What to Do in Cancun?

Beaches

Get ready to swim in 13 of the most beautiful miles of luxurious beaches. Soft white sand, beautiful teal blue waters, and a cool breeze will welcome you! If you are staying in one of Cancun’s beautiful all-inclusive resorts, you will probably be lucky enough to have direct beach access. If not…don’t fret. There are enough beautiful beaches in Cancun to be able to find the water and sand experience that you are looking for.  

Our favorites

1. Playa Defines is a large and beautiful beach which is a local favorite. SWIMMING IS NOT ADVISED HERE because of the strong currents. If you do swim, be sure there is a lifeguard on duty. It would be a wonderful place for a quiet picnic because of its lack of hotels and resorts. What about a very romantic walk on the beach at sunset? This is also considered to be the “Dolphin Beach.” That’s right….daily sightings of dolphins!

2. Playa Tortugas is the best location for families with kids. Small waves make for great swimming for little beach-goers. One of the drawbacks is that it can get crowded. A nice location, however, for its proximity to oceanfront restaurants.

3. Playa Chac Mool is the best beach for water sport enthusiasts. Here you will find plenty of water rental equipment. It’s the perfect place to dive into the beautiful Caribbean waters! Even if you’re not into water sports, this is a wonderful spot for a quiet afternoon on a sun-kissed beach. The water here is quiet and inviting.

4. Playa Forum is located behind the most popular nightclub of Cancun, the Coco Bongo. This beach is filled with bars and restaurants, boasting a lively “Cancun” atmosphere and beautiful tropical resort setting.

Downtown Cancun

“Ciudad Cancun” or Downtown Cancun will give you a wonderful local culture experience. Unlike the Hotel Zone, you will be met with delicious street food, quaint little shops, green parks and even “Mexican Wrestling!” It is the main residential area for the locals.

“Avenida Tulum” is the main artery in downtown Cancun. It is full of shops and homes and is well worth the walk. Take the #1 bus from the touristy Hotel Zone to experience the real Cancun…where the locals do their grocery and shoe shopping. If you love shoes as much as I do, this is one place you will not want to miss!

The Hotel Zone

The Hotel Zone or “Zona Hotelera” is the main tourist area. It is a 15 mile strip of sand, shaped like the number 7. Kulkukan Boulevard, which is the only road, runs from one end of the Hotel Zone to the other and is lined with restaurants and bars.This is also where most people stay, with the most hotels and all inclusive resorts being on this road, as well as the nightlife and beaches. Nearby, the main branch of the Underwater Museum of Art, or MUSA, showcases marine life interacting with sculptures. Scenic Tower Cancun or Torre Escenica, offers views across the city. It puts you 264 feet above Cancun and gives you a view of the beaches all the way out to Cozumel. For a very dramatic view, visit the Tower at sunset. The enclosed air-conditioned platform slowly rotates as you ascend to the top for a breathtaking view!

Mercado 28

Mercado 28, or Market 28, is easy to reach by bus from the Hotel Zone. It is a giant flea market with 600 vendors that sell  an enormous variety of goods. You can find  handcrafted Mexican souvenirs, and even try your hand at bargaining for a better price. Hungry? You can get a wonderful meal at a fraction of the cost of restaurants in the Hotel Zone.

Zip lining

Zip lining is one of the top adventures in Cancun. The closest theme park where you can enjoy zip lining is Selvatica. They have 10 different zip lines and offer multiple packages. 

Adventure Parks

These parks are FULL of adventure and perfect for anyone, but especially families with kids. Each of the parks offer their own unique experiences and enough activities for the entire day. Check them out here: Xplore, Xcaret, Xel Ha, and Rio Secreto.

Other Activities:

Sunset sailing, whale shark excursions, scubadiving, El Meco Ruins, and Kayak Nichupte Lagoos