34 Places to Visit in Mexico (That Aren’t Cancun)

Look, you’ll get no hate on Cancun from me. I visit frequently when I just want the convenience of a beach resort, and I even wrote a whole guide to Cancun. 

But you probably already know about Cancun. So today, I want to tell you about all the other amazing places you should put on your Mexico bucket list. 

I’ve spent literally years exploring Mexico on dozens of trips to every major region of the country.

I promise you, Mexico has SO many regions and destinations, and they’re all a little different. You’ll find beach towns, cultural capitals, and natural wonders galore.

In this post, I’ll share all the essential places to travel in Mexico, plus my personal favorites and some hidden gems. I even include links to other Mexico guides I’ve written to help you plan your trip in more detail.

My 34 Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Querétaro

IMHO, the single most underrated place in Mexico. Querétaro is authentic, charming, tasty, and beautiful. You may be the only foreigner around, but that’s why I love it.

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I’ve been all over Mexico, but nowhere else has captured my heart quite like Querétaro (except, perhaps our next destination). Querétaro’s has it all. In Santiago de Querétaro, the capital city of the same name as the state, you’ll find a well-preserved historic downtown that has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Take day trips to explore nearby picturesque Mexican towns like Tequis and Peña de Bernal. Get outdoors and explore the lush Sierra Gorda rainforest. Or spend your days winery hopping. Whatever you do, I promise you will love Querétaro.

Valladolid

My personal favorite small town in Mexico packs in tons of history, culture, color, delicious Mayan food, and cenotes.

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The word is getting out about my favorite traditional Mexican town, but Valladolid is still a hidden gem. Located two hours from Cancun (and now connected via the new Maya Train), Valladolid is perfect for adding a taste of Mexican culture to your Riviera Maya vacation. 

Stroll the colorful historic downtown, dine at one of Valladolid’s Mayan restaurants, and go “cenote hopping.” Cenotes are underground jungle swimming holes that look like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. You’ll find dozens of Mexico’s best cenotes near Valladolid.

You’ll also find plenty of affordable boutique hotels in Valladolid. Plus, by staying overnight, you can get up and beat the tour buses to the nearby Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.

Mexico City

Mexico’s capital is a world-class city, oozing history, gastronomy, nightlife, culture, and art. Oh, and it’s much safer than you probably think.

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Mexico City is one of my favorite cities to visit, not just in Mexico, but in the entire world. With over 8 million people, Mexico City is larger than New York City. You’ll find a huge diversity of neighborhoods, museums, street markets, restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels. 

In downtown Mexico City, the historic center sits on top of an ancient Aztec temple. Other popular things to do and see in Mexico City include the expansive Chapultepec Park, the floating gardens of Xochimilco, and the stunning orange dome of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

And, of course, be sure to grab tickets to see a Lucha Libre wrestling performance! 

San Miguel de Allende

A charming town in Central Mexico popular with expats, artists, and couples. San Miguel de Allende is no secret, but it’s no slouch either.

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Ok, so this one is not a hidden gem anymore. San Miguel de Allende has become perhaps a little too popular with foreigners. You’ll often hear more English than Spanish being spoken on its colorful cobblestone streets. But, still, there’s a reason it’s such a popular destination. 

Located in central Mexico’s mountainous desert area, San Miguel de Allende is filled with art galleries and historic sites. Don’t miss the Fabrica la Aurora art haven, or the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel pink church (kind of hard to miss, as it dominates the skyline!). 

There are many romantic boutique hotels in San Miguel de Allende, making it a romantic destination in Mexico for couples. 

Puerto Vallarta

The most popular Pacific Coast beach destination in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is perfect for LGBTQ travelers, families, and couples. 

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Puerto Vallarta is a city nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean. There are many beautiful beaches right in town. But to the north and the south, you’ll find even more hidden beach enclaves, all inclusive resorts, and rusty beach towns. 

Because it’s a larger city than many other beach destinations, finding a place to stay in Puerto Vallarta is relatively easy. There are many hotels in Puerto Vallarta for every price point, from budget to luxury. 

