12 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families

With the ultimate sun, sand, and sea combination, Mexico is a destination perfect for family vacations.

When traveling with kids, it’s also important to consider which beaches are safe for swimming, the ones that offer facilities and amenities, and what kinds of activities there are to do, in addition to relaxing on the sand.

From Baja California’s beaches on the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez to the Atlantic and Caribbean shorelines, Mexico offers a wonderful range of sandy destinations. Whether you’re interested in lively family fun with water sports and entertainment, or a more relaxing spot with calm waters and snorkeling, there’s a stretch of sand for everyone.

These are the 12 best beaches in Mexico for families.

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is known for its fantastic snorkeling, crystal clear waters, and white sand beaches. One of the top stretches of sand for families is the kid-friendly Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, a favorite spot for all sorts of seaside activities.

Situated on the southwestern edge of the island, this beach park is the largest of its kind in Cozumel. Play on the white sand beach, swim in the warm Caribbean waters, indulge in Mexican cuisine, or treat yourself to the onsite spa.

There’s no shortage of exciting activities at Playa Mia, one of the best water parks in the Caribbean. You can also try glass-bottom kayaking, snorkeling over two reefs, and jet skiing. With so much to do, your family is sure to make long-lasting memories with a fun day here.

Lover’s Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Head to Cabo San Lucas’ most popular beach at “Land’s End” where your family can bask in the Pacific coast sunshine and connect with nature. Despite the name, this isn’t a beach favored only by couples; it’s also one of the best beaches in Mexico for families.

Beautiful rock formations are the highlight of this remote stretch of sand, accessed by water taxi, boat tour, or kayak.

Marvel at El Arco, Cabo’s iconic arch-shaped rock formation, and spend time lounging on the sand and swimming in the safe section of the water, where the waves aren’t as rough.

This is a great spot to view the resident sea lion colony as well, surrounded by the wild Baja Peninsula landscape.

Pack your snorkel gear and swim around Neptune’s Finger and Pelican Rock, home to some of the best snorkeling in Mexico. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to view tropical fish like parrotfish and angelfish, as well as other marine life such as eels and colorful coral reefs.

Read: Most Beautiful Places in Mexico

Playa Paraíso, Tulum

Combine your beach day with an educational experience at the ancient Tulum ruins when you venture to Playa Paraiso. Located south of the Mayan ruins in Tulum, this beach destination is a wide expanse of sand, perfect for playing and relaxing with family in the Mexican sunshine.

Facilities like chairs, cabanas, and umbrella rentals, as well as hammocks, onsite beach bars, and restaurants, are available.

Snorkel right from the beach and see marine life such as angelfish or even sea turtles and rays, or head out for a longer snorkeling boat tour where you can swim over coral reefs.

Discover why Playa Paraiso lives up to its name, which translates to “Paradise Beach”; for families, this really is one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Mahahual Beach, Costa Maya

Bask in the Caribbean sun on Mahahual Beach in Costa Maya. This beach destination truly has something for everyone, from seaside dining to a wide array of water sports.

Walk the seaside Malecon (boardwalk) that runs along this lesser-known spot, where you’ll find seafood restaurants and beach bars with breathtaking views of the Caribbean.

Snorkelers and scuba divers will discover an underwater oasis just offshore in the Mesoamerican Reef, teeming with marine life such as lobsters, moray eels, nurse sharks, and a diverse variety of tropical fish species.

Catch a thrill on a jet ski, boat, or try your hand at kiteboarding; it’s all possible at Mahahual Beach.

Read: Best Beaches in Costa Maya

Playa de Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta

Despite the translation to “Dead Man’s Beach,” tied to the old pirate raids that occurred nearby, Playa de Los Muertos is arguably the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta.

With sun, sand, the sea, watersports, and some great beach bars and restaurants, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family here.

Play a game of beach volleyball, catch a breeze while windsurfing or parasailing, zip around on a jet ski, or simply bask in the sun and relax to the sounds of the waves.

After your visit to Playa de Los Muertos, explore Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica by strolling along the Malecon boardwalk or the pier, and stopping for a bite to eat with views of the ocean as the backdrop.

Read: Puerto Vallarta Vs. Cabo: Which Should You Visit?

Deer Island, Mazatlán

Known as Playa Isla Venados, Deer Island is accessed by boat from Mazatlán and offers unspoiled beaches, ideal for spending time with family. Pack a picnic as there are limited facilities here.

Set within an ecological reserve, this white sand beach feels a world away from Mazatlán, without having to venture too far. Kayaking, swimming, lounging, and snorkeling are popular activities in the marine-rich waters off of Deer Island.

Medano Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Known as the main beach that’s safe for swimming in Cabo San Lucas, Medano is a popular stretch of sand with abundant activities and seaside restaurants.

