11 fun things to do in Cancun's hotel zone

The weather is balmy, the waters are unbelievably clear, and there’s a hint of mystery in the air—welcome to Cancun. While the coastal city has a downtown area, you’re likely to spend most of your time chilling by the beach in the lively Hotel Zone. Also known as Zona Hotelera, this narrow strip surrounded by the Caribbean Sea is home to Cancun’s best hotels, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Here's our list of the best things to do in Cancun's Hotel Zone.

Catered towards solo travelers or spring breakers, the aptly named Fiesta Party Hostel is where the party goes on all night. You’ll leave your stay with friendships and memories that will last for a lifetime.

Fan the flames of romance at this luxurious adults-only resort. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun promises an incredible holiday with butler services, steam rooms, and a spectacular ocean view.

Experience a premium location without hurting your wallet at Hotel NYX Cancun. This cozy resort offers uninterrupted views of the Nichupte Lagoon and stellar service from its friendly staff. Choose Hotel NYX’s package if you’d like to enjoy in-house dining; otherwise, you’re free to explore other restaurants in the Hotel Zone.

For a casual bite, head to El Granero, a laidback gastropub that offers hearty Mexican food and flame-grilled dishes. With friendly servers, lots of cocktails, and what travelers have dubbed “the best tacos ever,” what more can you ask for?

Maki Taco is an exciting introduction to Mexican-Japanese fusion food. Dishes come in tasting portions, so you’ll get to try as many eclectic recipes as possible. Who knew sushi and sriracha could go so well together?

For a dinner with a view, sink your teeth into the catch of the day while seated right on the water at NAVÍOS Mexican Fusion Seafood. Working with local Mexican ingredients, Navíos crafts a gastronomic experience just as thrilling as the Caribbean Sea it’s surrounded by.

Have your pick of surf and turf at Harry’s with juicy steaks cooked to perfection and oysters fresh from the sea. After your meal, take a stroll around the elegant restaurant’s lush surroundings—there’s even a deck leading out to sea.

Mandala Beach Club, or MB as it's known fondly by the locals, has everything you can expect from a VIP beach club. Lounge on a Balinese bed, have a dip in the jacuzzi, or simply admire the sea while savoring a freshly prepared cocktail.

As the sun sinks down into the sea right before your eyes, enjoy an exquisite dinner to the soundtrack of live music at Doble B Bar Cancun. Linger after dark, and this classy restaurant morphs into an all-out Ibiza party, with thumping beats, strobe lights, and flaming shots.

Cancun’s most famous club, Coco Bongo Cancun, is Mexico’s answer to the Cirque du Soleil. Skip the notoriously long lines with this priority VIP pass that also promises the best seats. Get ready for flying acrobats, bar top conga lines, and an all-night fiesta.

Mandala Cancun takes the party to the next level with its themed events. The music always hits the right spot, and the open bar is ideal for spring breakers looking to have a good time.

With clean golden sand, the iconic Cancun sign, and a sweeping view of the Caribbean, Playa Delfines is the spot for a postcard picture of Cancun. While the waves are rougher here, you can spend your time sprawled on the soft sand or nestled under a shaded palapa. Admission, parking, and outdoor showers are all free at this public beach.

For a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, visit Playa Caracol. This small ribbon of sand beside the Riu Palace Peninsula hotel is well-suited for a beachside stroll, and the waters are also safe enough for you to swim or snorkel.

Jump off the pier at Playa Tortugas into the inviting blue sea—its shallow, calm waters are especially suited for kids or new swimmers. This is also where you’ll board the ferry to Isla Mujeres, or if you’re up for a luxury sailing adventure, a state-of-the-art catamaran with an open bar.

The white sandy beach of Playa Chac Mool stretches on for miles, and visitors can enjoy their pick of bars and restaurants within walking distance. For a DIY beach club experience, grab some snacks from a nearby convenience store, rent a lounge chair, and listen to the sound of the crashing waves.

La Isla Shopping Village is a shopaholic’s fantasy in an open-air Venetian-style lagoon. Visit your classic luxury boutiques or venture to the Mayan artisan center for local souvenirs. With an Interactive Aquarium, a ferris wheel, and a chocolate factory, your little ones will stay entertained while you shop.

Kukulcan Plaza also has a range of shops and restaurants but it’s the Soriana supermarket that really steals the show. Come here for fresh produce and other essentials, including a juice bar.

At the very edge of the Hotel Zone is the Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center, a giant complex that houses a movie theater, food court, gym, and mid- to high-end boutiques. This pet-friendly mall is situated right by the marina, so you can grab a bite as the yachts sail past.

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is located 15 miles away from the Cancun International Airport. Depending on which method of transportation you choose, the journey can take as little as 30 minutes. If your hotel doesn’t provide a shuttle service, here are your other options:

For a comfortable and seamless trip to the Hotel Zone, services like Cancun Airport Transportation and USA Transfers provide private shuttles straight to your hotel lobby. We recommend making an advance reservation to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. It will cost around $55 for a round trip, for up to four people.

You won’t find any “regular” taxis at the Cancun Airport. Instead, there are airport-regulated taxis whose drivers have been pre-authorized to take you to your hotel. Check for an ID or badge to avoid boarding an illegal taxi, which will usually charge exorbitant rates. A normal taxi into the Hotel Zone should go for around $25.

The affordable public bus service run by ADO only stops at Downtown Cancun. After you disembark at Cancun Centro, you’ll have to transfer services in order to make your way to Hotel Zone’s main street, Avenida Kukulkan. The whole journey will only cost you around $10.

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