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.

Mexicans call it “El Norte.” It is the vast region that stretches from the rugged Pacific Coast of Baja California to the Gulf of Mexico’s low lands. It is here you will find a couple of the closest neighbors to the United State – the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. The land is made up of rolling plains, mineral rich mountains and deserts. This makes for a unique and fascinating contrast as it melds with the coastal resorts on the Sea of Cortez.

Several locations in the state of Sonora (just over the border from Arizona) offer some easy beach options. Puerto Peñasco (better known as Rocky Point) is located at the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez and is less than five hours from Phoenix by car. Rocky Point’s recent growth serves visitors well and it is destined to hold its own amongst the competition of some southern neighbors like Kino Bay and Guaymas/San Carlos.

Bahía de Kino (Kino Bay) is one of the state’s oldest tourist destinations and could become the resort of the future. Lack of notable resorts has left it virtually undiscovered by visitors, but Kino is a find with lovely white sand beaches and calm blue waters framed by traditional desert landscape. With direct air service, the Guaymas/San Carlos area has become quite popular as well. Guaymas is one of Mexico’s finest natural harbors hemmed in by tall buttes and breathtaking desert. Just north and east, scenic San Carlos is making waves as beautiful desert-by-the-sea destination with spectacular opportunities for water sports, especially scuba diving and snorkeling (water temperatures hover around 80 degrees most of the year).

The northern state of Chihuahua is the largest in Mexico, but sparsely populated with only 3 million people. What it doesn’t have in population, it makes up for in natural wonder. Chihuahua is home to the Barrancas del Cobre, better known as the Copper Canyon. It is actually a series of seven canyons, four of them larger and deeper than our Grand Canyon. This colorful area has always drawn the attention of hard core backpackers and hikers, but these days it’s the “train ride in the sky” that gets the most attention. The Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad carries passengers from sea level to over 7,200 feet through the staggering beauty of the canyons. The railroad line took over 90 years to and $100 million to complete and is considered one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century. Over the course of the journey through Copper Canyon, the train passes through 86 tunnels and glides over 39 bridges and trestles, some of which are a mile above the canyon floor! The best time to plan a trip is between September and December after the rains have allowed the lush landscape to blossom with color. If you wait until spring, the land becomes quite dry and you may be disappointed by the lack of vegetation and greenery.

The 880-mile long Baja Peninsula is divided into two Mexican states – Baja California Norte (north) and Baja California Sur (south). The landscape varies from fog-moistened valleys in the north (home to Mexico’s finest vineyards. And yes, they do have great wine!) to southern arid deserts complete with exotic cacti and plenty of hot, dry weather patterns. On one side of the Baja is, of course, the Pacific Ocean, and on the other lies the magnificent Sea of Cortez. More than 850 species of marine life make their home in its temperate waters making it a year-round fishing utopia. In fact, this sea is said to be the greatest fish trap in the Western Hemisphere. The Baja is also a world renowned spot for whale watching as its surrounding waters are the winter home and breeding ground of the Gray Whale.

It all begins in Tijuana, just south of San Diego. A crowded and bustling border town, more U.S. tourists visit here than any other foreign country in the world. Heading south, along the very safe Tran peninsular Highway 1, you will find the beach towns of Rosarito and Ensenada, both of which have become popular “hang outs” for Southern California weekenders. On the eastern side of the peninsula is San Felipe, quickly making its mark as the northern Baja’s hottest fishing resort. Loreto, a little-known beach town midway down the peninsula, is a fantastic discovery and notorious for great scuba diving and unspoiled beaches. The capital city of Baja Sur is the picturesque La Paz. This alluring city has maintained its rustic charm and authenticity despite an influx of tourism. Nonetheless, the king of the Baja is the infamous Los Cabos. Los Cabos (the Capes) is the dual destination of San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Because of a gringo friendly atmosphere, easy air access, perfect year-round weather, golf, nightlife and water sports, “Cabo” has become a major Mexican resort with a distinctly north-of-the-border attitude.