Mexican Places Where Locals Love To Visit
There are amazing beaches, relaxing settings, natural landscapes, and great food to enjoy. When Mexicans explore their country, these are some of the key ingredients that make a perfect vacation. There are many travel destinations in Mexico that attract travelers from around the world, but for locals, feeling at home is all about familiar and welcoming places.
Rich Report listed he top Mexican destinations that attract local travelers year after year. Mexicans enjoy relaxing under the sun and disconnecting several times a year with local dishes and beverages.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
As the pre-Hispanic ruins of Tulum are located on top of a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea of Paradise Beach, they are unlike any other archaeological zone. Not only are there wonderful white beaches here, but also the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which includes coral reefs, jungles, mangroves, and cenotes. As a result, it is also a great destination for ecotourism. From the materials they used to build the hotel, to fair trade they practice every day, and even spa treatments based on local ingredients and customs, many hotels, like Azulik or Papaya Playa Project, offer only sustainable experiences. Additionally, you can take bike tours through the jungle, glamp, or yoga classes on the beach to connect with nature.
Valle de Bravo, Estado de México
Mexicans love this destination for weekend getaways. Mexico City's Magical Town is the perfect getaway to disconnect from urban life. It is a small town with the amenities of an indulgent vacation but with a refreshingly slow pace. Due to its mountain location, there are several cottages deep in the forest where you can relax by the fireplace in the evenings.
The heart of the town, however, is the lake - Lago Avandaro. Restaurants, bars, and shops surround it, ranging from emerging fashion brands to crafts like blown glass, pottery, and wooden sculptures. Floating restaurants and bars take the party to the lake, either with water sports like kayaking and skiing or floating restaurants and bars. The tallest section of the forest, however, is the place where millions of monarch butterflies arrive after a long flight from Canada during the winter.
Cuernavaca, Morelos
It is a popular getaway spot for city travelers looking to get away from the city. It is approximately 50 miles from Mexico City. In addition to its warm climate all year long, Cuernavaca's streets are decorated with colorful flowers. You need heated pools and large gardens whether you stay in a villa or a hotel like Las Maanitas. There is nothing better than relaxing in this place. With steep streets and stone façades, the historic center is home to numerous restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In this city, people enjoy walking through local shops, exploring colonial buildings, and enjoying the parks and fountains.
There are also many historic attractions here, including the Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, where Cortés Palace is located. Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés built this building in the early 16th century as his residence. Today, it is a key historic site where travelers can discover tales about the city few people know.
Huatulco, Oaxaca
There are nine bays in Huatulco, each with calm waves and lush vegetation. Mexicans love good beaches, and these are beautiful, with green mountains in the background, golden sand under your toes, and colorful sunrises. With 36 beaches here, you can try everything from kayaking or sailing to scuba diving through the coral reefs, or just relax under the sun with a mezcal. Most of the resorts in Tangolunda Bay in Huatulco are all-inclusive, so you won't have to worry about a thing. While the beaches are great, there's so much to discover about Oaxaca's culture while you're there. The Museum of Oaxacan Handicrafts, which is considered a cultural museum, is one option.
As there are no exhibits, members of local communities explain their traditions and show people how plants are woven together or how moles are made (yes, you can taste them). The shop offers rugs with traditional Zapotec techniques and motifs, black clay pottery, embroidered clothes, and wooden alebrijes, among other crafts.
A tropical forest and marine environment mix in the Huatulco National Park, which is surrounded by bays. Wild animals, waterfalls, and ancient ceremonial centers make this a perfect hike for hikers who love nature.
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California
What could be better than great food and fantastic wine? You should visit this place if you want to indulge. This vineyard town is a favorite destination for couples and friends who want to discover Mexican wine. The region offers luxury resorts and wineries, such as El Cielo, modern experiences like Encuentro Guadalupe with its rooms floating on the rocks, and glamping adventures like Campera Bubble.
This region has approximately 200 wineries, which produce most of the wine in the country. It is possible to tour many of them, including La Cetto, Monte Xanic, and Vinícola Bruma. In addition to tastings, some restaurants offer pairing dinners to highlight the flavors of Baja cuisine, and you can walk or ride a bike through the vineyards. In recent years, Guadalupe Valley has become a gourmet destination with restaurants like Fauna and Laja. In the summer, several pop-up farm-to-table restaurants open with outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards, or even right among them.
Wineries, vineyards, and restaurants throughout town host the Harvest Festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia) during August.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen is where Mexicans go to party, not Tulum where they recharge. There is a vibrant energy in this small town with turquoise waters. Water sports and day clubs are available under the sun at the resorts and boutique hotels - from Mamita's to the chic Coralina at the Grand Hyatt. It is mainly pedestrianized along Quinta Avenida, which is lined with restaurants, bars, and stores.
