Mexico has quietly become one of our favorite places to travel. Some trips were planned, some were overdue, and all of them left an impression. These three destinations stand out for very different reasons, and together they show why we keep going back.
This list is based purely on where we’ve actually been, what we experienced, and what we’d do again.
1. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was our very first trip to Mexico, years ago, and it set the bar high.
Our first stay was at an all-inclusive resort. Easy, relaxing, great food, no thinking required. It’s still one of the simplest ways to experience Puerto Vallarta, especially if you just want to enjoy the beach, the pools, and everything being handled for you. We’ll add the exact resort name once we track it down.
Years later, we went back and stayed at the W Puerto Vallarta, and that trip was something else entirely. It was our honeymoon, and everything about it felt special. The resort itself was stunning, our suite was private and quiet, the balcony overlooked the water, and the whole experience felt intentional and memorable. We even did our trash the dress photos there, so if you see us in the water in some of our pictures, that’s Puerto Vallarta.
There’s something great about both sides of this destination. The all-inclusive route is easy and repeatable. The luxury experience was unforgettable.
Puerto Vallarta also has a unique place in pop culture. For years, it was the vacation destination. Back in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, it was commonly referenced on game shows like The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune as the big dream trip prize. “You’re going to Puerto Vallarta” was a thing. While travel trends change, that legacy still lingers, and honestly, we get why.
Highly recommended.
One of the highlights every time we visit is eating well without the Arizona price tag. One standout for us is Garufa Steakhouse. High-quality steaks, great service, and a fraction of what we’d pay back home. It’s a place we genuinely look forward to every trip.
2. Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point)
For a long time, this one stayed on our “we should do that someday” list.
In 2025, Tamekia finally said it was time to drive down, and we’re glad we listened. We stayed at Las Palomas Resort, and it exceeded our expectations across the board.
The resort was far more beautiful than we expected, the beach was better than expected, and the drive from Arizona was easier than expected. That combination matters. So much that we’ve already been twice and are heading back for a third trip to kick off the new year.
Puerto Peñasco feels approachable. It’s international, but not complicated. It’s relaxed, scenic, and perfect for a shorter getaway when flying feels like too much work.
3. Cozumel
Cozumel makes the list based on one unforgettable day.
We stopped there on a boat tour and spent the day at an all-inclusive beach resort. It was one of those experiences the entire family still talks about. Clear water, relaxed pace, and one of those days where everyone is present and enjoying it.
That said, we haven’t explored Cozumel enough yet to move it higher on the list. It’s a place we absolutely want to return to, slow down, and really experience beyond a single stop. The potential is obvious.
Final Thoughts
Each of these trips offered something different. Easy all-inclusive comfort, luxury and once-in-a-lifetime memories, drive-to convenience, and family experiences we’ll never forget.
If you enjoy these kinds of trips, you’ll probably also like our Arizona getaways. We share a similar breakdown of places we love closer to home, from quick drives to longer stays, over on our Arizona destinations guide.
More tips, details, and deeper dives into each Mexico destination are coming. This list is just the starting point as we keep rolling, exploring, and sharing what works for us.