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Vacationers may enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year and a wide variety of attractions in Mexico, from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City to the tranquil beaches of Tulum. Based on visitor votes and expert comments, as well as cultural attractions, cuisine alternatives, beaches, water-based activities, and nightlife, U.S. News has developed a list of the top Mexico destinations to visit. This should help you decide which one is right for you. If you want to help us select the best holiday places for next year, cast your vote below. Please be advised that the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory against specific Mexican states citing crime as the reason. It is advisable to check their website for updates before making any travel plans, and to exercise caution if you do decide to visit.
For the years 2023 and 2024, Zihuatanejo is the best place to visit in Mexico.
Zihuatanejo is a tranquil beach town on Mexico’s Pacific coast where visitors may enjoy spectacular sunsets and a genuine taste of Mexican culture. Those interested in shopping may peruse the local wares (ceramics, woodcarvings, etc.) while those with a sweet tooth can dine on ceviche and fish tacos made right there on the shore. The principal beach of the city, Playa La Ropa, is known for its cleanliness and family-friendly vibe. Playa Larga is another great choice for a beach; it’s located just outside of town, so it’s more peaceful and has more space to spread out. Divers and snorkelers have their selection of several marine life-rich diving spots just offshore.
For the years 2023 and 2024, Tulum is the second-best destination in Mexico.
Tourists and history aficionados alike will enjoy a day in Tulum, Mexico, thanks to its world-renown Mayan coastal ruins. Tulum is home to some of Mexico’s finest hotels, including exclusive boutiques, health retreats, and all-inclusive resorts, and it’s located on a length of the Riviera Maya beach, about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen. You have the option to relax on some of the most stunning beaches in the world (like the highly-recommended Playa Paraíso or Playa Ruinas), discover ancient ruins (you might want to plan a daytrip to neighboring Chichén Itzá for a more expansive site), and swim in hidden cenotes, which are distinct underwater caverns scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula.
The third-best Mexican destination for 2023 and 2024 is Cozumel.
The island’s coral reefs and the cruise ships that visit them are perhaps its most recognizable features. Visitors like this spot for a variety of water sports, as well as its tranquil beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear are available at several resorts and outfitters. Cozumel is a tranquil spot to learn about Mayan culture, even though you could spend all day swimming or reading a nice book on the beach. Indulge in some pre-Hispanic history at the San Gervasio archeological site, home to Mayan ruins.
Ixtapa ranked fourth among Mexico’s top tourist destinations for 2023 and 2024.
The Pacific coast city of Ixtapa, which is situated just north of Zihuatanejo, is teeming with activity thanks to its curving shoreline, which is lined with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. The main beach, Playa El Palmar, isn’t the best place to swim or snorkel because of the heavy waves, but it’s great for people watching and sunset strolls. If you’re just starting out scuba diving, Ixtapa is a great spot to go because of the calm, clear, and warm water, as well as the coral beds farther offshore. The little Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande is a must-visit for history buffs and anybody curious in the many civilizations and events that have shaped this area.
Isla Mujeres Ranked Fifth Among Mexico’s Top Tourist Destinations for 2023–2024
Isla Mujeres, situated off the coast of Cancún, has stunning beaches ideal for unwinding and coral reefs ripe for discovery, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a fast day excursion. Because of its enormous coral reef, which is home to a diverse array of fish species, and its one-of-a-kind underwater museum, it is really one of the top snorkeling spots on Earth. On a glass-bottom boat, you may see marine life from a different angle. Playa Norte is the go-to spot for sunbathers because to its picture-perfect combination of white sand, blue ocean, and swaying palm palms.
Regarding Mexico’s Top Destinations for the Years 2023–2024, Isla Holbox ranks sixth.
Some of the most notable features of Isla Holbox include its peaceful beaches, laid-back vibe, and breathtakingly beautiful sea. The car-free, off-the-beaten-path setting of this emerging paradise makes it ideal for anyone seeking a genuine escape from it all. Located 26 miles off the Yucatán Peninsula’s northern shore, Isla Holbox is a small island. You can anticipate charming boutique hotels, long lengths of white sand beaches (the best places to go are Punta Mosquito and Playa Punta Cocos), sailing and snorkeling options, and over a hundred bird species, including brightly colored flamingos.
Sayulita ranked seventh among Mexico’s top tourist destinations for 2023 and 2024.
Sayulita is a little beach town located around 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing. Learn to surf with the help of a local instructor if you’ve never done it before. Whale watching, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, zip line, and peaceful boat tours are some of the other activities available to visitors. Sayulita is a growing hotspot for foodies, so after a day at the beach, you can stroll into town to see some art galleries and chow down at one of the many delicious restaurants serving anything from budget-friendly fare to gourmet creations.
Manzanillo ranked eighth among Mexico’s top tourist destinations for 2023 and 2024.
Manzanillo, situated 170 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, is famous among anglers as a top spot for deep-sea fishing for sailfish and marlin. However, this Pacific coast resort is enjoyable for all kinds of tourists. Playa Salagua and Playa la Audiencia are two of the best beaches in town, but there are many more to choose from thanks to the city’s two bays. Snorkeling and kayaking, two forms of water sports, are also very popular here. If you’re in the mood for some beachside charm, go to the little village of Barra de Navidad, which is located around 30 miles northwest of here.
Among Mexico’s Top Tourist Destinations for 2023 and 2024, Cancun ranks ninth.
Spring breakers and tourists looking for an easy beach escape flock to Cancún for its dreamy white beaches, nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts, and cheap flights from the U.S. On the other hand, this Yucatán Peninsula city is perfect for ecotourists because to its proximity to verdant forests and peaceful cenotes. The downtown area also has a wide variety of inexpensive street cuisine from a number of carts. If you want to see this city—one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations—in its most serene light, go in the autumn or winter. The temperature is almost ideal from December to April.
Guanajuato ranked tenth among Mexico’s top tourist destinations for 2023 and 2024.
In this city that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, you can see colorful residences, bustling plazas, and elaborate baroque and neoclassical structures at every turn. Located around fifty miles west of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato is famous for its network of underground passages and alleyways that may be explored on foot or at your own pace. After you’ve taken in the city’s picturesque colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, go to the Mercado Hidalgo for some food or souvenirs. Come in October for the world-renowned Festival Internacional Cervantino if you’re an art lover.
