loreto
There’s a sleepy village in Baja not often discussed as a bona fide vacation destination, especially since officials have tapped the brakes on letting cruise tourism reshape their vibrant port.
I just got back from Loreto, and it was just as dreamy as I imagined — effortlessly charming, impossibly delicious, and unapologetically unhurried.
With ample boat trips to some of the most astounding scenery my eyes have laid upon south of the border, Loreto proves you don’t need to venture all the way down to Los Cabos, or even La Paz, to enthrall your sense of wonder.
I mean, scroll back up all the way to first paragraph and tell me I’m not in my happy place…
Howdy. That’s me.
Loreto wants more tourists — but the right kind — not the ones looking to shut down Cabo Wabo Cantina, and more the type who respects nature, appreciates local cuisine, and doesn’t need a name-brand hotel to validate their vacation.
I felt safe at all hours exploring Loreto, even swimming with massive manta rays bigger than my ex’s ego and devouring raw food almost every meal.
When it’s that fresh, it’s hard not to…
Travelers are currently scoring Loreto 85/100 (after my own vote):
Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!
Stacie Harris is a local resident and reporter of the Maple Grove area. Stacie reports on medicine and science for the Maple Grove Report.
