Puerto Escondido attractions
Apart from its attraction as a genuine Mexican beach town, Puerto Escondido has a great deal to offer, including fantastic food and a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Restaurants
There are several excellent restaurants in Puerto Escondido, whose reputation is growing as a destination for great food, from fine dining to tacos in the street. If all you want is a coffee and a snack, you’ll find lots of great cafes too, serving Oaxacan coffee and delicious baked goods.
Sightseeing
Make Zandoyo your base for visits to the beautiful lagoons of Manialtepec or Chacahua to the west and the beach towns of Mazunte and San Agustinillo to the east. Or head south on a guided ocean tour to see marine turtles, dolphins and whales.
Golf
The Puerto Golf Club opened as a driving range in 2015 but is now a nine-hole golf course, the only golf course between Acapulco and Huatulco. The club has three bermuda grass greens which are designed to be played over several holes. The family-owned and operated golf club says “it’s not your traditional golf course,” and describes it as difficult, “with small greens, tricky bunkers and many hazards.” The Puerto Golf Club is a 10-minute drive from Zicatela Beach and is open daily except Mondays, but by appointment only.
Beaches
Puerto’s beaches have long been the main attraction. The most well known is Zicatela, one of the world’s top surfing destinations but not a swimming beach. Like Bacocho, which is a 10-minute walk from Zandoyo, it’s ideal for beach walks. The swimming beaches closest to Zandoyo are Coral and Carrizalillo. Others are Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo, Marinero, Principal and La Punta. Many locals enjoy heading out of town for the day to enjoy beaches such as Agua Blanca to the east and Roca Blanca to the west.
Most beaches have palapa restaurants offering food and refreshments.
Surfing
Zicatela Beach is world famous for its waves, attracting surfers from around the world. If you have never tried it, there are numerous surf schools, the closest being a few blocks away on the Rinconada. Novice surfers can find smaller waves at La Punta and Carrizalillo Beach.
Tennis
Tennis has taken Puerto Escondido by storm in recent years but the biggest development was the opening of the Lemon Park Tennis Club in 2019. With five courts, two squash courts and a snack bar, Lemon Park is a big draw for visitors and its tournaments have drawn players from around the word.
Fishing
Pacific sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna are among the offshore species caught in the waters off Puerto Escondido. Inshore you can fish for roosterfish, amberjack, king mackerel, grouper and others.
Public markets
Puerto Escondido has two public markets, the long-established Benito Juárez market in the city center and the newer Zictela market on the coastal highway near Zicatela Beach. Both offer fresh fish, meat and produce and other goods and feature many restaurants that serve typical Oaxacan dishes.