Along the sun-baked coast of southern Oaxaca, Zipolite Beach is one of those rare places that still feels gloriously unpolished—where shoes are optional, clothing is optional, and freedom is the dress code.
Once a hippie hideaway, this tiny beach town has evolved into a quietly iconic destination that draws surfers, nudists, spiritual seekers, and curious travelers from all over the world.
As someone with a deep love for this stretch of the Oaxacan coast—I return as often as I can—I can tell you Zipolite has a way of getting under your skin. You might come for the surf, the smoky mezcal, or the chance to disconnect completely under a palapa, but you’ll end up staying for the pace, the people, and the unfiltered freedom.
It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, tune in, and shed more than just your clothes. Here’s everything you need to know to fall under its sun-drenched, salt-crusted spell – this is your complete guide to Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca.
Short on Time? Here are my top picks:
Where to Stay: El Alquimista for secluded beach vibes, Hotel Nude for clothing-optional lodging.
Where to Eat: Xhuba for beachside Mexican classics, Sal y Pimienta, Oracle Cafe for breakfast.
Zipolite Activities: Playa Zipolite beach, then climb to Playa del Amor for views and a more secluded vibe. Wander town for street art and cafés, sip small-batch mezcal at Gota Gorda, or unwind at a spa.
How to Get to Zipolite, Oaxaca
You’ll most likely be getting to Zipolite from Puerto Escondido or Huatulco—two of the closest airports and destination hubs to this sleepy stretch of Oaxaca’s Pacific coast.
From Puerto Escondido, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive southeast, while from Huatulco, it’s just under an hour heading west. Either way, prepare for winding coastal roads with beautiful views and the occasional hairpin turn.
The easiest and most comfortable option is to rent a car or arrange a private transfer, though more budget travelers can hop on a colectivo or second-class bus to Pochutla (when coming from Huatulco) or San Antonio (when coming from Puerto Escondido), and then grab a taxi or shared pickup truck to Zipolite beach.
Once you’ve landed in Zipolite, getting around is blissfully easy. The town is compact enough to explore entirely on foot—barefoot, even, if you’re leaning into the laid-back vibe. For longer jaunts or day trips to nearby Mazunte or Puerto Ángel, just flag down a passing colectivo (shared truck) or hop in a local taxi.
Things to Do in Zipolite Beach
Relax on Zipolite Beach (Possibly Naked)
Zipolite isn’t just Mexico’s only legal nudist beach—it’s a whole attitude. And while you’re under absolutely no obligation to strip down, you will be sharing the sand with plenty of folks who do. Nudity is common across the entire 1.5-kilometer stretch of Playa Zipolite—not just tucked away in secluded corners—and it’s grown more prominent in recent years, especially since the beach gained official nudist status in 2016.
Expect a liberating mix of birthday suits and bikinis, often side by side, with a noticeable skew toward male nudity. If that gives you pause, it’s worth preparing mentally: you’ll likely see more swinging appendages here than at your average European spa. That said, the overall energy is incredibly relaxed and body-positive. No one’s here to gawk, and Zipolite’s longtime ethos of respect and personal freedom still holds strong.
Zipolite may be small, but its coastline packs in three distinct beaches, each with its own personality. There’s the main Playa Zipolite—a long, open stretch where most of the sunbathing, surfing, and people-watching happens. To the east, Playa del Amor is tucked behind rocky cliffs and known for its more secluded, social (and often more nude) atmosphere. Then, if you wander west toward the far end of town, there’s a tiny, lesser-known cove past the rocks.
But before you dive headfirst into the Pacific, a word of caution: the ocean here is wild. Zipolite has a reputation for strong waves, rip currents, and an undertow that can turn suddenly dangerous. The name “Beach of the Dead” isn’t just folklore—this surf demands respect.
There are volunteer lifeguards stationed in the busier sections and flag systems to indicate water safety, but even on calmer days, this isn’t the place to channel your inner Olympic swimmer. That said, playing in the shore break can be a blast—just keep it shallow, pay attention, and if a lifeguard signals you in, don’t argue. The sea here doesn’t negotiate.
Visit Playa del Amor
Tucked behind a rocky outcrop at the eastern edge of Zipolite, Playa del Amor feels like a world apart—wilder, smaller, and more free-spirited than the main beach. You’ll reach it via a short but steep set of stone steps carved into the cliffside, and once you arrive, you’ll understand the name.
