The closest beach to Oaxaca is Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast, about 166 miles away. The drive takes about 5 hours over winding mountain roads with breathtaking views of the Oaxaca countryside. Puerto Escondido is a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers thanks to its world-class waves and laid-back atmosphere. There are also other beaches such as Zipolite, Mazunte, and Huatulco that are a bit further away, but still easily accessible for a day trip.