Mexico Has the Most Blue Flag Beaches in North America

"Counted among the only two Blue Flag beaches in the U.S., this shoreline meets the Blue Flag standard—a "voluntary award for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats" requiring a "series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria." The designation entails public-facing obligations such as displaying water quality, maintaining cleanliness and trash receptacles, providing "an adequate number of toilet or restroom facilities," offering environmental education, and ensuring "free access must be granted to the public." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines