The U.S. State Department doesn’t mess around when it comes to Mexico. Their travel advisories are granular, strict, and updated constantly. For 2026, six Mexican states are slapped with a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” warning—the exact same severity level assigned to active conflict zones globally.
But Mexico is massive, and state lines are arbitrary. An incident in the mountains can trigger a Level 4 warning for an entire state, dragging peaceful coastal resort towns into the “Do Not Travel” list by default.
Here is the breakdown of 4 major beach destinations currently under a Level 4 advisory, the actual ground truth of what is happening, and how to navigate them if you decide to go anyway.
1. Mazatlán (Sinaloa)
The Pearl of the Pacific
Sinaloa carries a heavy reputation. But if you spend enough time walking the Malecon in Mazatlán, you quickly realize that the city feels like a completely separate entity from the rest of the state. It feels safe and entirely focused on tourism and expat life. You can eat shrimp ceviche in the historic center without a second thought, but you still have to be smart about your boundaries.
The Official Rule: Sinaloa is strictly Level 4. However, the State Department actually carves out an exception for Mazatlán. U.S. government employees are allowed to visit, provided they arrive by air or sea and restrict their movements to the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) and the historic town center.
My Strategy:
- Fly, Don’t Drive: The danger in Sinaloa is on the inland highways, not the beach chairs. Book a direct flight into the Mazatlán airport.
- Stick to the Bubble: The Historic Center (Centro Histórico) and the Golden Zone are stunning and safe for evening strolls. There is no reason to venture out into the rural municipalities or non-tourist suburbs.
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2. Acapulco (Guerrero)
The Fallen Star
Acapulco is the classic cautionary tale of Mexican tourism. Decades ago, it was the glamorous playground for Hollywood royalty. Today, the surrounding state of Guerrero is the epicenter of many issues that have led to its Level 4 distinction.
The Official Rule: Level 4. Unlike Sinaloa, there are no exceptions here. U.S. government employees are completely forbidden from traveling to any part of Guerrero, including the tourist zones of Acapulco.
My Strategy:
- The Diamante Safe Zone: If you are going to go, stay in Acapulco Diamante (Punta Diamante). It is the newer, high-end district located away from the traditional downtown bay. It operates almost like a fortress.
- Zero Nighttime Wandering: This is not a town for spontaneous midnight walks. Take verified transportation (arranged by your hotel) and stay within the resort perimeters after dark.
3. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (Guerrero)
The Dual Destination
It feels incredibly strange to see Zihuatanejo on a “Do Not Travel” list. Ixtapa is a modern strip of high-rise resorts, while neighboring “Zihua” is the sleepy, charming fishing village made famous by The Shawshank Redemption. It has a fiercely loyal community of repeat visitors who swear by its safety and tranquility.
The Official Rule: Level 4. Because it sits within the borders of Guerrero, it falls under the exact same blanket ban as Acapulco for U.S. government personnel.
My Strategy:
- Understand the Geography: The violence in Guerrero is heavily concentrated inland and around Acapulco. Zihuatanejo is hours away up the coast. The town itself remains highly insulated and welcoming.
- Avoid the Highways: Do not attempt to drive from Acapulco to Zihuatanejo, or from Michoacán down into the town. The roads are where the roadblocks and risks occur. Fly directly into the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) and take an official taxi to your hotel.
4. Manzanillo (Colima)
The Sailfish Capital
Colima is one of Mexico’s smallest states, but it consistently ranks high for violence. Why? Because Manzanillo is Mexico’s busiest commercial cargo port on the Pacific. Criminal organizations fight over the port for smuggling access, not over the tourists. As a visitor, you are completely insulated from that logistical underworld, but you are still sharing a city with it.
The Official Rule: Colima is Level 4. However, similar to Mazatlán, the State Department grants an exception. U.S. employees are allowed to travel strictly to the central tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.
My Strategy:
- The Santiago Peninsula: Stay in the established resort zones like the Peninsula de Santiago or Club Santiago. They are physically separated from the commercial shipping port and offer incredible, quiet beaches.
- Daylight Only: Limit your off-resort exploration to daylight hours. The historic center is great for a daytime visit to see the giant blue sailfish monument, but head back to your resort before dinner.
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