10 Places in Mexico Where the Locals Love to Go

Amazing beaches, relaxing settings, natural landscapes, and great food — these are some of the key ingredients Mexicans look for when planning a vacation in their own country. Mexico has many travel destinations that attract travelers from around the world, but for locals, beach towns like Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Huatulco and the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe are among the top places to go.

• Best tourist destination: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
  
• Underrated hidden gem: Cuernavaca
• Best for families: Puerto Vallarta
• Best for couples: Valle de Guadalupe
• Best for solo travelers: Tulum

Read on for more destinations in Mexico that attract the most local travelers year after year.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

The neighboring towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are considered one destination, with Ixtapa being more focused on large resorts and Zihuatanejo having a more bohemian vibe. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Acapulco are always competing to be the favorite vacation spot for Mexicans in Guerrero. They share some of the best reasons to visit: warm waves and year-round great weather.

Las Gatas Beach has crystal-clear water, making it a popular place to go snorkeling. And for those looking to explore someplace new, a water taxi from Playa Linda can take you to Ixtapa Island. After the 10-minute boat ride, you reach a green and golden island with beautiful beaches and not a single car or hotel. Along the sand, you'll find restaurants serving ceviche, coconut shrimp, and cold beer.

Cuernavaca, Morelos

About 50 miles from Mexico City, this is a favorite spot for city travelers looking for a place to get away. Cuernavaca is known as the City of Eternal Spring for its warm weather year-round and the colorful flowers that adorn its streets. Whether you rent a house or stay in a hotel like Las Mañanitas or Hotel Sumiya, large gardens and heated pools are a must.

The historic center, with steep streets and stone buildings, is a lovely place for a stroll; visitors enjoy discovering local shops, colonial buildings, and quaint parks. Landmarks include the 16th-century cathedral, the fortified Cortés Palace, and the Plaza de Armas, where you'll often find food and craft vendors.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Not only does this popular resort city have miles of beaches, it's also surrounded by natural landscapes to explore. Take a stroll along the Malecón (boardwalk), which features murals, sculptures, and art performances. It's also a great place to eat with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as is the yacht-filled Marina Vallarta, with its iconic lighthouse and pier.

The beach draws visitors year-round. During winter, humpback whales come to the Bay of Banderas to give birth and local tour operators run wildlife-sensitive whale-watching tours. Sea turtles visit the beach in Puerto Vallarta from August through December to lay their eggs. Since turtles return year after year, Puerto Vallarta has seen the evolution of one of the country's most successful conservation efforts, including programs run by top hotels. Once the turtles hatch, volunteers release them while teaching visitors about the ecosystem and the importance of protecting these animals.

If you get enough of the beach, the mountain range that surrounds the town is a haven for adventure lovers. Hike next to waterfalls, mountain bike, or join an ATV tour that crosses the towering Jorullo suspension bridge above the Cuale River.

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Great food and fantastic wine? Valle de Guadalupe is the place to go for a trip of indulgence. There are over 150 wineries in the region, producing almost all of the wine in the country. Many of them, like L.A. Cetto, Monte Xanic, and Vinícola Bruma, are open for tours. In addition to tastings, some have restaurants offering pairing dinners to highlight the flavors of the Baja cuisine. The area has been gaining traction as a gourmet destination, with top spots like Bruma's Fauna and nearby La Esperanza BajaMed drawing foodies from all over Mexico.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in the wine scene, spend the night at El Cielo, a winery that doubles as a luxury resort. Encuentro Guadalupe is another unique accommodation option, with minimalistic rooms on platforms that appear to "float" on the rocky mountainside. Campera Bubble Hotel offers glamping in clear-topped "bubble domes" beside a vineyard, perfect for stargazing.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

The archaeological zone of Tulum is unlike any other, as the pre-Hispanic ruins are located on top of a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea of Paradise Beach. Many locals visit Tulum to enjoy the stunning white beaches and explore nature. One of the main draws is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which you can tour to discover coral reefs, jungle, mangroves, and cenotes.

Many hotels, like Azulik or Papaya Playa Project, offer sustainable experiences, such as spa treatments based on local customs and ingredients. There are also numerous opportunities to connect with nature on a deeper level, like bike tours through the jungle, glamping, or taking a yoga class on the beach.

Valle de Bravo, Estado de México

Valle de Bravo's proximity to Mexico City makes it a popular weekend destination for locals who want to disconnect from urban life. It has the refreshingly slow pace of a small town but offers the amenities you look for in an indulgent vacation. If you want to get off the grid, head to the mountains, where several rental cottages located deep in the forest promise evenings next to the fireplace.

