5 Underrated Destinations In Mexico For A Crowd-Free Getaway

Cancun. Cabo. Mexico City. What do these have in common?

Global fame often results in mostly unavoidable crowds, unless you venture into the locals’ gatekeepers’ secret hideaways.

At Travel Off Path, we consider ourselves to be Mexico’s #1 fans, forging through the often dramatized security concerns and putting them to bed.

I alone have been to 19 different destinations across the country with nothing but rave experiences from the ‘dangerous’ streets of Tijuana to the little-known shores of Mahahual.

So, allow us to be your tour guide this fall by presenting you 5 underrated getaways to avoid jam-packed beaches, anti-tourism protests, and entitled retirees surrounding the swim-up bar.

Salud!

Aguascalientes

With direct flights from Dallas, Houston, and LA, reaching one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets is easier than you might think.

I just got back from Aguascalientes for the first time and quickly developed a crush from the moment I stepped foot in the timeless city center.

Let the towering Catedral de Aguascalientes become your North Star for an unforgettable getaway, packed with sensational cuisine, European-esque streets brimming with sidewalk cafes, and perhaps North America’s most overlooked countryside vineyards, such as Vinocola Santossca — it’s worth the trek!

For budget travelers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere cheaper. We’re talking $2 museums, $3 lattes, and Uber rides under $5 across the city.

And with a name like Aguascalientes, you know you gotta visit the hot springs. Baños Termales de Ojocaliente is a great place to unwind in a vintage bathhouse for under $20.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

If you’re craving Mexico’s paradise shores (and who wouldn’t?), you likely by default have searched and searched to craft a perfect vacation in Cancun, Cabo, or maybe Puerto Vallarta.

I’ve been guilty of that too, but I also have so many Mexican trips under my belt I have. a leg up on following the crowds, which is why my most recent beach trip South of the border was to lesser-known Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Far more popular for Canadians than Americans, this mouthful of a name consists of 2 neighboring beach towns — “Zihua”, being a designated Pueblo Magico with a luxe new(ish) Thompson Hotel, and Ixtapa, a map-dot town lined with name-brand all-inclusives and a secret island for epic seafood and snorkeling excursions.

Call me crazy, but I truly believe Ixtapa is prettier than Cabo. It’s the misunderstood travel advisory for the state of Guerrero deterring most Americans, but Ixtapa is truly a diamond in the rough.

Fly direct from Dallas, Houston, LA, among other seasonal routes.

Guanajuato

If Europe is too far off a trek for a fall getaway, consider Guanajuato. This lesser-known town shares the same name as the state it resides, and is largely overlooked by more popular San Miguel de Allende.

In the same vicinity as aforementioned Aguascalientes, this vibrant, wondrous escape oozes European vibes with towering cathedrals, a maze of cobbled walkways, and sidewalk cafes and boutique hotels with few glimpses of American branding.

There may be no canals running through the cityscape, but I guarantee you’ll feel the same level of romance. Well….until you visit the Museum of Mummies….

In fact, there’s a famous photo-op called Callejon del Beso, so be prepared to pucker up!

Plus, you can stay in a historic castle that’s been revamped into a stunning hotel — and it’s under $50 per night!

There are numerous direct flights here from major hubs like Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.

Travel Tip: You’ll have to fly into the city next door, Leon. Just know Uber/taxi conflicts are still prevalent here at the airport, so you’ll need to walk around to the Oxxo store to book a rideshare.

Rosarito

Rosarito is Northern Baja’s most notable beach town. Often overlooked due to its proximity to the border, Californians flock here to surf, indulge in cheap cervezas, ceviche, and bar-hop around a downtown area that feels like a microcosm of Cabo.

While not all-inclusive, there are numerous beachfront hotels lining the scenic coast. Though it’s only a 45-minute drive from San Diego (without border traffic), the beaches here are a totally different vibe — expect to see horses, massage tables, and yes, there are some vendors looking to lure you into overpriced restaurants smack dab in the sand.

Overall, it’s a really fun town and completely safe for tourists, which is why there’s a thriving expat community.

Drive down from San Diego or fly into Tijuana through the city’s only U.S. flight route from Phoenix.

Monterrey

You know Mexico City, and perhaps Guadalajara — but do you know Monterrey, Mexico’s second largest metropolis?

This underrated city is a sprawling cultural hub backed by the staggering Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, with plenty of hikes suitable for fall.

There are numerous unsuspecting surprises along a fun-filled riverwalk that rivals San Antonio, featuring more authentic restaurants, picturesque neighborhoods like Barrio Antiguo, world-class museums, and seemingly endless rooftop hotels to kick back poolside and take in the views.

Monterrey is one of Mexico’s easiest cities to reach, all thanks to Viva Aerobus, their flagship budget carrier, flying a surprising number of U.S. cities, such as Austin, Denver, Orlando, to name a few.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.