Best Family Friendly Beaches in Mexico

The clear turquoise waters makes this beach a great snokeling and swimming area.

Located in the southern part of Cabo San Lucas, Cannery Beach – also called Playa Empacadora, Playa La Empacadora, and Playa Empecadora – is a beach with light brown sand, some large rocks, nearby cliffs, and nearby rocky breakwaters in the southern end of Baja California Sur.  This beach is located near the Cabo San Lucas Marina entrance – it is also part of a group of beaches named the Cannery Beaches – the other nearby beautiful beaches that are parts of the Cannery Beaches include Playa Coral Negro and Playa El Balcon.

Compared to its neighbor, Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach has dangerously turbulent waters. This secluded beach has little to no amenities, but its beautiful views and fascinating rock formations are what attract many beach-goers.

This popular public beach is the place to be for ultimate relaxation. While there are plenty of water activities, most beach-goers lay out on the soft, golden sand and enjoy the laid-back nature of Playa Palmilla.

Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in the town of Casa Fortuna in the municipality of Los Cabos, Tequila Cove Beach - also known as Playa Bledito - is a long and wide beige sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach is adjacent to the famous Playa Cabo Real and is positioned on the tourist corridor along the coastline of the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California).  It has a beautiful backdrop of rugged desert landscapes, coastal vegetation, luxurious hotels, beachfront restaurants, condominiums, and opulent resorts, which together offer incredible views of the vast Pacific Ocean.

Los Cabos is not a specific beach, but rather a region in Cabo San Lucas that encompasses several beaches. However, I can provide a general overview of the region..

Lover's Beach, also known as Playa del Amor, is located at Land's End in Cabo San Lucas. One of Mexico's not-so-secret treasures, Lover's Beach is a secluded paradise, only accessible by water taxi. The beach is typically known as a gay, nude beach, although nudity is not technically legal in Mexico. Pack a lunch, a towel, and high expectations as you embark on your journey to Playa del Amor.

The best place to scuba dive is around the arch, known as El Arco, where rock formations and marine life are plentiful. The limestone arch has been standing for hundreds of years, and is a beautiful addition to an already stunning beach. An especially unique rock formation is Neptune's Finger, a large, narrow rock that protrudes out of the ocean. Wade into the clear, calm waters of the beach, where you can see many fish species even without a snorkel mask.

The beach's lack of amenities and accommodations give the beach that rustic feel that adventurous beachgoers love. The best thing to do at Lover's Beach is sitting back in the golden sand and admiring the massive rocks at the beach's end. Vendors will sometimes sell snacks and umbrellas along the sand, but otherwise, the beach is quite tranquil. As you soak up the sun, look out for whales in the bay from December though March; the calm waters are perfect for baby whales preparing for migration. Overall, Lover's Beach is a romantic haven for lazy beachgoers seeking some peace and quiet. If you're looking for a well-known beach without all the crowds, this beach may be the destination for you.

Located on the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte - also known as Playa Norte- Isla Mujeres - is a one-kilometer-long white sand beach.  The beach is considered the best beach on the island.  This immensely popular beach has an amazing backdrop of a grove of swaying palm trees, coastal vegetation, and several oceanfront buildings, including beachfront restaurants and bars, which together offer panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.  Playa Norte has been awarded the Blue Flag certification for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and water quality standards.

Punta Negra is fairly well-hidden rustic beach and is also one of the best beaches for relaxation as it is not as widely visited as other beaches in Puerto Vallart. The beach is beautiful with fine sand and a rocky outcropping on the northern end where you can catch glimpses of tidal creatures if you go at low tide. The beach is shallow and it is possible to walk out 20 meters or so before having to swim.

During the peak season and holidays, there are often small “restaurants” set up with typical beach mariscos. There are few vendors who wander the beach with beach mats, donuts, or fresh fruit. On many days, the water is calm and fine for snorkeling. Some days the surf is high and quite fun. If you go during a weekday the beach, you'll likely have the beach all to yourself. It is located just south of Nogalita and the Punta Negra bridge on highway 200 heading towards Mismaloya.

There is a bus stop within a hundred feet of Punta Negra, making it a perfect day trip from Puerto Vallarta. However, it has few amenities, so you will need to bring what you will need for a beach day. There are parking lots on both sides of the highway near the long and steep stairway that heads down to the beach. Be aware, these lots usually fill up quickly on weekends or on holidays.