Things to do in Cancun

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Cancun which includes a sandy beach, landscape views and general coastal views
Hotel Zone which includes swimming, landscape views and a sandy beach
Cancun
Hotel Zone which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a pool
Cancun featuring night scenes, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

Cancun Attractions

When you hear about vacations to Cancun, visions of spring breakers may dance in your head. However, while this Mexican destination is certainly popular among college kids, there are plenty of reasons for other types of travelers to visit. Things to do in Cancun extend well beyond the beach, and include such unique experiences as visiting a turtle farm and taking a jeep tour through the jungle. Whether you are looking for a couples getaway, family trip, or vacation with friends — Cancun is a destination worth putting on your short list.



Cancun must see attractions

1. Delfines Beach

This quiet beach is the perfect location for all kinds of beach lovers. Playa Delfines’ wide, sandy shores are expansive, and seem to stretch for miles. You’ll have no problem finding a quiet spot on this beach, despite it being a popular destination. Catch a few waves, or swim with the kids in the lifesaver-patrolled area. Fringed by Cancun’s dazzling turquoise waters, and with no hotels in the immediate vicinity, Playa Delfines provides the laid-back beach experience that many come to Cancun in search of.
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Playa Delfines showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes

2. Playa Tortugas

The promenade of Linda Beach marks the meeting point of the Caribbean Sea and the freshwater lagoon on which Cancun is built, Laguna Nichupte. This beach is the departure point for many charter boat and ferry operations and is the site of Cancun’s iconic rotating scenic tower.
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Cancun Playa Tortugas beach in Mexico

3. Langosta Beach

A favorite beach for the local residents of Cancun, this tranquil stretch of coast retains much of Cancun’s pre-tourism charm. Relax in the sun on Playa Langosta’s warm sand, or join locals as they jump from the pier. Playa Langosta is steadily attracting more foreign visitors and is home to a number of excellent bars and restaurants. The water is safe and shallow, and as the beach gets few waves, it is an excellent spot for families.
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Playa Langosta showing general coastal views, swimming and a sandy beach

4. Tortuga Beach

Playa Tortugas is one of Cancun’s most popular public beaches, offering a festive culture that has been carefully tailored to tourists. Just a short trip from the downtown area, the beach is crowded with people from all walks of life. The atmosphere is exciting, and this is the place to be if you are chasing the Cancun party experience. Play beach volleyball, or jump off the pier with the locals before relaxing with a cocktail. Playa Tortugas is an excellent beach for water activities, and offers snorkeling, swimming and bungee jumping.
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Turtle Beach Playa Tortuga at Tulum Ruins in Mexico

5. Gaviota Azul Beach

Gaviota Azul Beach (Playa Gaviota Azul) is one of the most popular public beaches in Cancún. Catch some rays and spot fish while bathing in the crystalline Caribbean Sea. Dance to Latin rhythms at beachside bars and go for uninterrupted walks along miles of coastline. Gaviota Azul Beach takes its name from the many seagull (gaviota) that can be seen flying above the shoreline.
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Gaviota Azul Beach which includes swimming, tropical scenes and general coastal views

What to do in Cancun

Free Things to Do in Cancun

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Cancun:

Tecnologic Stadium - If you'd like to turn up the fun factor during your vacation, this is a great place to do it.

Benito Juarez Municipal Building - Architecture enthusiasts will no doubt enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Mercado 23 - Speak to a few locals and find out why many tourists visit this place.

Cristo Rey Church - Take some time for a bit of meditation or prayer at this revered sacred site.

Las Perlas Beach - Inhale the ocean air and watch the waves lapping at the shore at this gorgeous coastal spot.

Yamil Lu'um Archaeological Zone - Let the natural surrounds here ease your soul.

Las Palapas Park - Whether you can distinguish your daffodils from daisies, it's easy to find beauty in this stunning display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Cancun

While Cancun’s landscape is largely replete with palm trees and sand, there are still a few diverse neighborhoods in this Yucatán Peninsula city. Whether you want to mingle with other tourists or enjoy a bit more of a secluded locale, you can find somewhere to hang out in Cancun.

