Mexico for Homos: A Gay Man's Guide, From the Beach to the Bar Crawl
You want to get the most out of your south-of-the border vacation—who wouldn't?—but you're clueless when it comes to Mexico's beaches, boutique hotels and bar scene. Well here's a handy guide, from the country's sexiest gay beaches to a few of Mexico City's trendiest boutique properties. Looking for a night on the town in Puerto Vallarta? We've got that, too.
Our Southern Neighbor's 5 Best Gay Beaches
Our Southern Neighbor's 5 Best Gay Beaches
From hidden coves near mega-resorts to secluded sandy spots miles away from town, Mexico has dozens of gay-friendly beaches dotting its nearly 6,000 miles of coastline. These gay hangouts range from nude hookup spots to discreet scenes—with a mix of locals, tourists, prostitutes and straight folk all enjoying the sun and sand.
1. Playa de Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta
Situated a few miles south of Puerto Vallarta proper, this sunny hangout is also known as “Blue Chair Beach,” a nickname referring to the gay-owned Blue Chairs Resort sitting on the shore. The furniture set out by the hotel marks the cruisy section of the beach. Blue Chairs also offers sunbathers free Wi-Fi—perfect for checking Grindr or Scruff. The water itself is a little too strong for swimming, but the real draw is the crowd, not the surf.
2. Playa Condesa, Acapulco
While the huge resorts of Cancun and Los Cabos have made Acapulco a less-attractive destination for tourists, the mix of Old Hollywood charm and thriving nightlife make Acapulco—one of Mexico’s original resort towns—a great stop for any gay traveler. Playa Condesa is one of Acapulco’s busiest beaches, so cruising is discrete. Some have complained about “queers strutting about,” but this beach caters more toward the local gay scene, not tourists. Keep on strutting, guys.
3. Playa Delfines, Cancun
The sands of Delfines may not be picturesque white, but that’s more of a perk than a flaw—it’s one of the quieter beaches Cancun has to offer. Take a short hike south and stumble across Mayan ruins, or hang with the touristy gay crowd. The strong undertow makes swimming dangerous, but the water offers some great surfing opportunities.
4. Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca
Located in Southern Mexico right where the coastline bends east, this tropical spot is miles away from overcrowded resort towns. Better known to Mexican weekend warriors than international travelers, it’s a popular getaway for gays across the country. The beach is a humid half-hour walk from Puerto Angel, the nearest city, but this clothing-optional and secluded spot is worth the determination and sweat. Zipolite and Puerto Angel both offer gay-friendly accommodations, great seafood and a number of quality cafés.
5. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Of all of the country’s areas, the Yucatan peninsula has the strongest connection to Mexico’s pre-Columbian past. (The Mayan language is even spoken by a fair share of the population.) Playa del Carmen is known for its relaxed attitude toward gays and lesbians, an artistic vibe and cruisy beaches. The island of Cozumel, just off the coast of Quintana, sports some of the best scuba diving in the world, but if wetsuits aren’t your thing, you can always swim in the buff.
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