A Stunning Mexican Beach Near The Southern Edge Of Jalisco Offers A Fun & Relaxing Getaway

One of the best things about Mexico as a vacation destination is how many parts of the country are still genuinely undiscovered by international travelers. Sure, the popular tourist destinations in Mexico, like Tulum, Cancun, and Los Cabos, are world-famous and often overcrowded and inauthentic, but there are still plenty of gorgeous spots where you can find lesser-known beaches and hidden slices of paradise you'll never want to leave. For this sort of off-the-beaten-track getaway, the state of Jalisco on the west coast of Mexico is hard to top. 

The Pacific coastline of Jalisco is filled with relaxing, crowd-free beaches, hidden down dusty, unpaved tracks, and stunning secret bays accessible only by boat. One of the best of these under-the-radar beaches is Melaque, in the charming beach town known as San Patricio.

Located far to the south of Jalisco state, past the luxury eco-resorts of Costalegre and right up against the border of Colima, the quiet village of Melaque/San Patricio remains one of the best-kept secrets of the Mexican Pacific. Despite its peaceful, middle-of-nowhere feel, it is actually surprisingly accessible. Manzanillo International Airport is just 20 miles away, reachable by car in just over half an hour, and is served by flights from Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Calgary, and Mexico City.

Melaque is a lazy, curving crescent of sand, looking across a calm bay towards the more famous destination of Barra Navidad. Flanked by the canals and mangroves of the Laguna de Tule on one side and the twin islands of Isla Toriz and Islotes los Lobos Marinos, it is a picturesque spot perfect for getting away from it all. You won't find five-star luxury or elegant resorts here, but rather simple authenticity and an oasis of beauty and tranquility. You also won't find many other foreign tourists, as Melaque tends to be a favorite destination for locals and Mexicans from around the country.

The big attraction here is the beach, all golden sand and warm, grey-green water. Local fishing boats bob up and down in the shallows, and the captains are ready to take tourists out for sightseeing trips up and down the coast, exploring other hidden bays and coves like Bahia de Piedras, Cuastecomates, or Playa el Palmito. Dolphins, sea turtles, and whales are regular sights, and snorkeling off the beach or around the various islands just off the coast will bring you face-to-face with sea lions, manta rays, and a huge variety of vivid tropical fish. There are also several fishing charters in Barra Navidad that will take you out to sea to try your hand at sport fishing, with marlin being the main draw.

For wildlife lovers, there's plenty to get your teeth into, particularly in the surrounding mangrove swamps. Crocs, iguanas, monkeys, and a wide variety of snakes can be seen on mangrove tours, plus hundreds of species of birds, including ibis, frigate birds, hummingbirds, and all sorts of hawks.

Although Melaque/San Patricio is small and fairly rustic, it has a gorgeous, low-fi charm bursting with laidback beach town vibes and authentic Mexican food. A great way to start off a few days in this exquisite corner of the world is with a stroll along the malecón, the concrete boardwalk completed in 2021. Head there as the day ends for an absolutely out-of-this-world sunset.

The weekly tianguis (outdoor market) is something of a highlight, where a variety of local vendors set up stalls in the eastern corner of town to sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to charming local handicrafts. It's a great opportunity to try some of the local snacks and delicacies.

While you won't find much in the way of fine dining in Melaque/San Patricio, there is a surprisingly vibrant food scene, with a combination of classic Mexican eateries rubbing shoulders with breakfast and brunch spots that cater to the expat community. Mariscos Mazatlan is popular for seafood, while Ava's all-day breakfast often entices the North American crowd. There are plenty of decent spots on the beach to grab grilled fish or fresh seafood tacos, but Las Hamacas is probably the most popular, particularly in the evening when there's something of a party atmosphere, with live music acts complementing the mouthwatering local cuisine.