Puerto Vallarta is also home to Mexico’s best LGBTQ scene. With direct connections to the Western US, it’s an easy choice for a quick beach vacation. 

Mérida

The best city to visit in Mexico for longer stays, Merida is an affordable destination that is still relatively off the beaten path.

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I spent several months living in Merida a few years ago and I loved it. It’s hard to beat the relaxed lifestyle of the Yucatan’s capital city. Plus, it is not crowded with tourists. 

Check out the beautiful historic downtown, the surrounding cenotes, and the nearby Uxmal ruins. You can also visit the nearby Progresso beach which is just a short 30 minutes away on the Gulf of Mexico. 

Just know that Merida gets really hot and humid during the summer. My last stay was in July and August, and the heat was just brutal. I’d recommend instead visiting between October and March, when the weather is much more pleasant. 

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: If you’re interested in visiting Merida and other places in the Yucatán, you’ll love my discussion in Episode 2 of the Travel Lemming Podcast on YouTube (the segment starts at 10:10). You can also find the episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Isla Holbox

Like Tulum before the crowds, Isla Holbox is still a hidden gem beach destination. Visit to kayak in a bioluminescent bay, snorkel with whale sharks, or just relax on a car-free island.

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Isla Holbox is a small island (technically, it’s a sandbar) located north of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Holbox is getting more popular by the year. But it is still a hidden gem where cars aren’t allowed (only golf carts), and there is plenty of space on the beach.

Holbox is also home to a bioluminescent bay. Taking a night kayaking tour and watching the water literally light up was a special experience that Clara and I will always cherish and remember. It was such a romantic activity to do together as a couple under the moonlight! 

But Holbox’s main attraction arrives between the months of June to September, when schools of whale sharks arrive to breed nearby. Holbox is best visited during these months to see these incredible animals up close on a snorkeling tour.

Just know that Holbox is a little bit of a pain to get to. From Cancun, you’ll have to drive or take a several hour bus to Chiquilá, a small port town, then take a 30 minute ferry from there. The whole journey takes a good half of a day, and always leaves me exhausted when I arrive. But that friction also keeps the crowds out.

Guanajuato

Perhaps the most colorful city in Mexico, Guanajuato offers a taste of Central Mexico’s history and culture. 

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Guanajuato is a beautiful colonial city located in Central Mexico. Set in a mountainous valley, the highlight is the colorful historic city center. Wander through cobblestone streets, browse art galleries and museums, and be sure to take the funicular to the viewpoint for fantastic panoramic sunset views. 

You’ll find as many Mexican tourists as foreigners in Guanajuato. To me, that is the best evidence that Guanajuato is one of the best places to travel in Mexico.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a great destination to sample mezcal and some of the most unique regional cuisine in Mexico.

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Located in south-central Mexico, Oaxaca is one of the most distinct regions of Mexico. Its namesake city, Oaxaca City, is the place to delight your taste buds with traditional mole or enjoy a few shots of mezcal. It’s also a good place to experience a truly “authentic” Mexican city. Just know that some parts of the city can get a little rough at night, so I’d advise taking Ubers after dark (especially outside the touristic center). 

If you do go to Oaxaca City, be sure to stop by my friend Wilbert’s cafe bar Casa Del Elfo and tell him Nate from Travel Lemming sent you! 

You can also tour nearby mezcal distilleries or visit the incredible Hierve el Agua petrified waterfalls. Further to the south of the state, you’ll find rugged beach spots like Puerto Escondido. 

For more, see McKenna’s guide to what to do in Oaxaca.

Bacalar

Locals know the clearest water in Mexico isn’t at the beach! It’s at Bacalar, Mexico’s “Lake of 7 Colors.” 

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Bacalar is just a couple of hours south of Tulum, but remains relatively unheard-of. At this expansive lagoon, you’ll find some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. If you can, book a hotel or rental with a dock. Bacalar is perfect for when you just want to relax, disconnect, and unwind. 

