Best Things to Do in Mexico on Vacation
Mexico is the perfect destination for any type of vacation. But what are some of the best things to do in Mexico on vacation?
With world-class all-inclusive resorts lined along the nation’s best beaches, you can enjoy everything from a family adventure to a romantic honeymoon and more.
If you’re wondering what to do in Mexico on vacation, check out our guide for fun things to do, see, and more, including…
- Relax on world famous beaches
- Explore the lush wildlife on an ATV
- Visit the ancient Mayan pyramids
- Cruise the Caribbean Sea on a jet-ski
- Scuba dive the beautiful coral reefs
- and much more!
Sound like fun? Start searching for the best Mexico all inclusive resorts.
Must-Visit Destinations in Mexico
There is no end to amazing destinations in Mexico. From vibrant cities to teeming markets, ancient ruins, and breathtaking beaches, there is truly something for everyone. If you’re wondering what to do in Mexico, these top spots should not be missed on your next trip!
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is a region in Baja California Sur on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It consists of two cities, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, which together make up one of the country’s most famous resort areas. Los Cabos is beloved for its beaches, entertainment, and abundant marine life. It is also a wonderful place for surfing and other water sports. It’s also known far and wide for its fishing offerings, which draw anglers from all over the world.
Cancun & The Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya stretches along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, encompassing cities such as Cancun, Tulum, and more. This area has some of the most famous white sand beaches in the world, drawing thousands of tourists every year. The crystal-clear water makes it a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Other popular activities include jet skiing and exploring hidden cenotes.
Puerto Vallarta
Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madres, Puerto Vallarta stands on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the state of Jalisco. Beloved for its gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife, it draws countless tourists each year to play, relax, and explore. Lovers of history will enjoy exploring the Old Town with its centuries-old buildings and learning about the city. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its many special beaches, which include the hidden Lovers’ Beach, Playa los Muertos (known as the best beach for LGBTQ couples), and Playa Caballo.
Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is the all-encompassing name for the 200 miles of beach towns, islands, and resorts stretching along Mexico’s Pacific Coast between San Blas and Nuevo Vallarta. Many of Mexico’s most famous resort areas are included in this stretch, such as Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and many more. The region is a popular place to surf, kayak, and do other water sports, as well as explore the culinary and cultural offerings of the many small towns along the coastline.
Beach Activities
Some of the top tourist attractions in Mexico are the beaches themselves, and you can spend an entire day lounging in the soft sand without a care in the world.
Whether you want to soak up the sun in Puerto Vallarta or dive in with the sea turtles in Riviera Maya, you have endless opportunities for fun on Mexico’s eclectic shores!
So, where exactly can you find the best beaches in Mexico? We suggest:
- Maroma Beach – Riviera Maya
- Akumal Beach – Akumal (Riviera Maya)
- Playa Paraiso – Tulum (Riviera Maya)
- Nuevo Vallarta Beach – Puerto Vallarta
Adrenaline Adventures
Mexico offers plenty for those seeking an adrenaline rush, and you have everything from mile-long beaches to dense jungles to explore.
Jump on an an ATV and explore the lush wildlife, or go on a group tour that takes you right to the ancient Mayan pyramids (Chichen Itza and the Tulum Ruins are two of our favorites!).
Cruise over the bright blue Caribbean Sea on a jet-ski, or take out a speed boat for a thrilling adventure.
Still need more? How about zip-lining over endless peaks and valleys, and then ending your day with a stunning view of the sunset along the coast.
If you’ve ever dreamt of hiking up a volcano, check out Pico de Orizaba or Nevado de Toluca. Pico de Orizaba, an active but dormant volcano in the region of Puebla and Veracruz, is the tallest mountain in Mexico and the site of the country’s largest glacier. Nevado de Toluca National Park is another must-visit, just a short drive out of Mexico City or by organized tour from resort destinations in Acapulco.
Water sports in Mexico aren’t all surfing and jet skiing. Lovers of white-water rafting will want to head to Veracruz near the resort town of Huatulco, where you can find some of the best rapids in the country.
See the Sea Life
Mexico has a wonderful collection of coral reefs, vibrant fish, and marine life.
Take advantage of your resort’s all-inclusive offerings by going on a snorkeling trek when the waves are low.
If you want to dive deeper, many resorts provide scuba diving lessons onsite. You can also enjoy dolphin sanctuaries along with regions where giant sea turtles are always nearby.
