Beaches in Mexico have always been a magnet for American travelers. Clear waters, palm trees, and tacos by the sea? It’s easy to see why so many book that escape. But in 2025, safety concerns started changing the story. The headlines haven’t been kind, and the numbers tell a chilling tale.
Some beach towns are now grappling with issues they never saw coming. Drug cartel activity, poor water quality, and unchecked development have raised red flags. While most of Mexico remains a great destination, these specific beaches have caught the attention of the U.S. State Department and environmental watchdogs for all the wrong reasons.
Rosarito Beach, Baja California
Just south of the U.S. border, Rosarito has always been a favorite weekend spot for Californians. But in 2025, it’s not the party town it once was. Shootings near hotels and restaurants have increased. Police presence has grown, but trust in their ability to protect tourists hasn’t.
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Isla Mujeres sounds idyllic. But water pollution and over-tourism are choking it. Coliform bacteria levels in certain swimming zones have now exceeded safe limits. Officials have warned against swimming in parts of the island’s north coast.
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen used to be a boho paradise. Now, it’s under watch. Several recent shootouts near popular beach clubs caused panic among visitors. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, citing an increase in crime. Local businesses are struggling to stay afloat, but tourists are already looking elsewhere.
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Zihuatanejo is beautiful, no doubt. But it’s located in Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most violent states. Armed confrontations between criminal groups and local authorities have increased in 2024 and 2025. According to a report, Guerrero reported over 1,500 homicides in 2024 alone.
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Mazatlán’s golden beaches have seen more than just sunsets lately. Located in cartel-heavy Sinaloa, the city has had waves of violence that make travelers uneasy. In 2023, an armed standoff near the airport led to the shutdown of flights. Tourists caught in the crossfire shared shaky videos on social media. This isn’t the beach getaway people dream about.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Once a haven for surfers, Puerto Escondido is facing a rise in violent robberies. Some travelers have reported feeling unsafe in southern Oaxaca. Backpackers and solo travelers are especially vulnerable when wandering off the main drag.
Acapulco, Guerrero
Acapulco was once Hollywood’s favorite escape. But that was decades ago. Now, it consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in the world. In October 2023, Hurricane Otis made a significant impact on the city. But beyond the storm, it’s the shootings, kidnappings, and extortion reports that are keeping tourists away.
Playa Revolcadero, Guerrero
Near Acapulco but often overlooked, Playa Revolcadero has seen fewer beachgoers and more crime scenes. With limited law enforcement presence and reports of missing persons, this beach is no longer the quiet escape it once was.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
Tulum went from jungle chic to chaotic in a flash. As tourism exploded, so did organized crime. In November 2023, two tourists were killed in a shootout at a beachside restaurant. According to the Department of State, people are advised to exercise caution when visiting Quintana Roo.
Ixtapa, Guerrero
Sharing a coast with Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa has its share of trouble. In early 2025, a Canadian tourist was wounded during a robbery on the beach. These kinds of incidents have dented Ixtapa’s image as a safer alternative.
San Felipe, Baja California
San Felipe is known for its off-road races and quiet coastlines. But cartel activity in northern Baja California has spilled into previously calm areas. Tourists should exercise great caution when traveling to San Felipe.
Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita’s colorful streets and vibrant surf culture continue to draw digital nomads. But the area has been hit by petty crime and drug-related arrests. Locals say it’s not the sleepy town it used to be. Travel bloggers who once promoted Sayulita are now quietly dropping it from their guides.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta still sees cruise ships dock on a regular basis. But outside the tourist zones, gang violence is rising. The fear of kidnappings, although rare, has left many travelers second-guessing their plans.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Cabo remains popular, but it’s not untouchable. Drug-related violence has occasionally spilled into tourist zones. In a report from Statista, Baja California Sur has seen an increase in perceived insecurity. While many still visit, it’s a place to stay alert.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
