Fodor's Expert Review Playa Mazunte

Eight km (5 miles) west of Zipolite, Mazunte is a stunning stretch of soft sand carved out of rocky headlands. Although the town's main drag, Paseo del Mazunte, is freshly paved, the beach zone hasn’t lost its bohemian roots. You’ll still see lots of dreadlocks, tattoos, and handwritten signs announcing alternative healing treatments. The paths to the beach are lined with eclectic restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and low-key beach accommodations. The higher up the hills you go, the more upscale the properties become. The surf is rougher here than at Playa San Agustinillo, and attracts bodyboarders. A short walk west along the sand gets you to Playa El Rinconcita, a smaller but more swimmable bay. Further west yet (by taxi or a 20-minute thigh-burning walk) across Punta Cometa is rustic Playa Mermejita. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunrise; surfing.