Located on the northeastern corner of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancún is an ever-popular destination for clubbers and beachcombers alike — but that’s not the whole story. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring beautiful tropical nature reserve Parque Kabah downtown, while history buffs have hundreds of fascinating Mayan exhibits to discover at Museo Maya de Cancún. Fresh fish abounds in this coastal paradise, whether it’s savored in simple fashion at thatched snack spots by the beach or five-star restaurants. Water sports are played alongside ancient ruins and archeological sites here, with Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) home to an underwater sculpture museum to promote coral life. If Cancún’s water-borne activities aren’t enough, it’s easy to take a short boat ride to nearby uninhabited island Isla Contoy, which offers excellent birdwatching and hiking trails.

Mexico's second busiest airport, Cancún International Airport (CUN) sits around 20 kilometers from the action in Cancún Centro and Zona Hotelera, which are 15 minutes apart. A taxi to vacation rentals in Cancún will take less than 30 minutes, or you can hop on an airport shuttle. Once you’ve got your bearings, buses and cabs are an easy way to get around — it’s not hard to grab one on central Avenida Tulum. If you’re renting a vehicle, prepare for challenging conditions and traffic within the city, and be very careful if exploring the area on two wheels — with a motor or without.

People flock to Cancún for its pristine, sandy beaches and festive atmosphere. The area enjoys 250 days of sunshine every year, and the balmy winter climate tempts visitors looking to escape the chill in cooler countries. The ocean is warm enough for swimming and water sports all year round, but the mercury hits its highest from December to April. Be prepared for the risk of tropical storms and even hurricanes in the fall.

For sports fans, spending a fun-filled night at the ballpark with a baseball game between March and September is another great activity Cancún has to offer. The world-famous Day of the Dead festival takes place at the end of October, as families gather to celebrate and commemorate loved ones.

Parque de las Palapas

When temperatures start to dip in the evenings, head to this residential neighborhood to take in some live music and get a sense of all the tasty local street food there is to try. A quiet square by day, Parque de las Palapas fills with vendors selling homemade treats, crafts, and garments made with time-honored techniques when the sun goes down.

Marquesitas

After a long sunset stroll along the shoreline, there’s nothing better than tucking into this popular local treat. Marquesitas are made by cooking a crisp, crepe-like shell, which is filled and shaped to create a snack resembling a rolled-up waffle cone. There is chocolate and cheese in the traditional version and if you’re new to marquesitas, you just may become a convert.

Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)

Originally created to protect local reefs, this underwater museum draws in aquatic aficionados with exhibits for a range of abilities, with the snorkeling-only Punta Nizuc gallery, zones perfectly set up for newcomers to diving, and a glass-bottomed boat to take in the sights without getting your feet wet.