Experiences

Surf

From gentle beginner bays to Zicatela heavy water. Each spot lists its real level — paddling out somewhere beyond your ability is the fastest way to ruin a trip.

Baja

Beach

Los Cabos

The resort corridor from San José to Cabo San Lucas, for better and worse

If nearbyPueblo

Todos Santos

A desert-meets-Pacific arts town gone semi-gentrified but still worth it

Worth it

Northern Mexico

Beach

Mazatlán

A revived colonial Centro grafted onto a working Pacific beach city

Worth it

Southern Mexico

Beach

Puerto Escondido

Real surf town with a working port — not a resort in disguise

Must-see

Pacific Coast

Beach

San Pancho (San Francisco)

Sayulita's quieter neighbor -- one main street, a big beach, a strong shorebreak

Worth itBeach

Sayulita

Nayarit's beginner-surf party town -- charming and crowded in equal measure

Worth it