If you’re looking for the best beaches in Mexico for family trips along with world-class food, incredible resorts, and pristine turquoise waters, Mexico is the place to be. There are some of the best beaches in Mexico for family trips. Take a breather and forget the world while lounging in luxurious all-inclusive resorts as the kids make memories right on the beach.
Whether it’s Cancun beach or exploring Cabo San Lucas, going to Mexico with kids can be a fun and relaxing trip. The best beaches in Mexico for families are a plane ride away, and we’re here to help you locate the perfect place and learn what to expect before you travel. In this article, we are going to discuss the best beaches to visit in Mexico for family trips. In this trip we will focus on family attractions instead of beach bars. Of all the beautiful places to visit, Mexico is one of the most beautiful in Latin America.
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Why choose Mexico for a beach vacation?
Located in the Southernmost part of North America, Mexico is the 16th largest country in the world, spanning 1,972,550 square kilometers (761,610 sq mi). The Southeastern part dips into the Caribbean Sea, while the Gulf of Mexico sits to the east and the Pacific cradles the south and western sides.
Mexico is one of the most culturally-rich and diverse beach destinations accessible to North and South Americans. With nearly 500 gorgeous beaches and some of the world’s best hotels, Mexico is a luxurious and family-friendly beach destination.
What are the best places for families?
Your next Mexican family vacation doesn’t have to be in one place. If you have the time and can afford it, try to visit more than one beach town and explore the area to diversify your experience. That said, Mexico isn’t just famous for Cancun and its beach towns. It also has tantalizing street food, majestic Mayan ruins, and charming cobblestone streets along the Pacific Coast.
Is Mexico safe for a family vacation?
A significant portion of the Mexican economy relies on tourism. If you take the usual precautions that you would in any foreign destination, you and your family will be perfectly safe. If you remain alert during night and day trips, you should not face issues.
Avoid going out at night alone and stay within the confines of the beach resort. Moreover, keep your belongings close when you’re in large cities like Mexico City. Tourist hotspots like Cancun have a consistent and heavy security presence, ensuring that visitors stay safe.
Beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula
With some of the most breathtaking resorts in Mexico and plenty of kid-friendly activities, the Peninsula is among the best spots to go for a family beach vacation. The glittering beaches of Isla Holbox are great for water sports, and so is the blue expanse of the Riviera Maya.
The area is full of places to visit. You can go to the Tulum Monkey Sanctuary for a glimpse of the playful primates or snorkel near the coral reef and play with sea turtles in the water.
Playa Del Carmen
Before Cancun and Cabo San Lucas became tourist hotspots, Playa Del Carmen was the place to party. This breathtaking coastal city boasts all-inclusive resorts, and getting to and from the airport is a breeze for families.
Playa Del Carmen has tons of shops, activities, and restaurants for families and singles, with the best of both worlds, depending on what you’re seeking.
Isla Mujeres
Sitting 13 kilometers away from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is one of the top places to take your family on a beach vacation. Soak in the crystal-clear blue waters of Playa Norte (North Beach) and play in the sand, or use golf carts to get around and explore the main town’s restaurants and charming streets.
Isla Mujeres has plenty of water parks and beach clubs. Pass by a nearby fishing village for fresh seafood and spectacular views of the coast, or relax in a 5-star room while the kids play in the water.
Cancun
The pristine beaches, the resorts, the unforgettable people – what’s not to love about Cancun? Although most people know that a Cancun trip means the vacation of a lifetime, many parents underestimate how fun Cancun is for a family vacation.
The resorts and hotels in Cancun are mostly kid-friendly, and there are plenty of activities for minors like kids clubs and teen adventure groups. Cancun is an area you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. It has the best hotels in Mexico, and the memories you make with the family last for years.
Tulum
The beachside town of Tulum is one of the most famous areas in Mexico. It is popular with families and singles alike. As one of the more popular tourist areas, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, ruins, biking spots, and shopping destinations to wander around. Stop by the Playa Ruinas for multi-hued blue waters, and don’t forget to partake in water sports during your stay in Tulum.
