Things to do in Cancun

Activities, attractions and tours

Cancun showing a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Hotel Zone featuring swimming, landscape views and a beach
Cancun
Hotel Zone which includes a pool, a sunset and general coastal views
Cancun featuring night scenes, a pool and a luxury hotel or resort
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Top places to visit

1. Delfines Beach

Playa Delfines, or Dolphin Beach, is a truly beautiful place. The wide strip of light sand appears to stretch on for miles, contrasting with that particular kind of blue that you only find in the Caribbean Sea. Amazingly for a place like this, it's not difficult to find yourself a quiet spot, and with lifeguards to keep an eye on the little ones in the controlled swimming area, you can really put your feet up and enjoy the peaceful lapping of the waves.
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Delfines Beach showing general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

2. Langosta Beach

Playa Langosta, or Lobster Beach, is a tranquil stretch of sand which still has something of the allure of the old Cancun, Cancun before the tourism industry took off. It’s a lovely place to spend the day, whether you want to sunbathe, roll around in the white sand, or hang out with the locals and jump off the pier.
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Langosta Beach showing swimming, general coastal views and a sandy beach

3. 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 showing swimming, general coastal views and tropical scenes

4. Playa Tortugas

With its promenade located at the point where the Caribbean and Laguna Nichupte meet, Playa Linda, which translates as "Pretty Beach", is a popular place for locals to come and pass the time. It is also one of the area's main departure points for chartered boat tours and ferry crossings. Cancun’s famous rotating viewpoint is found here too, which is well worth a visit in its own right.
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Linda Beach which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Tortuga Beach

Playa Tortugas, or Turtle Beach, is definitely up there with Cancun's most popular beaches. There's always a festival atmosphere here and, with the possibility of joining in on the beach volleyball games on the beautiful white sands, cooling off in the turquoise sea and then winding down at one of cocktail bars, small wonder that this is a firm favourite among tourists. The host of other activities on offer, including bungy jumping, attract numerous people here too.
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Tortuga Beach showing swimming, general coastal views and a coastal town

What to do in Cancun

Popular places to visit

La Isla Shopping Mall

La Isla Shopping Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit La Isla Shopping Mall, a favourite shopping spot in Avenida Kukulkan. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or visit its lively bars.

La Isla Shopping Mall
Delfines Beach showing general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Delfines Beach

The white sands and turquoise waters of this picture-postcard Caribbean coast are just a short drive from Cancun.

Delfines Beach
Langosta Beach showing swimming, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Langosta Beach

Enjoy the sun and have a splash at this family-friendly Cancun beach.

Langosta Beach
Iberostar Cancun Golf Course

Iberostar Cancun Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Avenida Kukulkan at Iberostar Cancun Golf Course. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Iberostar Cancun Golf Course
Gaviota Azul Beach showing swimming, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Gaviota Azul Beach

Join the beachgoers that flock to the soft sand, shallow water and beach clubs in the heart of Cancún’s Hotel Zone.

Gaviota Azul Beach
Linda Beach which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Playa Tortugas

Take a stroll along the promenade and watch the Caribbean Sea collide with Cancun's Laguna Nichupte.

Playa Tortugas
Tortuga Beach showing swimming, general coastal views and a coastal town

Tortuga Beach

Dive into the action along the turquoise waters of Cancun's number one party beach.

Tortuga Beach
Riviera Cancun Golf Resort

Riviera Cancun Golf Resort

Enjoy a round of golf in Cancun at Riviera Cancun Golf Resort. Discover the breathtaking sunrises and lively bars in this family-friendly area.

Riviera Cancun Golf Resort
Forum Beach

Forum Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Forum Beach during your travels in Avenida Kukulkan? Stroll along the seaside or experience the entertainment choices in this relaxing area.

Forum Beach

Areas of Cancun

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

Zona Hotelera

4/5(130 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 a pool, a sunset and general coastal views

Punta Cancun

While visiting Punta Cancun, you might make a stop by sights like Forum Beach and Chac Mool Beach.

Punta Cancun
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Downtown Cancun

4/5(26 area reviews)

Downtown Cancun is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Plaza 28 and Cancun Mall.

Downtown Cancun
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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 water parks are top of the list for many visitors to Puerto Juarez. A stop by Ultramar Ferry Puerto Juárez or Arrecife El Meco Underwater Museum might round out your trip.

Puerto Juarez
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Avenida Tulum

The pristine beaches and ample 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
Photo by Aurélie Gonzalo

Alfredo V. Bonfil

Frequently asked questions

Is Cancun worth visiting?
Offering a blend of history and surfing, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun. While you're here, head to Gaviota Azul Beach, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Cancun?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Gaviota Azul Beach and Forum Beach, spend some time enjoying Cancun's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cancun?
The top tourist attraction in Cancun is Gaviota Azul Beach, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Cancun?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, like Arrecife El Meco Underwater Museum, Escénica Tower and Teatro de Cancún. The average stay in Cancun is four days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Avenida Kukulkan isn't far away.
Is Cancun a walkable city?
With major attractions like Xbalamqué Theatre nearby, Cancun is very much a place to explore on foot. Like to discover some cool neighbourhoods within walking distance of the city centre? Avenida Tulum is around 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Cancun with kids?
Planning what to do in Cancun with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Cancun for adults?
Tequila Museum and Oasis Arena are just a couple of the things to do in Cancun. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Cancun?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Cancun. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Mercado 23 is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.