It also makes a nice destination during the Riviera Maya’s “sargassum season,” a period that runs over the summer when the beaches fill up with annoying seaweed. Because Bacalar is a lagoon, its water is always clear and free of seaweed.

Tulum

Perhaps getting too popular for its own good. Still, there’s no denying that Tulum sports some of the best beaches in the world. 

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Tulum used to be a quiet fishing village and a relatively hidden gem. Not anymore. Today, Tulum is a place where celebrities come for getaways in luxury Tulum hotels and where crowds pack the beachside Tulum Mayan ruins.

Tulum has also become a popular party destination, though that has brought with it questions about safety in Tulum. Still, if you stay in Tulum’s hotel zone and stay away from the illegal stuff, you should be able to have a happy (if expensive) beach vacation. Just be aware that during the middle of the calendar year, seaweed could very well cover the beach.

Playa del Carmen

A reliable beach destination for digital nomads, long-term travelers, or vacationers looking for an all inclusive experience. 

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Playa del Carmen is a Riviera Maya resort town and among the most popular beach destinations in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen offers the conveniences of a small city next to the beach. You have a choice between relatively affordable accommodations in town or all-inclusive hotels and resorts in the adjoining private developments. 

To be honest, the beaches in Playa del Carmen aren’t the best. But Playa del Carmen is the perfect base for taking day trips to explore better beaches, cenotes, and attractions nearby. Plus, it’s much more affordable when compared to Tulum.

Overall, I think Playa del Carmen is a nice alternative to Cancun for those who still want convenience, but also want to be near a walkable downtown.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a quieter island just off the coast of Cancun, perfect for watersports and diving. 

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Isla Mujeres is a relatively developed island accessible via ferry from Cancun. If you are scuba certified, you’ll love it here. You’ll find shallow reefs protected from the currents, plus the opportunity to encounter manta rays or even whale sharks.

If you just want a beach vacation more relaxed (and more affordable) than Cancun, it’s good for that too. Plus, because Isla Mujeres is an island, usually at least one side of it is unaffected by the sargassum that tends to ravage the mainland beach destinations on the Riviera Maya. 

Cozumel

Mexico’s largest Caribbean Island still feels small and relaxed. Cozumel is a great place to scuba dive or to rent a car and go beach hopping. 

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Another island with great scuba diving, Cozumel sports some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel is just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, and is a popular port of call for cruise ships. 

The best thing to do in Cozumel is to simply rent a car (or, better yet, a convertible). I love driving around the island and exploring its many rugged and wild but gorgeous beaches.

El Cuyo

A hidden gem Gulf of Mexico beach destination, El Cuyo is a little difficult to reach but rewards those who make the effort.

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I think El Cuyo is one of the best small beach towns in Mexico. Best yet, it is still relatively undiscovered by most tourists. This rusty beach town along the Gulf of Mexico can only be reached via a long jungle drive, but it’s worth it. 

El Cuyo offers kilometers of empty pristine beaches. There is a small town filled with delicious eateries and friendly locals.

El Cuyo also offers plenty of space to relax and unwind. Or, for an adventure, rent ATVs and ride along the sandbar to visit the pink salt lake at Las Coloradas.

Guadalajara

One of the most authentic city destinations in the country, Guadalajara is underappreciated as a foodie destination.

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Located just inland from Puerto Vallarta in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is an underrated Mexican city. I’ve been twice and, despite some safety issues, I will visit again. 

Guadalajara is a great place to experience traditional markets and unique cuisine. Plus, you can do it all without being crowded by other tourists. It’s also the base for taking the “tequila train” to the nearby town of Tequila. It’s a unique experience filled with lots of – you guessed it – tequila! 

That said, I should note Guadalajara does have some security issues. It’s probably not the best destination for first timers to Mexico. If you go, stick to the tourist areas and be careful at night. I personally witnessed a stabbing one time at a bar!

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a popular Pacific Coast beach destination with nightlife and water sports.

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Cabo San Lucas is a popular vacation destination known for beautiful beaches, nightlife, and water sports. It’s located on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula on Mexico’s Pacific coast. 

