Gay Puerto Escondido: Best Hotels, Beach Bars, & Things to Do (2025)
From golden sunsets and surf lessons to barefoot beach bars and baby turtle releases, Puerto Escondido has quickly become one of Mexico’s hottest coastal getaways. Once a hidden surf town, it’s now a favorite for digital nomads, adventurous travelers, and yes—LGBTQ+ beach lovers looking for a relaxed, boho vibe.
We first visited back in 2021, and so much has changed since then. With new boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and a growing gay-friendly scene—this 2025 update covers everything you need to know, including where to stay, eat, party, and play in Puerto Escondido.
We first visited back in 2021, and so much has changed since then. With new boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and a growing gay-friendly scene—this 2025 update covers everything you need to know, including where to stay, eat, party, and play in Puerto Escondido.
Why Visit Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido means “hidden port,” and while it’s no longer quite as hidden, it still feels refreshingly authentic compared to other Mexican beach towns.
- The Beaches – From the legendary waves at Playa Zicatela (aka the Mexican Pipeline) to the gentle swimming coves of Playa Carrizalillo, there’s truly a beach for every mood.
- The Vibe – La Punta, at the far end of Zicatela, has become the heart of the action. Think sandy streets, barefoot surfers, boutique cafés, and bars buzzing at sunset.
- The Experiences – Release baby turtles, take a surf lesson, or hop on a boat tour. Puerto Escondido is packed with unforgettable adventures.
- The Queer Factor – While it’s not as gay as nearby Zipolite, Puerto Escondido is super LGBTQ+ friendly. We spotted gay couples at nearly every bar, beach, and boutique hotel we visited.
PUERTO ESCONDIDO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Puerto Escondido? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Puerto Escondido? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Puerto Escondido and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com and Hotels.com. Create a free account on either (or both!) to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay. We’re members of both platforms and always compare deals to find the best rate before we book.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Puerto Escondido with Viator. Whether you're beach town hopping along the Oaxaca Coast or releasing your own baby turtle into the ocean, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Where to Stay
Puerto Escondido’s hotel scene has exploded in recent years—from luxury design stays to barefoot-chic boutique hotels. Here are our favorites:
Casa To – A Design-Lover’s Dream
⭐ Best for: Architecture fans & romantic getaways
📍 Location: La Punta Zicatela
Why We Love It:
- Brutalist architecture + candlelit wine bar = pure magic
- Gay-popular—on a random Tuesday, we met 3 other queer couples
- Breakfast here is divine (don’t miss the French toast!)
Villas Carrizalillo – Best Beach Views
⭐ Best for: Beach lovers who want comfort and convenience
📍 Location: Playa Carrizalillo
Why We Love It:
- Stunning views and lush grounds above the prettiest swimming cove in town
- On-site restaurant Espadín is one of our favorites (book for sunset!)
- Spacious villas perfect for longer stays
Casona Sforza – Luxury Design Escape
⭐ Best for: Splurge-worthy romance & style
📍 Location: Just outside Puerto Escondido
Why We Love It:
- Striking vaulted architecture blending modern design with natural materials
- Private plunge pools and serene beachfront setting
- Sustainability-focused luxury with personalized service
- Perfect for honeymoons, romantic getaways, or a special treat
Selina Puerto Escondido – Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Budget Stay
⭐ Best for: Backpackers, digital nomads, and social vibes
📍 Location: Playa Zicatela
Why We Love It:
- Rooms for every budget (from teepees to oceanview suites)
- Two pools, surf club, yoga pavilion, cinema, and a buzzing bar
- Officially listed as LGBTQ+ friendly on Google—and confirmed by us!
Things to Do
From surf lessons to turtle releases, Puerto Escondido is all about adventure and connection with nature. Here are the must-dos:
Explore La Punta – La Punta is the bohemian soul of Puerto Escondido. Wander its sandy streets, shop local boutiques, sip mezcalitas, and join the nightly sunset ritual where everyone gathers barefoot on the beach. Whether you surf or just admire the eye candy, this is the place to be.
Release Baby Turtles at Playa Bacocho – Every day at 5pm (Oct–Apr), you can release your own baby sea turtle into the ocean. This is one of the most magical and memorable experiences in Puerto Escondido. Book your baby turtle release here.
Swim at Playa Carrizalillo – After 160 steps down, you’ll find soft white sand and calm turquoise waves—perfect for floating and snorkeling. Grab fresh seafood from the palapas or dine in style at Espadín. Located above Playa Carrizalillo at Villas Carrizalillo, Espadín pairs Oaxacan flavors with one of the best views in town. Book for lunch or sunset, order the seafood pasta or fresh fish of the day, and thank us later.
Tour the Oaxaca Coast – Take a day trip to explore the rugged and stunning Oaxaca Coast, including:
- Zipolite – Mexico’s only legal nude beach and a must for LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Mazunte – Artsy, laid-back, with great hikes and beach vibes.
