Great Summertime Mexican Vacations
Mexico is a beautiful country with many beaches to visit and cities to explore. Thus, it’s often one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, especially because the temperature is so ideal during the summer months.
In this article, we discuss 3 Mexican cities that you can plan your vacation around, emphasizing local Mexican restaurants that feature some of the best Mexican food in the world.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Riviera Maya region of Mexico along the Caribbean Sea.
Despite its name, Playa Del Carmen is more than just a beach city. Known as one of the fastest growing regions in Mexico, it also features a prominent public square within walking distance from the beach.
Furthermore, La Quinta Avenida, which is close to the public square, features many delicious Mexican restaurants where visitors can experience traditional Mexican food. In particular, La Senda is a vegan restaurant that uses many locally grown fruits and vegetables. This will surely satisfy sustainably minded visitors who are looking to relax on the beach, drink an ice-cold smoothie, and pay homage to their favorite plant friends.
What’s also unique about Playa del Carmen is its proximity to the Tulum ruins, which is an ancient Mayan city that was built during the late 14th century. The Tulum ruins are perfect as a day trip if you need a break from the pristine sands and copious food options in Playa del Carmen.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the most populous city in North America and is loaded with history dating back to the early 14th century.
This is one of the densest areas of Mexico and will provide many things for travelers to do. Specifically, the city has vibrant night-life, tons of shopping and museums, and of course, famous Mexican food.
In particular, the restaurant Pujol was recently named by the Wall Street Journal as the best restaurant in Mexico City. Featuring an eclectic menu, this Mexican restaurant will delight foodies who are looking for a unique combination of traditional and modern Mexican food. Its signature dish is the Mola Madre which features mole that has been aged for almost 3 years.
If you’re into the arts, then Mexico City is a great place to visit. Visitors can explore a number of art museums, galleries, and design shops considered among the most famous in the world. In addition, many cafés and restaurants feature local art and there is street art practically everywhere.
Mexico City would be an ideal place to take your family, especially if you have a child who is a budding artist.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a state in Southwestern Mexico and is known for the indigenous cultures still flourishing there. This is partly due to the particular terrain of the region, which is often described as rugged and secluded.
Visitors to Oaxaca will be able to visit a number of national parks, rainforests, and reserves, making this is an ideal place for both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Oaxaca has also been described as the new culinary capital of Mexico, perhaps due to its local production of the cacao bean. This makes it the perfect place to try local chocolate, though the cacao bean is consumed most popularly as a beverage in Oaxaca.
Much of the lauded Mexican food in Oaxaca stems from market food stalls which use recipes that have been passed down over many generations. Also, many Mexican restaurants in the region, like Tobaziche, specialize in making mezcal, which is an alcoholic drink stemming from the agave plant.
In fact, many foodies consider Oaxaca to be the mezcal capital of the world, and visitors can find the drink practically everywhere, from expensive Mexican Restaurants to roadside stands.
Final Thoughts on Summertime Mexican Vacations
Although you can find authentic Mexican food at Benito’s, you really need to go experience it in Mexico. The best time to go is perhaps the summer, when local fruit like mangoes, avocadoes, and figs are in season.
Of course, a vacation is only a vacation if it’s for a limited time. When you come back and you’re craving that food, stop by Benito’s Mexican restaurant for authentic Mexican food!