Oaxaca City or the Oaxacan coast — which should you prioritise?
Oaxaca City is food, culture and rhythm; the coast is beach, surf, heat and looser logistics. Combine them only when you have time for the transfer, because the map makes the coast look closer than it feels.
Answer
Oaxaca City and the Oaxacan coast should not be treated as one simple stop. The city is dense, walkable and food-led, with markets, mezcal, galleries and Monte Albán close enough to shape several days. The coast is slower, hotter and more beach-dependent, with Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite each pulling a different kind of traveller. The transfer between them matters. If your trip is short, choose the version you actually want. If you have enough days, combine them deliberately and do not expect the coast to behave like a casual afternoon extension.