This intimate cove has long been a favorite for couples, nudists, and anyone looking for a bit more privacy (or, let’s be honest, a bit less clothing). It’s unofficially known as the most clothing-optional corner of an already clothing-optional town, and the vibe here leans full-on libertine.
Playa del Amor is also at the heart of why Zipolite has become one of the most inclusive holiday destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers in Mexico. The beach is a particularly popular gathering spot for gay travelers, and the sense of acceptance here runs deep—this is a place where everyone, regardless of identity or expression, is welcomed without judgment.
No matter if you’re here to tan all-over, meet like-minded beachgoers, or just soak up the scene in peace, Playa del Amor offers a relaxed and celebratory energy that’s as warm as the Oaxacan sun.
Explore Town
Zipolite may be best known for its beach, but the town itself—low-key, slightly scruffy, and full of charm—is well worth a wander. There’s just one main road, Avenida Roca Blanca, that runs parallel to the shore, and it’s lined with barefoot cafés, smoothie bars, taco joints, boutique hotels, and beachy shops selling hammocks, sarongs, and handmade jewelry.
By day, the pace is languid—think reggae drifting from open-air restaurants, surfers hauling boards, and shopkeepers napping in hammocks. But by night, the town hums to life with candlelit dinners, mezcal cocktails, and the occasional, all-out party (particularly on weekends).
There’s no high-rise development here, no chain stores, no rush. Just a friendly, come-as-you-are vibe that makes it feel like one of the last true bohemian beach towns in Mexico. I love to always take my time to stroll, chat with locals, sip a coconut by the roadside, or duck into a shady garden café for a long lunch.
See the Street Art
Take a leisurely stroll through Zipolite’s tiny center and you’ll discover that its artistic scene is just as free-spirited as its beaches. Colorful murals peek out from under palm-thatched awnings and along the main drag of Avenida Roca Blanca. These public artworks—often vivid, whimsical, and sometimes political—transform humble buildings into open‑air galleries.
Local painters and visiting artists have adorned walls with everything from stylized wildlife and Oaxacan folklore motifs to surreal human figures and nature themes. Though Zipolite’s street art scene isn’t as dense as Oaxaca City’s, the creativity here has heart—and each piece feels like a secret gate to someone’s island dream.
You can spot the most vibrant pieces along the beachfront and the adjacent lanes—especially between midday and early evening when the colors glow brightest in the sun.
Go Surfing
Zipolite’s waves have a reputation—fast, heavy, and often unruly—making this beach a magnet for seasoned surfers and confident swimmers rather than first-timers. The currents are strong, the breaks can be fierce, and conditions change quickly, so this isn’t the spot to casually paddle out without knowing what you’re doing.
If you’ve got some experience under your belt, though, you’re in for a thrill. Orydey Surf and Tijua’s Surf Lessons are my go-to names in town for board rentals, coaching, and local insight on where and when to catch the best waves.
If you’re new to surfing, you might want to look just down the coast. Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Puerto Escondido all offer softer waves and sandy-bottomed beach breaks that are far better suited to learning the ropes.
Taste Mezcal at Mezcaleria Gota Gorda
Right across the street from Hotel Noga, Mezcalería Gota Gorda is more than just a bar—it’s a shrine to Mexico’s most soulful spirit. Specializing in small-batch, handcrafted mezcales and agave distillates from across Oaxaca, Durango, Guerrero, and Puebla, Gota Gorda is deeply committed to preserving traditional production methods and supporting the multi-generational families who’ve been perfecting their craft for centuries. Every bottle on the shelf is a result of small batch production and tells a story of earth, fire, time, and legacy.
The founder, Dani Tatarin, has been traveling through Mexico since 2011 in search of the country’s best agave spirits. A seasoned cocktail educator and spirits expert, Dani fell head over heels for mezcal—its complexity, its heritage, and the people behind it.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a total mezcal newbie, this is the perfect place to sip slowly, learn something new, and toast to the spirit of Zipolite—smoky, strong, and beautifully wild.
Have a Spa Afternoon
For a serene midday escape, head straight to Shanti Spa, tucked inside the elegant El Alquimista Hotel right on Zipolite’s beach. I love this spot for its holistic approach and that it specializes in natural, handcrafted treatments—think massages, facials, and full-body scrubs made with fresh regional ingredients and zero petrochemicals.
