Last Updated on August 2, 2024
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
By Jim Ferri
These 10 best places to visit in Mexico are the reason the country continues to be one of the most popular destinations for American tourists. From the sands of its many resorts on the Caribbean and the Pacific, to the cultural bonanza of its cities and states in the interior, Mexico has much to offer the traveler.Mexico is not only beautiful, culturally enriching and easily accessible, it provides many options for almost any budget.
For those who desire to explore, or just relax at one of the best Mexico beach resorts, here are the top tourism destinations in Mexico, as reported by the Mexico Tourism Board.
The crime situation in several areas of Mexico, primarily along its northern border, has received much coverage in the media. And with good reason. Because of this violence the U.S. Department of State has had a long-standing advisory on travel to Mexico. (You can read the Travel Warning and other information here).
On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that the entire country is unsafe.
According to the U.S. Government, millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. Also, about one million Americans live there. Like them, travelers can greatly enhance their safety by using some common sense while traveling in Mexico. It’s the same common sense one should use traveling anywhere in the world.
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres – Best Mexico Beach Resorts
If you’re looking for sun and the best Mexico beach resorts, look no further than Cancun. It’s consistently ranked number one of the best places to visit in Mexico time and again by Orbitz and Travelocity.
Cancun and its neighbors Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Isla Contoy, and Puerto Morelos welcome over 3 million visitors annually.
In the state of Quintana Roo almost everything focuses on water activities, including jet skiing, snorkeling and scuba diving. The latter takes place along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second longest in the world.
Beaches and hotel pools are the major draws to the Cancun and Riviera Maya regions, of course. But travelers also lured by attractions such as the Under Water Museum; the area’s culinary, nightlife and shopping experiences.
The area’s popular archeological sites of Tulum, Chichen Itza and Cobá are also among the top tourist attractions in Mexico.
Mexico City / Distrito Federal, Perennially a Favorite With Travelers
With its reputation for art, culture, shopping, recreation and cuisine, Mexico City attracts more than 12 million visitors every year. It perennially remains one of the best places to visit in Mexico. The city enjoys a lively and diverse cultural lifestyle.
You’ll find much to discover in its many historic buildings, museums, food and craft markets and art galleries. It’s home to world-class hotels, convention and meeting facilities, restaurants, and performance venues. Visitors flock to its world-famous Zócalo square, Chapultepec Park, and more than 100 museums.
Popular attractions include the colonial neighborhoods of San Ángel and Coyoacán, and the nearby archaeological zone of Teotihuacan.
The latter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as is the city’s historical center and the lakeside area of Xochimilco. Mexico City boasts a year-round calendar of performing arts, music, dance, film festivals, art exhibitions, and business fairs and expositions.
Read More: Places to Visit in in Mexico City
Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta is one of the major resort destinations of Mexico, and still one of the best places to visit in Mexico This is especially true with American and Canadian travelers.
While many only associate Puerto Vallarta with sun and beach, the city is also home to one of the most dynamic art scenes in Mexico. Its Galería Dante and Galería Pacífico feature traditional and contemporary art and sculptures.
The city is also popular for its diverse selection of places to eat. They range from beach-side taco stands to upscale restaurants with panoramic views of the bay.
Riviera Nayarit, an area highly developed in the past few decades, is located about fifteen minutes from PV’s airport. The area includes the ultra-exclusive Punta Mita with some of the most high-end hotels in Mexico, as well as the resort town of Rincón de Guayabitos.
Baja California Sur: Still One of the Best Mexico Vacation Places
Known for its natural features and blazing temperature, Baja California Sur is where desert and ocean meld in Mexico. It’s always listed as one of the best places to visit in Mexico. In fact, for many, it is one of the best places to vacation in in the entire country.
Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is easily accessible by plane. This makes it a favorite destination for many American travelers, especially those from the west coast of the USA. With the Sea of Cortes on one side and the Pacific on the other, one feels they’re on an sanctuary.
The area has several high-end resorts and spas, beautiful beaches, and near-impeccable year-round weather. La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is more of a commercial and cultural center than a vacation destination.
It does, however, attract eco-tourists looking to enjoy La Paz’s marine wonders and aquatic activities. It is also home to the Museo de Antropología e Historia and La Ruta de las Misiones.
Read More: read more about Baja and the Sea of Cortez
Guadalajara and Tequila in Jalisco
Mexico’s State of Jalisco, home to mariachi music and tequila, provides a strong taste of Mexican culture. It’s the reason it remains one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Guadalajara is considered to be the cultural center of Western Mexico. The city’s famous historic downtown is home to Plaza de Armas, Metropolitan Cathedral and Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres.
There are also several other museums and historical sites including Hospicio Cabañias, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Travelers also enjoy the city’s music culture, ranging from sidewalk Mariachi bands to the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco.
