Forget Cancun and its glitzy (but jam-packed) Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta and its infamous party scene, and Los Cabos’ golden-sand beaches and luxurious resorts:
The best beach destination in Mexico this year, as elected by voters of the Food and Travel Reader Awards, is none other than Puerto Escondido. As the name suggests, a true ‘hidden’ spot of the Mexican Pacific yet to be spoiled by mass tourism.
Located on the coast of Oaxaca, this laid-back beach town has it all: the golden sands, the warm, azure seas, impressive levels of safety, and even better, Americans can fly there nonstop!
Puerto Escondido Is The True Hidden Gem You’ve Been Waiting To Discover
In recent years, a lot has been said about the rising levels of gentrification along the Mexican coast, be it the Caribbean or Pacific side. Tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo have taken the brunt of it, and as some might argue, barely feel like Mexico anymore:
We’re talking sky-high prices, a dollarized economy that’s hardly reflective of the actual living costs on the ground, the fact that English has essentially become a lingua franca in certain areas, due to the influx of American expats, and so on.
Don’t get us wrong, we still love vacationing in the Mayan Riviera, and Cabo’s our go-to coastal getaway when we’re keen on splurging a little and pampering ourselves, but there’s no denying that’s not the real Mexico.
Mexico’s Official Best Destination This Year
If you’re looking for a taste of Me-ji-co away from the usual crowds, Puerto Escondido is where it’s at: a peaceful beach town set along the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca, it is home to truly-unspoiled beaches, an up-and-coming nightlife scene, and a myriad of affordable stays.
It’s no wonder it’s been crowned Mexico’s Best Destination this year.
Its main stretch of sand is called ‘Principal Beach’, and it’s backed by tall palm trees and traditional thatch-roofed bars, where you can usually get a cocktail for under $6, and renting a lounger for the day will cost around $10–16.
A bargain.
If tourists go to Oaxaca (the state capital) for colonial architecture and Old World charm, those headed to Puerto Escondido are after one thing, and one thing only: paradisaical beaches stretching for miles on end, and if that resonates with you, rest assured you’ve come to the right place.
The Municipal Beach is the busiest spot in town, due to its central location close to most guesthouses and hotels, but Zicatela is equally trendy, and famous with surfers and watersports enthusiasts for its Mexican Pipeline surf break.
For calmer seas and a family-friendly environment, nearby La Punta Beach is where you should be headed. As for the iconic secretive spot, nestled in a semi-hidden cove, sandwiched between steep coastal cliffs, you’re probably thinking Carrizalillo, the postcard beach for Puerto Escondido.
Puerto Escondido Is Cheaper Than You Might Think
In general, prices in Puerto Escondido are on the cheaper end compared to other coastal destinations in Mexico, particularly the overpriced Caribbean:
A meal at a street-style eatery costs $6–8, while a sit-down meal in a better-quality restaurant, with maybe an appetizer and a drink, will set you back $18.
Hotels are equally affordable, with Budget Your Trip estimating a 3-day stint in a mid-range hotel in Puerto Escondido averages $193.
You can go overboard and pay hundreds of dollars a night in an all-inclusive stay, but this model of tourism is not as inherent a part of the culture here as it is in, say, Cancun.
One Of The Safest Beach Destinations In Mexico
Affordability aside, Puerto Escondido ranks among the least-risky beach destinations in Mexico.
Though we wouldn’t exactly encourage you to let your guard down in public spaces, or in other words, leave items unattended on public beaches, the safety concerns you’ll be facing here are similar to those in every major tourist destination.
As long as you use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid no-go, suburban zones tourists have no business venturing into anyway, and don’t paint a target on your own back by walking around displaying flashy watches and jewelry, chances are you’ll be perfectly fine.
Puerto Escondido is also administered by the state of Oaxaca, which, according to U.S. authorities, is officially a Level 2 destination: Americans aren’t discouraged from visiting, but they are advised to exercise caution.
Fly Nonstop To Puerto Escondido From Dallas
Just this month, American Airlines launched its inaugural nonstop flights from the U.S. to Puerto Escondido, adding an alternative to customers who have been feeling the Mexican Caribbean fatigue as of late.
In operation since December 3, 2025, flights leave from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) every Wednesday and Saturday, with round-trip fares averaging only $450.
More information on the flights can be seen below:
Outbound
- Departure from DW: 10:10 AM local time
- Arrival in Puerto Escondido (PXM): 1:15 PM local time
- Flight duration: 3h25
Return
- Departure from PXM: 2:05 PM local time
- Arrival in DFW: 5:20 PM local time
- Flight duration: 3h15
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