Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Soft sands, sapphire waves, zesty cuisine, ancient civilizations - finding a reason to travel to Mexico isn't difficult. However, picking the perfect place to spend your summer vacation is another task altogether.

To help you choose your Mexico vacation destination, U.S. News and World Report has compiled a list of the country's best places to find beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and worthwhile cultural attractions.

U.S. News considered these factors, along with insight from industry experts and traveler votes, to list the top 10 spots for everything from Mayan archaeological sites to tranquil waterfronts - and Puerto Vallarta made the list!

U.S. News Travel's Top 10 Place to Visit in Mexico:

#1 Playa del Carmen
"Playa" boasts a hip food scene and an even hipper bar culture — that is, if you can tear yourself away from the sand. The nearby community of Playacar is also helping to distinguish the area as a great golf getaway.

#2 Oaxaca
Situated 5,000 feet above sea level, this colonial city is centered around a traditional town square and surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Mexican cuisine, vibrant markets and native customs make Oaxaca ideal for immersion in the country's culture.

#3 Cozumel
This Yucatán island is probably best known for two things: coral reefs and cruise ships. But Cozumel is also a quiet spot to learn about Mayan culture. The island's San Gervasio and El Cedral ruins are just a couple can't-miss sites here.

#4 Tulum
Once renowned for its Mayan ruins, today Tulum is the new frontier of Riviera Maya beaches. And luckily, the area hasn't succumbed to the mega-resort influences that have overtaken Cancún, Cabo and parts of Playa del Carmen. But hurry up: This off-the-beaten path spot won't stay secret for long.

#5 Guadalajara
One of Mexico's largest cities, Guadalajara has all of the draws of an urban getaway — diverse dining, an abundance of museums, plentiful cultural sites and a buzzing nightlife. And given that both Mariachi and tequila were born in Guadalajara, you'll experience modern local charms with twists of tradition.

#6 Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta gets more rave reviews than most other Mexican vacation spots. The blend of excellent beaches, authentic regional cuisine and its quaint setting sets "PV" apart from Cancún, Cabo San Lucas and other packaged tourist centers.

#7 Zihuatanejo
With secluded sands, brilliant sunsets and laid-back vibes, Zihuatanejo offers an authentic experience that sets it apart from its Mexican Riviera peers. Here, divers and snorkelers can pick from more than 30 dive sites, while foodies indulge in fresh fish tacos and ceviche along the beach.

#8 Mazatlan
After falling off the tourist map in the 1970s and '80s, Mazatlán is once again living up to its former glory as an enviable beach getaway renowned for its star-studded shorelines. Meanwhile, the Centro Histórico boasts renovated museums and historic sites.

#9 Cabo San Lucas
Cabo is party central in the Baja peninsula but it's also an enclave of some of Mexico's most luxurious resorts and a haven for lovers of the links. Stay in nearby San José del Cabo if you're looking for some respite from the area's busy beaches and loud parties.

#10 San Miguel de Allende
Strolling along the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, you may think that you've stepped back in time. Here, colonial buildings rub shoulders with trendy galleries and upscale shops. Split your time between beloved sites like the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel church and urban markets.