Owing to its plethora of direct flights to the western United States, Cabo is perfect for shorter beach vacations and weekend getaways.

👉 Pro Tip: You can also check out nearby San Jose del Cabo, the other half of “Los Cabos.” Or, if you prefer a smaller town vibe, check out the vibrant town of Todos Santos to the north of Cabo San Lucas.

San Cristóbal de las Casas

A unique place to visit in south Mexico, perfect for experiencing Mexico’s indigenous culture. 

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If you are looking for a unique place to visit in Mexico, check out San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico’s southern Chiapas state. It’s a great place to learn about indigenous culture. Plus, it’s the perfect base for exploring nearby archaeological sites and natural wonders.  

Puerto Escondido

A relaxed Pacific Ocean beach town in Oaxaca, known as a haven for surfers, sunbathers, and digital nomads.

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Though once a hidden gem, the tiny Pacific Coast beach town of Puerto Escondido is quickly gaining popularity. Travelers love the relaxed vibe and excellent surfing spots. If you’re looking for a smaller beach town to visit in Mexico for a longer stay, consider Puerto Escondido. 

San Luis Potosí

History, museums, and gorgeous nature, San Luis Potosí is an underrated place to go in Mexico’s north-central region. 

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San Luis Potosi is the capital of the state by the same name. The colonial city sports colonial architecture, a pleasant climate, and many tourist attractions for museum lovers. In the surrounding countryside, you’ll find the famous Tamul waterfalls.

Tijuana

Though its reputation precedes it, there’s still lots of fun (and food) to be found in Tijuana.

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Believe it or not, it’s possible to visit Mexico as part of a day trip from San Diego. In fact, the Mexican city of Tijuana is so close to San Diego that the two cities’ airports are connected by a footbridge. 

While Tijuana might not be the most exciting destination, many tourists still go for the nightlife, shopping, and street food (tacos, anyone?). Yes, some have safety concerns, and not without reason. But if you plan your visit correctly, Tijuana can definitely be a fun experience. 

👉 Pro Tip: Mexico is pretty safe, but you should still consider travel insurance covering Mexico.

Campeche

Though most haven’t heard of it, Campeche is one of the safest and most beautiful Mexican port cities. 

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Campeche is a port city along the Gulf of Mexico and one of Mexico’s World Heritage Cities. You’ll find colorful colonial architecture, historic forts, and lots of authentic culture. You won’t find many foreigners, but it is one of the safest parts of the country. 

Bottom line: if you like exploring off the beaten path, check out Campeche. It’s now connected to Merida and beyond by Mexico’s shiny new Tren Maya, so it’s easier than ever to visit.

Chichén Itzá

One of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” Chichén Itzá is an important historical site that draws more than its fair share of tourists.

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Named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” Chichen Itza is a set of ancient Mayan ruins located in the middle of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. 

You can visit Chichen Itza on one of the many tours that take groups from Cancun or Tulum each day. But, my personal tip is to plan your visit around a trip to the nearby town of Valladolid. You’ll be able to arrive at the archaeological site before the tour buses, and also beat the heat. 

San Juan Teotihuacán

A massive archaeological complex from a mysterious ancient civilization, located just north of Mexico City.

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In the arid desert area north of Mexico City, you’ll find the ancient archeological complex of San Juan Teotihuacán. The ruins are the remains of a two-thousand-year-old mysterious civilization predating the Aztecs. 

The main attractions are two dramatic temples, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. For a truly unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán.

Akumal

One of the best places in Mexico to snorkel with turtles, and a beautiful beach to boot.

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About 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, you’ll find the quiet beachside town of Akumal. In addition to some of the best beaches on the Riviera Maya. But the real draw here is the marine life, specifically the sea turtles that can be found just offshore. 

Akumal makes for a great place to visit on a day trip from Tulum or from Playa del Carmen. You can join a snorkeling tour or beat the crowds, show up with your own snorkeling gear, and swim off shore early in the morning. It’s usually not hard to find a turtle!

Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

Two quiet but beautiful beach towns on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. 

