Things to do in Oaxaca

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Carrizalillo Beach which includes tropical scenes, rocky coastline and general coastal views
Carrizalillo Beach which includes tropical scenes, rocky coastline and general coastal views
Mexico which includes building ruins, desert views and tranquil scenes
Oaxaca which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a beach
Oaxaca showing markets, night scenes and street scenes

Oaxaca Attractions

There are opportunities for fun everywhere you look in Oaxaca. From thrilling activities to interesting tourist attractions, this alluring small city has something for all. Ready to start organizing your itinerary?

Discover the sights of Oaxaca with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {487 fun activities in Oaxaca fun activities in Oaxaca}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel your energy into planning your perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Oaxaca

Tours & day trips

See all 422 activities
Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 122 activities
Kayak Huatulco Sunrise

Kayak Huatulco Sunrise

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $61 per adult*
Kayak Huatulco SunriseOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 115 activities
Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls Tour

Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 28 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $61 per adult
Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 47 activities
Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls Tour

Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours and 30 minutes
9.2 out of 10 with 28 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $61 per adult
Huatulco's Mountain Waterfalls TourOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 34 activities
Dolphin Watching Tour

Dolphin Watching Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $60 per adult
Dolphin Watching TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Oaxaca

Free Things to Do in Oaxaca

A trip to Oaxaca need not cost a fortune. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Centro Fotografico Alvarez Bravo - Chat to the friendly staff and learn about the unique collections held here.

Benito Juarez Autonomous University of Oaxaca - Tour this modern local landmark and take in its impressive design.

Exconvento de San Pablo - Drop by this historic landmark and learn a bit about the cultural heritage of the area.

Zócalo - Learn why locals and travelers alike are drawn to the unique atmosphere of this place.

Montosa Island - Get out of the fast lane and treat yourself to some time out beside the water.

Pochote Organic Market - Chat to a local resident and discover why many travelers swing by this place.

Oaxaca Cathedral - Throw some spirituality into your travels with a stop at this holy site.

Chachacual - Play some games with the youngsters or simply sit back and get some sun at this coastal spot.

Panuelito Garden - Refresh your mind, body and soul by spending a little time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Oaxaca with Kids

There are plenty of outstanding experiences in Oaxaca that the entire gang will enjoy. Here are some of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Oaxaca? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oaxaca

Zicatela Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach bar

Zicatela Beach

4.5/5(52 reviews)

Puerto Escondido’s liveliest beach offers attractions year-round with its big waves, international surf competitions, folk festivals and pulsating nightlife.

Zicatela Beach
Zocalo square and Metropolitan cathedral of Mexico city

Zócalo

4.5/5(369 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Oaxaca with a trip to Zócalo. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Zócalo
If you want to get away from people, there is this little bay in Mazunte. To get there you just have to hike to Punta Cometa, but take a detour and you'll end up here.

Mazunte Beach

4/5(36 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Mazunte Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Mazunte. Take in the entertainment venues and sunrises in the area.

Mazunte Beach
Tangolunda Beach in Huatulco, Oaxaca Mexico

Tangolunda Beach

4.5/5(139 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Tangolunda Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Santa María Huatulco. Discover the entertainment venues in this relaxing area, or seek out its snorkeling spots.

Tangolunda Beach
Chacahua Lagoon National Park showing wetlands and a river or creek

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Go wildlife spotting, relax in the sun on pristine beaches and visit tribal communities while exploring this region of immense biodiversity.

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park
archaeological ruins of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico

Monte Albán

5/5(294 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Oaxaca with a stop at Monte Albán. Make time for the shops and local tours in this culturally rich area.

Monte Albán
#lifeatexpedia #lovemyjob #weloveourmarkets #latam #oaxaca #mexico #green Hundreds of plant species, all of them native to Oaxaca. A magical place!!!

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden

4.5/5(184 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden, a lovely green space in Oaxaca. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden
Quaint!

Benito Juarez Market

4.5/5(298 reviews)

During your visit to Oaxaca, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Benito Juarez Market. You can seek out the local tours in this culturally rich area.

Benito Juarez Market
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Puerto Angel Beach

4.5/5(37 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Puerto Angel Beach during your travels in Puerto Ángel? Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Puerto Angel Beach

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oaxaca

#lifeatexpedia #lovemyjob #weloveourmarkets #latam #oaxaca #mexico #green Hundreds of plant species, all of them native to Oaxaca. A magical place!!!

Oaxaca Centro

4.5/5(695 area reviews)

Discover colonial-era structures and immerse in native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the archeological marvel of Monte Albán and admire the unique green stone architecture.

Oaxaca Centro
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Sector L

While there might not be top attractions in Sector L, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Chahue Beach and El Zócalo.

Sector L
Crucecita

Crucecita

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Crucecita. You might want to make time for a stop at El Zócalo or Mercado Tres de Mayo.

Crucecita
#lifeatexpedia #lovemyjob #weloveourmarkets #latam #oaxaca #mexico #green Hundreds of plant species, all of them native to Oaxaca. A magical place!!!

Ruta Independencia

4/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ruta Independencia, Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden and Jardín Etnobotánico are top sights worth seeing.

Ruta Independencia
La Entrega Beach featuring a beach and landscape views

Santa Cruz

While visiting Santa Cruz, you might make a stop by sights like Playa Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Bay.

Santa Cruz
We have never seen as many dolphins as we did when off the coast of Puerto Escondido. We saw both white tail and spotted, and literally HUNDREDS of them just playing all around us. A morning tour with Deep Blue Divers took us up and down the coastline to see dolphins, sea turtles, and even a 25 ton humpback whale with her baby. For more, including a video and photos of the whale: http://www.hecktictravels.com/whale-watching-in-puerto-escondido

Puerto Escondido Centro

Puerto Escondido Centro is well-liked for its beaches and restaurants. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Zicatela Beach and Puerto Angelito Beach are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Puerto Escondido Centro

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Oaxaca

Oaxaca featuring a garden, a square or plaza and a fountain

Oaxaca

Puerto Escondido which includes tropical scenes, a sandy beach and rugged coastline

Puerto Escondido

Adobe

Salina Cruz

Chahue Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes

Santa María Huatulco

Come really early because it gets filled with people. There are two bays, I recommend the one without rocks. Be careful with boats.

Puerto Ángel

Cool little town next to the sea in Mexico. Very chilled out, not over touristy at all. Great sea life and beach (and we are not beach people!) Lots of dolphins and jumping sea rays on our boat trip.

Mazunte

Mitla... visit Oaxaca

San Pablo Villa de Mitla

Come really early because it gets filled with people. There are two bays, I recommend the one without rocks. Be careful with boats.

San Pedro Pochutla

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Oaxaca on a sunny day?
What to do in Oaxaca on a rainy day?
Throw yourself into a couple of these amazing indoor activities and you'll quickly forget about the damp weather:


Are there cheap things to do in Oaxaca?
What can you do in Oaxaca for free?
Your escape to Oaxaca needn't break the bank with free things like these to keep you busy:

  • Zicatela Beach
  • Zipolite Beach
  • Carrizalillo Beach
  • Huatulco Beach

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