Set on the banks of Lago Avándaro, the picturesque town center is full of restaurants, bars, and shops selling clothing from emerging fashion brands and crafts like blown glass, pottery, and wooden sculptures. The lake is always busy, either with water sports like kayaking and waterskiing or with floating restaurants and bars that take the party to the water. During the winter, visitors head to the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, where millions of monarch butterflies arrive after a long flight from Canada and the northern United States.

Huatulco, Oaxaca

Mexicans love a good beach, and the 36 beaches of Huatulco are beautiful, framed by a backdrop of green mountains. Water sports like kayaking and sailing are popular, and many visitors enjoy scuba diving through the coral reefs or just sipping mezcal in the shade. Huatulco National Park is the protected area surrounding the nine Huatulco bays, where the tropical forest meets the marine world. It's the perfect place for passionate hikers who want to discover waterfalls, scenic vistas, and wildlife like ospreys and roseate spoonbills.

Learn about the rich culture of Oaxaca by visiting the Museum of Oaxacan Handicrafts. Unlike a traditional museum, the galleries display the work of local community members that's available for purchase. You can visit with craftspeople and shop for rugs featuring traditional Zapotec techniques and motifs, black clay pottery, clothes with colorful embroidery, or alebrijes (hand-painted animals made from wood or papier-mâché).

For a worry-free experience, Huatulco has huge resorts in Tangolunda Bay, most all-inclusive, that take care of every detail.

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Tulum is where Mexicans go to recharge, but Playa del Carmen is where they go to party. This small beach town, with soft sand and turquoise waters, has a vibrant energy. Exclusive resorts and small boutique hotels offer under-the-sun options like water sports and day clubs. Book a day pass at the iconic Mamita's Beach Club or the chic Coralina Beach Club, which offer upscale amenities like beach loungers with waiter service.

The Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is the main pedestrian street with restaurants, bars, and shopping, from crafts to luxury brands. At night, it's a buzzing spot with live music, especially on the weekends.

The options for foodies are endless, from typical seafood like that served at Los Aguachiles to eclectic options like Alux, which serves Mayan and Mexican food in an underground cavern. For a truly unique experience, make new friends in a five-course communal dining experience at The Traveler's Table.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

North of Puerto Vallarta, this long strip of beautiful golden beaches is a trending destination for Mexicans. Here, luxury hotels have infinity pools overlooking the Bay of Banderas and spas that mix modern treatments with ancient knowledge from Indigenous communities. Se Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, for example, offers a massage with obsidian stones as well as chocolate body and face masks.

Boating enthusiasts come for the bay's calm waters, and several marinas accommodate small boats and larger yachts. Snorkeling excursions are also popular. If you prefer a land-based activity, the PGA Championship golf course El Tigre Golf Club is a draw for visitors looking to practice their swing.

To learn about the area's nature conservation efforts, visit the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary. Some tours even include feeding the crocodiles — but only for the brave!

Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Mexicans travel to this beautiful, culture-rich city to enjoy its food and local traditions. Oaxaca is a constant celebration. Each July, the Guelaguetza Festival brings parades and dance and arts presentations. In late October and early November, Día de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — takes over.

Exploring the city on foot is a must. You can start by visiting the church of Santo Domingo, featuring architecture from the Baroque period, and then head next door to the Jardín Etnobotánico, which displays hundreds of Oaxacan plant species. Nearby are craft stores and art galleries where you can buy traditional pieces like alebrijes, Or visit a mezcalería and learn about the process of preparing mezcal, have a tasting, and choose your favorite to take home.

Oaxaca has a vibrant restaurant scene with spots like Casa Oaxaca and Criollo serving up exquisite creations, but for those looking for a more local experience, there's nothing like the markets. At the Mercado 20 de Noviembre you can find all the food you can imagine, from an aisle dedicated to meat to another with only chocolate. Some stands have grasshoppers to enjoy on top of tlayuda (a crunchy tortilla topped with refried beans and meat that's the iconic dish of Oaxaca), and then there's dessert, either a refreshing fruit sherbet, like mango or mamey, or a tejate drink made of maize and cacao.

You won't find big hotels or resorts here; it's mostly quaint boutique hotels like Casa Oaxaca, Hotel Azul, or Hotel Los Amantes, where visitors get pampered with wonderful service.