Best Non-Tourist Beach Town in Mexico?

Question

My wife and I are looking for a place to go to learn Spanish in the Fall08/Winter09. We want a place that has very few if any gringo tourists, and on the ocean (either side Pacific or Gulf). Would rather stay away from the large cities (ie no place that has a direct airport from the US). We just want a small beautiful town with nice weather, people who speak spanish full time, and all that comes with it.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated. And in depth explanation would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

OK, TO GO INTO A NICE TOWN, TO LEARN I WOULD RECOMEND SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE N QUERETARO, IT IS NICE, AND HAS MANY CULTURAL EVENTS. NICE WEATHER COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE, ALSO YOU CAN TRY CELAYA, IT HAS BEAUTIFUL WEATHER VERY LOCAL PEOPLE, HAS A PRIVTE UNIVERSITY TO LEARN SPANISH, BUT ONE THING I THINK YOU WONT LIKE,  I THINK THAT THERE IS NO PLANES TO THESE TOWNS, YOU HAVE TO GO TO MEXICO CITY,I WOULD ADVICE YOU HIRE A PRIVATE CAR WITH CHOFFER, TO TAKE YOU, IT IS NOT THAT EXPENSIVE TO HIRE, EVE YOU CAN HIRE MAIDS, DOR 200 HUNDRED A MONTH,. SO I HOPE THIS WILL BE HELPFULL, I CAN TELL YOU ALSO YOU CAN GO TO CUERNAVACA, ITS NICE WEATHER, A BIT CHILI AT NIGHT IN DECEMBER BUT AT DAY TIME IN THE 70. IF YOU NEED MORE, LET ME KNOW.

Answer 2

There is a beach city called Nuevo Vallarta which is approximately 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Nuevo Vallarta is not well known by american tourists. Its primary visitors are Mexicans. You can find great deals on hotels & food there and you are still within driving distance of Puerto Vallarta if you get lonely for some american company. Although, Puerto Vallarta is also a great place to visit even though you will find lots of tourists there. It's still a colonial city filled with mexicans and sprinkled with tourists.

BTW, San Miguel de Allende is in Guanajuato, not Queretaro. San Miguel is filled with gringos which is what you are not looking for.

I have visited both Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta and was impressed with both cities. (visited three times!)  I have never been to Tampico but have also heard it's a beautiful city to visit.

Answer 3

Without a doubt go to Tampico, Tamaulipas. It has an incredible beach and it is an authentic Mexican beach that has not been altered to fit the needs of tourist. This area is for the people of Mexico but anyone is welcomed. I grew up there and every time I visit the city, I have to go there. The food they sell you is amazing. This isn't the place if you're looking for a fancy restaurant or high-class setting, but if you're looking for an authentic, fun beach that is rich in Mexican culture, go to the beach in Tampico, Tamaulipa, Mexico.