Hidden Gems on the Oaxaca Coast: Off the Beaten Path Destinations
The Oaxaca coast is my favourite part of Mexico. It has incredible beaches, breathtaking wildlife, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
It’s not exactly a secret, and the popular spots attract plenty of visitors year-round. But, there are still many lesser-known places along this stunning coastline for those looking to escape the crowds.
Today, I’ll introduce you to some of my favourite hidden gems on the Oaxaca coast. Places like San Agustinillo, Playa Mermejita, and the Ventanilla Lagoon.
Need help planning your next trip? Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner!
Beyond Oaxaca’s Typical Tourist Trail
Puerto Escondido and Mazunte are two of the most popular destinations on the Oaxaca coast.
And, while they are both undeniably beautiful and well worth visiting, there’s so much more to discover if you venture a little off the beaten path.
These lesser-known spots allow you to enjoy Oaxaca’s incredible Pacific coastline more intimately. They’re generally quieter and ideal for a relaxing break away from the crowded tourist haunts.
My Favourite Hidden Gems on the Oaxaca Coast
1. Playa San Agustinillo
Just Go Exploring uses affiliate links. If you purchase something through them, I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. It's what allows me to produce free content for you. 😊 Learn more.
Playa San Agustinillo is one of my favourite beaches in the world. Located just west of Mazunte, this long, pristine stretch of golden sand has an incredible atmosphere.
Unlike busier beaches nearby, San Agustinillo has managed to retain its laid-back, authentic, village-like feel.
The beachfront has a few small, family-run restaurants and bars at one end, plus a handful of eco-friendly accommodations a little up the hill.
But, beyond that, it’s wonderfully uncommercialised and picturesque.
I spent two weeks here and loved every second of it. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of coastal life.
Most evenings, I’d walk the length of the beach and find a secluded spot to watch the sunset. It was heavenly – I miss that place a lot.
In terms of accommodation, I stayed at Casa Azul for two weeks. It was amazing, with hammocks and a sea view, but more reasonably priced than many other guest houses in the area.
Honestly one of the loveliest places I stayed during my 3-month trip to Mexico. This is also a great place to base yourself when exploring some of the other destinations on this list.
2. Playa Mermejita
Another fantastic secluded beach on the opposite side of Mazunte, Playa Mermejita is bordered by rocky cliffs and backed by lush vegetation.
This stunning natural setting feels far removed from the more developed areas of the Oaxaca coast. The beach stretches for several kilometres and is often deserted, except for a few surfers and sunbathers.
Compared to San Agustinillo, accommodation, food, and drink options are more limited here. But if you’re looking for a quiet place to simply relax and enjoy the unspoiled beauty, it’s a great spot.
The waves here can be powerful, and there are dangerous rip currents, so don’t try to swim. But, if you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll like this place a lot.
At sunset, Playa Mermejita becomes particularly magical, with the sun casting a golden glow over the water and the surrounding landscape.
Keep an eye out for baby turtles, too. Several species of sea turtles come here to lay their eggs.
3. Ventanilla Lagoon and Wildlife Sanctuary
Ventanilla is a small community located a couple of kilometres west of Playa Mermejita. It’s home to a lush lagoon and wildlife sanctuary full of mangroves and wetlands.
These important natural habitats were previously under threat from deforestation. However, in recent years, the community has taken steps to conserve the mangroves.
Today, the lagoon is teeming with wildlife, including crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
A local community-led organisation now runs programmes to protect the lagoon and promote sustainable tourism.
Local guides offer boat tours through the mangroves, allowing you to get up close to the wildlife and learn about the area’s unique ecosystem.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the important work being done to preserve the region’s biodiversity.
4. Zipolite
Possibly the most well-known spot on this list, Zipolite is Mexico’s only (official) nudist beach.
Located just a short drive from Mazunte, Zipolite Beach is a long, wide stretch of golden sand, backed by rustic beach bars and budget-friendly guesthouses.
Zipolite is a bohemian, welcoming, and inclusive place. It’s popular with people of all ages, local and foreign.
Drinks are cheap, and the beach is large enough to easily find a private spot. I really liked the vibe here, too – it’s friendly and unpretentious.
It’s clothing-optional, and perfectly fine to wear a swimming costume if you prefer.
5. Puerto Angel
Tucked away in a small bay just east of Zipolite, Puerto Angel is a sleepy fishing village that offers a glimpse into traditional life on the Oaxaca coast.
Unlike the more touristy towns nearby, Puerto Angel has remained largely unchanged, with its colourful fishing boats bobbing in the harbour and its quiet streets lined with simple, family-run businesses.
The beaches here are small but beautiful, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Always check the conditions first, and stick to beaches that are patrolled by lifeguards.
Puerto Angel is also a great place to enjoy fresh seafood, with several beachfront restaurants serving up the catch of the day.
How Long Do You Need on the Oaxaca Coast?
If you want to explore both the popular spots and these hidden gems, I’d recommend spending at least a week on the Oaxaca coast.
You could spend a day (or more) at Playa San Agustinillo and another day exploring Ventanilla Lagoon and Playa Mermejita. You’d still have (just) enough time to visit Zipolite, Puerto Angel, Mazunte, and Puerto Escondido.
That said, the longer you have, the better. I spent over two weeks here, and even that didn’t feel long enough. It’s a perfect place to slow down, unwind, and take a well-deserved break.
FAQs About Visiting the Oaxaca Coast
When is the best time to visit the Oaxaca Coast?
The best time to visit the Oaxaca coast is between November and April when the weather is dry and sunny, with minimal rainfall. This period is ideal for beach activities and exploring outdoor attractions. May to October sees more rain, but it’s still a good time if you prefer fewer crowds.
How do I get to the Oaxaca Coast?
You can reach the Oaxaca coast by flying into Huatulco or Puerto Escondido airports, which have regular flights from Mexico City and other cities. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus from Oaxaca City or other nearby regions, though flights are much quicker and more convenient. Rent a car, catch a local bus or colectivo (shared van), or take a taxi to explore the surrounding areas.
What’s the best way to travel around the Oaxaca Coast?
The easiest way to get around the Oaxaca coast is by renting a car, which gives you the flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can use local taxis, buses, and colectivos to travel between towns, although public transport is less convenient for the more remote, off-the-beaten-path spots.
Is the Oaxaca Coast a budget-friendly destination?
Yes, the Oaxaca coast is a budget-friendly destination, with affordable accommodation, local restaurants, and public transport. Beachfront hotels and tours can cost more, but overall, you can enjoy a trip here without spending too much, especially if you stick to local dining and public transport options.
Is the Oaxaca Coast safe to visit?
The Oaxaca coast is generally safe to visit, with welcoming locals and a laid-back vibe. Use common sense, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure. Be mindful of ocean currents, as some beaches have strong undertows, and follow posted safety warnings.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the best memories often come from venturing off the typical tourist trail.
Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, be sure to include some of these hidden gems in your Oaxaca coast itinerary.
Have you been to Oaxaca before? Let me know if I’ve missed any of your favourite spots!
Essential Travel Resources
🛏️ Book cheap hotels
I always use Booking.com to find the best hotel deals. Vrbo is great for short-term apartments.
🚗 Find cheap rental cars
Check both Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to find cheap rental cars.
🌍 Book the best tours
Viator and GetYourGuide have a huge selection of tours in virtually every destination worldwide.
✈️ Find cheap flights
I use a combination of Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights.
📱 eSIMs
Airalo is my favourite travel eSIM provider – I’ve used it in over 10 countries and really rate it. So much easier than buying physical SIM cards when you travel!
🚑 Do I need travel insurance?
YES! Never travel without adequate travel insurance. It’s just not worth the risk.
• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, SafetyWing is super flexible and affordable. You can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and activate and deactivate it whenever you need to. I’ve made several claims in the last few years and thoroughly recommend this company.
• World Nomads – for adventurous travellers, covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as skydiving, heli-skiing, rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here).
💻 Do I need a VPN?
YES! Always use a VPN when using public WiFi (in airports, cafes, hotels, stations, etc.). This helps protect your personal information and also bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in certain countries. I use NordVPN and highly recommend it.
