Resort cities and towns along the Mexican Riviera are among some of the most visited tourist destinations in Mexico. Not to be confused with the Mayan Riviera that stretches along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Mexican Riviera stretches along the Pacific coast of Mexico from the town of Ensenada in the north to meet the city of Acapulco in the south. The library’s destinations along the Mexican Riviera include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and the Nayarit Coast.
The Mexican Riviera first gained recognition in the 1970s when towns along Mexico’s Pacific Coast were used as the setting for the American television show The Love Boat. Today, the Mexican Riviera is the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world. A cruise on the Mexican Riviera is a great way to see the area’s top attractions – many of which are separated by hundreds of miles of coastline – in a short amount of time. The best time to visit the Mexican Riviera is between September and May.
Ensenada
Ensenada is a coastal town in Baja California located a few hours by car from the United States – Mexico border. Ensenada is known for its beautiful coastline and lovely sea views. Popular activities in Ensenada include deep sea fishing , peanut and wine tours in the nearby Baja wine region. The town’s close proximity to the United States – Mexico border makes it a popular destination for day-trippers from San Diego, California. Day-trippers from San Diego to Ensenada travel along the Pacific coast visiting historic sites, wineries and wine cellars and dine on freshly caught lobster and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Cape San Lucas
Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is a high-end destination popular among tourists and international celebrities. Cabo San Lucas is known for its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. The town is surrounded by desert mountains and forest. One of the most popular activities for visitors to Cabo San Lucas is a boat trip to visit the rock formations located where the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) meets the Pacific Ocean. Other activities include water sports, golf, catamaran tours and snorkeling glass bottom boat tours. Whale watching tours operate between December and March.
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is the largest port on the Mexican Pacific coast. Located in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is the busiest town boasting a restored historic center and a pleasant coastal promenade that stretches for 10 miles along the coast. An astonishing view of the bay and the adjacent islands can be had from the slopes overlooking the town. Mazatlán is often visited on sightseeing tours from San Diego, California and the town is included on almost all cruises. which visit the Mexican River and the Sea of Cortez. Popular activities in Mazatlán include sport-fishing, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and shopping for traditional Mexican crafts and folk. techniques
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco is a resort town boasting stunning beaches backed by cliffs and cliffs. Puerto Vallarta is known for its charming downtown area, high-end dining and shopping, and luxury resorts. Visitors to Puerto Vallarta will enjoy a boat trip through Banderas Bay to Yelapa Beach. The beaches of the Nayarit Coast are located less than an hour north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit. The collection of small beach towns and villages that dot the north on the Nayarit Coast are popular among visitors looking for a slightly more secluded private beach. The beach towns of Sayulita, San Francisco and Rincón de Guayabitos are all the best in Puerto Vallarta.
Acapulco
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast just west of Mexico City in the state of Guerrero, the city of Acapulco is a popular cruise ship and vacation destination. Acapulco Bay is equipped with luxury hotels and all kinds of resorts. The city is home to many dining establishments, top sellers and exclusive bars and clubs. Favorite beaches in Acapulco include Condesa, Los Hornos, Caleta and Caletilla. Activities include water sports, snorkeling and boating. Acapulco is world-famous for its rocky outcrops at La Quebrada.
Fun facts: Mexican Riviera
