Acapulco
The city of Acapulco is in the state of Guerrero and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Mexico. A city of 2 million people, Acapulco's beaches include Condesa Beach and Icacos Beach, both of which are favorites among students on spring break. Caleta Beach is more popular with families because of the calmer waves, while Puerto Marques provides beautiful scenery for taking pictures. For more upscale travelers, there is the relatively private Revolcadero Beach.
Cabo San Lucas
Known to be a getaway place for the rich and famous, Cabo San Lucas is home to many popular nightlife attractions as well as a large marina and bay. Among its beaches is the long main beach called El Medano, which is popular for watersports and swimming. Playa del Amor, or Love Beach, is a hidden cove that you can only get to by taking a water taxi at the marina. Right next to Love Beach is Divorce Beach, a treacherous place for swimming.
Cancun
Cancun is Mexico's most visited destination. It is in the state of Quintana Roo. In the east, beaches include Playa Ballenas, a popular beach with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, and San Miguelito, known for its Mayan ruins. Heading north, there is Playa Caracol, which is perfect for children because of its shallow seabed, though it does tend to be a more crowded beach. Three beaches, Playa Linda, Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas, have dive and snorkel tours available.
Ensenada
Ensenada's beaches are havens for surfers. San Miguel Beach is host to challenging waves while Estero Beach is popular for its many water activities, including kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Estero Beach is a family friendly location. Baja Beach is convenient for the tourist because it is close to many resorts and hotels, and is also perfect for children.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is home to 40 beaches, with one of its more popular beaches being the Playa de Oro, known for its water sports. For a more peaceful and quiet beach, head north for fewer tourists and more challenging waves. Playa de los Muertos is Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach. It is near several restaurants, and features water sports and banana boat rides. For hidden beaches and coves, head south to find that the Sierra Madres Mountains often extend up to the sea, making for rocky and sandy shorelines.
