12 Mexico Destinations Beyond Cancun And Los Cabos

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If your mental map of Mexico starts in Cancun and ends in Los Cabos, you’re missing a lot of the good stuff.

We at Travel Off Path spend an embarrassing amount of time digging into flight routes, safety data, and on-the-ground reports, and the big story right now is how fast Mexico’s “second tier” destinations are leveling up.

At the same time, a messy aviation spat over Mexico City’s crowded main airport has led to slot cuts and tension between U.S. regulators and Mexican airlines, which can make MEX connections pricier and less predictable.

So this guide is all about 12 amazing places beyond Cancun and Cabo, with a focus on spots you can often reach via nonstop flights or easy connections and that sit within well-established tourist zones, even when the wider state has a stricter advisory.

Mexico overall is currently at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”), with some states at Level 3 and Guerrero at Level 4—so as always, read the full U.S. State Department advisory and double-check with our U.S. Travel Advisory Checker before you go.

1–4: Mexico’s Cultural Heavyweights

Mexico City

CDMX is the capital you graduate to when you’re ready for more than resort life. Think world-class museums, taco stands on every corner, and cool, walkable neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. Our Mexico City tips guide breaks down everything from neighborhoods to budget hacks so you can dive straight into the fun instead of the chaos.

Oaxaca City

If you travel with your stomach, Oaxaca is non-negotiable. This is the land of seven moles, mezcal villages, and some of the richest indigenous culture in the country. Our Oaxaca city round-up of top places to visit is a great starting point if you want a few days of food, markets, and Monte Albán before heading to the coast.

Mérida

Mérida is the polished, pastel-colored capital of Yucatán and one of Mexico’s safest major cities, currently rated Level 1 by the U.S. State Department. In our recent feature on Mérida breaking tourism records, we dive into why travelers love using it as a hub for Mayan ruins, cenotes, and flamingo-filled biosphere reserves—all at prices that still feel refreshingly sane.

San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel is basically a real-life painting: cobblestone streets, terraces dripping in bougainvillea, and that famous pink church. In our deep dive on why this historical city is the top off-path destination in Mexico, we talk about how expat-friendly it is while still feeling undeniably Mexican—perfect if you want charm and culture without a big learning curve.

5–8: Pacific Coast Classics & Surf Towns

Puerto Vallarta

If you want a beach that still feels like a city, Puerto Vallarta is your move. It’s one of Mexico’s most consistently popular destinations with our readers, thanks to its walkable malecón, foodie scene, and thriving LGBTQ+ community. Several of our Mexico beach round-ups highlight PV as that reliable choice where you just can’t have a bad week.

Sayulita

About an hour up the coast, Sayulita is the boho-surf cousin you’ve seen all over Instagram. Expect more crowds and higher prices than the old days, but also fun beginner-friendly waves, yoga studios, and colorful streets. In our piece on why tourists are flocking to the tiny beach towns near Puerto Vallarta, we break down when Sayulita makes sense and when you’re better off in sleepier San Pancho.

Huatulco

On the Oaxacan coast, Huatulco is the eco-conscious answer for travelers who want bays, jungle, and quiet instead of packed party strips. Our guide to this “lesser-known hideaway with 36 beaches” talks about boat-hopping between almost-empty coves, turtle releases, and waterfall trips in the hills above town—without Cancun-level chaos.

Zihuatanejo

Zihua is an old-school fishing town that feels like Mexico before the big resort boom—low-rise hotels, beachside restaurants, and lazy days on Playa La Ropa. It sits in Guerrero, which is currently under a Level 4 advisory, so this is one of those places where you really need to read the fine print and decide your own risk tolerance. Our writer’s “16 destinations in Mexico” piece shares what it’s actually like on the ground and why some repeat visitors still swear by flying straight into ZIH and staying put.

9–11: Caribbean Coast Without Staying In Cancun

Tulum

Love it or hate it, Tulum is still the boho-chic poster child. But airlines cutting capacity and sky-high prices have definitely taken some of the shine off. In our recent analysis of Tulum’s slowdown, we talk honestly about the “two Tulums”: the wildly expensive beach zone and the more normal-priced town where most budget-savvy travelers now base themselves.

Cozumel

If you care more about reefs than rooftop pools, Cozumel is a dream. In our Cozumel winter feature we explain why this island keeps trending: easy nonstop flights from several U.S. hubs, great-value resorts, and some of the best drift diving in the Western Hemisphere—plus an underrated, laid-back town once the cruise crowds sail away.

Isla Holbox

Holbox is where the Tulum crowd goes once they’re over Tulum. It’s car-free, sandy-street, hammock-over-the-water kind of bliss. Our “Move Over, Tulum” story breaks down the multi-step journey to get there, whale shark season, and how to enjoy the island’s rustic-chic vibe while still respecting its fragile ecosystem.

12: Baja’s Low-Key Eco Capital

La Paz

Finally, La Paz is Baja California Sur’s chilled-out capital—think whale sharks, sea lions, and Balandra Beach instead of bottle service. In our La Paz essentials guide, we cover how to pair a few days here with a flight into Los Cabos and a scenic road trip north, turning “just Cabo” into a real Sea of Cortez adventure.

Mexico in 2025 is so much bigger than two mega-resorts.

Pick one culture stop (maybe Oaxaca or Mérida) and one coast (La Paz, Huatulco, Holbox…) and you’ve already built a trip that feels way more interesting—without necessarily spending more than you would on a week at the same old all-inclusive.