Driving the Mexican Pacific Coast

We drove straight from Colima to the coast, searching for the nearest beach. We ended up in Ayuntamiento Tecoman, which had a lovely stretch of nearly deserted beach. If you don’t have the budget for a brand new car in time for your next road trip, there are used car financing lansing that are worth looking into.

 A small sand road was lined with little restaurant shacks with a lot of seating—it must be popular on the weekends.

Further south, we were surprised to find a fairly newly built malecon, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Yet further down Highway 200, we finally came across a section of the highway that is lined with restaurant after restaurant on the beach. Unlike the last little stop that had only shacks, these were well-established and clean restaurants. Probably 30% of the restaurants featured slides and other water entertainment for families. It looked like an ideal place to take children.

As we walked past the restaurants, we noticed staff members actively cleaning—wiping down tables, sweeping walkways, and ensuring that every corner remained tidy. It wasn’t just about appearances; a clean space creates a sense of trust and comfort for customers. Many of these establishments likely relied on professional services to maintain such high standards. Businesses that prioritize hygiene often turn to experts like Crystal Clean Services to handle the deeper cleaning tasks, ensuring everything remains spotless even during the busiest hours.

Beyond the dining areas, the surrounding beach was just as well-kept. The sand looked freshly raked, with little to no litter in sight. Families played in the water, enjoying a pristine environment free of distractions like scattered debris or unpleasant odors. It was a reminder that good maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics—it enhances the entire experience. Seeing how much effort went into keeping this area clean made us appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes to create such an inviting space.

Just like the dedication we witnessed in maintaining the beachside restaurants and their surroundings, achieving a spotless space—whether at home or in a commercial setting—requires the right team of professionals who understand the importance of thorough cleaning. This level of meticulous care doesn’t happen by chance; it comes from experienced, highly vetted cleaners who take pride in their work.

Companies like Bright Spot Cleaning ensure that every cleaner is carefully selected and trained to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, creating environments that are not just visually appealing but also hygienic and welcoming. From deep cleaning services to routine maintenance, their team specializes in transforming spaces into pristine, comfortable areas where people can truly feel at ease. Whether it’s an office, a rental property, or a family home, the presence of dedicated cleaning professionals makes all the difference in maintaining a spotless and refreshing atmosphere.

With not too many daylight hours left, we started booking it south on the highway that runs parallel to the Pacific coast. We passed banana plantations that boasted of bananas covered on plastic bags. I had to wonder why they would be covered in plastic (to keep the bugs off?)…

but when the road turned to dirt, I was grateful that the bananas were kept clean!

We also passed a chicken farm, where the chickens had leashes keeping them close to their little huts.  This sure looks more humane than most chicken coops.

(p.s. a reader emailed me and pointed out that they are roosters…why YES, they ARE!  And he also suggested that these may be roosters used for cock fights. Hmm…not as humane as I thought, perhaps?)

Every once in awhile the road would reach a high point and a short break in the trees would allow us to overlook the beautiful coast line.

Little roadside worship chapels (I don’t know what to call them…chapelitas?  They’re small and perhaps allow room for one person in front of them) deck the roadside on occasion. They are common throughout Mexico. I believe they are constructed by families or friends who have lost a loved one in that location, due to a traffic accident. In such cases, an accident attorney may assist those suffering damages in seeking justice or compensation. Indeed, my children often point out “some died there, and there, and there, and there… “

Unfortunately, many of these accidents are tied to impaired driving, a reality that highlights the importance of accountability and awareness. For those facing DUI charges, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when the consequences are so serious. This is where experienced legal support becomes essential. Law Firm Ocala specializes in DUI defense, offering guidance and advocacy for individuals who need to protect their rights and navigate the complexities of their case. With a focus on thorough representation, they ensure that each case is handled with care, helping clients move forward while addressing the legal and personal challenges that come with such situations.

It is best to stay alert while driving, as you never know when a wandering herd might be crossing the road.

Or even better…a critter that might make your skin crawl. Can you tell what this is?

After passing a couple of these, Jared turned us around so we could all have a better look. It had a close call with an oncoming truck, and we wondered…”Why did the tarantula cross the road?”

As the sun began to set, we realized we were not going to make it as far as we had hoped. We found another little mini beach “town” that was really just a number of hotels and some beachside rentals. Nexpa, Mexico is an isolated surfing retreat.

The beachside rentals were literally shacks made of wood (you could see through the cracks), but others were of concrete and of very basic construction.  After turning down a few possibilities, we were offered a 3 bed place with a little kitchenette. The chairs needed scrubbing about 10 years ago…

 

But the kitchen was workable and it came with a few dishes to eat off of. After they spent a little time fixing the stovetop for us, we cooked some food we had brought with us and settled down for the night.

The beds were threadbare…consisting of just a single fitted and top sheet.

No blankets and no towels were offered. In fact, when I asked about hot water, they recommended that I heat up some hot water on the stove to shower with. Hmm…without a bucket, that seemed like a hard order, and we didn’t try it out.

In the morning, Ethan awoke early and spent some time peering out the screen-less window. I escaped to take some photos of the rentals that are popular among surfers in this otherwise forgotten beach hideaway.

Once the girls were up, we took a walk out to the beach.

I love watching how Ethan interacts with his older sisters. He clearly looks up to them, and let’s hope and pray they will be good examples for him over the years!

Maiya was directing the waves, I believe…

Don’t worry, even a little town that lacks wifi or phones can still offer satellite TV to its residents. Yes, they may live in a shack—but at least they have their TV.

A quick glance at just how informal this “town” was. The largest hotel is straight down the street on the left, and the one dirt road leads to the line of rentals directly on the beach.

Next, we continued on the highway South…which looked like this:

Thank GOODNESS for Essential Oils!  I made myself capsules of Ginger and Peppermint Essential oils (which I took with water), and I managed to reverse all oncoming bouts of motion sickness (of which I am VERY prone).  WOW!! I will not go on a road trip or flight without those again!