The Mexican Riviera Mexico's Best Pacific Beach Vacation Spots

Mexico once attracted vacationers to a string of Pacific coastal destinations, each with its own unique personality and vibe. Known collectively as the Mexican Riviera, five iconic spots claimed the lion's share of international tourism: Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, and Acapulco. Daily nonstop flights from the Western U.S. and Canada brought waves of beach-hungry, beer-loving tourists seeking the perfect Mexican beach vacation—complete with golden sands, clear waters, beach vendors, parasailing, and fresh seafood, with perhaps a dash of local culture thrown in.