Mexico is a convenient and stunning destination for most Americans who want to vacation somewhere beautiful but close by. Places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos are always packed with tourists, and we really can’t blame anyone. Those locations are gorgeous and have amazing beaches, great food, and lots of activities. However, they’re also extremely crowded and touristy. If you want an off-the-beaten-path experience somewhere that isn’t so packed, check out one of these hidden gems.
Loreto, Baja California Sur
This lovely beach town has somehow managed to stay under the radar, despite conveniently having direct flights from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas. While the islands are beautiful with many restaurants and boutiques, Loreto is probably best enjoyed by those who like to be in the water. The Sea of Cortez is perfect for snorkeling while La Darsena, Ensenada Blanca, and La Picazon are great for swimmers.
Celestún, Yucatán
If you want to see animals in nature, Celestún is the place for you! This town has a wetland habitat with crocodiles and ocelots. The real reason people come here, though, is the flamingoes. The Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún gets thousands of these birds each year. And, of course, Celestún is full of beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery.
Mulegé, Baja California Sur
This is the perfect destination if you want to spend your whole trip at the beach. Mulegé’s beaches are stunning and are ideal for camping if you don’t want to give up an ocean view for a hotel bed. This town also boasts excellent snorkeling, diving, and water sports for adventurous travelers.
Just keep in mind that Mulegé does get hit by storms in September and October, so you may want to plan your trip around that. There also aren’t that many hotels in the area, so you may want to book well in advance or find other forms of accommodation.