Playa Los Algodones

Playa Los Algodones, near the off-the-beaten-path seaside town of San Carlos, is undoubtedly northern Mexico's most stunning beach. The beach is fine and white, the sea is blue and quiet, and the scenery is breathtaking.

The low-key San Carlos is dominated by the beautiful Cerro Tetakawi twin peaks, which glow an astonishing red-earthed tint as the sun sets. When not lazing on the beach, the major pastime is kayaking, although there are also climbs up the mountains and horseback riding in the desert.

Northern Mexico isn't frequently visited by travelers with passports from outside Mexico, but it can get crowded with weekend warriors from neighboring Hermosillo. Nonetheless, Sonora attracts significantly fewer visitors, particularly foreigners, than its numerous attractions and breathtaking beauty would suggest.