Tulum Is Over. Here Are Alternatives For Where to Go Instead

Tulum used to be one of those places that felt a little bit secret. A sleepy town with wild beaches and a low-key charm that made you feel like you’d stumbled into something special. But let’s be real, those days are long gone. These days, it’s more crowded, more expensive, and more curated than most people are looking for. And while it might still be on someone’s “must-see” list, if you’ve already been or you’re looking for something that feels a little more grounded, authentic, and actually relaxing, there are so many Tulum alternatives across Mexico. You just need to know where to look.

So let’s talk about a few of those places. Spots where the magic hasn’t been replaced by overpriced matcha lattes or waiting in line for the perfect Instagram shot. These are the destinations that still feel special, and still feel like Mexico. Let’s explore the Tulum alternatives that offer low-key charm with amazing resort vibes.

Tulum Alternatives: Holbox

Isla Holbox is what everyone wishes Tulum still was. It’s quiet, unpolished, and honestly kind of perfect in its own way. There are no paved roads or cars here, just sandy streets, colorful murals, laid-back beach bars, and sunsets that seem to stretch out forever. You’ll likely get around by bike or golf cart, and at night, if you’re lucky, you can wade into the glowing waters filled with bioluminescence. It’s not fancy, but it’s beautiful. And for travelers who care more about connection and stillness than “the scene,” Holbox has something special.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca, on the other hand, is a completely different kind of experience , and one that feels like it feeds you in more ways than one. This is where you go if you want to taste something deeper. The food here is an entire journey in itself. Moles with more layers than you thought possible, local chocolate that’s rich and gritty, mezcal that tastes like it was made by hand, because it was. It’s colorful, grounded, and rich in culture, art, and history. Oaxaca isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s what it’s, and that’s exactly what makes it worth your time.

Tulum Alternatives: San Miguel de Allende

Then there’s San Miguel de Allende. Romantic, elevated, and soft around the edges. This isn’t a beach town. It’s a place of cobblestone streets, blooming terraces, old churches, and rooftops that glow at sunset. San Miguel has a rhythm to it, slow, artistic, elegant. The kind of place you come for a few days and end up thinking about for years. It’s ideal for travelers who crave beauty in the details and would happily swap a crowded beach for a peaceful afternoon in a courtyard café with live jazz in the background.

Bacalar

If you’re still craving water, but want it on your own terms, Bacalar might be exactly what you’re looking for. This town, known for its Lagoon of Seven Colors, feels like the best-kept secret in the Yucatán. The water here isn’t the ocean; it’s something even calmer, almost dreamlike. Imagine a freshwater lagoon that’s clear, warm, and shifting in shades of blue all day long. It’s quiet. It’s simple. It’s the kind of place you visit to do nothing, and actually enjoy that. You can paddleboard at sunrise, read in a hammock, or float in silence without anyone asking if you want to upgrade to bottle service.

Isla Mujeres

Now, if you’re not quite ready to give up that beach vibe altogether but want it with way fewer people and way more charm, Isla Mujeres might be the perfect in-between. Just a quick ferry ride from Cancún, it feels like a different world. Think calm, swimmable beaches, local restaurants, and streets where people still say hello. There’s a reason people keep going back; it still feels easy. And whether you’re spending your day snorkeling, wandering the island by golf cart, or just watching the boats come in, it delivers on that relaxed, by-the-water energy without trying to be anything it’s not.

Tulum Alternatives: Los Cabos

And then there’s Los Cabos, often misunderstood but quietly full of options. Cabo San Lucas may have the reputation for being party central, and yes, it has that if you’re looking for it. But just a short drive away, San José del Cabo offers something completely different. Think art walks, great food, boutique hotels, and a calmer, more curated experience. Plus, the natural beauty here is next-level, dramatic desert landscapes meeting the Sea of Cortez, whales breaching offshore, and wide, open beaches that make you feel small in the best way.

Find Your Perfect Destination

The truth is, Tulum’s not the only place to go, and it hasn’t been for a long time. If you’re willing to look past what’s trending and dig just a little deeper, you’ll find the kind of destinations that leave a real impression. Not just another photo on your phone, but a moment you can actually feel. A place where you don’t have to try so hard. A place that meets you where you are.

And if you’re not sure where to start, or want a trip that feels aligned with the kind of traveler you really are, that’s where I come in. I’ll help you figure out what version of Mexico is right for you, and put all the pieces together so you can stop scrolling and actually start going.

Let’s plan something that fits.