- Huatulco – Gorgeous bays and snorkeling (you’ll recognize scenes from Y Tu Mamá También).
Where to Eat and Drink
Puerto’s food scene has grown just as fast as its hotel scene. Here are our favorite spots:
- Elephant Garden (Zicatela) – Our go-to breakfast with healthy options and pet-friendly vibes.
- Gustav Grün (La Punta) – Healthy bowls & burritos loaded with veggies and flavor.
- Cañabrava (Zicatela) – Lunch spot with ocean views and plenty of queer clientele.
- Mundaka (La Punta) – Pizza, cocktails, and music. Their signature pizza with sundried tomatoes and ricotta is a must.
- Lychee (La Punta) – For when you’re craving Thai.
- Casa To (La Punta) – Wine bar by night, chic brunch spot by day.
Best Gay Bars & Clubs
Puerto Escondido doesn’t yet have exclusive gay bars like nearby Zipolite—but it’s still wonderfully queer-friendly. We found our community at:
- Selina Bar – Poolside cocktails and DJs most nights.
- Mar & Wana – Funky cocktails (try the Local Blood!) and a treehouse lounge.
- Wine Bar at Casa To – One of the chicest spots in La Punta, this candlelit wine bar doubles as a social hub for design lovers and queer travelers.
- La Punta’s main street – Closes to traffic at night with street performers, open-air bars, and plenty of gay-popular spots.
🌟 Pro tip – For the spicier, men-only nightlife—Zipolite is just a couple hours down the coast—head over to our Patreon for the full, uncensored details.
When to Go
Puerto Escondido is a year-round beach town, but here’s what to expect:
- High Season (December–April) – Best Weather & Busiest Time. From December to April, expect sunny days in the 80s°F (27–30°C) and low humidity—perfect beach weather!
- Shoulder Season (May–June, October–November) – Fewer Crowds & Better Deals. For a more relaxed vibe with fewer crowds and better prices, visit in late spring or fall. The weather is still warm, but there’s less competition for beach loungers and restaurant tables.
- Low Season (July–September) – Rainy Season. September and October are the rainiest months. While some businesses reduce hours during this period, it’s a great time for budget travelers looking for deep discounts on hotels.
Getting Here & Around
By Air – Puerto Escondido Airport (airport code: PXM) has new direct flights from Houston with United Airlines. A brand-new terminal is also under construction to keep up with rising demand.
By Road – A new highway now connects Oaxaca City in just 3 hours (down from 6–8).
Taxis – From the airport, walk to the main road for cheaper taxis. Within town, most rides are 50–150 pesos.
Walking & Scooters – La Punta and Zicatela are super walkable, and scooters are popular for short hops.
By Rental Car – Renting a car is a great way to explore Puerto Escondido and the surrounding Oaxaca coast at your own pace. We recommend using Discover Cars since they include the mandatory liability insurance in Mexico upfront. Many other agencies will surprise you at the counter with an extra $15–20+ USD per day, so booking through Discover Cars saves you both money and hassle.
🌟 Pro tip – Always carry travel insurance. We recommend SafetyWing to cover everything from lost luggage to unexpected doctor visits.
Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips
Is Puerto Escondido LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes! While not as overtly gay as Zipolite, Puerto Escondido is very queer-welcoming. You’ll see LGBTQ+ couples everywhere—from beaches to boutique hotels.
Is there a gay neighborhood in Puerto Escondido?
La Punta Zicatela is the most gay-popular area, with boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and a relaxed barefoot vibe.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (Nov–Apr) has the best weather. Come in October–April for turtle releases, or winter for peak surf.
How do I get around the city?
Most areas are walkable. Taxis are cheap, and scooters are easy to rent. If you’re exploring further, rent a car.
Do I need to know Spanish?
Not necessarily, but it helps. In tourist areas, hotels, and some bars, you’ll find English-speaking staff. That said, a few phrases in Spanish will go a long way—especially if you’re navigating local restaurants, taxis, etc.
🌟 Pro tip – Download Google Translate to quickly translate menus, signs, and simple phrases on the go! Use the camera feature to scan text instantly—no typing needed. A total game-changer for stress-free travel!
Is the tap water safe to drink in Puerto Escondido?
No. Stick to bottled or filtered water. When dining out, always ask for “agua de la casa” (house water)—which is filtered and free—instead of bottled water upsells. It’s safe, sustainable, and saves you pesos!
Is Puerto Escondido safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?
Yes. We felt safe day and night. Just use common sense—watch your belongings, use registered taxis at night, and pace yourself with mezcal.
🌟 Pro tip – Ready to book your stay in Puerto Escondido? Find the best hotel rates at Booking.com and reserve early during high season for best availability. New Year's Eve and Semana Santa (Easter) are especially popular dates so book many months in advance.
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