Cancún Day trips

Cancún may be famous for spring break and bachelor parties, but there’s more to discover than beaches and nightlife. Rich cultural experiences and outdoor adventures await at every turn. Dive into history at the Mayan Museum, kayak through Nichupté Lagoon, or explore the ancient ruins of El Rey Archaeological Zone, one of the top sights in Cancún.

Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches or venture into the jungle, this is your ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Cancún.

Cancún’s top places to visit at a glance

The top sights in Cancún for history lovers: Mayan Museum of Cancún and El Rey Archaeological Zone.
Best places to visit in Cancún with kids: Punto Cancún Lighthouse and Playa Tortugas.
Top Cancún attractions for nature lovers: La Ruta de los Cenotes, Isla Mujeres, Playa Delfines and Nichupté Lagoon.

With its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Cancún is more than just a resort destination when you’re traveling solo. Spend your mornings exploring ancient Mayan ruins, afternoons snorkeling through underwater sculpture gardens, and evenings tasting street tacos at local mercados (markets).

There are plenty of things to do alone in Cancún, whether you’re island-hopping to Isla Mujeres, joining a cooking class to master traditional Yucatecan dishes, or discovering hidden cenotes (natural sinkholes with water). From peaceful public beaches overlooking the Caribbean Sea to vibrant mercados where locals gather, here are the best activities for solo travelers in Cancún.

When you think of food in Cancún, your mind likely goes to tacos. While this beloved street food has been one of Mexico’s greatest gifts to the culinary world, there are many more must-eat dishes you’ll want to explore.

The cuisine of the Yucatán Peninsula is both infused with Mayan traditions and influenced by foreign flavors. From slow-roasted pork the Mayans once cooked in underground pits to Dutch cheese stuffed with a hearty meat filling, find your new favorite Mexican dish with this guide to the best food in Cancún.

Cancún might have a reputation as a raucous party destination, but there’s more than what meets the eye in the cultural hub of Quintana Roo. The best neighborhoods in Cancún host a wonderful jumble of honeymooners, spring breakers, families, and solo-travelers, all looking for sun, sand, and surf. Discover neighborhoods in the heart of town and in far-flung corners of the coast. From the street-art bedecked El Centro to the vibrant nightlife of the Hotel Zone and castaway beaches of Playa Mujeres, there’s something for everyone.