Isla Mujeres — This small island is less than 10 miles from the north coast of Cancun, and it provides some tranquil space for travelers seeking rest and relaxation. Instead of thumping nightclubs and dance parties, this region is known for golf cart transportation and lots of seafood.

Hotel Zone — Lots of the resorts and accommodations in Cancun can be found on Boulevard Kukulcán, which is also known as the Hotel Zone. The area spans more than 15 miles and affords easy access to beaches and restaurants by foot.

El Centro — Downtown Cancun, also called El Centro, affords a taste of local culture not available in tourist hot spots like the Hotel Zone. Small restaurants and Mayan ruins are just some of the sites in this part of the Cancun activities found here.

Things to See in Cancun

Before you break out your boogie board, remember that there are plenty of things to see in Cancun. In fact, Cancun excursions often yield some excellent photo opportunities. Head to El Rey Ruins in the Hotel Zone for the chance to see a bit of interesting ancient architecture and a whole lot of iguanas. Hundreds of reptiles have made the ruins home, and they’re not camera shy. You may also want to take in a sunset from Playa Delfines, where the views are picturesque and you won’t have to share them with hundreds of other tourists.

Sightseeing in Cancun

Things to do in Cancun, Mexico span across land and sea. If you’re a landlubber, head to one of the resort’s golf courses or take a stroll through the interactive aquarium. If you want to get your feet wet, Cancun water adventures range from sailing and snorkeling to more adventurous sports like parasailing and scuba diving. Of course, the nightclub scene in Cancun is also alive and well, so you have plenty to do in the evening hours. If you can’t decide what to see, Cancun tours will get you off to a good start.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Cancun

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Cancun

Escenica Tower which includes a beach, a luxury hotel or resort and general coastal views

Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(19,550 area reviews)

Relax on white-sand beaches or poolside at luxury hotels, dive at an underwater museum, swim with dolphins and visit archaeological ruins.

Zona Hotelera
Hotel Zone which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a pool

Punta Cancun

If you're spending some time in Punta Cancun, Forum Beach and Chac Mool Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Punta Cancun
Mexico and Central America which includes music, nightlife and night scenes

Downtown Cancun

4/5(767 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
La Isla shopping mall! Has some great attractions with a wide range of places to eat!

La Isla

If you're spending some time in La Isla, La Isla Shopping Mall and Isla Dorada are top sights worth seeing.

La Isla
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Puerto Juarez

The pristine beaches and fun-filled waterparks are top of the list for many visitors to Puerto Juarez. A stop by Ultramar Ferry Puerto Juárez or El Niño Beach might round out your trip.

Puerto Juarez
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Avenida Tulum

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Avenida Tulum. A stop by Royal Yak Casino and Sports Book or Ceviche Square might round out your trip.

Avenida Tulum

 

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Popular day trips from Cancun

Frequently asked questions

Is Cancun worth visiting?
Providing a blend of history and surfing, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun. While you're here, visit Gaviota Azul Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Cancun?
Start your adventures with a visit to Gaviota Azul Beach and Forum Beach. Then, explore different areas of Cancun for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cancun?
Gaviota Azul Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Cancun and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cancun?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city sights, such as Arrecife El Meco Underwater Museum, Teatro de Cancún and Escénica Tower. The average stay in Cancun is four days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Avenida Kukulkan isn't far away.
Is Cancun a walkable city?
It all depends on what you plan to see and do in Cancun. Several must-visit attractions, including Xbalamqué Theater, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a stroll around one of Cancun's vibrant neighborhoods, Avenida Tulum is 2 miles away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Cancun with kids?
What to do in Cancun for adults?
Tequila Museum and Oasis Arena are just a couple of the things to do in Cancun. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Cancun?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Cancun is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Mercado 23 is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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