Some of Mexico’s hottest beach resort can be found along the golden shores of the Pacific. Acapulco, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo can all be found in the state of Guerrero. Acapulco is, and will always be, the queen of the Mexican beach resorts. It is here where tequila poppers and swim-up bars were born. The jet set Hollywood crowd put it on the map in the 1950’s and though it has unfairly gotten lost in the shuffle in the past decade, Acapulco is as spectacular as ever. It has a personality all its own, and to know this city is  to love this city.

About four hours by car up the coast, you’ll find the the dynamic duo resort towns of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (see-wa-ta-NEH-ho). Though only miles away, they are worlds apart. Ixtapa is one of Mexico’s manufactured resort communities built specifically for tourism. Looking like a plush golf club, it is one of the most immaculate and pristine resorts in the entire country. World-class hotels share a tree-lined boulevard and a stretch of golden sand beach. Two championship golf courses, shops, restaurants and a new Marina complete the list of amenities. For those wanting the ultimate in Mexico, you won’t be disappointed.

Just down the road a bit, is an even more alluring slice of heave on the shores of the Pacific. Zihuatanejo is like a secret you can’t wait to tell. This is the Mexico that movies are made of.  It is the epitome of charm. It is everything Mexico should be. With a magnificent half-moon shaped beach on a calm bay, swaying tropical palms, a cozy town square, excellent fishing, and the warm, kind smiles of local people, this is one very special place. Relaxed and easy paced, this lovely seaside village will win your heart too.

The state of Oaxaca (wah-HAH-kah) blends natural and cultural beauty with beaches and blue waters. Steeped in tradition, Oaxaca is known to travelers as the place to have that elusive “real Mexico” experience. Oaxaca City sits inland on an arid highland plateau and has a magical and romantic feel. Founded in 1532, it still is true to its traditions. Baroque colonial architecture highlights a splendid church and dozens of museums. Vibrant and colorful, Oaxaca is brings the spirit of old Mexico to life in its markets, festivals and celebrations. Monte Albán is a nearby archeological site that is a must if you visit Oaxaca. Built on a hilltop flattened by the Zapotec Indians over 2,500 years ago, Monte Albán was once a holy city of more than 25,000 inhabitants.

If too much culture and archeology have you itching to hit the beach, the state of Oaxaca has that too. Once an inaccessible and remote piece of Pacific shoreline, the beaches of the state are separated into two resort areas: Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. Puerto Escondido has long been a favorite of the California surf crowd and European backpackers, but things are beginning to change. It’s hardly the glitz and glamour of some of its counterparts, but it is a comfortable, lightly touristed hideaway. Huatulco on the other hand is headed for resort stardom. The Mexican government has joined in the effort and is working diligently to develop the 22-mile beach into its next big hit. New resorts are opening all the time and in several years, it could really be on the map as a hot spot. Until then, it is a good choice for seclusion at the sea.

Chiapas, sitting on the border to Central America, is probably Mexico’s most unknown state in terms of tourism. Unfortunately, some overstated bad press has kept visitors from its shores over the last couple of years, but hopefully travelers will give it a chance. Though it is one of the country’s most impoverished regions, it is extremely rich in other ways. Ethic and cultural diversity and vast wildlife are at their most prolific here. Palenque, arguably the most stunning of all the Mayan ruins is found in this state. Back roads adventure and ecology can be experienced up and down this virtually untouched coastline. Wild rivers and thick rainforest jungles make this Mexico’s final frontier. Six national parks and a patchwork of Indian villages make for fascinating travel. But keep in mind that ground transportation is slow and lodging is not always first class. Nonetheless, it is incredible scenery and worth a try for those who are willing to work a bit for some lasting memories.

First, learn not to fear the words Mexico City! It is most likely not at all the things you have heard. Yes, it is a gigantic, populated, sprawling metropolis, but, it is also the Western Hemisphere’s oldest urban center and is packed full of awe-inspiring history and culture. At a mile and half high, the weather is always in your favor. Generally cool and comfortable, this capital city is in the Distrito Federal (federal district). The historic Zócalo (city center) is the second largest plaza in the world, second only to Red Square in Moscow. Filled with museums, restaurants and one of the most gorgeous cathedrals in existence, this is a good starting place to explore the city.

  * Mexico City alone houses 100 museums, more than any other city in the world, and it’s the world’s fourth-leading city for theater arts after New York, London and Toronto. Not to mention the city also has 1,500 monuments, 10,000 plus colonial structures, and 10 archeological sites. If that’s not enough, it’s still one of the best travel values in North America!

Follow this with a trip to the pyramids (31 miles northeast of the city) of Teotihuacán or the floating gardens of Xochimilco and you can begin to understand the intrigue and mystery that have surrounded this culture for centuries.

As you venture outside Mexico City to look deeper into the interior of the country, you will find places that you never knew existed in the confines of your perception of Mexico. Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos, a quick two hours from the City will transport you to an entirely different world. Rolling hills and trees are the backdrop for this notorious retreat. Famous for its relaxed resorts, spas and fine dining, Cuernavaca is known the premier weekend getaway choice from the hustle and bustle of booming Mexico City. From there, be sure not to miss the enchanting city of Taxco in the neighboring state of Guerrero. The drive itself is worth the visit. Roses are grown in this region and literally hundreds of acres of them line the highway. As you make your way into the mountains you will be amazed as the city comes into view. A sea of white washed homes, red tile roofs, and the spires of the stunning Santa Prisca church make for an unforgettable picture. Not to mention that fact that Taxco is the “silver capital of the world” with over 2,000 shops in the city itself! Bring your camera and your cash!

