Top Summer Travel Destinations in Mexico

Puerto Vallarta: Consider first the all-inclusive resorts. You land at the airport, grab your rental car, make the short trip to one of the many resorts within an hour of the airport, and before you know it, you’re enjoying poolside cocktail service and your kids are playing in a pool. Get dinner at one of the many restaurants, enjoy some nightlife in one of the clubs and go to bed in a comfy suite. Wake up in the morning and repeat. No need to even get in your car again for a couple of days unless you want to explore the city! 

There are many things to do when and if you explore the city, too, so it’s definitely something to consider doing! Go for a sail on a yacht or catamaran. Learn to paddle board. Drive an ATV through mountainous trails, parking only long enough to get a gorgeous view before you head into Sayulita for some lunch and shopping. Snorkel. Take a boat to Marietas Island and spend the day in the water. Take a walking tour of the city and see the historical buildings and get a lesson in the architectural wonders that still exist, then eat and shop before you head back to your home base. It’s an affordable vacation that you’ll want to do again!

Mexico City: The capital of Mexico, full of history and culture, is one you do not want to miss. While it’s popular and can be crowded, there are many good reasons to not let that get in the way of making it the headliner of your trip to Mexico. Put Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe and the Palace of Fine Arts on your list, along with the Templo Mayor. Whatever you do, be sure to visit Teotihuacán, home of pre-Colombian pyramids. 

While Mexico City is known for its museums, you’ll also score in the shopping, food and culture departments. Authentic food like you’ve never had before is plentiful, souvenir options are everywhere, offering you many handmade crafts and wares that you’ll be excited to take home to your family and friends. Take a piece of your Mexico City vacation home to add to the beautiful memories you’ve made!

Rosarito: Though Tijuana is close to the California-Mexico border and can be very popular with tourists looking to venture on short trips into Mexico by car, if you’re willing to drive another 30 minutes or so, you’ll be in a whole new world of relaxation in fun in the city of Rosarito. If you love peaceful beaches, nightlife and authentic Mexican food and culture, you will love spending a few days in this  fun little town. Many people have loved Rosarito so much, they buy second homes there, as its proximity to California makes for an easy weekend getaway. Fresh seafood, the best tacos you’ll ever have, and fun clubs definitely make it a good adult destination, but families enjoy the pools and resorts. The shores often have a strong wave pattern, so some find it a good place for water activities. Get away from some of the crowds, enjoy some old Hollywood glamour and feel a world away in Rosarito!

Mazatlan: Located in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlan has been an older resort-style town destination for decades. Full of fun activities, it is a place you could spend days without running out of things to do. Parasail on the beach, take a boat ride, shop for handmade leather goods, enjoy a truly authentic margarita and dance the night away, all in one day. 

Spend another day touring the cathedral, Teatro Ángela Peralta and the towering Immaculate Conception basilica. If you enjoy history, there is plenty of it in Mazatlan, along with museums and galleries. Another day, visit the aquarium and the Aquatic Park Mazagua. Families find plenty to do in Mazatlan, and you will enjoy a mix of fun and food during your stay in the city along the boardwalk!

Cancun: One of the destinations you hear about most in Mexico is Cancun. Cancun is the stuff summer vacations are made of, and while it can be a little pricier than some other destinations, it’s likely you’ll find that it’s worth it. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, it borders the Caribbean Sea, giving it a whole new feel. Cancun is known for two main areas: El Centro, or the older downtown, and Zona Hotelera, a strip of high-rise accommodations, clubs, shops and restaurants. It’s a popular spring break destination, but it’s hopping year-round. (There is a hurricane season from approximately June through November, so plan ahead and be prepared!)

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there is an underwater art museum on the Isla Mujeres. Visit Tulum to see the Mayan ruins, or bungee cord from the pier in Playas Tortugas. Like dolphins? Swim with them at Delphinus Punta Cancun, or just explore less busy beaches on the outskirts of town. The options are endless, which is why Cancun is so incredibly popular with travelers of all interests. Whenever you go, book your rental car and hotel as early as possible to ensure you don’t run into any problems getting the car rental in Mexico that you need!

If you need a rental car, Fox has 17 locations currently in Mexico. We're located in Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, San Diego/CBX, and more, to make all of the above trips convenient. Be careful, you’ll find out that a summer trip to Mexico can become a habit!