Exploring Mexico's diverse coastal beauty: A guide to eight must-visit beaches

On the Pacific coast in Oaxaca lies Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido. Accessible via a steep set of stairs, it rewards visitors with golden sands and calm waves perfect for swimming or beginner surfing.

Playacar in Playa del Carmen offers a quieter stretch of Riviera Maya's coastline with pillow-soft sand and iconic blue water. It provides an exclusive feel due to upscale homes and resorts lining the beach.

Playa Chacala in Riviera Nayarit offers a small-town vibe with gentle waves ideal for swimming or paddleboarding. Beachside restaurants serve local seafood specialties like fish zarandeado.

Zihuatanejo's Playa Blanca is noted for its long stretches of pristine sand without crowds or buildings, making it perfect for peaceful walks along the Pacific coast.

Isla Holbox in Quintana Roo is known for its laid-back boho vibe where hammocks swing over turquoise waters. It's popular among travelers seeking to escape Cancun's noise.

Lastly, Playa Mayto in Cabo Corrientes offers a remote experience south of Puerto Vallarta. Its vast golden beach provides solitude-seekers a place to watch sunsets over the Pacific.