Summer is the perfect time to explore the beaches, islands and missions of Mexico, but if you think the only fun to be had is at crowded locales like Cancun or Cabo San Lucas, think again.
There’s plenty more to be explored South of the Border — just check out these four off-the-radar destinations in Mexico.
Loreto
If it’s beaches, wildlife viewing, water sports and resort living you’re after, skip the crowds of Puerto Vallarta or Cabo and head to the undiscovered beach town of Loreto in Baja California. This historic settlement is best known for its chocolate clams, which you can dive for yourself off Loreto’s crystal blue shores. Or you can head out onto the Sea of Cortez to spot whales and dolphins on an organized tour. Between other water-based adventures like snorkeling or kayaking, head into town to check out the historic missions of Baja California’s oldest settlement.
La Paz
Another undiscovered gem in Baja California, La Paz is an easy seaside town to get lost in. Virtually untouched, La Paz offers one of Mexico’s top spots for marine life viewing, whether you want to dive underwater to see the hundreds of fish species that call this piece of the Sea of Cortez home or remain above water to see La Paz’s whales and sea lions. If you’re not feeling so adventurous, you can take advantage of the blissfully crowd-less white-sand beaches and the quirky stores and restaurants that line the shores of this undiscovered Baja town.
Riviera Nayarit
While countless tourists flock to Puerto Vallarta year after year, you can escape most of the crowds by heading about 10 miles north to the town of Nuevo Vallarta, one of several noteworthy-yet-undiscovered gems of Riviera Nayarit, a 192-mile stretch of shoreline along the Pacific Ocean. Nuevo Vallarta is best known for its all-inclusive resorts, but if its old world charm you’re after, don’t miss the town of San Blas, two hours north.
Ixtapan de la Sal
To truly get off the beaten path in Mexico, venture inland from the country’s shorelines to the spa town of Iztapan de la Sal. Even though you’ll be far from the ocean, you won’t be far from water — Iztapan de la Sal is renowned for its geothermal hot springs and the local spas that draw from them. Pack your swimsuit and plan on soaking up the natural waters for yourself at one of the local spas or water parks.
Do you have a favorite Mexican destination that’s yet to be discovered? Let us know about it in the comments!
(Main image: Rob Young)
