Travelers to Mexico don’t often realize just how vast and diverse the country is. If you’ve only been to resort towns like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, you have yet to experience the charming Pueblos Mágicos in the center of the country and the unparalleled dining scene in the capital’s hip neighborhoods. The Yucatan Peninsula has white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and an abundance of cenotes, and Baja is where the desert meets the sea and interesting rock formations dot the landscape. The best way to see it all? Hopping in the car and taking your time to explore one region at a time.
This guide does the legwork for you and highlights some of the best road trips in Mexico. Each route offers a distinct regional flavor, whether that’s wandering through historic cities, taking in stunning coastal escapes, or sampling authentic local cuisine.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Bajío and Central Mexico Road Trip, from Mexico City to Xilitla
Mexico City is the obvious starting point for a road trip in this region, as it’s where you’re most likely to fly into. Stay at the centrally located City Centro by Marriott Ciudad de México and make sure you spend at least a couple of days in CDMX before renting a car and making your way northwest — the capital is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the Museo Nacional de Antropología and Chapultepec Castle, while art and architecture lovers would do well booking tickets in advance to see Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul and Luis Barragán’s house museum. Stop by Taquería Orinoco for pastor and chicharrón (pork rind) tacos, and book a table at Lina for a memorable dining experience that favors sustainability and seasonality.
A three-hour drive northwest will take you to Querétaro, a historic city known for its 18th-century aqueduct and nearby wineries. Bike through the grounds in between wine tastings at De Cote, and sample local cheeses at Cava de Quesos Bocanegra. Stay at City Express by Marriott Querétaro as a base to explore the larger region — Bernal and Tequisquiapan are two picturesque towns worth a stop.
Drive a couple more hours north, and you’ll reach San Luis Potosí, an old mining town and the capital of the state of the same name, known for its lush natural surroundings. The state is blessed with not one, but two, museums dedicated to Leonora Carrington — one in the city and another in Xilitla, a space that reflects the British-Mexican painter’s surrealist work.
Stay at City Centro by Marriott San Luis Potosi and go on day trips to nearby waterfalls and rivers. Xilitla is at least a four-hour drive from the city of San Luis Potosí, so you’ll need to find alternative lodgings if you plan on visiting the farther-flung Museo Leonora Carrington or the Edward James Sculpture Garden.
Yucatán Peninsula Road Trip, from Cancún to Campeche
Most travelers will fly into Cancún, home to the major international airport in the region. City Express by Marriott Cancún provides ample opportunity to recharge after the flight and serves as a base for day trips to nearby islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy.
The drive along the Riviera Maya coast is dotted with idyllic beaches to visit. Don’t miss Puerto Morelos for an authentic local vibe not often found in the region and fresh, unpretentious ceviche at Cocktelería El Picudo.
Once in Playa del Carmen, check in at City Express Suites by Marriott Playa Del Carmen and get ready to dive into the cool, crystal-clear water of ancient cenotes (sinkholes). Take a day trip to Cozumel, a nearby island known for its snorkeling and diving.
Once you’ve had enough beach time, head west toward Mérida, known as “the White City” for its historical use of white limestone. Along the way, consider stopping at Valladolid, where you can wander through the charming cobblestone streets, Chichen Itzá, considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and “Izamal,” nicknamed “the Yellow City” for its vibrant yellow buildings.
Mérida will be a highlight for foodies. Yucatecan food, while lesser-known outside of Mexico, is one of the finest cuisines in the country. The grilled octopus at Micaela Mar & Leña isn’t easily forgotten. For panuchos (stuffed tortillas) and cochinita pibil, Mérida’s beloved regional specialties consisting of pulled pork marinated in citrus juice and achiote (annatto) seeds, head to the Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca. Turn in for the night at City Express Plus by Marriott Mérida.
Next, head south to Campeche to soak in the colorful streets of its well-preserved historic old town, and stay at City Express by Marriott Campeche.
Insider Tip: If traveling from November to March, consider stopping by the town of Celestún to see scores of flamingos making their yearly migration.
Baja California Sur Road Trip, from Los Cabos to La Paz
The drive from Los Cabos to La Paz makes for one of the best road trips in Mexico. For one thing, you get to enjoy two different seas: the Pacific Ocean at the very tip of the peninsula and the Sea of Cortez at the end of your journey.
In Los Cabos, stay at City Express Suites by Marriott Cabo San Lucas and spend some time on the water practicing stand-up paddleboarding. Then hop aboard a catamaran to the Arch and spot the sea lions that love lounging on the rocks nearby. Pay a visit to Flora’s Field Kitchen, a pioneer in farm-to-table dining, where sustainability is at the heart of everything. Enjoy dishes crafted from fresh produce grown on-site with meat sourced from their nearby ranch.
Head north to Todos Santos, a town on the Pacific coast that’s known for its artsy vibe. Wander down its cobblestone streets blooming with bougainvillea, and pop into its many art galleries. Then take a short drive to Punta Lobos, a picturesque beach where you can watch local fishers operate small boats called pangas, gaining a glimpse into the town’s traditional fishing past.
Next up on your road trip is La Paz, an hour north. After settling into City Express by Marriott La Paz, take a stroll along the malecón, the seaside promenade, and head to Balandra Beach, one of the region’s best-kept secrets with turquoise waters and striking mushroom-shaped rock formations. If time allows, consider hopping on a boat to nearby Isla Espíritu Santo, known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life.
La Paz is one of the best places in the country for fresh local seafood. Try the oysters at Mariscos El Tigre and the fish tacos at the no-frills Tacos El Estadio.
Central Mexico and Pacific Coast Road Trip, from León to Puerto Vallarta
Start your journey in León, the largest city in the state of Guanajuato, where you’ll be able to rent a car and rest for the night at City Express by Marriott Leon. León is known for its thriving leather industry, and you’ll have the chance to pick up a jacket or pair of boots before heading on a day trip to Guanajuato, the charming capital city of the state of the same name.
In Guanajuato, the city, pop by the Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), an alley so narrow that lovers can kiss from balconies on opposite sides of the street — local lore says couples who kiss here will stay together forever. Afterward, explore the town’s unique underground tunnels, which were once part of the city’s drainage system but now serve as roads beneath the cobblestone streets.
A three-hour drive west gets you to Guadalajara, the capital city of the state of Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila and Mariachi music — two of the country’s most quintessentially Mexican treasures. Wander through Colonia Americana, the city’s hippest neighborhood, shop for handicrafts in Tlaquepaque, and sink your teeth into a torta ahogada, a “drowned” sandwich that’s literally soaked in salsa. Wondering where to stay in Guadalajara? City Express Plus by Marriott Guadalajara Providencia’s got you covered.
Tapatíos, as those hailing from Guadalajara are called, head to Puerto Vallarta when they crave beach time. Follow in their steps west — about a four-hour drive — and check into City Express Plus by Marriott Puerto Vallarta. A stroll along the malecón is the best way to get acquainted with this resort town, followed by a wander through the Zona Romántica, the old town, and whiling away the hours at Los Muertos Beach. For dinner, head to La Palapa to dine with your toes in the sand as you watch the sky turn pink and purple over the Pacific Ocean.
Insider Tip: As a general safety precaution, do as the locals do: Avoid driving along the highway at night, refrain from making pit stops at places that seem off the beaten path, and always comply with road rules. This applies to all the routes.
No matter which road-trip route you pick, you won’t regret opting for slow travel and fully immersing yourself in a destination, taking the time to appreciate the warmth of the local culture and experience authentic food and traditions. And when it’s time to rest your head on a soft, comfortable pillow after the day’s adventures, you can always rely on City Express by Marriott hotels.