One downside to Tulum is that the beaches are a bit further away than other places. But once you get to the beautiful white sand and palm trees that dot the Tulum shore, you’ll forget the about the world, and your kids won’t want to leave.
Beaches in other areas of Mexico
Besides the Yucatan, you can head north, south, or west, and you’ll find many of the best beaches in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta
Vibrant, busy, and full of small beach towns like Yelapa and Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta retains its natural charm while accommodating the modern traveling family. Puerto Vallarta receives an average of two million visitors every year, and you can visit any time of year.
While it doesn’t have the best coastlines in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta beach does have a wealth of kid-friendly hotels and activities that make for thrilling family vacations. We recommend visiting here for more than just a beach vacation. Walk around and discover its stunning scenery, or eat at one of the local joints after a day of fun.
Los Cabos
Like Cancun and Tulum, Los Cabos is a popular tourist hotspot with some of Mexico’s best hotels and resorts. While not every beach in Los Cabos is safe for swimming, be sure to seek out Lover’s Beach and take part in the snorkeling activities that abound on the playas.
You may find yourself face-to-face with a celebrity in Los Cabos or San Jose Del Cabo, so keep your eyes open for a star-studded encounter!
La Paz
This majestic coastal city is a beach lover’s dream, situated near the Sea of Cortez. La Paz has gorgeous and Insta-worthy destinations like Balandra Beach and has luxurious activities to take part in when you want a night out with your partner. Since it has some of the best hotels in Mexico, you can leave the kids at the resort and spend a fun evening alone discovering the restaurants and streets of the city.
Best Beaches for Scuba Diving in Mexico
Mexico is a fantastic destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, with a wide variety of dive sites that offer diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. According to PADI Blog, some of the best places to learn to dive in Mexico include Playa Del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum, all located along the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is a popular destination for divers, offering clear blue waters and a variety of dive sites for all levels of expertise.
Baja California is another popular destination for scuba diving in Mexico. The peninsula offers some of the most accessible and exciting diving opportunities, with dive sites along both the Pacific coast and the Gulf of California. PADI Blog notes that the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, is a particularly exciting dive spot, with a diverse range of marine life including hammerhead sharks, sea lions, and giant manta rays.
Mexico’s warm waters and diverse marine life make it a great destination for scuba diving year-round. The Caribbean is diveable year-round, while the best time to see bull sharks is from November to May. Manta rays can be seen all year round, while whale sharks and thousands of humpback whales can be spotted from December to April. With so many exciting dive sites to choose from, Mexico is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about scuba diving.
Which Side of Mexico Has Nicer Beaches for Families?
Mexico is blessed with beautiful beaches on both coasts, but the answer to the question of which side of Mexico has nicer beaches for families ultimately depends on personal preferences. The Pacific ocean side of Mexico, for instance, is known for its rugged coastline and world-class surf spots. While this may not be ideal for families with young children, there are still plenty of stunning white sand beaches to enjoy. Some of the most popular beaches on the Pacific coast include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Acapulco, all of which offer plenty of family-friendly activities and amenities.
On the other hand, the Caribbean side of Mexico is known for its calm turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches, making it a popular tourist destination for families. Destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum offer a wide range of family-friendly resorts and activities, such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. The Yucatan Peninsula is also home to the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it a great destination for families who love to snorkel or scuba dive.
In the end, both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of Mexico boast beautiful beaches and a plethora of family-friendly activities, so the decision is dependent on individual preferences. Those seeking a more adventurous experience may enjoy the Pacific coast, with its rugged coastline and world-class surf spots. Meanwhile, families in search of calm waters and soft white sand beaches may prefer the Caribbean side, which is a popular tourist destination for families. Destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum offer a wide range of family-friendly resorts and activities, such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. No matter which side you choose, Mexico guarantees a memorable beach vacation for the entire family.
