
Costalegre, Jalisco: This area in the state of Jalisco features exclusive resort beaches as well as quiet stretches of sand at the ends of dirt roads.

The Flamingo Coast, Yucatán: The Gulf Coast beaches stretching from Telchac Puerto to Celestún (pictured) are free of high-rise hotels. Most visitors rent houses.

Mahahual, Quintana Roo: It's getting harder and harder to find a mellow Caribbean beach on the Riviera Maya. Almost all the way to Belize, however, the small settlement of Mahahual still feels sleepy and undiscovered.

Puerto Escondido region, Oaxaca: At beautiful Playa Carrizalillo, beachgoers can rent a chair for the day and watch less skilled surfers taking lessons. The main beach, Playa Zicatela, is known for its high surfing waves.

Puerto Arista, Chiapas: The Puerto Arista beach is 20 miles long (32 kilometers) so there's bound to be a quiet spot on the sand.

Punta Mita Peninsula, Nayarit: The price of renting a villa or hotel suite within the gates of the Punta Mita development comes with the assurance of lounging on an uncrowded, pristine beach.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur: Todos Santos, about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, is home to a number of pristine beaches with room to roam.