Things to do in Cancun

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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 which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a beach

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 featuring general coastal views, a beach and swimming

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, a sandy beach and general coastal views

What to do in Cancun

Popular places to visit

La Isla Shopping Mall

La Isla Shopping Mall

4/5(32 reviews)

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
Playa Delfines which includes tropical scenes, general coastal views and a beach

Delfines Beach

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Catch some waves or just escape the crowds at this peaceful beach that's long been a firm favorite with locals.

Delfines Beach
Iberostar Cancun Golf Course

Iberostar Cancun Golf Course

4.5/5(3 reviews)

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 lively bars.

Iberostar Cancun Golf Course
Playa Linda which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Playa Tortugas

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Watch fishermen unload their catches at the marina, mingle with locals or just watch the ferries come and go; downtown Cancun’s closest beach buzzes with activity.

Playa Tortugas
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
Playa Langosta featuring general coastal views, a beach and swimming

Langosta Beach

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Take the kids for a swim or eat the local cuisine while you relax on the sandy shores of this picturesque beach.

Langosta Beach
Playa Tortuga featuring a coastal town, swimming and a bay or harbour

Tortuga Beach

4/5(22 reviews)

Cancun’s best all-round beach serves up excellent swimming, diving and local entertainment.

Tortuga Beach
Gaviota Azul Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and swimming

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

Hotel Zone Beaches

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Hotel Zone Beaches during your trip to Avenida Kukulkan? Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Hotel Zone Beaches

Areas of Cancun

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

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 featuring a pool, tropical scenes and a sunset

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 El Niño Beach 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

Punta Sam

Punta Sam

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.

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