I’ve always envied people living on the East Coast, with the close proximity to beautiful Caribbean destinations just a quick flight away.  The ~12 hour trek from the San Francisco Bay Area with zero direct flights makes my trips to the Caribbean much less frequent than I’d like.   On my quest to find powder white sand and brilliant blue waters, I’ve discovered several vacation destinations in Mexico.  With options near both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and non-stop flights from the Bay Area, Mexico has been a go-to for birthdays, long weekends and girls getaways for years.  Here are a few of my favorite vacation destinations in Mexico that may inspire you to head South yourself!

Sayulita, Nayarit

I was introduced to Sayulita nearly twenty years ago, visiting my uncle at Los Delfines.  After a bumpy ride from Puerto Vallarta airport, on mostly dirt roads under construction, I immediately fell in love with the beautiful house with the ocean view and hammock on the porch.

You’d never believe it now but Sayulita used to be a sleepy village with only one phone in the entire town.  I’m not kidding.  You had to stand in line at the store if you needed to make a call.  Walks into town for frozen limón bars, fresh salsa and guacamole with homemade tortillas for breakfast.  Afternoon naps with the ocean waves breaking in the background.   Ladies coming by the house selling homemade muffins and tamales. Quiet and tranquil- a perfect sleepy beachside village.

Fast forward to now: Sayulita is a sought after vacation destination- complete with WiFi and gluten-free pizza.   Riviera Nayarit is the setting for countless weddings and shows like Bachelor in Paradise  and The Real Housewives (deep sigh).  The secret is definitely out about the formerly sleepy, Sayulita.  While I mourn the loss of the little village it used to be, thankfully some things have not changed.  Sayulita still has some of the best sunsets in the world, with skies painted brilliantly in pink, orange and purple hues… seemingly out of nowhere.

My uncle’s favorite tradition in Sayulita is margaritas at the point at sunset.  Those are the moments I hold onto, as the world discovers (and changes) this special place.  Those of you who visit now (without the burden of the nostalgia I carry) will still find it to be a beautiful place.   Surf, eat fresh seafood and perfect guacamole, nap in a hammock.  Read a good book, take a swim and catch as many unforgettable sunsets as you can.

2. San José del Cabo, Baja California

A three-hour nonstop flight from SFO, Cabo is the perfect destination for a long weekend. Looking for a quick birthday celebration, KT and I headed for Baja.  Knowing we weren’t trying to do much other than lay by the pool and enjoy the beach, the adults only Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort was the perfect pick.  Some vacations are all about exploring- venturing out and trying new foods, shopping, cultural tours, the whole nine.  Others are about doing absolutely nothing.  Secrets was perfect for the latter.   Secrets is a gorgeous property, with exotic plants, beautifully manicured spaces and panoramic views of the ocean.

If you can, treat yourself to a room with a swim up pool.  It was really nice to have a quiet place right outside our patio door on days when the pool got crowded in the afternoon.  Not to mention, a beautiful space to enjoy breakfast!

I’m a bit selective when it comes to all-inclusive resorts.  Many can be disappointing in terms of food and drink.  I was pleasantly surprised at Secrets.

Adults only resorts are magical; no screaming kids in the pool or hot tub and no frazzled parents (who I always feel sorry for, it’s vacation after all).  After four days of blissful peace and quiet, we shared a ride to the airport with a couple with small kids.  A crying baby, whining toddler and frazzled parents.  KT and I exchanged a look, happy vacation?  Arriving at the airport, we witnessed an epic meltdown from a mom clearly at the end of both her rope and her “vacation”, as she screamed at her kids and then her husband.  Whether you are a frazzled parent is search of refuge or you would just like a break from kid energy on your vacation- adult only resorts are a gift.

3. Cancun, Quintana Roo

Though Cancun is notoriously known as a Spring Break party destination, there are many hotels and resorts that have a more mellow, grown-up vibe.  If you are looking for a gorgeous beach, all-inclusive options and a chill environment, don’t rule Cancun out.  TK, KT and I enjoyed our stay at Sandos Cancun, one year for TK’s birthday.  Mexico in early December is gorgeous and warm, a welcome break from the chill of Winter.

Bonus: Tulum, Quintana Roo

I know I said three destinations, consider this fourth option as a bonus!  Visiting Cancun, it’s easy to plan a day trip to Tulum.   About two hours south of Cancun, the ancient ruins in Tulum are a breathtaking sight to see, set on a cliffside high above turquoise waters below.

The Mayan archaeological site at Tulum National Park is really amazing and absolutely worth the trip.

After our day trip to Tulum, I’d love to head back to the region and stay there next time.  Tulum is well known for wellness and yoga retreats and seems like an amazing place to find some peace.  In addition to Tulum, both Playa del Carmen and Akumal are on my Mexico wish list.

What tops your wish list of vacation destinations in Mexico?