Road Trip Guide: Mexico's Most Picturesque Coastal Drives
Planning a trip to Mexico is no easy feat, as there are plenty of things to think about in advance. From where you’ll be staying to how much you’ll be spending, there’s plenty to plan. Road trips are a great way to get a unique travel experience and do things your own way. Whether you prefer to check out the local scenery, historical sites, or food stands, road trips are the way to go.
Whether you’ve finally gotten around to going on that trip to Mexico, or you’re still in the planning phase, this list has got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about the most picturesque coastal drives in Mexico, where to find them, and why you should. Follow this easy guide to plan and have the best trip in Mexico!
Yucatan Peninsula
If you’re looking for a historical yet scenic coastal route in Mexico, then look no further than this one. The 680-mile drive from Cancún to Puerto Morelos is for those with a love for ancient civilizations and beautiful scenery. Experience the heart of the Mexican Caribbean from Cancún to Mérida and from Ruta Puuc to Cozumel and Puerto Morelos.
From the impressive Mayan ruins to old-world colonial cities, there’s plenty to see. The many gorgeous Cenotes and white sandy beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula are also a must-see. Along this route, check out Laguna Bacalar's blue waters and Tulum’s clifftop ruins on your way through the Mexican Caribbean. If you’re a foodie, the Yucatan cuisine has plenty to offer in terms of flavor and character
From Mexico City to Oaxaca
If you’re starting your road trip in Mexico city, the best route to take is to Lagunas de Chacahua in Oaxaca. Though this route may be short, at only 530 miles long, it’s packed full of things to do and see. This route offers some of the best Mexican food for any traveler. Take your pick of what you can find in Mexico City, then make your way to the mole capital of Puebla, on your way to the foodie paradise: Oaxaca City.
Along the way, stop by the Zapotec ruins or check out the ancient Monte Albán ruins Around Oaxaca City. Try out some mezcal in Miahuatlán while on your way through the town of San Jose del Pacífico known for its magic mushrooms. Follow the windy mountain road to San Agustinillo, Puerto Escondido, and end your trip in Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua.
Baja California
Next on the list is the journey of a lifetime, starting from Tijuana and ending in Los Cabos. This 1000-mile monster drive down the Baja California trip has plenty to offer. The long drive has everything from extreme environments to gorgeous scenery to laid-back beaches. The long, traffic-free highway zigzags between the Pacific Ocean coastline and the sea of Cortez, offering you the best of both worlds.
Try your hand at some wine tasting in the Valle de Guadalupe vineyards, or check out the laid-back beaches of Ensenada. If you fancy a surf or a deep dive, stop by Todos Santos or Cabo Pulmo to catch some waves or check out the diverse ocean creatures. Finish off your trip in the festive Los Cabos where you can bask in the beautiful ocean coastline.
Central Mexican Pacific coast
Last but not least, if you’re planning a road trip through Mexico, you can’t miss out on the central pacific coast. If you’re short on time and itching for adventure, this 275-mile-long trip should cover it! Start things off in the cultural hub Mazatlán and head to Chacala. Here you can experience a palm-fringed, thatch-roofed cove famous for grilled fish. Make a detour along the way to check out the tiny island of Mexcaltitlán believed to be the ancestral home of the Aztecs.
Further down the coast, stop by Sa Pancho and Sayulita; a pair of family-friendly beach towns with lots of fun outdoor activities to offer. If you’re not a fan of surfing and kayaking, head down to Puerto Vallarta and stop by Punta de Mita for some gorgeous sites and delicious seafood. End off your trip in Vallarta by checking out the secluded beaches lining the jungled coastline.
So there you have it! With these road trip routes in mind, you’re ready to have the time of your life on your next trip to Mexico. Experience gorgeous scenery and beautiful ancient ruins from Cancún to Puerto Morelos in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re starting from Mexico City, make your way to Oaxaca stopping by some famous ruins and sampling all the delicious food along the way.
Go all the way down the coast of Baja California and experience the best of both coasts in both food and wildlife. Last but not least, take the short but jam-packed route from Mazatlán through the central pacific coast for the trip of a lifetime! Good luck, and happy tripping in Mexico!