Local organic exfoliants like pineapple & honey, coffee, and raw sugar are whipped up into skin-renewing balms on site. Their signature Shanti Massage blends acupressure, reflexology, meridian energy therapy, and Swedish techniques, all fueled by nourishing cold‑pressed coconut oil.
You can book a 90‑minute session that includes optional extras like hot stones, crystal alignment, or cupping for around 1,500 pesos—there’s also a full‑body scrub or facial plus scrub package offered for about 1,200 pesos. It’s the perfect spot to take those relaxed beach vibes a little further.
Take a Day Trip
While Zipolite beach has a way of keeping you blissfully anchored to its golden sands, there’s plenty to explore just beyond its barefoot borders.
A short ride east takes you to Mazunte, a laid-back beach town with a boho vibe, home to the National Mexican Turtle Center and some of the coast’s best sunset views. Just next door, San Agustinillo offers a calmer, family-friendly beach—great for swimming and long lunches at beachfront cafés.
For a touch of old-school fishing village charm, Puerto Ángel is also nearby, with its working harbor and fresh seafood shacks that feel refreshingly untouched by tourism.
If you’ve got more time to spare, consider day-tripping to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco. Both are about 1.5–2 hours away and offer a more developed, adventure-packed experience—think surf breaks, boutique shopping, or bayside boat trips—but honestly, they deserve more than just a day.
Still, if you’re craving a change of scenery (or a better Wi-Fi connection), a jaunt to one of these towns can be a worthwhile detour before returning to Zipolite’s slower, soul-soothing pace.
Where to Stay in Zipolite Beach
Zipolite may be delightfully low-key, but when it comes to places to stay, there are a few great options. From rustic beachfront cabanas to polished boutique hotels with serious style, there’s something here for every kind of barefoot dreamer.
El Alquimista – by far the best and most upscale boutique hotel in Zipolite. It sits at the far western edge of Zipolite’s beach, in a secluded rocky cove that feels like your own private slice of the Pacific—yet it’s still just a short stroll from Avenida Roca Blanca.
With 35 thoughtfully designed rooms ranging from minimalist beachfront cabanas to airy suites with private pools or sea views, it balances rustic charm with boutique luxury perfectly. The hotel’s beachfront restaurant and spa also add to it’s appeal. This is where I stay when in Zipolite.
Hotel Nude – Zipolite’s original clothing-optional resort, Hotel Nude, offers a playful, social vibe with two pools, oceanfront daybeds, and regular DJ sets. It’s stylish yet relaxed, with ocean-view suites and a beachfront bar perfect for mixing mezcal and mingling.
Hotel Descalzo – Located mid-stretch on Playa Zipolite, Hotel Descalzo is a charming, family-run oasis with rustic‑Mexican architecture, sea‑facing rooms, and a leafy pool tucked beneath palm trees—often known among the best for value and service in town.
Hotel Noga – At the western edge of Zipolite Beach, Hotel Noga is a lush, boutique retreat featuring only 10 spacious rooms, many with balconies and hammocks overlooking the sand. There’s a gorgeous saltwater pool shaded by palms, a mellow beachfront vibe, and the kind of staff who remember your name. Bonus: it’s right across from Mezcalería Gota Gorda, so your evenings are pretty much sorted.
Where to Eat
Zipolite might be small, but it’s got serious flavor, but much like in Mazunte, don’t expect fine dining. Start your mornings at Les Délices, a French-run café serving flaky croissants, omelets, crepes, and strong espresso in a breezy garden setting. For more beachy breakfast and light lunch bites, Órale Café does great smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and good coffee with a view.
When you’re ready to dig into something heartier, Sal y Pimienta is a local favorite for fresh, well-executed Mexican classics, while Xhuba – my favorite spot- delivers beachfront dining at its finest—think grilled fish or tuna tostadas with your toes in the sand. The restaurant at El Alquimista is superb, too, so for a slightly more upscale dinner, make sure to stop by there.
Mao Mau brings unexpected Southeast Asian flair to the coast with flavorful curries and noodle dishes, while Bacco is my go-to for perfectly grilled steaks, house-made pasta, and a more polished dinner experience under the stars.
And for no-frills seafood served with a view, head to Piedra de Fuego, a laid-back beach shack where the portions are generous and the shrimp cocktails hit just right.
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