You can also shop for crafts or special editions of luxury brands there during the day, and on weekends, the nightlife booms there.
There are countless options for foodies, from traditional seafood dishes like those served at Los Aguachiles (aguachiles are spicy seafood dishes made with chili peppers, lime juice, and vegetables cooked in "chilli water") to more eclectic dishes like Alux, which serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine in an underground cavern, and The Traveler's Table, a five-course dining experience with just one large table for new friends at Punta Venado's beach club.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Located close to Guadalajara city, this beach is a popular destination for Mexicans. Every season is a good time to visit the beach. There are, however, some exciting opportunities during certain seasons. As part of their courtship rituals, humpback whales spend the winter along this coast jumping and singing. The warm waters are also where they give birth, so if you're lucky, you'll even see some babies.
A certified tour operator holds these tours to ensure they do not negatively impact marine mammals. The second half of the year is when sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Taking advantage of turtles' frequent visits, the city has developed one of the most successful turtle protection programs in the country, which includes protected nurseries located in top hotels. Visitors are invited to help release the turtles and learn about the ecosystem and why these species need to be protected once they hatch. Mountain lovers will find the range that surrounds the town an oasis if they get tired of the beach.
There are waterfalls nearby, mountain biking trails, and a suspension bridge over the Cuale River, El Jorullo, which measures over 1,540 feet long and almost 500 feet tall. In addition to nature-related activities, the Malecón (boardwalk) offers arts and crafts. The walkway is adorned with murals and sculptures, and there are regular art performances there. As is the Marina Vallarta with its iconic lighthouse and pier where yachts and boats rest, this is a great place to eat with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
A popular destination spot for Mexicans is the long strip of golden beaches. It is also home to luxury hotels with infinity pools overlooking the ocean and spas where ancient knowledge from indigenous communities is combined with modern treatments. As well as restaurants and spas, the town has golf courses and exclusive spas.
There is a chocolate body and face mask at the Grand Velas Spa, for example, which uses obsidian stones. This place has also become an idyllic sailing destination because of its calm sea. There are now almost 500 boats moored in the two marinas, which have become increasingly important in recent years.
The El Tigre Golf Club, considered one of the country's most challenging courses, has also attracted visitors to the area. There are several nature protection programs in Nuevo Vallarta, a part of the Riviera Nayarit, such as the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, where visitors can take guided tours and learn about the crocodiles that inhabit the area. The brave may even be able to feed the crocodiles on some tours.
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
In Guerrero, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and Acapulco are always competing for Mexicans' favorite vacation spots. There are a few things they have in common: warm waves and great weather throughout the year. Despite being two towns that have grown together for so long, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are still considered as one destination; however, Ixtapa has a more bohemian vibe than Zihuatanejo. Due to its large coastline, you can enjoy a long walk along the sand and observe the sunset while enjoying a coconut - since it used to be a coconut plantation.
It is a favorite snorkeling spot because of its crystal clear water, which makes it a peaceful place to relax. From Playa Linda, you can take a water taxi to Ixtapa Island if you're looking to explore something new. Upon arriving at a green and golden island with four beautiful beaches, you take a 10-minute boat ride. The only one of them without restaurants is Carey, so here nature plays a dominant role. On the other three, you can enjoy incredibly fresh local dishes at rustic restaurants on the beach that bring in fresh fish and seafood every day.
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Travelers from Mexico enjoy its food; they visit nearby natural attractions; they learn how to make mezcal; and they enjoy some of the local traditions in this beautiful city rich in culture. Oaxaca is always celebrating; in July there is the Guelaguetza festival, which includes parades around the city and dance and arts performances, and in October and November the city celebrates Day of the Dead like no other. There is no better way to explore the city than on foot.
In the vicinity of the Ethnobotanical Garden, which preserves indigenous plants and prevents indigenous languages from extinction, you can visit the church of Santo Domingo, an architectural jewel. As you move towards the Touristic Walkway you'll get to see craft stores and art galleries where you can buy traditional pieces like alebrijes, or you can also enter one of the Mezcalerías and learn about the process of preparing mezcal, have a tasting, and choose your favorite to take home. There is something exciting about exploring the food in a new country.
There are some top restaurants with exquisite creations, such as Casa Oaxaca and Criollo, but for those who want a more "local" experience, nothing compares to the markets. There are aisles dedicated to meat at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can eat there or take something home with you, and another is dedicated to chocolate. Grasshoppers are often served with tlayudas (an iconic Oaxacan dish) or as snacks, while tejate drinks made from maize and cacao are often served as desserts.
It's mostly quaint boutique hotels here, such as Casa Oaxaca, Hotel Azul, and Hotel Los Amantes, where visitors receive wonderful service.
