Cancun. Cabo. Mexico City. What do these share?
International fame often results in primarily 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 typically dramatized security concerns and putting them to bed.
< img width=" 1200 "height="800"src=" https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/5-Underrated-Destinations-In-Mexico-For-A-Crowd-Free-Getaway.jpg "alt="Mahagua Beach near Ixtapa, MX "/ > I alone have been to 19 different destinations across the country with absolutely nothing however rave
experiences from the ‘unsafe’streets of Tijuana to the obscure shores of Mahahual. So, allow us to be your tour guide this fall by presenting you 5 underrated trips to prevent loaded beaches, anti-tourism demonstrations, and entitled retired people surrounding the swim-up bar.
Salud!
Aguascalientes
With direct flights from Dallas, Houston, and LA, reaching one of Mexico’s best-kept tricks is much easier than you may think.
< img width ="1200"height="1200"src= "https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Catedral-de-Aguascalientes-at-night.jpg"alt=" Catedral de Aguascalientes at night "/ > I simply returned from Aguascalientes for the first time and quickly developed a crush from the moment I stepped foot in the ageless city center. Let the towering Catedral de Aguascalientes become your North Star for an unforgettable getaway, loaded with marvelous food, European-esque streets brimming with pathway coffee shops, and perhaps North America’s a lot of neglected countryside vineyards, such as Vinocola Santossca– it’s worth the trek!
For budget plan tourists, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere less expensive. We’re talking $2 museums, $3 lattes, and Uber trips under $5 throughout the city.
And with a name like
Aguascalientes, you understand you got ta check out the hot springs. Baños Termales de Ojocaliente is a fantastic location to loosen up in a vintage bathhouse for under$20. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo If you’re craving Mexico’s paradise coasts(and who would not?), you likely by default have actually searched and browsed to craft a perfect trip in Cancun, Cabo, or perhaps Puerto Vallarta.
I have actually been guilty of that too, but I likewise have a lot of Mexican journeys under my belt I have. a leg up on following the crowds, which is why my latest beach trip South of the border was to lesser-known Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Far more popular for Canadians than Americans, this mouthful of a name includes 2 surrounding 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 impressive seafood and snorkeling expeditions.
Call me insane, however I truly believe Ixtapa is prettier than Cabo. It’s the misinterpreted travel advisory for the state of Guerrero deterring most Americans, however Ixtapa is genuinely a diamond in the rough.
Fly direct from Dallas, Houston, LA, among other seasonal paths.
Guanajuato
If Europe is too away a trek for a fall trip, think about Guanajuato. This lesser-known town shares the exact same name as the state it resides, and is mainly neglected by more popular San Miguel de Allende.
In the same vicinity as aforementioned Aguascalientes, this vibrant, wondrous escape exudes European vibes with towering cathedrals, a labyrinth of cobbled walkways, and pathway coffee shops and boutique hotels
with couple of looks of American branding. There may be no canals going through the cityscape, but I ensure you’ll feel the same level of love. Well … up until you visit the Museum of Mummies … In truth, there’s a popular photo-op called Callejon del Beso, so be prepared to tighten up!
Plus, you can remain in a historical castle that’s been revamped into a stunning hotel– and it’s under $50 per night!
There are many direct flights here from significant centers like Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas. Travel Idea: You’ll need to fly into the city next door, Leon. Feel in one’s bones Uber/taxi disputes are still widespread 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 neglected due to its distance to the border, Californians flock here to surf, indulge in low-cost cervezas, ceviche, and bar-hop around a downtown location that feels like a microcosm of Cabo.
While not all-inclusive, there are many beachfront hotels lining the scenic coast. Though it’s just a 45-minute drive from San Diego (without border traffic), the beaches here are a totally different vibe– anticipate to see horses, massage tables, and yes, there are some vendors seeking to entice you into overpriced restaurants smack dab in the sand.
Total, it’s
a really enjoyable town and totally safe for travelers, which is why there’s a flourishing expat neighborhood. Drive below San Diego or fly into Tijuana through the city’s only U.S. flight path from Phoenix.
Monterrey
You understand Mexico City, and possibly Guadalajara– however do you understand Monterrey, Mexico’s second biggest metropolis?
This underrated city is a vast cultural hub backed by the staggering Sierra Madre Asian mountains, with a lot of hikes ideal for fall.
< img width="1200" height="1200"src ="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Boat-tour-along-Monterrey-Mexicos-riverwalk.jpg.webp"alt="Boat tour along Monterrey, Mexico's riverwalk"/ > There are various unwary surprises along an exciting riverwalk that rivals San Antonio, including more authentic dining establishments, attractive communities like Barrio Antiguo, first-rate museums, and apparently limitless rooftop hotels to sit back poolside and take in the views.
Monterrey is among Mexico’s most convenient cities to reach, all thanks to Viva Aerobus, their flagship budget carrier, flying an unexpected number of U.S. cities, such as Austin, Denver, Orlando, among others.
Sam Sears Sam, our Lead Author & Reporter based in San Diego has gone to 36 nations and written over 1000 short articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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