A Few Great Beaches in Mexico…

Some people are happy with the beaches in Rosarita, and other are content to be with the crowds in Acapulco. But here are some of Mexico's hidden gems…

La Paz on the northern side of the Baja Peninsula. It's far enough away from Cabo San Lucas to avoid the tourists. And the folks living here have the highest per capita income in Mexico. Most of the tourists are those who come to fish and/or scuba dive in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. The spectacular bay with its white sandy beaches attracts international yachtsmen who give a bit of an international feel to the entire community. Money magazine recently listed it as one of the best places to retire. Its flourishing economy is seen in the city's clean streets and nicely kept up homes and business. The health care available is excellent and the cost of living is less than Los Cabos.

There are two nice beaches at Punta Mita less than an hour north of Puerto Vallerta. Emilano Zapata is the better of the two and it's near the condominiums at Punta Vista but at the time of this writing, there are no facilities of any kind. Although it's very popular with the locals, it never seems too busy or too crowded. El Anclote is nearby and has several great restaurants right on the beach.

Then, there's the beaches and the quaint town of San Blas on the Pacific Coast. It's a quiet, laid-back town but the waves make it a surfer's paradise. The La Torvara estuary is close by and it's a marvelous experience of nature at its best. However, at certain times of the year, there are jejienes, the "little biting bugs."

The beaches of Puerto Escondido are exceptionally beautiful and there are many sheltered coves to make swimming very safe in the warm waters. It's also on the Pacific coast. This is considered a surfer's Mecca and the lovely beach town attracts a young, attractive Bohemian crowd. However, the health care situation is not very good and there are no cultural activities to speak of. Good for a couple of relaxing days at the beach but that is all.

Next, on the Caribbean coast is Rivera Maya, especially near Tulum. Relaxing but with enough golf courses, eateries and nightlife to keep you busy. Some of these areas, such as Playa del Carmen are where the tourists go but they're not overcrowded like Cancun. Housing is expensive and difficult to find, but there is excellent health care and a nearby international airport. There are foreigners living here, drawn mostly by the diving and/or fishing. You'll want to explore that lush and magical world of the jungle and trips to the archaeological sites nearby are always interesting.

On the Gulf Coast, there is a small city called Progreso only an hour away from an international airport. It has gorgeous beaches with calm, warm water and superb inexpensive seafood eateries. However, this is not a resort destination.

With nine bays, and set at the foot of the "Sierra Madre del Sur" mountains, you'll find Huatulco. This is a fairly new resort area so it's not yet overrun with lots of tourists. At its most spectacular bay, Tangolunda Bay, you'll have great restaurants and bars, golf courses, and water sports plus several hotels to choose from. The fishing here is great. They have 35+ golden, sandy beaches, some of which can only be reached by boat. There is even a nude beach. The colonial Mexican city of Oaxaca is nearby. The sunsets there are especially beautiful. There is also a horseback riding tour which is great fun.

Adios!