Best Beach Clubs in Puerto Escondido: Where to Relax, Sip, and Soak Up the Pacific Sun
Puerto Escondido is many things — a world-class surf destination, a wildlife sanctuary, a foodie haven — but above all, it’s a place where the beach dictates the pace of life. Whether you’re craving a lounger under a palapa with a cold drink in hand or a full beachfront dining experience with your toes in the sand, the beach clubs here deliver. From the thundering waves of Zicatela to the calm waters of Carrizalillo, each stretch of coast has its own vibe — and its own perfect spot to settle in. Here’s your guide to the best beach clubs Puerto Escondido has to offer.
What Makes a Great Beach Club in Puerto Escondido?
Unlike the resort-heavy beach clubs you’d find in Cancún or Los Cabos, Puerto Escondido’s beach scene is refreshingly authentic. The best spots here are defined not by five-star frills, but by character — handcrafted cocktails made with local mezcal, fresh ceviche prepared steps from the ocean, and hammocks swaying in the breeze between coconut palms.
When evaluating beach clubs in Puerto Escondido, here’s what actually matters:
- Location and beach access — Is the beach swimmable, or is it better for spectating epic waves?
- Vibe — Laid-back bohemian, lively and social, romantic and quiet?
- Food and drinks — Fresh seafood, local ingredients, craft mezcal cocktails?
- Amenities — Lounge chairs, palapas, restrooms, showers?
- Crowd — Surfers, families, digital nomads, couples?
Puerto Escondido is genuinely diverse in this regard — you’ll find the right vibe no matter what kind of beach day you’re after.
Beach by Beach: The Best Clubs and Lounges to Know
Zicatela – The Surf Scene’s Social Hub
Zicatela Beach, home to the famous “Mexican Pipeline,” is the heartbeat of Puerto Escondido’s surf culture. The beach clubs lining this stretch are animated and social — perfect for people who want to watch professional-level waves crash while nursing a cold mezcal cocktail. The main boulevard runs parallel to the beach with open-air restaurants and bars that blend seamlessly into beach clubs.
The vibe here leans casual and international. You’ll be sitting next to surfers, backpackers, photographers, and digital nomads from around the world. Best time to visit Zicatela’s beach clubs is late afternoon, when the light turns golden and the waves are at their most dramatic.
La Punta – Bohemian, Relaxed, and Community-Driven
At the southern end of Zicatela, La Punta has developed its own distinct identity. The waves here are gentler and the atmosphere is deeply relaxed. Beach clubs and palapa bars in La Punta tend to be smaller, more intimate, and focused on natural, organic ingredients. Think acai bowls in the morning, fish tacos at noon, and mezcal sours at sunset.
La Punta is a favorite among long-stay visitors and the digital nomad crowd. Many of the beach clubs double as yoga studios or wellness spaces, making it common to find someone doing a sunset stretch just meters from the shoreline bar.
Carrizalillo – Calm Waters, Peaceful Setting
Carrizalillo is Puerto Escondido’s most sheltered and family-friendly beach — a small cove with turquoise water and manageable waves. The beach clubs here are oriented around relaxation: lounge chairs lined up in neat rows, umbrellas, and beachside service that brings drinks and snacks directly to you.
This is the spot for couples, families with children, and anyone who wants a classic beach day without the intensity of Zicatela’s surf. The water is calm enough for snorkeling too — if you haven’t tried it yet, our snorkeling tour departs from nearby waters and is a fantastic complement to a Carrizalillo beach day.
Playa Bacocho and Playa Manzanillo – Less Crowded Escapes
Further north, Playa Bacocho and Playa Manzanillo attract visitors looking for a quieter, less touristy experience. Beach clubs in this area tend to be more spacious and less crowded. The sunsets from Bacocho are among the most spectacular in the entire region — making it a top pick for romantic evenings. Combine a sunset at Bacocho with our sunset horseback riding experience for a truly unforgettable day.
