Things to do in Cancun

Activities, attractions and tours

Cancun featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and general coastal views
Hotel Zone showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and landscape views
Cancun
Hotel Zone showing tropical scenes, a pool and landscape views
Cancun showing a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and night scenes
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
Learn more
Delfines Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes

2. 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.
Learn more
Cancun Playa Tortugas beach in Mexico

3. 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.
Learn more
Langosta Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and swimming

4. 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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Gaviota Azul Beach featuring tropical scenes, a sandy beach and swimming

What to do in Cancun

Popular places to visit

La Isla Shopping Mall

La Isla Shopping Mall

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit La Isla Shopping Mall, a favorite shopping spot in Avenida Kukulkan. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its lively bars.

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

Delfines Beach

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

Delfines 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 lively bars.

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

Playa Tortugas

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

Playa Tortugas
Riviera Cancun Golf Resort

Riviera Cancun Golf Resort

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

Riviera Cancun Golf Resort
Langosta Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and swimming

Langosta Beach

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

Langosta Beach
Tortuga Beach which includes swimming, a bay or harbor and general coastal views

Tortuga Beach

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

Tortuga Beach
Gaviota Azul Beach featuring tropical scenes, swimming and general coastal views

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 featuring general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

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 check out its top-notch restaurants.

Hotel Zone Beaches

Areas of Cancun

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

Zona Hotelera

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 showing tropical scenes, a pool and landscape views

Punta Cancun

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

Punta Cancun
Default Image

Downtown Cancun

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Puerto Morelos which includes boating, tropical scenes and a beach

Puerto Morelos

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

Avenida Kukulkan

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 Theater nearby, Cancun is very much a place to explore on foot. Like to discover some cool neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Avenida Tulum is around 3 kilometers 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 neighborhoods, 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia