Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most culturally rich states, home to 16 recognized indigenous groups, the archaeological capitals of Monte Albán and Mitla, and a coastline stretching from the surf town of Puerto Escondido to the calm resort bays of Huatulco. Oaxaca de Juárez, the colonial capital, is celebrated for mole, mezcal, and some of the finest regional cooking in the country.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Oaxaca.
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- surf shops and board rentals along the boardwalk
- restaurants and beach bars
- strong shore break and powerful waves known as the Mexican Pipeline — not a swimming beach
- lifeguard towers near the main breaks in high season
- surf schools for lesson bookings
Playa Zicatela
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- 168 steps down from the clifftop parking area to the sand
- beachfront restaurants and palapas with chair rental
- calm, sheltered cove good for swimming and beginner surfing
- snorkeling gear rental stands
Playa Carrizalillo
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- two adjoining coves (Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo) with calm, shallow water
- palapa restaurants renting sunbeds
- boat tours to nearby coves depart from the beach
- snorkeling near the rocky points
Puerto Angelito
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- strong undertow and riptides — swim with caution, lifeguard coverage is limited and drownings occur most years
- one of Mexico's few legally recognized nude/clothing-optional beach sections
- beachfront cabañas, hammocks, and restaurants
- yoga studios and hostels along the shore road
Playa Zipolite
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- consistent beach-break surf suitable for improving surfers
- beachfront seafood palapas
- moderate shore break — check conditions before swimming
- small guesthouses and surf camps along the beach road
San Agustinillo
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- moderate waves, calmer than Zipolite but still with occasional undertow
- beachfront restaurants and mezcalerías
- walking distance to the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga (turtle museum)
- sunset viewing point at Punta Cometa a short walk west
Playa Mazunte
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- wide, undeveloped beach backed by a mangrove lagoon
- strong open-ocean surf — swimming is not advised, mainly a walking and wildlife-viewing beach
- community-run boat tours on the adjacent lagoon to see crocodiles and birdlife
- no permanent food stands directly on the beach — services are at the lagoon entrance
La Ventanilla
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- calm, sheltered bay water suitable for all ages
- marina with boat tours to Huatulco's nine bays
- restaurants and shops in the adjacent Santa Cruz plaza
- public showers and restrooms near the pier
Playa Santa Cruz
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- calm resort bay with fine sand, backed by large hotels
- water sports rentals (kayaks, paddleboards) through beachfront hotels
- golf course adjacent to the bay
- restaurants concentrated within hotel properties
Playa Tangolunda
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- marina with sportfishing and bay-tour charters
- beach clubs and restaurants along the boulevard
- moderate waves — generally swimmable but check conditions with beach staff
- volleyball courts and open sand for walking
Playa Chahué
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.