Are you dreaming of a sunny getaway to Mexico? With its beautiful beaches, rich culture and delicious cuisine, Mexico offers a wide variety of vacation destinations to choose from. But with so many options, how do you decide which one is right for your next trip? Below, RedWeek explores five popular Mexican vacation destinations — Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas — to help you choose the perfect destination for your next Mexican adventure.
Playa del Carmen: Best for Beach Lovers and Nightlife Enthusiasts
If you’re in the mood for a buzzing beach town with a vibrant nightlife scene, look no further than Playa del Carmen. Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen offers beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. For a particularly lively scene night and day, go straight to Mamitas Beach. Or for something a bit more secluded, try Akumal Beach, which is great for snorkeling. Meanwhile, Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue, also known as “Quinta Avenida,” is a bustling pedestrian zone filled with locally owned shops and restaurants that range from casual street food to fine dining. And of course, its many bars and nightclubs make Fifth Avenue a hub for after-hours excitement.
Check out RedWeek’s Playa del Carmen travel guide for more.
Where To Stay: A AAA Five-Diamond award-winning Playa del Carmen resort, Grand Luxxe at Vidanta Riviera Maya, features spacious accommodations, direct beach access, sparkling pools and much more.
Puerto Vallarta: Best for Romantic Getaways and LGBT+ Travelers
Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is beloved for its postcard-ready beaches, quaint cobblestone streets, and imagination-sparking arts scene. This destination is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway, thanks to legendary sunsets, luxurious resorts, and intimate dining options — don’t miss date night at the oceanside La Palapa, where the views are as impressive as the cuisine. The Malecon, a scenic boardwalk along the beach, is a must-visit spot for strolling, shopping, and dining, while the nearby Marietas Islands offer a secluded and scenic tropical paradise. Good to know: Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for the LGBT+ community, with numerous LGBT+-friendly establishments.
Check out RedWeek’s Puerto Vallarta travel guide for more.
Where To Stay: At the luxurious The Grand Bliss at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, guests will enjoy plunge pools in their suites, as well as an indulgent spa and an 18-hole championship golf course just a short walk away.
Nuevo Vallarta: Best for Families Full Of Adventurers
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach destination that caters to families and offers plenty of all-ages adventures, Nuevo Vallarta might be the right choice for you. Located just north of Puerto Vallarta on beautiful Banderas Bay, Nuevo Vallarta boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters, perfect for swimming and water sports. Make a splash at Aquaventuras Water Park, a sprawling water park that features a 500-foot lazy river and waterslides that range from mellow to thrilling. Or pay a visit to El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter dozens of incredible reptiles.
Check out RedWeek’s Nuevo Vallarta travel guide for more.
Where To Stay: Located on the northern edge of the Vidanta estate, the The Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta’s spacious suites offer either mountain or ocean views — both options are spectacular. Kids will also love the Aqua Park, home to the famed Mayan Pyramid water slide.
Cancun: Best for Partygoers and Aquatic Explorers
If you’re looking to cut loose on your Mexican vacation, Cancun has you covered. Located on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the popular destination is known for its exciting nightlife. Coco Bongo is one of the area’s most popular clubs, with high-tech, interactive shows, delicious cocktails and a dance floor that can’t be beat. Want to get into salsa dancing? Try MamboCafé, which offers nightly lessons that will have you strutting your stuff in no time. Meanwhile, the Hotel Zone is a bustling strip of beachfront resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs, making it a hotspot for partygoers. When the sun’s out, Cancun also offers a wide range of water sports activities — jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving in the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
Check out RedWeek’s Cancun travel guide for more.
Where To Stay: Voted one of RedWeek’s top picks for 2023, The Royal Sands is a Cancun luxury resort, offering expansive two-bedroom, two-bath villas (each with private terraces), a sumptuous full-service spa and ocean views wherever you turn.
Cabo San Lucas: For The Best Of Both Worlds
Located on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is well-known for its thrilling nightlife scene. But this upscale destination also makes it easy to get away from it all, whether you’re exploring a hidden gem beach or taking a family friendly desert expedition. The waters surrounding Cabo are home to an abundance of marine life, making it a premier destination for fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, Cabo has plenty to offer thrill-seekers, whether you want to zip-line through a desert canyon or ride an ATV on the beach.
Check out RedWeek’s Cabo San Lucas travel guide for more.
Where To Stay: Located oceanfront on a white-sand beach, the Grand Solmar lets guests experience serenity and natural beauty, while still placing you just steps away from the excitement of downtown Cabo.
Start planning your next Mexican vacation with RedWeek now.