Also in Jalisco is the town of Tequila and its surrounding agave fields, listed as a World Heritage Site. Take the Tequila Express and tour tequila country, seeing a number of haciendas, and enjoy a tasting along the way.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Approximately 150 miles north of Acapulco, you’ll find the bayside city of Zihuatanejo and the nearby modern resort of Ixtapa. Together they make up the third most-visited tourist destination in Mexico after Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, especially for sports fishermen.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Zihuatanejo gained international popularity in the 1970s after construction of the nearby resort of Ixtapa.
The aim of the resort was to establish a Cancun-like resort on the country’s Pacific coast. With its homegrown feel and overall charm, the resort soon became one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Zihuatanejo is only about five minutes away from the beach resort of Ixtapa, home to two world-class golf courses. It’s easily accessible to travelers by way of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International airport.
Unique Central Mexico: Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City
Many travelers think to go to the coast for a Mexican vacation. But central Mexico offers a great cultural experience and is one of the unique best places to visit in Mexico.
Guanajuato City, the capital of the state located in the mountains, attracts many tourists with its museum-hopping and mine tours. The tours are both inside and outside the city, since mining is what made the city prosperous. Querétaro boasts a bustling arts and music scene, and its old section is a wonderful place to explore on foot.
San Miguel de Allende is recognized as a popular cultural center, and is home to many American and Canadian ex-pats.
Tourists can tour numerous art schools and historic buildings in the city, which is only 170 miles northwest of Mexico, including the Casa de Allende Museum and the home of Ignacio Allende. All three of the cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Read More: The Pleasures of Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende
Yucatan’s Mérida, Uxmal and Chichen Itza: Popular Tourist Attractions In Mexico
The state of Yucatan draws tourists who want to explore the Mayan culture of the country. It’s famously known for its historical and archeological sites, why it remains one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
Mérida, the state’s capital and nicknamed “The White City,” is the point of departure for all Mayan routes to nearby sites. These include such famous sites as of Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home of the famous Kukulkan Mayan Pyramid), Ek Balam, and Mayapan.
The ruins at Uxmal, also a World Heritage Site, are less impressive than those at Chichen Itza. But they reveal a different, more detailed architectural style many travelers find to be worth the trip.
Many travelers also come to the region to experience Yucatan food, known for its own distinct style and Mayan influences.
Far From the Beach: Copper Canyon
Named for its copper green coloring, the Copper Canyon is located in the state of Chihuahua. It continues to lure travelers who want to experience the Chihuahua al Pacífico, commonly known as the Copper Canyon Railway.
The train runs through 390 miles of the canyons and takes 14 hours on its journey. Ranked as another of the best places to visit in Mexico, the experience is enhanced with breathtaking views and scenery.
Another tourist attraction is the 807-feet tall Basaseachic Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Mexico.
Nature lovers and eco-tourists enjoy hiking, camping and birdwatching in the area, still home to the Rarámuris and Tarahumaras, indigenous peoples who live in the mountains.
Chiapas: San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, a city of over 200,000 inhabitants, is the cultural capital of Chiapas. One of the best places to visit in Mexico, it is a unique destination in the country.
The city has preserved its century-old houses, cobbled streets and colonial buildings. The central area of the city is the main plaza or the Zócalo. Around it local people sell handmade crafts and textiles in open-air markets.
Surrounded by dozens of Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages, San Cristobal is one the most deeply rooted indigenous areas in the country. It’s also a central starting point for exploration of Chiapas, the southern-most state in Mexico.
You may also enjoy: 5 Great Day Trips from Mexico City / The Top 10 Places in Mexico City / Best Things To Do in Mexico City / Mexico: Xochimilco, Mexico City’s Little Venice
If You Go:
Mexico Tourism Board
https://visitmexico.com/eng/home-2
Spike Richards says
What about Huatulco, Oaxaca? Sorry, but your writers missed a jewel… oh well, more empty beaches for us in Canada! You can keep the towers of Cancun for yourselves! 🙂
Jim Ferri says
I love Oaxaca and remember Huatulco before a single hotel ever broke ground there. I’m certain here would have been many more places included if we had expanded the list to 20, but these are are the top tourism destinations in Mexico as reported to Never Stop Traveling by the Mexico Tourism Board.
First Last says
Towers of Cancun?!?! You must live in Moose Jaw to think there are “towers” in Cancun.
Kimmi says
I’ve been to 27 states in Mexico and Oaxaca is still my favorite. Why? Very few tourist!!
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com says
Top 10 places for what?
You missed Puerto Escondido, Valle de Bravo, and the hills around Mazamitla!
Jim Ferri says
As I explained to Spike (above) there would have been many more places had the list been more extensive. These are are the top tourism destinations in Mexico as reported to Never Stop Traveling by the Mexico Tourism Board. I’ve never made it to Puerto Esconditio, although I’ve heard good things about it, or the hills around Mazamitla. But Valle de Bravo is a great place, almost another world for those who live or travel there.
alphapapa says
Ah, so it is the top ten TOURIST SITES.. Not the top ten places worth going.. thanks, I will avoid tourist traps..
jennifer says
What about Bucerious…there are many lovely places but this is my favorite.
