Our Guide to the Best Family Beaches in Mexico

People go to Mexico for one reason and one reason only: the gorgeous white-sand beaches. 

Okay, they also go for the all-inclusive resorts, delicious cuisine and rich culture, but you get the point…the beaches in Mexico are a major draw for travellers of all ages. This makes perfect sense, given that Mexico is surrounded by large bodies of water, including the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In fact, there are almost 500 beaches spread across the country. 

So, what makes certain ones better for families than others? There are a few things that parents need more than, say, a young couple on their honeymoon. For instance:

• Safe swimming conditions (i.e. calm, shallow water)
• Nearby facilities, such as restrooms and restaurants
• Activities to keep children of all ages entertained

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a few of the best family beaches in Mexico. Whether you’re planning on visiting playas in the Riviera Maya or Baja California Sur, we’ve got you covered.

• Playa Paraíso, Tulum 
• Playa Delfines, Cancun
• Playa del Amor, Cabo San Lucas 
• Playa Las Animas, Cabo Corrientes
• Playa Punta Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen
• Playa Palmares, Puerto Vallarta
• Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Playa Paraíso (which literally translates to “Paradise Beach”) is ideal for families. Since plenty of snack bars, cafés, restaurants and shops operate in the area, you’ll never be too far from an ice-cold drink, a new bottle of sunscreen or a restroom. 

The beach itself is perfect for both playing and relaxing, so it should be easy to keep kids of all ages busy. You can explore nearby cenotes, swim in the turquoise waters or take a quick nap — chair, sunbed, hammock and umbrella rentals are available throughout the day. 

It’s also worth visiting Playa Paraíso if your family is interested in learning about the history and culture of Mexico. Tulum National Park, where you can view an impressive display of Mayan ruins, is only five minutes away. No wonder this beach is continually ranked as one of the world’s best.

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is famous for, well…being packed with hotels. This means many beaches in the area are backdropped by luxury all-inclusive resorts, but that’s not the case at Playa Delfines.

Compared to other beaches in the Hotel Zone, Playa Delfines is a quieter, more spacious area for families to soak up the sun and ride the waves — it’s a top spot for surfing and paddleboarding. However, you will need to exercise caution in the water. While there are lifeguards on duty throughout the day, swimming is best done in the shallows.

When your family’s not frolicking in the waves, there’s endless fun to be had on shore. Small vendors and food trucks often cater to the locals that visit this beach, so it’s likely you can find authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price (just remember to wait 30 minutes before going back in the water!). Plus, there are restrooms, a beachside playground and an observation deck where you can take in the stunning scenery.

Getting to Playa del Amor (“Lover’s Beach”) is half the fun — especially if your family likes boating. In order to access this slice of paradise on the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas, you’ll need to catch a water taxi from the nearby El Medano Beach. 

It sounds like a simple trip (and it is!), but the local guides are determined to make the journey as exciting as possible. Many of the boats have glass bottoms, allowing kids to catch a glimpse of the tropical fish and other marine life that live below the surface. Not only that, but the captains who operate the water taxis will also provide an informative tour of El Arco (a magnificent rock formation at Land’s End) before dropping you off at shore.

Once there, you can do all the classic beach activities: think swimming, snorkelling and sand-castle building. If you have young children, stay on the side of Lover’s Beach that touches the Sea of Cortez; the water is usually calmer there than it is on the Pacific side. We also suggest that you pack a picnic lunch, as there are few facilities on this stretch of sand.

If you want some quality family time away from the crowds, venture over to Playa Punta Esmeralda. This quiet beach, located 4.5km outside Playa del Carmen’s city centre, is a favourite among locals with young kids — and for good reason. 

First and foremost, the water is incredibly calm; you won’t have to worry about your little ones getting wiped out by waves or swimming against any strong currents here. In addition, the beach features a small lagoon that can be enjoyed by all. Kids can spend the day wading in the shallow water (think of it as a natural splash pool) while parents can use this freshwater source as a place to rinse off after an ocean swim.

There’s also a nicely shaded area with picnic tables and a small playground that offers a respite from the sun. That said, be prepared to bring your own towels, chairs and snacks as there’s not much else in the way of amenities.

With designated wheelchair parking and a ramp to the shore, Playa Palmares is considered one of the most accessible beaches on this side of Mexico. It also boasts many other facilities that are helpful for families, including restaurants, chair and umbrella rentals, and restaurants.

Since this beach is Blue Flag certified, you can also trust that it upholds specific standards for cleanliness and safety. Parents can rest easy knowing there are lifeguards on duty, that codes of conduct are being upheld and that the beautiful natural environment is being protected.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities for kids to do. Playa Palmares is a top destination for stand-up stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing and lounging in the sand. In other words, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Of all the family-friendly beaches mentioned on this list, Playa Norte might be the prettiest one. It’s a picture-perfect stretch of white sand situated at the northernmost tip of Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun.

While kids, teens and adults can all appreciate the beauty, this beach is a particularly good spot for families with toddlers because of its calm waters. Seriously…the water is so warm and so inviting that you’ll have a hard time going back to the swimming pool at your resort.

Families that want to spend the day here should make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks at one of the nearby grocery stores before settling in on the sand. If your schedule allows, you might even want to consider picking up enough food to eat for dinner — Playa Norte is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.

Ready to explore some of the best family beaches in Mexico? Our travel consultants can help you plan an unforgettable vacation. Get in touch today.