Set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Sierra Madres mountains, Puerto Vallarta is popular with travelers seeking a romantic escape. Lodging options run the gamut from five-star resorts to family-friendly beachfront condos to small haciendas. When you're not enjoying the beach, try a cooking class, go whale-watching or explore the cobblestone streets of Old Vallarta.

Playa del Carmen is distinct among Yucatan beach towns both culturally and commercially. While its beaches are similar to other destinations', its nightlife and hotel culture is hipper in the European and American style, blending the traditional Mexican locale with a more permissive and opulent array of tourist options.

You'll find crashing waves off Cabo's Pacific coast and sheltered, calm water on the Sea of Cortez. Given those options, Cabo has built a rare reputation for both excellent outdoor sports (big-game fishing, diving and kayaking, among others) and pure beach relaxation. Of course, there's also great nightlife. Cabo’s resorts, hotels and inns cater to everyone from honeymooners to families to Hollywood stars seeking a weekend getaway.

Rising from the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City offers a unique collision of contemporary city life and historic preservation. World-class museums, restaurants and parks rub shoulders with the remains of several cultures. The nightlife, the shopping and the history make it a must-see regardless of your travel style.

It’s not just for spring-breakers. Cancun, with its golden beaches and perfect climate, is the premiere coastal destination in Mexico. And while there is certainly a 365-day party available for college students, resorts cater well to families and to those seeking solitude. This Yucatan paradise is also the gateway to the ruins of Tulum and Chichén Itzá.

Easygoing and vibrant, Oaxaca offers the best of southern Mexican charm, pairing lively festivals and entertainment with fantastic cuisine and unique cultural attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oaxaca is home to the spectacular Macedonio Alcala Theater and a short drive from the inspiring rock formations at Hierve el Aqua.

It's a historic capital. It's a beach resort. It's a lively, romantic town. Whatever you look for in a Mexican vacation is on the menu in Mazatlan. Returning travelers rave about the welcoming Mazatlecos, who treat you like old amigos, as well as the beaches, the food, the weather, the music and the feeling of never wanting to leave.

Akumal means "Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language, and if you snorkel here, you just might see one swimming alongside you. (Don’t touch it, though. That’s prohibited by law.) You’ll definitely see coral and beautiful fish in the clear, sparkling waters. This tourist-friendly little town is about an hour south of Cancun—but it seems light-years away.

The Yucatan capital has both colonial and Mayan treasures to discover. Nearby ruins at Uxmal give some insight into the lives of the predecessors of the conquistadores, who arrived in 1542. Mayan culture is also still evident in Merida's daily life and in the many colorful festivals celebrated here.

While resorts continue to spring up, "Zihua" remains determined to maintain its small-town flavor. The brick-paved "fisherman's walk," a nod to the region's seafaring roots, stretches along the town center. Because the nightlife is mostly informal, Zihua is particularly appealing to couples and those seeking an escape from coastal party towns.