Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Never drink the tap water in Mexico. Stick to bottled or filtered water provided by your hotel, and avoid ice in drinks unless you are at a reputable resort or restaurant that uses purified water.

Only if you plan to explore remote areas. In most beach towns, taxis and colectivos are sufficient, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with Mexican driving laws and parking.

Planning a One-Week Beach Vacation in Mexico

Choose one specific coastline—the Caribbean (Cancun/Tulum) or the Pacific (Puerto Vallarta/Sayulita)—to avoid spending your week in transit. Book your flights 3 months out and use reputable private transfers or official airport taxis to get to your accommodation.

Pick one coast. Don't try to see both sides of the country. The Caribbean side (Riviera Maya) is better for white sand and turquoise water. The Pacific side (Nayarit/Oaxaca) has bigger waves, dramatic cliffs, and a more rugged, bohemian vibe.
Select your home base. Pick one town for the entire 7 days. If you want luxury resorts, stay in the Riviera Maya. If you want walkable surf towns, look at Sayulita or Puerto Escondido.
Book arrival logistics. Pre-book a private airport shuttle. Do not walk out and negotiate with random taxi drivers; it will cost you triple. Look for companies like USA Transfers (for Cancun) that allow online prepay.
Map your movement. If you don't rent a car, research the 'colectivo' (shared van) routes. They run along main highways and cost about 40-60 pesos per trip.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Never drink the tap water in Mexico. Stick to bottled or filtered water provided by your hotel, and avoid ice in drinks unless you are at a reputable resort or restaurant that uses purified water.
Should I rent a car?: Only if you plan to explore remote areas. In most beach towns, taxis and colectivos are sufficient, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with Mexican driving laws and parking.