32 Mexico States: From Baja to Yucatán and Everywhere in Between

This small state in central Mexico has colonial architecture and the famous weeks-long San Marcos Fair. Its state capital, also named Aguascalientes, is a hub for cultural events.

Located on the Pacific Coast, Baja California has a sizable wine country, mostly in Valle de Guadalupe, where there are about 100 wineries. The border city of Tijuana is its largest city. It's a key region for commerce and tourism.

The southern half of the Baja Peninsula, this state is famous for its pristine beaches, marine life and tourist destinations like Los Cabos. Its state capital, La Paz, is a picturesque coastal city.

A state along the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche has well-preserved colonial architecture and lush jungles that house Maya ruins.

Located in the southern region of Mexico, Chiapas is where you can find Palenque and stunning natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon. This state borders Guatemala, a country in Central America.

By area, Chihuahua is one of the largest of the Mexican states. Its largest city is Ciudad Juárez, a major border city.

Situated in northern Mexico, Coahuila has archaeological sites featuring dinosaur fossils.

This small state on the Pacific Coast has picturesque beaches and the active Colima Volcano. Its state capital, Colima City, is a charming urban hub.

Famous for its rugged terrain, Durango was a key filming location for many Western movies.

This central Mexican state played a major role in the Mexican Revolution. It has colorful cityscapes and silver mines.

Toluca is the capital of the Estado de Mexico, located in central Mexico.

Located along the Pacific Coast, Guerrero is home to Acapulco, one of Mexico's tourist hotspots, as well as the city of Taxco, known for its silver jewelry.

In Hidalgo, you'll find the Tula archaeological site and thermal springs. Its capital city, Pachuca, shares something in common with Chicago: They're both the "Windy City."

Known for mariachi music and tequila, Jalisco is home to major cities like Guadalajara, its state capital, which is a cultural and economic hub.

Once known as the Federal District, Mexico City is both the capital city of the nation and its cultural and political heart. This densely populated metropolis is one of the largest in the world and houses the federal government.

Famous for its monarch butterfly reserves and Day of the Dead celebrations, Michoacán is a vibrant state.

Small but significant, Morelos has historic ties to the Mexican Revolution.

Located on the Pacific Coast, Nayarit boasts beautiful beaches, the Riviera Nayarit and the volcanic Islas Marietas.

Known for its industrial and automotive sectors, Nuevo León's largest city, Monterrey, is a hub for business and innovation.

Renowned for its Indigenous cultures, Oaxaca has a renowned cuisine and features much natural beauty, from its mountain ranges to its coastal plains.

Located in central Mexico, Puebla is famous for its colonial architecture, mole poblano, and the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

This state's historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Quintana Roo is a top destination for tourism thanks to its stunning beaches and Maya ruins.

San Luis Potosí is in central Mexico. A notable area is Huasteca Potosina, which features waterfalls, rivers and tropical landscapes.

Famous for its seafood cuisine and banda music, Sinaloa is also a major agricultural producer.

A desert state bordering the U.S., Sonora has beautiful beaches and a thriving cattle industry.

Tabasco is rich in natural resources and famous for its tropical climate and connection to Olmec culture.

A key border state, Tamaulipas is an oil producer.

The smallest state in Mexico, Tlaxcala hosts colorful festivals.

Within this coastal state, you'll find the largest city of Veracruz, which is home to a large Afro-Mexican population.

Famous for the ancient city of Chichen Itza and its vibrant Maya culture, Yucatán is a must-visit for history buffs.

Known for its silver mines and colonial architecture, Zacatecas played a significant role in Mexico's economic history.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.