Pick your Pacific Coast vibe
The “Mexico Pacific Coast” is huge—so the fastest way to plan is to pick your vibe first: easy beach resort, boutique surf town, or quiet, low-crowd reset. Then choose the region that matches it.
Baja (Los Cabos + Todos Santos) or Puerto Vallarta area—short flights, strong hotel options.
Oaxaca coast (Puerto Escondido / Mazunte vibe)—slower pace, surf culture, sunset-first days.
For an easy trip, choose a base where you can walk for coffee and dinner (town) and then do beach days nearby. If you want zero-planning, choose a resort zone and commit to pool + beach + spa.
- Resort-first: great for families, couples, and “no decisions” vacations (pool days + beach access).
- Town-first: better food variety, more local feel, and easy sunrise/sunset routines.
- Split stay: 2 nights resort + 2 nights town is a strong 4-day strategy.
Surf towns are perfect when you want simple days: morning coffee, a swim, a lesson (or watching the lineup), then an early dinner and a sunset walk.
- Sayulita (Riviera Nayarit): lively, walkable, easy for first-time surfers and groups.
- San Pancho (San Francisco, Nayarit): calmer than Sayulita, boutique vibe, great slow mornings.
- Todos Santos (Baja): artsy town base; do beach drives + day trips.
- Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca): iconic surf energy; mix beaches with night markets and mezcal culture.
- Mazunte / San Agustinillo (Oaxaca): quiet reset, yoga and sunsets, low-key beach days.
- Boat day: dolphin/whale season varies; choose a reputable operator and keep expectations realistic.
- Sunset viewpoint: pick one “signature” sunset spot and make it a ritual.
- Food night: markets, tacos, and one “big dinner” reservation for the best local seafood.
- Day trip: hidden beaches, viewpoints, or a nearby small town for a change of pace.
3 days (weekend reset)
- Day 1: arrive + sunset walk + easy seafood dinner
- Day 2: beach morning + pool/siesta + one “big dinner”
- Day 3: coffee + swim + checkout + airport
5 days (best balance)
- Days 1–2: resort or main base (recover + settle in)
- Day 3: surf lesson or boat day
- Day 4: day trip to a quieter beach / viewpoint
- Day 5: slow morning + depart
7 days (true reset)
Add a split stay (town + resort) or two regions (ex: PV area + Nayarit beach town). Keep the schedule light. The goal is to feel the days stretch.
- Best booking window: for peak dates, book flights + hotels early (especially winter sun season).
- Airport transfers: pre-book if you’re arriving late; it reduces stress (and can be safer).
- Travel insurance: consider it for nonrefundable resorts, tours, or connecting flights.
- Water & sun: hydrate, use reef-safe sunscreen, and plan midday shade.
- Stay aware: use normal city/travel habits; keep valuables secure and avoid isolated beaches at night.