Beach Club Comparison: Finding Your Perfect Match
| Beach / Area | Vibe | Best For | Swimming? | Sunset Views? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zicatela | Energetic, surf-focused | Surfers, social travelers | Experienced swimmers only | Yes |
| La Punta | Bohemian, wellness-oriented | Nomads, long stays, couples | Yes (gentler waves) | Yes |
| Carrizalillo | Calm, family-friendly | Families, snorkelers, relaxers | Yes (best for swimming) | Partial |
| Playa Bacocho | Quiet, scenic | Couples, photography lovers | With caution | Yes (spectacular) |
| Playa Manzanillo | Secluded, local | Budget travelers, locals | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Making the Most of Your Beach Club Day
- Arrive early — Prime lounge chairs and palapas fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during high season (November–April).
- Stay hydrated — Puerto Escondido’s Pacific sun is intense. Most beach clubs will keep your glass full if you ask.
- Respect ocean flags — Red flags mean no swimming. This is serious. Zicatela’s waves are notoriously powerful and have caught many unprepared swimmers off guard.
- Try the local mezcal — Oaxacan mezcal is world-renowned and you’ll find it in creative cocktails at virtually every beach club. It’s a part of the local culture worth embracing.
- Go cashless-ready but carry some pesos — Some smaller palapa bars still operate cash-only.
- Combine your beach day with a tour — A morning dolphin watching boat tour followed by an afternoon at a beach club is a near-perfect day in Puerto Escondido.
If you want to explore beyond the beach, the surrounding lagoons and mangroves offer a completely different side of Puerto Escondido’s nature. Our kayaking in the mangroves tour and bird watching in the lagoon experience are both worth adding to your itinerary.
A Real Visitor Story
Sarah, a graphic designer from Berlin, spent three weeks in Puerto Escondido last January. She started each day at a La Punta café, worked remotely until noon, then walked to her favorite beach club for lunch and an afternoon on a lounge chair. “I kept thinking I’d explore more,” she laughed, “but the beach clubs here are so good that my plan kept getting delayed. Eventually I gave in and just accepted it as my office view.” She did manage to squeeze in a bioluminescence tour one evening — which she called “the most magical thing I’ve ever seen.” If you’re curious, you can book the bioluminescence tour here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Clubs in Puerto Escondido
Are beach clubs in Puerto Escondido family-friendly?
Yes — particularly those at Carrizalillo and Playa Manzanillo, where the water is calmer and the atmosphere is relaxed. Families with young children should avoid Zicatela Beach for swimming, though watching the waves from a beach club there is perfectly safe and spectacular.
What’s the best beach for swimming in Puerto Escondido?
Carrizalillo is widely considered the safest and most pleasant swimming beach in Puerto Escondido. Its protected cove creates calm, clear water ideal for all ages.
Is there a dress code at Puerto Escondido beach clubs?
Almost never. Puerto Escondido is a laid-back surf town. Flip-flops, board shorts, and a cover-up are the standard uniform. Some evening spots may prefer a slightly more polished beach casual look, but it’s never formal.
Can I spend a full day at a beach club without booking in advance?
For most beach clubs, you can simply show up. However, during peak season (December–March and Semana Santa), popular spots at Carrizalillo and La Punta can fill up. Arriving before 10am is a safe bet.
Are the beach clubs open year-round?
Most are, though some smaller palapas may reduce hours or close temporarily during the low season (June–October). The high season from November to April offers the fullest experience with all venues operating at capacity.
What else can I do near the beach clubs?
Plenty! From boat tours and dolphin watching to mezcal tastings and paramotor flights over the coast — Puerto Escondido’s activity scene pairs perfectly with a beach club day. Browse all available experiences at puerto-escondido.mx/en/adventures.
Conclusion
Puerto Escondido’s beach clubs are as varied and vibrant as the destination itself. Whether you’re drawn to the surf energy of Zicatela, the bohemian calm of La Punta, the family-friendly shores of Carrizalillo, or the romantic sunsets of Bacocho — there’s a perfect palapa waiting for you. Combine your beach day with one of the many incredible tours this part of Oaxaca has to offer, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable trip to Mexico’s Pacific coast.
For more information on Puerto Escondido, visit the official Oaxaca tourism site, Visit México, or consult environmental guidelines at SEMARNAT.
Information may change; please confirm schedules, regulations, and availability before booking. For legal, environmental, or safety matters, consult local authorities or official sources. For questions or reservations, visit our tours and adventures page.
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