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The next two entries sit right next to each other. Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two Mexican beach towns located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Guerrero. Bear in mind that Guerrero is subject to a “do not travel” safety warning from the US Department of State. 

Ixtapa is more of a small beach resort, while Zihuatanejo is more of a rustic sleepy fishing village. Both attract visitors looking for a more relaxed beach vacation experience. 

Mazatlán

Popular with cruise ships and sun seekers, Mazatlán offers beautiful beaches along the Pacific Coast. 

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Mazatlán is a popular cruise ship stop on the Mexican Pacific Coast. Located in the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is known mostly as a beach destination. 

Mazatlan is also home to one of the best preserved colonial towns in this part of Mexico. If you are visiting as part of a cruise tour or are just looking for an affordable and quick beach vacation, Mazatlán may deserve a spot on your list of where to go in Mexico.

👉 Always Forget Something? Use our handy Mexico packing essentials checklist!

La Paz

An underrated beach and eco tourism destination in Baja California, La Paz offers stunningly beautiful sand and water.

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If you love lesser-known beach destinations or are looking for eco-conscious spots in Mexico, you should check out La Paz. The capital city of Mexico’s Baja California Sur, La Paz is not all that big of a city. The highlight is the well protected bay, which features some of the most beautiful water in Mexico. There are also lots of nearby attractions for nature and adventure lovers.

Celestún

A small village west of Merida, Celestun is a great place to go see flamingos, explore mangroves, or just chill out on the beach. 

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Celestún is one of my favorite little beach towns near Merida. The big attraction here are the flamingos. From November to April each year, Celestun mangroves come alive with thousands of flamingos. After taking a boat tour to see them, you can enjoy freshly caught seafood from a beachside restaurant overlooking the nearly empty (but still beautiful) Gulf of Mexico beach. 

Sayulita

A rustic Riviera Nayarit beach town popular with surfers, hippies, and digital nomads, Sayulita is quickly becoming a more popular place to visit in Mexico.

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One of the more trending destinations in Mexico is the rustic beach town of Sayulita. Located north of Puerto Vallarta on the Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita is known as a haven for artists and surfers. Sayulita also attracts the wellness travel crowd, with numerous yoga or spiritual retreats on offer. 

Palenque

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of an ancient city that disappeared in the 8th century.

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Palenque was an ancient Mayan city located in what is now southern Mexico. The ancient ruins left behind are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but draw fewer visitors than some of the more popular Mayan ruins. If you want to explore the rich history of Chiapas, Palenque definitely deserves a slot on your Mexico list.

Izamal

Izamal is a unique “pueblo magico” that is totally covered in the color yellow!

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Located between Merida and Valladolid, Izamal’s colonial buildings are all colored yellow. The reason for the color choice isn’t 100% clear (some say it was done to honor Pope John Paul II, though there are other explanations). Whatever the reason, the Yellow City of Izamal is a charming town worth a stop on a road trip through the Yucatan peninsula. 

Las Grutas de Tolantongo

A series of hot springs made famous by Instagram.

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Perhaps one of the most famous Instagram sites in Mexico, Las Grutas de Tolantongo is a canyon with series of hot springs located in Mexico’s state of Hidalgo. It’s a little difficult to get to, but the views from the hot springs make it a popular place to go in Mexico if you just have to have that perfect shot for social media. Just be sure to get there early before the pools fill up!

Las Coloradas

Though the famous pink lakes aren’t actually natural, they are interesting to see (and photograph). 

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You may have seen photos on Instagram of Mexico’s famous “pink lakes.” Well, technically Las Coloradas is more of artificial salt evaporation ponds. It’s not a natural beauty, but they are definitely very pink. 

Las Coloradas is one of the quiet fishing villages along the Yucatan peninsula’s northern Gulf of Mexico coast. You can visit Las Coloradas on a day trip from Valladolid, or by taking an ATV from El Cuyo. Clara and I did this, and it made for such a fun day. 

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Ok, that’s it for this guide, but don’t click away before you read my list of things to know BEFORE you visit Mexico. 

Have fun on your trip to Mexico!