The beach spans approximately two miles and offers water sports, swimming in the calmer bay water, shopping and dining, making it a great destination for families.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski, challenge your kids to a game of beach volleyball, venture out on a classic banana boat, paddle around in a kayak, or simply lounge with your feet in the sand and watch all of the action going on at this lively beach.

If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, parasailing or kiteboarding are also available at Medano Beach.

After spending a few hours enjoying the sun, sand, and sea, indulge in a family meal at one of the al fresco dining options along the shore.

If you’re looking to browse shops and boutiques for souvenirs, this is a fantastic place to shop as well. With everything you need for a great day at the beach in one place, Medano Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Mexico for families.

Playa Olas Altas, Mazatlán

At the southern end of the famous Mazatlán boardwalk, or Malecon, Playa Olas Altas translates to “high waves” beach. Because of this, it’s notoriously known as one of Mazatlan’s best beaches for surfers, as well as a tranquil place to relax and absorb the scenery.

Swimming here is recommended only for experienced swimmers as the surf can be rough, but it’s perfect for dipping your toes, and kids may enjoy watching skilled surfers.

After you work up an appetite, head to one of the tempting oceanside restaurants where you can sample local seafood dishes like monkfish and prawns.

Combine your visit to Playa Olas Altas with a short hike up to the hilltop lighthouse at the Parque Natural Faro Mazatlán, located just five minutes south of the beach.

The views from Cerro del Creston’s summit are stunning and the overlook platform is a great spot in which to take a family photo.

Santa Maria Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Discover the lesser-known Santa Maria Beach in Cabo San Lucas, where clear waters and excellent snorkeling await.

Bring your own snorkel gear and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the soft golden sands of this horseshoe-shaped cove.

Its shape and boulder rock formations on either end serve as natural protection, keeping the water from turning rough, making it one of the few swimmable beaches in the area.

Bahia Santa Maria is located within a protected marine sanctuary, making it a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers.

Typically, fantastic visibility allows for exploring the underwater world in great conditions, viewing abundant marine life. This is one of the best things to do in the Cabo San Lucas area and shouldn’t be missed.

View schools of colorful tropical fish like damselfish and yellow porkfish, and look out for sea turtles and manta rays. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some humpback whales while relaxing on the sand or swimming in the ocean.

Onsite facilities include restrooms and occasionally vendors that rent chairs and umbrellas, but it’s best to be prepared with snacks, cold drinks, and snorkel gear, if you’re interested in venturing beneath the surface.

Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, Cozumel

The whole family will love spending time on Cozumel’s western coast at the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.

Located within the island’s national marine park, this adventure destination appeals to every interest, with abundant choices for lounging, swimming, snorkeling, and watersports, making it a great spot for active teens.

Enjoy everything from viewing manatees or swimming with dolphins, to parasailing and snuba touring, a combination of snorkel and scuba diving that requires no previous experience. Then relax on the beach in a hammock or beach chair.

Round out your day with an authentic tequila tasting (with mocktails for kids) and toast a happy day at the beach.

Chileno Beach, Cabo San Lucas

Soak up the sun on the golden sands of Chileno Beach, situated just 20 minutes north of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

A favorite spot for families interested in swimming and snorkeling in calm waters with excellent clarity, this stretch of sand offers the opportunity to see abundant schools of tropical fish like angelfish and parrotfish while venturing just off shore.

Keep an eye out for sea turtles, eels, starfish, and sea sponges, too. When it gets too hot, switch to the shade under the onsite palapas, a great napping or picnic spot with a packed lunch as there are no restaurants on site.

At low tide, the tide pools are exciting to explore as well; kids will love spotting hermit crabs, coral, sea urchins, Sally Lightfoot crabs, anemones, and brine shrimp.

Chileno Beach is a great choice for families, away from the hustle and bustle of some of the more crowded stretches of sand in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

Playa Palancar, near Cozumel

Powdery soft white sand and tall palm trees await at Playa Palancar, a beach with a solid balance of relaxation and active pursuits located on the Caribbean coast.

Whether you choose to laze under the shade of a beach umbrella or ride a banana boat followed by snorkeling, this beach has something for everyone in the family. Zip around on a jet ski or venture out on a family stand-up paddleboarding excursion.

Or hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the nearby El Cielo sandbank where vibrant fish, sea turtles, and starfish are the main attractions.

After your adventure, fill up on fresh local fare like shrimp ceviche, fish, or seafood soup at the onsite restaurant and wash it down with a refreshing drink while gazing at the clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

From water sports to marine life viewing and ultimate relaxation, Mexico is a tropical paradise that’s perfect for bonding with your family over shared experiences. Discover some of the best beaches in Mexico for families aboard one of our cruises to Mexico and book your vacation today.