8 Most Affordable Beach Towns in Mexico

ShareThis

Mexico is filled with gorgeous beach towns that beckon global tourists year-round. The great thing is, many of them are affordable. That's especially true these days for Americans carrying U.S. dollars, since the exchange rate is so attractive now. Here are eight of the most affordable Mexican beach towns to visit, plus why you should go.

1. Loreto

Situated on the Baja California Peninsula, Loreto offers more than a cool splash in blue waters. It's also home to the centuries-old church, Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and prehistoric cave paintings at the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.

Beach-lovers can see pelicans, dolphins, and whales off the coast around Bahía de Loreto National Park. If you come in spring, you may also catch the migration of whales. For those after a little more active vacation, there is plenty of snorkeling and sport fishing, too.

Best of all, three-star hotels in Loreto start at just $50 per night. (See also: Caribbean Island Vacations Anyone Can Afford)

2. Mazatlán

Referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific, this resort town boasts 11 miles of boardwalk that promises lovely strolls along the sea. Mazatlán is also known for gorgeous architecture, friendly locals, a rich history, and a world-renowned night life district called Zona Dorada (Golden Zone).

A fun to-do list could include visiting the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the historic part of town, dropping by the Zona Dorada to mingle with fellow tourists, and catching breathtaking sunsets.

Like surfing? Mazatlán is known as a surfing haven because of its enormous waves. If you are visiting as a family, you can also take the little ones to the Mazatlán Aquarium.

Mazatlán is convenient to get to and offers semitropical weather all year. Plus, you can find three-star hotels starting from $70. (See also: Best Hotel Credit Cards)

3. Todos Santos

Popular with both artists and surfers, Todos Santos is located on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. History enthusiasts might drop by the local Profesor Néstor Agúndez Martínez Cultural Center while beach-lovers might hang out at surfer-friendly San Pedrito, Los Cerritos, or La Pastora.

While surfing is the most popular activity in Todos Santos, it's not the only adventure on the menu: You can go kayaking, camping, fishing, or hiking. You can also take part in an eco-tour.

In the winter, Todos Santos is a premier spot to watch the migration of gray whales. And walking through the historic part of town will get you to numerous art galleries.

You can find hotels starting at $30, although most three-star hotels cost $90 per night and up. (See also: Once-In-a-Lifetime Experiences I've Earned with Credit Card Rewards)

4. Troncones

Troncones is a beach village 30 minutes away from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport. The city is best known for its beaches and four main surf spots: La Saladita, Troncones Point, the Ranch, and La Boca. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still relax on the beautiful beaches with a good book. Animal lovers will also enjoy the many local pelicans and sea turtles.

In Troncones, three-star hotels start at around $80 per night.

5. Playa del Carmen

Coastal resort town Playa del Carmen is the third largest city of its state, Quintana Roo, with seemingly endless palm trees, coral reefs, nightclubs, and restaurants. While it might be a bit more touristy than the other towns on the list, it makes up for it by its closeness to Cancun's International airport.

In Playa del Carmen, you can spend the day diving, snorkeling, or swimming. In addition to its water-related activities, Playa del Carmen is also world famous for its restaurants and night life. At night, catch Mayan dance performances and free salsa classes while perusing the shops on the city's famous strip, 5th Avenue.

For warm weather and fewer tourists, you may want to visit in April and May. Three-star hotels near the beach start at $50 per night. (See also: 5 International Destinations You Can Visit for $50 a Day)

6. Puerto Escondido

Situated along the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca, this beach town has become known as a world-class surf destination. But if you’re not a surfer, there's still plenty to do. The town features a number of beaches where you can snorkel, swim, fish, and windsurf. And you can always just watch the powerful waves and surfers who ply them from the beach.

If you want to soak in a little culture on land, try a Mexican cooking class and trip to the local market. For bustling nightlife, check out the bars at Zicatela beach. Some nights they may even have live music.

Three-star hotels start at around $40 a night.(See also: How to Use Travel Rewards Cards to Get Free Trips)

7. La Paz

The capital of Baja California Sur is one of Mexico's best beach towns. La Paz is filled with lovely beaches, gardens, and parks. The town is also home to an array of seafront restaurants, hotels, and museums.

Whether you want to go diving, watch the whales, or enjoy a secluded beach on your own, La Paz has tons to offer. Among La Paz's most famous beaches are Playa Balandra (especially great for kids), Playa el Coromuel, Playa Caimancito, Playa Pichilingue (ideal for camping), and Playa Tecolote, from which you can leave to see the island Espíritu Santo (or the Holy Spirit) — a Unesco World Heritage site. At any of these famous beaches, you can go kayaking or snorkeling, or simply enjoy the cliffs and inlets.

Three-star hotels in La Paz start at just $50 per night. (See also: Flight Booking Hacks to Save You Hundreds)

8. Sayulita

Like many Mexican beach towns, Sayulita is affordable, beautiful, and surfer-friendly. The city also offers delicious seafood along with plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Since the waves are beginner-friendly, Sayulita is a great option if you want to learn how to surf with your kids. If you're after natural beauty and snorkeling opportunities, on the other hand, consider a day trip to nearby Marieta Islands.

While in town, drop by Sayulita Fish Taco, a bar offering more varieties of tequila than you can count.

Plan on paying $15 per night to stay in a hotel or $115 per night for three-star hotels. (See also: 8 Amazing Hawaiian Resorts You Can Book With Rewards Points)

Like this article? Pin it!

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.