Located on Mexico's Pacific coast, Manzanillo is a small city that derives its name from the manzanilla trees that thrived, laden with poisonous tangerine-colored fruit, beside its original wharves. Searching for Chinese treasure in the Pacific during 1522, Hernán Cortés and his minions dropped anchor in the Bay of Salagua, which is located just north of Manzanillo, while looking for safe harbors and good shipbuilding sites. Shortly thereafter navigator Alvaro de Saavedra discovered the Bay of Manzanillo and christened it Santiago de la Buena, or Santiago's Bay of Good Hope. It became a principal departure point for important expeditions and twice sheltered Cortes' galleons from marauding Portuguese pirates. Over the next 300 years, the Pacific Coast's history is filled with accounts of pirates from Portugal, England, France and even Spain assaulting, looting and burning ships for their rich cargos. In recent times, the harbor has been modernized and deepened to allow access to all major shipping lines from around the world.

A charming and buzzing seaside town that offers traditional Mexican culture with a modern twist. Second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera's leading resort cities, Puerto Vallarta is embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the lovely Banderas Bay on the other. The city brims with life, with its bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets, picturesque alleyways, luxury hotels and smart boutiques, and stunning seaside location. Shop for leather goods here as well as shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca.

A masterclass in reinvention, Mazatlán is a low-key Mexican resort on the Pacific with beaches as far as the eye can see, and a seemingly never-ending boardwalk running alongside the waves. Impressive landmarks in the sensitively revamped old town include the 19th-century Teatro Ángela Peralta and the towering Immaculate Conception Basilica. The historic center has been modernized and offers alluring bars and restaurants, as well as art galleries to browse. Don't miss the opportunity to taste classic handmade tequila at venerable blue agave plantations and small-scale distilleries.

Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, find Cabo San Lucas, the famed beach destination known for its atmospheric scene and idyllic setting. Step into the beating heart of Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular panorama of azure water, rugged cliffs, golden sands, and dramatic desert landscapes. Beyond the idyllic landscapes and famed night-life scene, find a community where history and tradition blend seamlessly with contemporary culture. Soak up the laid-back surfer atmosphere as you learn about ancient civilization, admire colonial style buildings, and discover the ocean wildlife. Visit artisans upholding the region's cultural heritage, and indulge in savory Mexican cuisine with a fresh pacific seafood twist as you take in this pacific coastal jewel.

Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, find Cabo San Lucas, the famed beach destination known for its atmospheric scene and idyllic setting. Step into the beating heart of Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular panorama of azure water, rugged cliffs, golden sands, and dramatic desert landscapes. Beyond the idyllic landscapes and famed night-life scene, find a community where history and tradition blend seamlessly with contemporary culture. Soak up the laid-back surfer atmosphere as you learn about ancient civilization, admire colonial style buildings, and discover the ocean wildlife. Visit artisans upholding the region's cultural heritage, and indulge in savory Mexican cuisine with a fresh pacific seafood twist as you take in this pacific coastal jewel.