Two of the country’s most fascinating states, Puebla and Tlaxcala also lie within two hours of Mexico City. Both are rural in nature and offer archeological and colonial attractions. The city of Puebla (capital of the state) is one of Mexico’s best preserved colonial cities. The imprint of the Spanish influence can be seen in exquisite colonial-era buildings of gray stone and wrought iron. Sitting at 6,500 feet, the city is outlined by four towering ice-capped volcanoes, the tallest of which is Popocatepetl or “Popo” at 17,845 feet. Cholula, one of Mexico’s most formidable archeological sites, is just 8 kilometers west of the city. Cholula’s Great Pyramid of Tepanapa is the largest pyramid ever constructed.

In contrast, nearby Tlaxcala is Mexico’s smallest state. Its simplistic village charm and classic colonial architecture gives visitors a refreshing look at small town Mexican life. Stunning pre-Hispanic murals, colorful religious festivals and Pamplona-style running of the bulls give this tiny state big character. In addition, Tlaxcala has fabulous archeological sites including Cacaxtla, with fantastic ancient murals, and the recently excavated Xochitecatl.

A myriad of incredible colonial cities are found throughout the states of Central Mexico. Most notable are San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato in the state of Guanajuato, Morelia and Pátzcuaro in the state of Michoacán, and Zacatecas in the state of the same name. San Miguel is a quaint yet cosmopolitan colonial gem. With a provincial attitude, the city is proud of its designation as a national monument. A well known artist community thrives here and visitors will enjoy galleries and museums to accompany the winding, terraced cobblestone streets and flower-filled patios. Guanajuato, built up and down a mountainous ravine and founded in 1557, is said by some to be Mexico’s most beautiful city. The difficult topography lends to interesting exploration, but the steep stairways, brick bridges and narrow streets give the city a distinctive medieval flavor. Neo-classical churches and colonial mansions give the impression that Guanajuato was born to be a European treasure.

Morelia and Pátzcuaro can be found in the state of Michoacán. Personal favorites of mine, I remember having to really think about the fact that I was in Mexico when I visited these fantastic cities. Pristine mountain lakes, wild flowers and pine trees will forever change your preconceived notions of Mexico. Morelia, the capital of the state, is even more lush than neighboring Guanajuato. The city resembles something from a gothic fairytale with its 17th and 18th century architecture and style. Well known for its dedication to music, arts, and higher education, Morelia is the aristocrat of the colonial cities. Not far outside Morelia is the wonderful town of Pátzcuaro. Located on the Southeast shore of Lake Pátzcuaro, this intriguing destination was once the center of the Purépecha Indian Empire. Purepechas still live, farm and sell their wares at the marketplace, and the local fishermen still use butterfly nets to catch their famous whitefish. The arts and crafts here are unlike anything you have ever seen in Mexico. Pátzcuaro is also known for its elaborate and beautiful “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) celebrations.

Zacatecas is called “the city with the pink stone face and silver heart.” At 8,000 feet in elevation this unusual town filled with buildings of pink stone is squeezed into a narrow gully between two hills. Not only is it a prominent silver producer, but specialize in wine as well. It has an elegant and almost regal feel to it and the city isn’t shy about flaunting its wealth. With its intricacies and delicate architecture, Zacatecas is a photographer’s dream. In 1993, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As you approach the ocean, the landscape from northern interior changes drastically. Mexico’s northernmost stretch of pristine shoreline is washed clear by the peaceful waters of the Gulf of California – a sheltered body of water that opens to the south into the Pacific Ocean. The states that stretch along the Pacific coast include Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima.

Name association with Mexican states gets tricky for Americans, but city names seem to stick. Mazatlán is the city everyone knows in Sinaloa. Once a quiet haven for fishermen, Mazatlán has evolved into a principal Mexican beach resort and the largest West Coast port facility between Los Angels and the Panama Canal. It is not as commercialized or crowded as other resorts, and that in itself makes it attractive. Though growing, Mazatlán hasn’t sacrificed its Mexican roots in the name tourism. The beaches are best in the northern part of the city, but be sure not to miss the renovated city center in Old Mazatlán.

Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are in the state of Jalisco. The region pulsates with a tropical rhythm brought about by its native son – the Mariachi. Developed in the state of Jalisco as wedding-party entertainment, Mariachi music is now the enduring symbol of Mexico. (Along with tequila, also Jalisco’s gift to the world!)

Vallarta is unquestionably one of top tourist draws in Mexico. It is situated on Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), the largest natural bay in Mexico with 100 miles of coastline. Framed by mountains and tropical foliage, it is breathtaking. With beaches, ecotoursim, winter whale watching (some 500 humpbacks spend the season in the bay) world-class resorts, fine dining, a fast-past night life, history, culture, art galleries and museums, this “San Francisco of Mexico” comes very close to being all things to all visitors.

Leaving Vallarta going south, you will discover a stretch of untouched beaches and the lesser known resorts. Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, is the next stop down the coast. This is the complete opposite of a chic resort town. Arriving in Manzanillo is like going back in time. Low key and unpretentious, Manzanillo has been called the “sailfish capital of the world.” I would have to say for the simple pleasures of unpopulated beaches, a laid back atmosphere, spectacular seafood and water sports, there is no better value in the entire country.

On the other hand, neighboring Guadalajara is a stately, sophisticated city. Capital of the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico but manages to remain serene and beautiful. At 5,200 feet above sea level, the weather is perpetually spring-like and ideal for exploring the charming parks, plazas and tree-lined boulevards. The city’s downtown core hosts colonial architecture and ornate churches, and there is simply no better place in the world to shop! This city embraces the soul of Mexico and is worth adding to any itinerary.