Top 50 Sites to See in Mexico
City in Mexico
It almost goes without saying that Driving in Mexico boasts far more than a mere fifty attractions to see when traveling through the country. Yet the following sites and attractions are among the most famous among those driving through the country. Be sure to include as many as you can when creating your itinerary; you won’t regret the experience in any case! Below are the top 50 sites to see in Mexico, in no particular order.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
As the most important cultural center in Mexico, this Mexico City landmark is a must-see on any trip to the capital! Be sure to see the works of famous artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Teotihuacan
Situated about fifty kilometers from Mexico City, this ancient city was established by Mesoamerican peoples around 100 B.C. It is home to some of the most important pyramids in Mexico. As far as the top 50 sites to see in Mexico, this has to be a top 10.
Chichen Itza
This ancient site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico. Located in Yucatan, Chichen Itza is one of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites.
Acapulco
From cliff diving to beachcombing, this classic resort town is well worth visiting on vacation!
Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the Baja California Peninsula. It’s famous for its lagoons and marine life, which is particularly noted by its wintering grey whales.
Ensenada
This Baja California city is a major cruise ship stop and a celebrated resort town. If you want to experience a memorable Mexican vacation, this is a first-rate choice!
Los Cabos
Driving to the tip of the Baja Peninsula is worth the trip! Beautiful beaches and a myriad of scenic attractions await tourists visiting this region.
El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
Located in Northern Mexico in the Sonoran Desert, this natural wonder is an easy drive from Puerto Penasco. The site is home to ancient volcanos and lava flows, as well as enchanting sand dunes.
The ‘Floating Gardens’ of Xochimilco
Many travelers to Mexico City make their way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xochimilco to ride in the picturesque gondola-style boats along the southern canals of Lake Xochimilco.
Cacao Route
Tour this incredible route to view the historic haciendas devoted to cacao in the state of Tabasco.
El Tajín
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an archaeological wonder located in the state of Veracruz.
Cancun
This world-famous vacation destination is situated on the Yucatan Peninsula. Tourists enjoy water sport and sightseeing both natural and historic attractions.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Fall is a great time to visit this fascinating reserve and the throngs of beautiful monarch butterflies that migrate there each year.
Palenque
Home to some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture, this ancient archaeological site is in the state of Chiapas.
Monte Alban
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, this early city of Mesoamerica is a must-see for history lovers. Be sure to see its ‘ancient ball court.’
Valle de la Guadalupe
This wine region produces some of the best wines in North America. Located in the state of Baja California, near Ensenada, this region is a must-visit for wine lovers.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
This glorious structure is one of the oldest and certainly the largest Catholic cathedral in North America. If you are visiting Mexico City, be sure to drive by and enjoy its stunning architecture.
Puerta Vallarta
This celebrated resort town is in the state of Jalisco. Enjoy the beach, shop for handicrafts, and delight in the cuisine!
Calixtlahuaca
Once a city, this Aztec site attracts visitors from around the world with its mesmerizing structures.
Maruata Beach
If you plan to visit the state of Michoacán, you are in for a treat. Largely undeveloped beaches make this a majestic destination for nature lovers.
Tula de Allende Archaeological Site
Located in Hidalgo, this extraordinary site is world-famous for its Atlantean figures.
Copper Canyon
This natural wonder is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Located in the state of Chihuahua, this rustic attraction is an important feature of Northern Mexico.
Puerto Nuevo
This fishing village overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is a mere ten minutes from Rosarito Beach. Drive there for a lobster dinner—you won’t be disappointed!
Merida
This city of Yucatan is a must for anyone interested in Colonial architecture; its old-world charm will inspire you!
National Palace
When visiting Mexico City, be sure to see the National Palace its celebrated murals painted by Diego Rivera.
Archaeological Zone of Xochicalco
These ancient ruins are near the city of Cuernavaca; though they are off the main track, they are definitely worth seeing if you enjoy Mexican history.
Mexico National Museum of Anthropology
This Mexico City attraction includes an immense collection of relics from the nation’s pre-Columbian past. Discover the cultures of the Toltecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.
Mazatlan
Located in the state of Sinaloa, this Pacific Coast city is extraordinarily beautiful. Be sure to check out its colonial architecture when you visit.
Taxco
This historic town in the mountains of Guerrero is famous for its silver mining and silver jewelry. It’s a great destination to visit.
Campeche
As Mexico’s only walled city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a singular site. Founded by conquistadors, this is a marvelous attraction for history buffs.
Guadalajara
The capital of Jalisco, this celebrated city, is filled with museums, hotels, and galleries. This is the perfect place to visit for a cosmopolitan getaway—Mexican-style!
Sea of Cortez
Jacques Cousteau referred to this sea as the ‘world’s aquarium.’ Home to a wide array of marine life, this sea is one of Mexico’s most revered natural attractions.
Sotano de las Golondrinas (Cave of Swallows)
This pit cave is located in the state of San Luis Potosi. As the largest cave shaft in the world, it is a unique natural site in the country.
La Bufadora
This marine geyser is located off Baja. If you are visiting Ensenada, this is a great attraction to see.
El Cielo
This incredible biosphere reserve is located in Northern Mexico in Tamaulipas and is home to dramatic cloud forests and amazing wildlife. Hike the trails and discover hidden waterfalls when you visit this enchanting local.
Pico de Orizaba
This stratovolcano is the highest peak in the nation. It is situated on the border of the Mexican states of Veracruz and Puebla.
Xel-Ha Park
Located in Quintana Roo on the Caribbean coast, this thematic water and eco-park have all the makings of a fun-filled vacation destination.
Puebla
This capital city of the state of Puebla boasts a historic city center renowned for its Spanish Colonial architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it should not be missed!
Cuatro Ciénegas Biosphere Reserve
The singular ecosystems of this Coahuila biosphere reserve include white dunes and wetlands. It’s a major natural attraction in northern Mexico.
Zacatecas Cathedral
Constructed between 1729 and 1753, this famous cathedral with its pink façade is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to famous Baroque works of art.
Uxmal
This Mayan ruin is a major attraction of Yucatan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chapultepec Park
This Mexico City park may have its roots in the Toltec era. The modern park was laid out during the fifteenth century.
Todos Santos
With its backdrop of mountains and fabulous beaches, this Baja California Sur community is a famous destination for surfers.
Guanajuato
The colorful architecture, winding streets, and historical center of this city make it a popular tourist attraction. It is the capital of the Central Mexican state of Guanajuato.
Cascada de Texolo
This beautiful Veracruz waterfall is located in the state of Veracruz. It has been featured in films like Romancing the Stone.
Monument to the Revolution
Located in downtown Mexico City in Republic Square, this celebrated monument honors the Mexican Revolution.
African Safari
This renowned zoo is located outside of the city of Puebla. It’s a great attraction for anyone who wants to enjoy the rich array of Mexican fauna on display here.
Tecate
This mountain town near the border in northern Baja is an easy drive and filled with gorgeous scenery—perfect for hiking and horseback riding. How did Tecate make the top 50 sites to see in Mexico? Not sure; this is probably the 50th.
El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve
When visiting Baja California Sur, be sure to visit this wildlife refuge—the largest in all of Latin America.
Riviera Maya
Located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the beaches and scenic attractions of this region are world-famous. It’s highly regarded as one of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions. Of the top 50 sites to see in Mexico, this isn’t the 50th, but one of 50.
