Not to miss

Playa Delfines

Delfines is about the only beach with a public car park; unfortunately, its sand is coarser and darker than the exquisite fine sand of the more northerly beaches. On the upside, the beach has great views, there are some nearby Maya Ruins to check out and, as the last beach along the boulevard, it is rarely crowded. Heed the signs regarding swimming conditions as undertows are common here.

Playa Langosta

In the middle of the north end of Zona Hotelera, Playa Langosta is a gem of a place for swimming. Facing Bahía de Mujeres, the beach is coated with Cancún's signature powdered coral sand and the waters are quite shallow, making it good for snorkeling. If you've had enough of the water there are lots of beach restaurants and bars.

Zona Arqueológica El Rey

In the Zona Hotelera, these Maya ruins contain a small temple in addition to several ceremonial platforms. Although the site is not especially impressive, it's still worth a look if only to spy on the sun-seeking iguanas. Kids find these ruins particularly appealing because they are compact and easy to explore, and the local iguana population will readily eat out of bread-bearing little hands.