You may have heard of the Riviera Maya, a stunning section of Mexico’s Eastern coastline.
But what about the Mexican Riviera?
This collection of resorts, towns and villages span across the western coast of Mexico and are renowned for their lagoons, beaches and harbours.
The term Mexican Riviera was actually coined by cruise companies, with many stopping at a few of these locations during a 1-2 week long trip.
Here are some of the best places in the region!
Best places to visit on the Mexican Riviera
Whether you’re backpacking Mexico independently or seeing these towns with a weekend cruise, here are some Mexican Riviera spots to add to your list!
1. Puerto Vallarta
It may be a tourist hub on Mexico’s west coast, but Puerto Vallarta still has its charms.
The Malecón, a waterfront promenade lined with sculptures and murals, is the heart of the city’s social life.
By day, vendors sell fresh mango slices dusted with chilli, while mariachis play at sunset as street performers entertain the evening crowds.
Nearby, the historic Zona Romántica boasts cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and independent boutiques filled with handwoven textiles and silver jewellery.
Boat trips from Los Muertos Pier head south along the coast, where hidden beaches like Yelapa and Majahuitas are more chilled-out.
The former is a small fishing village accessible only by water, with a crescent-shaped beach and jungle trails leading to a waterfall.
Snorkelling is excellent here, with clear water and abundant marine life. Back in the city, food is a highlight – street stalls serve tacos al pastor, while upscale restaurants offer fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist.
Inland, you’ll find the Sierra Madre mountains with jungle trails, remote villages and coffee farms just begging to be explored.
Guided hikes lead to hidden waterfalls – or try out zip-lining excursions through the canopy!
2. Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a city of contrasts.
Its colonial-era centre, Centro Histórico, retains a sense of old-world charm, while the modern Zona Dorada is lined with beachside resorts and nightlife.
The city’s Malecón stretches for 21 kilometres, making it one of the longest seafront promenades in the world.
The heart of the old town is Plazuela Machado, a leafy square surrounded by restored 19th-century buildings.
In the evenings, outdoor seating spills onto the pavement, with live music filling the air.
The nearby Ángela Peralta Theater, originally built in 1874, hosts concerts, ballet performances, and cultural events. Mazatlán’s seafood scene is legendary—restaurants serve aguachile, a local speciality of shrimp marinated in lime and chilli, alongside grilled marlin tacos and fresh ceviche.
Offshore, at Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island) life moves at a slower pace, with long, unspoiled beaches perfect for horseback riding and kayaking.
For panoramic views, hike to the El Faro Lighthouse – one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world.
3. Manzanillo
A working port with a laid-back atmosphere, Manzanillo is best known for its beaches and deep-sea fishing.
The town is divided into two main areas: the commercial centre to the south and the more tourist-friendly northern bay, where golden beaches curve around the Pacific.
Playa La Audiencia, a sheltered cove, is a favourite for snorkelling, with calm waters and rocky outcrops teeming with fish.
Further along the coast, Playa Miramar has stronger waves, attracting surfers and bodyboarders.
Beyond the beach, Manzanillo’s connection to the ocean runs deep.
Known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, it hosts an annual fishing tournament that draws competitors from across the Americas. Seafood is the highlight of local cuisine – ceviche is made with freshly caught dorado, while beachfront palapas serve grilled octopus and prawns straight from the sea.
For a change of scenery, the El Salto Waterfall lies an hour inland, hidden within lush jungle. A hiking trail leads to the cascading falls, where natural pools beckon for a refreshing swim.
Closer to town, the Laguna de Cuyutlán is a haven for birdwatchers, home to flamingos, herons and spoonbills.
4. Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo keeps its small-town character, even as its neighbour, Ixtapa, has grown into a modern resort destination.
The streets are lined with artisan shops, family-run restaurants and open-air markets selling woven hammocks and handcrafted pottery.
At the waterfront, fishing boats bob in the bay, and the daily catch is hauled straight from the water to local seafood stalls.
Playa La Ropa is the town’s most famous beach, a long stretch of golden sand backed by coconut palms and low-rise boutique hotels.
