The beaches in Mexico don’t just look stunning on camera; they feel just as cinematic in real life.
Whether it’s Puerto Vallarta’s dramatic coasts featured in The Night of the Iguana or Calcuta beach’s turquoise waters in Y Tu Mamá También, Mexico’s shores serve as the perfect backdrop.
So, if you’re looking for a slice of Hollywood glamour with a side of beach paradise, here are my favorite recommendations.
Why are Mexico’s Coastlines So Popular in Hollywood?
One of the first things travelers notice about Mexico’s coastlines is space.
Some stretches feel endless and disappear into the horizon. Unspoilt and undeveloped, you can travel for miles along the Pacific Coast without seeing rows of hotels or packed tourist strips.
Mexico cruises offer some of the best views of the coast, but you can also drive for days and not even scratch the surface of what it has to offer. And this is exactly what filmmakers are looking for: locations that feel emotionally immersive rather than artificial.
Let’s face it, most of the US coastline is developed and lined with beachfront properties. This isn’t the case in Mexico.
Of course, there are beautiful towns along the Mexican Riviera that offer charm and authenticity. Then, there’s everything from rugged cliffs and powerful waves to calm, dreamy beaches.
This diversity is a veritable canvas for filmmakers, and exactly why you should also discover them.
Which Unspoilt Mexico Coastlines Should You Visit?
If you’re eager to pack a bag and get going, here are my favorite recommendations:
Balandra
Take a quick 30-45 minute drive south of La Paz, and you’ll find yourself in Balandra.
Glassy, turquoise water awaits you, and after you’ve finished cooling off, you can lie on the pale sand and admire the desert hills.
It’s unspoiled and open, where you can simply relax and take in the stunning horizon.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Facing the Gulf of America, Isla Holbox is a rustic, yet colorful area with low-rise buildings and wide sandy beaches.
The water is shallow and pale, which adds a dreamlike quality to the place. The fishing village offers authentic charm and the chance to wander and lose yourself in Mexican culture.
Mazunte, Oaxaca
Over on the Pacific side, Mazunte is oozing with rugged landscapes and dramatic waves. If you’re truly after a place where you can feel lost among nature, then this is it.
I love it because the ocean offers plenty of life and vigour, plus, if you’re into surfing, then this is an ideal spot.
This location is probably the wildest and most untamed part of the Mexican coastline that’s easily reachable.
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur
Where the desert meets the deep blue water is where you’ll find Los Cabos. Although it’s a resort, there’s an expansive coastline begging to be explored.
Take a boat onto the water and marvel at the stunning rock formations. There are plenty of arches and towering cliffs to discover.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Lush and green and a tequila production hotspot, Puerto Vallarta offers a respite from desert landscapes.
It features a gorgeous bay with a mountain backdrop. Yes, it’s developed, but the strong Mexican Pacific culture makes this a must-see in my book.
Costalegre
A gorgeous stretch of coast in Jalisco that hasn’t been overtaken by mass tourism.
Think long sandy beaches, coves, and roads that could probably use a little improvement. The surf is wild and jungle, and palm groves line the shore.
However, development is underway, so this is definitely an untouched gem to discover before it’s too late.
Miles of Coastline, Barely Explored
With around 5,800 miles of coastline, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what Mexico has to offer.
Whether you want a resort-style location or something bare and wild, Mexico can deliver on both fronts. I recommend starting something familiar and easy, then exploring somewhere a little further and undeveloped.