Jim Ferri says
I’ve been to PV but never to Bucerious. What makes it your favorite place in Mexico?
Jesus E. Martinez says
Where can I find good, knowledgeable firends to travel with to Mexico?
Adam says
Jesus , you didn’t mention where do you live , and how we can contact you …..
Stephney says
Thats a really nice article. I came to know more about Mexico and looking forward to visit there. Keep posting such articles.
rose says
your pictures of mexico are great, but for us who must use a wheel chair i didnt see any options. please inform us if there are any tours and/or places whith the appropiate accomodations. thanks
Brenda says
Wheelchair- I’m aware because my brother is in one. Most hotels in Cancun have access. Recently at Royal Cancun I saw they have area on beach for a wheelchair. Also there’s a rental company hotels can connect you with for a beach wheelchair. The special chair is brought to and picked up from the hotel beach. Casa Maya is best price and wheelchair accessible I’ve experienced.
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Vancouver Attractions says
People honeymoon all over the world, but Mexico is still a top destination for happy newly-wed couples. The country’s many different landscapes and lifestyles will provide you with vastly different experiences, depending on your tastes, budget, and the time of year. Even if you’ve already been to Mexico, there are most probably countless opportunities for discovery that you haven’t even considered yet. Seasoned travelers will tell you so: Mexico cannot be summarized and fully appreciated in one single visit. In fact,you can visit Mexico numerous times and be amazed by what you experience on every occasion. Here are only a few recommendations – feel free to do your own research, you’re bound to find a destination that will please both you and your significant other!
Kiya says
THis site is pretty helpful for little stuff but it didnt du much
sorry:(
bob says
this website is so cool i visited all these places and they were great for my fist time in mexico.i had aaaaaaaaaaaaalllooottt of fun:)
Ofer Doron says
Sounds amazing. Must add to my bucket list.
hamtum says
Hfkcgfhgfjggjvgfnggjbbjfbfjcgjgh says
I love Mexico
Monika says
Hey dear, thanks for sharing the awesome and informative article with us. You know Mexico is one of the best tourist places in the world. I agree with what you have added in your article and about these destinations, I love the Ruins around the country, especially some of the lesser known Ruins, like Calakmul.
Monika says
Hi, friend, I really enjoyed your awesome blog and unique information. The places that you add are really awesome. But I would like to add some more with you, Like: 1. Huasteca
2. Bacalar
3. Campeche
4. Zacatecas
5. Puebla
6. Morelia
7. Prismas Basálticos
8. Taxco
James Ekoh says
Geography Department,
Federal Science & Technical College,
P. M. B. 1082, Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Enquiry.
Season’s Greetings. My students are interested in visiting places around the world. Kindly send some of your tourist materials to us for study in the classroom to boost their interest in travelling abroad and studying about other places.
Thanks in anticipation.
Yours faithfully
James, Ekoh
Jim Ferri says
Hi James, this is a blog post that, unfortunately, has no tourist materials to share. You should get in touch with the national tourism offices of countries around the world. You can easily find them by Googling “national tourism office” plus the name of the country. Good luck to you and your students!
Jesus says
I am really proud of being Mexican and I love my state and I love going to Nayarit it’s really beautiful I really recommen it and I am from there to
Jim Ferri says
Thank you, Jesus.
Heather S says
Nice picks! I love traveling to Mexico, and although lately it’s got a rep for being dangerous I believe that traveling there can still be very safe if you choose the right place.
When it comes to my favourite place, it’s definitely remote Xcalak, waaaay down the Yucatan Peninsula, almost all the way to Belize. Nearby Bacalar with it’s Lake of Seven Colours is stunning, and Bacalar itself is what (I think) Tulum probably looked like about 20 (or maybe even 10) years ago.
Kate Lubinski says
La Paz stole my heart when I visited it! I was there for diving, my favourite dive spot was Lobos Rock (https://dive.site/explore/site/lobos-rock-MZJA), and I couldn’t have been happier for my trip. next time I want to go to the eastern coast, it seems like a whole new kind of awesomeness!
ayeyayeyayeyaeyaye says
i live there
Raymond says
I love to be in mexico city but I need place there
Jose Vicente Gonzales Rosas says
Y no Mexicali
Jaime says
Hey, you left out Campeche. And what about Isla del Carmen, also in Campeche
Jim Ferri says
Hi Jaime,
There are lots of great places to visit in Mexico. This list, however, is of the top popular places reported by the Mexico Tourist Board.
Reserva De Vuelos says
Love the blogs and I hope that I’d be able to go through all of them and I know that they’ve got good stuff! Thanks! It was great advice!! And the pics are very beautiful.
Jim Ferri says
Thank you!
Jim