The waves stay gentle enough for paddleboarding and kayaking – or if you fancy a snorkel, you’ll find plenty of marine life around the rocky edges. A short walk or boat ride leads to Playa Las Gatas, a more secluded cove where snorkelling is even better, and beachfront restaurants serve grilled snapper with handmade tortillas.
Boat trips leave from the pier to Isla Ixtapa, where the snorkelling is some of the best on this coast.
Inland, the Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande traces the area’s history, from its pre-Hispanic roots to its fishing heritage.
5. Huatulco
One of the best beaches in Oaxaca, Huatulco’s coastline is made up of nine bays, many of them protected inside Huatulco National Park.
Unlike other Pacific destinations, large parts of this coastline remain undeveloped, with small eco-hotels and locally owned guesthouses instead of high-rise resorts. Perfect if you want to get away from the crowds!
The emphasis is on low-impact tourism, and it shows in the clear water, quiet beaches, and jungle trails.
Each bay has something different. Bahía San Agustín is a favourite for snorkelling, with coral reefs just offshore, while Bahía Cacaluta, only accessible by boat or a hike, is completely untouched.
Looking for something livelier? Head to Santa Cruz Bay, where restaurants and cafés sit right on the sand, serving seafood straight from the fishing boats.
Inland, the surrounding hills are known for coffee production, and local plantations run tours where visitors can taste beans roasted using traditional methods. The Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park, just outside town, has ancient ruins, jungle trails, and panoramic views over the coast.
6. Sayulita
Sayulita is full of energy.
The main beach draws surfers, with steady waves that suit both beginners and experienced riders. Nearby, Playa La Lancha has stronger swells, while quieter spots like Playa Malpaso are hidden among jungle-covered cliffs.
Beyond the beach, Sayulita’s streets are lined with brightly painted buildings, murals and markets selling Huichol beadwork and handwoven textiles.
The main square fills with food vendors in the evening, offering everything from tacos to fresh fruit paletas. Local taquerías serve classics like chile relleno tacos, while cafés specialise in smoothie bowls and fresh pastries.
Outdoor activities go beyond surfing – whether you fancy horse riding or boat trips to see whales and dolphins just off the coast, you won’t be disappointed here.
The nightlife is just as lively as the daytime scene, with mezcal tastings, craft cocktails and beach bars that stay open long after sunset.
7. Barra de Navidad
If you’re looking for a quieter coastal town with a laid-back feel, Barra de Navidad is an easy choice.
This small fishing village sits on a sandbar, with the ocean on one side and a calm lagoon on the other. The town’s main street is lined with seafood restaurants, local bakeries and small shops selling hammocks and handmade ceramics. Unlike the bigger resort cities, there’s no rush here!
The beach stretches for miles, with soft golden sand and gentle waves. You can swim, paddleboard, or take a boat across the lagoon to Isla Navidad, where more secluded beaches wait.
If you enjoy fishing, this is one of the best spots on the coast. Local captains run deep-sea fishing trips where you can try your luck catching mahi-mahi or marlin.
Mornings are best spent walking along the waterfront, where pelicans dive for fish, and fishermen haul in their nets.
Nearby, the town of Melaque has a lively local market where you can pick up fresh fruit, handmade tortillas, and traditional sweets.
8. San Blas
San Blas is for travellers who prefer nature over nightlife!
This small coastal town is surrounded by mangroves, estuaries, and some of the most untouched beaches on the Pacific.
If you enjoy birdwatching, this is one of the best places in Mexico – you’ll spot herons, flamingos, and spoonbills in the wetlands, especially around La Tovara National Park.
A boat tour through the mangroves gives you the best chance to see wildlife, including crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks.
The beaches here feel wild and open, with soft sand and hardly any crowds.
Playa Las Islitas is one of the most peaceful, with shallow water perfect for swimming. The waves are gentle enough for beginner surfers, while further down the coast, bigger breaks draw more experienced riders.
History also runs deep in San Blas. The Fort of San Basilio, an 18th-century Spanish fort, still stands on a hill overlooking the town, offering panoramic views of the coastline. You can walk through the ruins, where old cannons and stone walls tell the story of when San Blas was one of Mexico’s most important ports.
Make sure you add these fantastic Mexican Riviera destinations to your bucket list for the country!
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