Some of the best coral reefs in Mexico can be found in:
- Riviera Maya
- Cancun
- Huatulco
- Cozumel
If you’re exploring Mexico’s Pacific Coast, hit up Sayulita or Puerto Escondido in Riviera Nayarit for some of the best surfing in the country. Alternatively, you can head to Baja California, near Los Cabos, to watch for several species of whales, including the famous friendly gray whales that seek out human interaction. It’s the only place in the world where they are known to do so!
On-land Excursions
Nothing is better than riding a horse along a colorful trail in Mexico. Go on a sweeping adventure to hidden sights, where you’ll enjoy sprawling coastal views, and ancient artifacts in Riviera Maya.
If horses aren’t interesting enough, you can also enjoy camel rides throughout Cancun. Horse and camel rides provide a unique way of exploring the region’s dense and hilly jungles, and they allow you to cover more ground while staying relaxed during your vacation…win-win!
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
Don’t think that staying at a resort means you will have a one-size-fits-all vacation. These experiences offer a unique and authentic side of Mexico that you can’t find anywhere else. If you want something off the beaten path, here are a few activities to check out!
Swim in a cenote — Mexico is famous for its cenotes, which are underground freshwater pools inside caves. These hidden spots of natural beauty offer a private place to swim, relax, and explore. You can find them in many spots around Mexico, including many in Riviera Maya.
Attend Day of the Dead celebrations — November is a magical time to visit Mexico. Every year on November 1, Mexicans celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This colorful festival honoring lost loved ones is vibrant and beautiful, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers.
Hot air balloon over Teotihuacan — Traveling in a hot air balloon is pretty cool, but what about flying in one over the ruins of an ancient civilization? Mexico City offers visitors the chance to take to the skies to see the Teotihuacan pyramids from a bird’s eye view.
Explore Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos — In every Mexican state, you will find a number of pueblos magicos or magical towns. These one-of-a-kind sites are recognized by the Mexican government for their unique and beautiful features. These include everything from architecture to legends and history.
Each one offers a totally unique experience. The country is home to 177 pueblos magicos, including palm oasis Todos Santos in Baja California Sur, near Los Cabos, and art mecca Calvillo in Aguascalientes.
Visit the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve — A moderate distance from Mexico City, you’ll find the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-recognized nature reserve shelters monarch butterflies by the tens of thousands during their winter migration.
Best Food & Drinks to Try in Mexico
Mexican cuisine is known around the world. Cuisine varies considerably from region to region, so visitors will get the chance to try unique specialties you won’t find anywhere else. Tacos are a given, and you’ll find endless varieties.
Head to Oaxaca, the birthplace of mole sauce, to try each of the seven types of mole. Oaxaca takes this tradition seriously, with carefully selected ingredients down to the type of pepper. Some variations have up to twenty ingredients!
Jalisco is the king of tequila, producing 98 percent of the tequila made in Mexico. If you love this smooth agave liquor, check out some of the distilleries in the state, where you can sample unique varieties. If you prefer mezcal, you will find plenty of it to be had here as well.
Trying Street Food Safely
The street food scene in Mexico is unparalleled, but how do you make sure you are staying safe and not risking foodborne illness?
Firstly, follow the crowds. If a particular stand is crowded and a lot of food is changing hands, you can make a safe bet that it’s a well-known and reliable place to eat. On the other hand, if you see a lot of people seemingly hanging around the stand without ordering food, skip it.
Use common sense. Does the stand have a lot of uncooked, unrefrigerated meat or seafood on display? Are there flies buzzing around? Is it visibly dirty or does it smell bad? Rely on your eyes, ears, and nose to make a safe choice.
Pick a stand where food is made fresh in front of you. When this is the case, it’s a good bet that it hasn’t been sitting out all day. Hitting the market during peak hours — usually around midday — is also a good idea.
Skip items like seafood, salsa (unless it is quickly being emptied and replenished), soft cheeses, and water or ice.
Lastly — make small talk, if you can. Ask the vendor how long they have been working at their stall. If they say they’ve been cooking and selling for thirty years, you can make a safe bet that it’s good food!
Cultural & Historical Highlights
If you love history and culture, you won’t be lost for what to do in Mexico trip. Check out these top cultural and historical highlights!
Mayan & Aztec Ruins Beyond Chichén Itzá
Mexico is home to countless ancient ruins, not just from the Mayan and Aztec empires, but even from cultures that predate these. One of the most famous is Chichén Itzá in Yucatán, a short trip from Tulum, Riviera Maya, and Cancun, but there are many more.
