Top 5 Destinations for Cinco de Mayo: Where to Go for the Ultimate Fiesta

Cinco de Mayo might commemorate a historic Mexican military victory, but for many, it’s become a celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine, and community. Whether you're chasing authentic traditions in Mexico or looking for U.S. cities that throw the biggest fiestas, these destinations bring the energy, the eats, and the mariachi beats.

Here are five cities where you can party, explore, and maybe even score an open seat—plus hotel picks for every budget.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

It’s not the biggest Cinco de Mayo celebration—but it’s the ultimate cultural immersion.

Surprise: Cinco de Mayo isn’t a huge deal in most parts of Mexico—but Mexico City still offers a rich cultural backdrop and smaller events. What makes it our #1 pick? It’s the perfect base for a quick trip to Puebla (see #5), and the city itself offers museums, historic sites, and arguably the best street food in the hemisphere.

For airline staff, Mexico City is a nonrev-friendly hub with plenty of hotel and flight options.

• Fly into: Mexico City International Airport (MEX).

• Getting to the City: Grab an authorized taxi or use Uber.

• Ideal Stay: 3–5 days to explore CDMX and take a day trip to Puebla.

• Standby Likelihood: Flights into MEX are frequent—check routes through major U.S. hubs like DFW, IAH, or LAX.

• Sofitel Mexico City Reforma ($$$) – Luxe views, rooftop drinks, and walkable to top attractions.

• Hotel Histórico Central ($$) – A charming boutique hotel with complimentary breakfast and coffee service.

• Casa Pepe Hostel ($) – Clean, safe, and social—with daily activities and rooftop views.

2. Denver, Colorado, USA

A surprising contender with one of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the country.

Denver’s “Celebrate Culture” Cinco de Mayo Festival brings over 400,000 people to Civic Center Park each year. Think: lowrider shows, taco competitions, Chihuahua races (yes, really), and live entertainment from regional Mexican bands.

The Mile High City brings heart and culture—and bonus, it’s often easier to nonrev into than coastal cities.

• Fly into: Denver International Airport (DEN).

• Getting to the City: The A Line train takes about 40 minutes downtown.

• Ideal Stay: 2–3 days to enjoy the festival and sample Denver’s growing food scene.

• Standby Likelihood: Solid availability most of the time—especially early morning departures.

• The Maven Hotel ($$$) – A boutique stay in the hip Dairy Block, steps from Union Station.

• The Curtis Denver ($$) – Funky and fun with themed rooms and a prime downtown location.

• 11th Avenue Hostel ($) – Affordable and newly renovated with both dorms and private rooms.

3. Los Angeles, California, USA

Big city, bigger party—L.A. throws down hard for Cinco de Mayo.

From East L.A.’s cultural celebrations to the massive Fiesta Broadway downtown (one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the U.S.), L.A. embraces its Mexican-American heritage with pride. Expect food trucks, live music, carnival rides, and even lucha libre wrestling.

Plus, the city's taco scene alone makes it worth the trip.

• Fly into: LAX, BUR, or LGB.

• Getting to the City: Use the Metro or rideshare; traffic can be wild.

• Ideal Stay: 3–4 days to explore the festivals and neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and Olvera Street.

• Standby Likelihood: LAX offers tons of flights, but try BUR or LGB for easier clears and shorter TSA lines.

• Hotel Figueroa ($$$) – A stylish hotel near downtown with an artsy vibe and historic roots.

• Freehand Los Angeles ($$) – Hip, affordable, and walkable to major events, with a rooftop pool.

• HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel ($) – Great for beach-lovers, with easy Metro access to downtown.

4. San Diego, California, USA

California cool meets border-town fiesta flair.

San Diego’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations center around Old Town, where the city puts on a massive three-day festival with mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, local artisans, and authentic Mexican eats. It’s festive without being overwhelming, and the beach is never far away.

It’s also a great city to chill post-celebration—surf by day, taco truck by night.

• Fly into: San Diego International Airport (SAN).

• Getting to the City: The airport is minutes from downtown—grab a rideshare or use the trolley.

• Ideal Stay: 2–3 days to party and hit the beach.

• Standby Likelihood: SAN can get tight during weekends—look for connections via PHX or LAX if needed.

• Pendry San Diego ($$$) – Trendy and upscale in the Gaslamp Quarter with a rooftop pool.

• Hotel Republic San Diego ($$) – A stylish Marriott Autograph property with modern decor and a central location.

• Samesun Ocean Beach ($) – A laid-back hostel two blocks from the beach with a social vibe.

5. Puebla, Mexico

The birthplace of Cinco de Mayo—and still the most authentic place to celebrate it.

Cinco de Mayo honors the Battle of Puebla in 1862, so it makes sense that the city of Puebla goes all out. Expect parades, reenactments, traditional music and dance, and food festivals showcasing regional cuisine like mole poblano. This isn’t the touristy version of Cinco de Mayo—it’s the real deal.

If you’re looking for history, culture, and a truly local vibe, Puebla delivers.

• Fly into: Mexico City (MEX) or Puebla (PBC). MEX has more flight options.

• Getting to the City: From MEX, take a 2-hour bus to Puebla.

• Ideal Stay: 3–4 days to enjoy the festivities and explore the historic center.

• Standby Likelihood: MEX is a busy hub, but options are plentiful. Avoid peak late-day arrivals around May 5.

• Cartesiano Urban Wellness Center ($$$) – A sleek, design-forward hotel with rooftop views and a relaxing spa.

• Hotel Casa Reyna ($$) – A charming boutique hotel with traditional architecture and top-rated on-site dining.

• Hostal Casona Poblana ($) – A centrally located hostel in a historic building with friendly vibes and walkable access to the festivities.

What’s your favorite Cinco de Mayo destination?
Let us know where you’ll be celebrating—and if your standby luck holds, maybe we’ll see you there.