5 Sunny Fall Escapes
Featuring Mexico’s beaches, canyons and tequila…
From Los Cabos to Cancun, Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches invite travelers to bask in the sun and adventure on land and sea. And in between, beautiful cities, ancient Mayan ruins, and charming, centuries-old colonial towns await. Mexico’s wide appeal and stunning versatility make it an eternal favorite for travelers.
If you’re looking to get some last-minute sun and warmth as fall sets in, check out the list we’ve compiled of sunny destinations in Mexico.
Mayan Riviera
While Cancún is infamous for spring break, just beyond the city’s tropical borders lies a treasure trove for history buffs, eco-tourists, extreme sporters, and the most professional beach bums.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
Ancient home to the highly advanced Mayan civilization, the Yucatán Peninsula boasts spectacular archaeological sites, including Tulum, Uxmal, and Chichén Itzá, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Go jungle trekking and ziplining, or swim in the region’s many cenotes. Snorkel along the island of Cozumel, which sits atop the second-longest coral reef in the world. Spend a day exploring the UNESCO-designated Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Or simply search out a quiet spot along 75 miles of white sands.
Baja California Sur
From the Sea of Cortés to the Sierra de la Laguna, day trips reveal the natural diversity of this Mexico destination.
On the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is a destination of contrasts. Consider, for instance, the differences between lively Cabo San Lucas and laid-back San José del Cabo, just a half-hour drive apart. Cabo San Lucas — a haven for luxury resorts — has soft-sand shorelines, surfing, whale watching, and vibrant nightlife. San José del Cabo exudes Spanish colonial charm with an eighteenth-century main plaza, local art galleries, family-owned stores selling handmade crafts, and classic farm-to-table Mexican fare.
Los Cabos’ nature-rich diversions are just as varied, from its iconic coastline to cactus-dotted deserts to rugged, palm-fringed mountains. Here, discover more about these diverse terrains by driving up north to both Todos Santos (Pacific side) or La Paz (Sea of Cortés side).
Bahía de Banderas
Galleries, sizzling nightlife, and great beaches. What more could you want?
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Tucked between the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountains, the sophisticated Pacific town of Puerto Vallarta embraces boutique shops, contemporary art galleries, and hip boardwalk bars set amid quaint cobblestone streets. Relax on 26 miles of beaches, or ditch the lounge chair for surfing, snorkeling, golfing, swimming with dolphins, diving with mantas, and whale watching.
You can also wonder up the Bay into neighboring beaches and cities, such as Sayulita or Punta Mita. Visit the nearby Marieta Islands, and you might even spy a blue-footed booby :)
San Miguel de Allende
It’s one of the most charming of Mexican cities, if we do say so ourselves. The architecture is authentic and well preserved. Though beloved by expats and Mexican tourists alike, San Miguel de Allende summons former times in its quieter corners. Don’t be surprised to encounter burros delivering wood or carrying black-clad members of a funeral procession. At siesta time, the lush gardens of jacaranda and bougainvillea may be startlingly silent.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato