Looking for the best vacation destinations in mexico? Start with turquoise water, colorful streets and a few stops that go beyond the beach.
These pictures bring together recognizable landmarks and little travel moments worth adding to your wish list, from a seaside sculpture to pools overlooking the mountains.
You can build your trip around the coast or leave room for cities, markets and caves. There’s plenty to choose from here.
I especially love the bright streets and those gorgeous lagoon views!
Mexico destinations and travel moments worth saving
Tulum’s towering sculpture
We’re starting off strong with this striking sculpture in Tulum. The enormous hands pull open the chest around a leafy passage, with palms rising behind the flower-topped head.
I love all the little patterns across the face and fingers. If you’re adding this stop to your plans, check current visitor access before heading over.
Cabo’s rock arch
How gorgeous is this view? El Arco in Cabo San Lucas has pale, jagged rock rising above turquoise water, with waves breaking along the narrow stretch of sand.
Save this one if coastal scenery is high on your list. A sightseeing boat trip is one option to look into, rather than assuming that little beach is somewhere you can simply walk onto.
San Miguel’s pink spires
This San Miguel de Allende street may just be one of my favorites here. I love the pink church spires above the red, cream and peach buildings.
Even the little balconies are worth a closer look.
Leave room for a walk instead of filling every hour with a scheduled stop. Choose shoes you can manage on uneven cobblestones like these.
colorful flags overhead
I am obsessed with this pink and turquoise pairing. The rows of colorful papel picado above the street make it even prettier.
If bright streets are what draw you to vacation destinations in mexico, keep this look on your inspiration board. The photo doesn’t establish the town, so confirm the location before building a detour around it.
a floral cart by the coast
How cute is this green cart? The white flower pattern is such a fun detail, especially with that blue water right behind it.
Like the idea of exploring by golf cart? Check whether rentals are permitted at your chosen destination and which roads you can use.
This picture is lovely inspiration, but it doesn’t identify the coastal stop.
Puerto Vallarta’s seahorse
The seahorse sculpture in Puerto Vallarta is such a lovely waterfront stop. I love the curled tail and the little rider with one arm lifted toward the sky.
Add a waterfront walk to your plans if you want a break between bigger outings. Here, the sculpture and open sea are plenty to look at.
Rosetta’s leafy entrance
If you love a beautiful restaurant entrance, this one is for you. Rosetta’s arched doorway is surrounded by greenery, with tall doors opening onto the interior.
You might add this Mexico City restaurant to your dining shortlist. Check the current menu and reservation details first rather than choosing on the doorway alone, tempting as it is!
Holbox hammocks over the water
Don’t want every day to be packed with sightseeing? This Holbox scene is lovely inspiration for a slower afternoon.
A hammock hangs just above the pale water, with swings alongside it.
I especially love how little separates the sand from the sea here. Check what’s currently available rather than counting on finding this exact setup.
Bacalar’s turquoise lagoon
I am obsessed with the water in this Bacalar view. The bright turquoise channel runs between pale shallows and patches of greenery, with small boats scattered across it.
If you’re choosing a lagoon outing, ask where the operator goes and what local conservation rules apply. I’d leave plenty of room in the day just to enjoy those colors.
surfboards in Sayulita
Thinking about trying a surf lesson? These boards lined up beside the Sayulita surf school sign are a pretty good nudge.
I love the mix of blue, yellow and green against the palms.
Ask a local instructor about conditions and a lesson suited to your experience. You don’t have to plan your whole vacation around surfing to give it a place on your shortlist.
El Castillo at Chichén Itzá
This is a gorgeous view of El Castillo at Chichén Itzá. The broad stepped sides and central staircase stand out against the pink clouds.
Give this archaeological stop its own space in your itinerary. Check visiting hours before planning around a sky like this, since a photo doesn’t tell you when regular admission is available.
Guanajuato’s colorful hills
If you are looking for color, then this Guanajuato view is for you. There’s so much to love, from the bright blue building at the end of the lane to the yellow and pink homes climbing the hillside.
The red dome and tall church tower are my favorite details. Make room for exploring the streets, not just photographing one viewpoint.
a reef full of color
Who needs to stick to the view above the water? This snorkeling scene has orange and yellow fish swimming over a reef, with a snorkeler floating near the surface.
Use it as inspiration for a guided reef outing, not as proof of a particular location or guaranteed wildlife sighting. Keep your distance from coral and marine life when you go.
a bar beneath the branches
This is one of my favorite dining scenes on the list. I love how the big branches stretch above the bar, with hanging glasses and little lights tucked underneath.
If you want a similar evening, look for an outdoor dining spot at your destination. The venue isn’t identified here, but the tree-filled setting is a lovely idea to save.
a garden through an old arch
There’s something so pretty about this weathered gateway surrounded by green. Narrow rails lead through the arch toward a lawn, with palms and spreading branches all around.
A garden or historic estate visit could give your trip a different kind of afternoon. Confirm the location and visitor access before setting out to find this particular entrance.
a circular platform in a cenote
Okay, this cave view is stunning. A narrow path ends at a round platform surrounded by green-blue water, with huge rock formations hanging overhead.
If you’re adding a cenote visit, check the specific site’s access and swimming rules. I’d choose this kind of stop for the cave scenery alone.
a train beneath towering cliffs
Want something a little different from beaches and city streets? This train curves across a raised bridge below steep cliffs and green slopes.
A scenic rail journey could be a lovely way to build a mountain trip. Verify the route and seasonal scenery before booking, since this photo alone doesn’t establish the exact railway.
a market full of bright details
How cute are the colorful decorations overhead? This market aisle is packed with bright bags, hanging ornaments and little pom-poms.
There’s so much to take a closer look at.
Leave some time for browsing a market during your trip. Ask sellers about the pieces you like instead of assuming where or how everything was made.
sunset in Puerto Escondido
I love this Puerto Escondido sunset with the big sign overhead. The yellow sky and bright reflection across the water are gorgeous, with palm silhouettes off to the side.
Keep an evening free for a beach view if you’re heading here. Sometimes you don’t need to add much more to the plan.
Hierve el Agua’s mountain views
Last but definitely not least, we have these beautiful pools at Hierve el Agua. I am in love with the pale, winding edges and the layers of mountains beyond them.
Save this Oaxaca stop if you want scenery beyond the coast. Check current access arrangements before you go, then leave yourself room to take in the view.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily