Nearest Beaches to Guadalajara, Mexico

Modern Mexico meets stately colonial relics in Guadalajara, a metropolis that will enthrall any visitor. Yet it's also easy to escape this inland capital of the state of Jalisco for a bit of surf and sand. Make your road trip to any beach during daylight hours and check with the State Department's latest alerts for each state in Mexico included on your journey. These are critical for travelers south of the border to distinguish which areas are safe to visit.

Lake Chapala is the largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and it takes less than an hour to get there by car from the heart of Gudalajara. Home to many expats, the area's quaint bed-and-breakfasts and luxurious boutique hotels make this a comfortable vacation spot. Hit the lake by taking Highway 23 through Chapala, then follow the shore west through charming coastal communities Ajijic and San Juan Cosala for restaurants, art galleries and farmers markets. Recreation on the lake includes boating and fishing, or splash and slide on the shore at Ajijic's water park. If you want to drive around the rest of Lake Chapala, check current travel warnings for regions near the water.

Manzanillo's coastline spans two adjacent bays divided by a short peninsula. The busy Mexican seaport has 5 miles of beach to explore along these bays, with hotels, historic districts and restaurants packed along the beachfront streets, as well as picturesque Las Hadas Golf Club on the peninsula. The beaches on the Miramar Lake side of the peninsula get better waves and winds for water sports. The State Department recommends avoiding nonessential travel to areas of the state of Colima near the Michoacán border, including Tecoman; consider approaching Manzanillo from the north along Federal Highway 200. This scenic route hugs the Pacific Coast and can be reached by taking Highway 80 southwest from Guadalajara; the trip clocks in at about four and a half hours.

Head due west for a classic, upscale beach getaway in the iconic resort city of Puerto Vallarta. The route along Highway 70 from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta winds through the hills on a nearly four-hour journey. If you'd rather not drive, a flight between the two cities takes just under an hour. Beaches here range from ones packed with sun-worshippers to secluded coves, some of which can be reached only by water taxi. Snorkel through the reefs bursting with colorful coral and fish at Los Arcos National Marine Park. For a contrast to the relaxing inlets along the coast, party it up at the popular and frenetic Los Muertos Beach.

Travel northwest of Guadalajara to San Blas, a beach town that's a little off the beaten path and a long way from Pacific shores packed with tourists. Overlook the coast from an 18th-century fort, stroll seemingly endless beaches along Matanchen Bay or discover the floating wooden dwellings and abundant wildlife of the river marshes. Take a charter boat into the ocean for whale watching. The vast selection of hotels ranges from beachfront resorts to secluded bungalows. The State Department warns against venturing off main highways in the state of Nayarit, so take Highway 150 northwest out of Guadalajara northwest until the turnoff for San Blas. The drive takes a little more than three hours.