Puerto Escondido is a sun-soaked gem along Mexico's Pacific coast and a place that we fell completely in love with.

With its blend of high-energy surf spots, amazing food and serene shores, it caters to every kind of beach enthusiast. Here’s a rundown of the best beaches in Puerto Escondido that you simply can’t miss.

Playa Zicatela
La Punta
Playa Marinero
Playa Principal
Playa Manzanillo
Puerto Angelito
Playa Carrizalillo
Playa Coral
Playa Bacocho

During our trip, we stayed near La Punta for a bit of peace and spent most of our time between La Punta and Playa Carrizalillo.

All the beaches in this post are open for public access and have plenty of space. Beach bars and clubs are lining most of them that rent out sunbeds and umbrellas (or allow you to use them for free if you eat and drink there).

Playa Zicatela - The Surfer’s Mecca

Zicatela is the most famous beach and professional surfers flock to it due to its massive barrel waves and strong currents, famously known as the Mexican Pipeline. Stretching over 3 kilometres, this beach isn't recommended for casual swimmers, but it’s perfect for those looking to watch surfers in action from the safety of the sandy shore or the vibrant beach bars lining the beachfront.

The northern section of Zicatela is the party town of Puerto Escondido with lots of bars and clubs so we didn’t spend much time here apart from in the day to go for a long beach walk with a drink in hand to watch the pro surfers shredding.

La Punta - The Bohemian Corner

At the southern end of Zicatela lies La Punta, a laid-back area with a distinctly bohemian vibe. The waves here are more forgiving, making it a favoured spot for beginner (on the right day) and intermediate surfers. The beachfront is dotted with rustic bungalows, charming cafes, and quirky shops that embody the relaxed lifestyle of Puerto Escondido.

If you make your way around the corner on the southern tip you’ll come across a large expanse of empty beach with all the space in the world.

La Punta was where we spent most of our time when we were in Puerto Escondido

Playa Marinero - The bridge between 2 worlds

Playa Marinero is nestled between Zicatela and Playa Principal. The scene here is deeply intertwined with local life; you'll often see fishermen mending their nets and preparing their boats for the next day’s journey out to sea. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a picturesque venue for casual beach games and relaxed gatherings.

You can escape the tourist noise of Zicatela whilst still having space to watch the fisherman over at Playa Principal.

Playa Principal - Locals and fishing boats

Playa Principal is where the heart of local life pulsates. As the town's ‘main’ beach, it serves as a hub where local fishermen launch their colourful boats each morning, heading out to harvest the ocean's bounty.

Throughout the day, you can see them returning with their catch, which often goes straight to the market or ends up on the plates of the nearby beachfront restaurants, offering some of the freshest seafood around.

This beach is less about tourist attractions and more about community; it's a place where visitors can observe the daily lives of the locals, participate in beach soccer games, or simply relax and watch the gentle hustle of traditional fishing practices.

Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito - Family Friendly Fun

Tucked side by side, these beaches form a lively hub that’s shielded from the harsher waves found elsewhere along Puerto’s coast. The waters here are tranquil and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. These beaches are particularly popular among local families and tourists for their relaxed atmosphere and the variety of seafood eateries and rental facilities for beach chairs and umbrellas.

In the town by these beaches, you will find a lot of local Mexican food options and Taco stands.

Play Carrizalillo - The Hidden Oasis

Carazalillo is beautiful! It’s the hardest beach to get to due to the 200-odd steep steps that descend into a breathtaking cove of tranquillity. The turquoise waters are calm enough for swimming and snorkelling, making it a perfect spot for families and novice surfers.

The beach is smaller and more intimate, offering a peaceful retreat with beach bars and restaurants at hand. It does however get busy in the afternoons.

This is the beach that we came to for our surf lessons

Playa Coral - The Snorkeling Spot

A bit off the beaten path, Playa Coral is a must-visit for snorkelling enthusiasts. This secluded spot offers crystal clear waters and a rich marine life that is easily accessible from the shore. It’s less commercialized and provides a great escape for those looking to enjoy nature without the crowds.

Playa Bacocho - The Sunset Sanctuary

Playa Bacocho is known for its long, pristine stretches of sand and is often less crowded, offering a more secluded environment. It’s the perfect place for a quiet day of sunbathing or a romantic evening stroll. Don't miss the chance to watch the sunset here, as the views are simply spectacular. Additionally, Bacocho is famous for its turtle-release activities, which occur several times a week.

The best time to visit the Puerto Escondido beaches

The dry season in Puerto Escondido runs from November to March with an average temperature of 29ºC. This time is also the best for whale watching (and therefore it’s the busiest season too, particularly in December).

April and May are very hot so avoid these months and if you want to surf the waves are good all year round.

Map of Puerto Escondido Beaches

How to use our maps

Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place.

Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.

Best beaches in Puerto Escondido - Your Guide to Paradise