Mexico Family Vacations

Read about popular places for family vacations, especially areas with all inclusive resorts. Be sure to explore culture, history and eco-tours outside the resort!

The 130 km from Cancun south to Tulum offers popular resorts plus fun and fascinating things to do: snorkel on the second-largest barrier reef in the world, explore cenotes and caves, visit Mayan ruins... Check out the highlights, down the coast from Puerto Morelos to Tulum.

Xcaret "eco-archeological" theme park -- on the Riviera Maya an hour south of Cancun-- has underground river swim; snorkeling lagoon; tube floats; dolphin experience; butterfly pavilion; Mayan village; great restaurants; and a dazzling night-time show.

Puerto Morelos remains a small pleasant town in the Riviera Maya, despite all the development along this coast; it's also an excellent center for snorkeling trips to the barrier reef.

This island -- known for underwater life-- is reached by a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. Cozumel is also a major port of call for cruise ships, in Mexico. Read about activities for kids on Cozumel.

For the road less traveled: "Costa Maya" refers to an area south of the Mayan Riviera,with lovely uncrowded beaches, and ecotourism opportunities.

Legions of North Americans take Mexico vacations in Quintana Roo without knowing it: this state in the Yucatan peninsula has the country's Caribbean coast which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and more.

Mazatlan is a popular tourist destination on the west coast of Mexico (the Pacific Coast), known for beautiful beaches. Read about family-friendly resorts and attractions.

This popular destination, on Mexico's west coast, has wonderful beaches, many all-inclusive resorts, an old town to explore, and a lingering famous association with with legendary lovers Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Expect to hear more about the "Riviera Nayarit", an area north of popular tourist destination Puerta Vallarta on Mexico's west coast. The Riviera Nayarit has beautiful beaches (beloved by surfers), family-friendly resorts, lush tropical vegetation, canopy tours.

About.com's Guide for on Mexico Travel highlights many areas of the country, which has much more to explore beyond its beautiful beaches.

See About.com's Mexico Travel site for all aspects of travel in Mexico, including an article on "Is Mexico Safe?"