Check out the ancient Mayan ruins of Palenque, where you may be able to spot howler monkeys and jaguars. Or head to Uxmal, accessible from Cancun or Riviera Maya, to see preserved Mayan art. Meanwhile, Monte Albán in Oaxaca features some of the most ancient pyramids in the country.
Exploring Mexico’s Museums
Mexico is full of natural beauty, but there are plenty of indoor attractions, too! Art and history lovers will want to stop into one or more of the country’s amazing museums. There are about 1500 in the entire country, with nearly 200 in the capital.
Mexico City is home to some must-visit museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, and the Munal. Museo Nacional de Arte, and the Museo Frida Kahlo (which even stores the ashes of the famous artist!).
Other top choices include:
- Museo Anahuacalli — Designed by Diego Rivera, this museum built of volcanic rock features artifacts from pre-colonial civilizations.
- Monumento a la Revolución — An enormous monument in Mexico City, the ground floor includes a museum dedicated to the history of the Mexican Revolution.
- Museo de las Momias de Guanajuato — A museum where you can see naturally preserved mummies dating from the nineteenth century and earlier.
The Best Colonial Cities to Visit
Mexico is home to stunning colonial architecture, which combined European and indigenous styles into something totally unique. If you want to make a day trip to one of these locations, contact your resort’s front desk and ask if they can offer you options for travel.
Guanajuato City — Guanajuato was settled in the early 1600s. It is home to some of the most stunning colonial buildings in Mexico, including the Valenciana and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato.
Puebla — Originally the site of multiple indigenous settlements, Puebla was settled by Europeans in 1531. The centuries have resulted in some breathtaking architecture, earning Puebla the nickname “the cradle of Mexican Baroque”.
San Miguel de Allende — Settled since the early 1500s, this city has centuries of history baked into its streets and buildings. It has been a hub of art and architecture since its early years of European colonization. Top sites include the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the Museo Historico Casa de Allende.
Mérida — The capital city of Yucatan, Merida was settled in the early 1500s. It is home to a fascinating blend of Spanish, Italian, French, and Mayan Revival architecture, as seen in the famous Paseo de Montejo and Las Casas Gemelas.
How to Plan the Perfect Mexico Trip
So how should you get started planning your Mexico vacation? There is a lot to organize before you head out. Here are a few things you should know!
When Should You Visit Mexico?
The best time to visit Mexico depends on where you plan to visit and what you want to do. December through April is considered the peak season for tourism, with crowds drawn to the warm winters and holiday celebrations. During these times, you’ll likely enjoy good weather, but you’ll also have to deal with crowds and potentially high costs and less availability.
“Shoulder” season, on the other hand, refers to those times that occur just before or after peak season. November and May offer good weather with fewer people and the possibility of better deals. June to November is considered the rainy season in Mexico, and hurricanes are common during the latter half of that time.
Safety Tips For Traveling in Mexico
Staying safe in Mexico is mostly a matter of using common sense. Here are a few tips you should know before your trip.
Stick to registered transportation. A somewhat common scam in Mexico is the use of unmarked “taxis”. These charge enormous flat rates to take you where you want to go and may demand payment upfront. Ask your resort staff how to recognize registered, professional transport.
Stick to the crowds. As with anywhere else, avoid walking alone, especially at night or in isolated areas.
Avoid displaying wealth. To reduce the chances of encountering pickpockets, keep your attire modest. Don’t wave around large amounts of cash or wear expensive jewelry or gadgets.
Watch your money. Cash is the best way to get around in Mexico since card-copying and fake ATM scams do occur. Use small bills and count your change carefully. Never use a standalone ATM — stick to one that is in a bank.
How to Get Around Mexico
There are plenty of ways to get around in Mexico, especially in resort areas. The safest way to make sure you’re getting reliable transport services is to book through the resort or use well-known, high-quality tourist companies.
Taxis are also often available, but again — make sure they are registered. Most fares are pretty cheap, making them an economical choice.
Depending on where you are, you may even be able to find car or motorcycle rentals for longer day trips. Ask your resort staff to point you toward reliable companies in the area.
Escape to Mexico: Book Your Adventure-Filled Vacation Now!
Families and couples will never run out of things to do in Mexico, and you can experience most of these top attractions at a moment’s notice once in town.
Enjoy serene beaches, party like a pro in the downtown clubs, or take a chance at a new sport like ATV riding or sailing.
Plus, most resorts give you equal access to the beach and historic downtown areas so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. With these top tourist attractions in Mexico in mind, every vacation can be a dream come true!
Book a Mexico all inclusive resort online today to receive the lowest rates and best Mexico vacation packages on All Inclusive Outlet.
