Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in North America – and what better way to enjoy them than with a cold beer or delicious cocktail in hand? Here’s a sampling of some of the best beach bars across the country, best visited at sunset, with friends or lovers. The beach is waiting for you… get going.
El Muchacho Alegre is perfectly located in a prime spot on the beach in Mazatlán, and alongside the chilled-to-perfection beers, they also offer seafood dishes. For a buzzing and convivial atmosphere, this is the spot to be, especially given that they regularly host live banda music. You’ll leave feeling you really got a taste of the traditional Mazatlán vibe at this beachside bar, as despite simple appearances it is pretty authentic and popular among locals too. Check out the spicy, tomatoey michelada drinks too.
A luxurious beach bar option with some absolutely top-quality facilities and service, Aquazul Beach Bar & Lounge is part of the Garza Blanca Resort and is the place to be if you want to chill out and be pampered. The bar itself serves up a combination of light dishes and exquisite cocktails, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. It’s also located next to a swanky swimming pool for those of you who fancy a dip but don’t like salt water. This sophisticated looking place has seating both on and a little above the beach, both providing outstanding views.
A sprawling and sumptuously decorated bar, or perhaps more aptly called a lounge, Sky Garden has a jaw-dropping terrace with numerous sofas and tables for you to sink into with a cocktail. The moody blue-hued lighting really sets the tone, and adds to the feeling of luxury you get in this Acapulco bar, with its terrace-top pool and candlelit ambience. Understandably, Sky Garden attracts the wealthy and the beautiful like flies to a honey pot. Dress up smartly for access to this lovely lounge and don’t bank on it being a cheap night out.
The Surfin’ Burrito is renowned locally for its lively bar as well as the fantastic food it offers. The layout is open on the beach, making it a picturesque spot to sit in after a day riding the waves. With a shot of tequila priced at around USD$2, this is an ideal place for budget travellers. A bus runs regularly from the main hotel zone to Surfin’ Burrito, meaning guests don’t need to worry about arranging transportation, (that’s if you ever leave, as Surfin’ Burrito never closes).
Gitano has really made a mark on Tulum’s nightlife scene in recent years, not least for its extensive mezcal and cocktail menu and laidback ambience. Definitely make a beeline for the outdoor seating, where you can enjoy the temperate climate, surrounded by verdant plants and palms, which have some very on-trend fairy lights casually strewn from their branches. Aside from drinks, Gitano also serves some reliably delicious snacks, and although it’s most definitely not the cheapest bar you’ll find in the town, it’s easily one of the best.
Zipper’s Bar and Grill is a favorite with the local surf crowd, and you’ll love it for sun, sand and buckets of beer on the Playa Costa Azul beach in San José del Cabo. The beachfront hangout sells delicious burgers, barbecue ribs, mezquite-smoked rib eyes and beer-battered shrimp, plus ice cold beer of different variations. On the beach out front is the annual Los Cabos Open of Surf competition, but the place’s laidback atomosphere is good all year round. There’s even satellite TV for catching the game.
A massive party with an upscale vibe, Mamitas Beach Club is all you imagine a Playa del Carmen beach bar to be like. Lounge chairs in the sand, umbrellas beside them, DJs spinning records and white-shirted waiters bringing your cocktails – it’s all there and more at Mamitas. The place is generally packed every day, and the music is more often than not electronic.
A 1950s Chevrolet 3800 pick-up sits alongside beachfront palapa bar at the Punta de Mita W hotel ready to serve you up a nostalgic slice of beach life. Besides the sea and sand there are fresh ceviches and other seafood delights (always opt for the catch of the day) as well as craft beer and cocktails. This little bohemian gem is a mellow piece of heaven on Punta de Mita’s beautiful coastline.
