Things to do in  Mexico

One of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, Quintana Roo is the gateway to the Mexican Caribbean. Palm-lined beaches, Maya ruins, and family-friendly nature parks characterize this southeastern state, where you can dive or snorkel coral reefs, cool off in ancient cenotes, and party in the nightclubs of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. It’s a short hop across the border to Belize.

Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacán was the metropolis of a mysterious Mesoamerican civilization that believed that the gods were created here. This ancient Mesoamerican city reached its zenith around AD 100. Once the largest city in central Mexico but abandoned centuries before the arrival of the Aztecs, the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Teotihuacán boasts towering pyramids and stone temples with detailed statues and intricate murals.

Housed in Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City birthplace and home, the vibrant, blue-walled Frida Kahlo Museum focuses on the life of the artist, rather than her output. With collections that include the medical equipment she used in day-to-day life, the bed that she began to paint in, and selections from her wardrobe, the museum helps visitors to get a sense of the woman behind the bold and iconic art.

Chichen Itza is among Mexico’s most visited and iconic archaeological sites. Known for its main central pyramid, this impressive Maya attraction—once the ceremonial center of the Yucatán—also features temples, ball courts, and a cenote (freshwater sinkhole). The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular day trip from Cancun and Tulum.

Isla Mujeres (“Island of Women”) is known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. Here you can snorkel at Manchones Reef, scuba dive in the Cave of Sleeping Sharks, or stretch out on the white sands of North Beach (Playa Norte). On land, you’ll find bustling nightlife and oceanside restaurants serving fresh seafood. It is a must-see destination for beach and wildlife lovers.

A signature landmark of Los Cabos, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (El Arco) is a limestone arch carved by water and wind. The natural attraction is found at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas—which itself is at the southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula in the Sea of Cortez. From a distance, the rock formation looks like a dragon; up close, the arch frames sky, sea, and sand.

You'll be reaching for your camera at every turn in Xochimilco to capture its brightly painted flat-bottomed boats called trajineras, traditional chinampas (floating gardens), and a network of flower-perfumed canals. The Mexico City borough is a reminder of the region’s past, when a sophisticated network of canals connected the city for trade and transport purposes.

The Bahia de Cabo San Lucas (Bay of Cabo San Lucas) is the cape’s hub for water sports and beach activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, waterskiing, parasailing, and more. Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the bay is lined with scenic stretches of sand and swimmable beaches, with Medano Beach being the safest and most popular in Cabo San Lucas.

Fortified walls are set with vibrant stained-glass windows, while the internal gardens are laid out in precise, geometric patterns at this imposing Mexico City castle. Today, the structure is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and artwork that offer insight into Mexico’s history, and new beauty waits around every corner.

Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s oldest districts, is alive with color and culture. Centered around twin plazas perfect for people watching—Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario—Coyoacán is characterized by museums, quaint cobblestone streets, and roadside churro vendors.

More than just one church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an expansive site on the edges of Mexico City, containing shrines, museums, and chapels. From the sweeping green copper roof of the modern basilica to the small, unique Capilla del Pocito (Chapel of the Well), the complex sprang up around the spot where the Virgen de Guadalupe is said to have appeared multiple times to a devout peasant.

With white sand, jade-colored water, and a secluded location at Land’s End, it’s no surprise that the postcard-ready Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) has a reputation for inspiring romance. Granite rock formations frame the beautiful scene, and since the beach faces the relatively calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, it’s ideal for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding right off the shore.

Like most boardwalks, Puerto Vallarta’s promenade, known as El Malecon, is dotted with sightseeing opportunities, cafes, shops, galleries, and performers. Overlooking the Bay of Banderas, the mile-long stretch offers scenic views during the day. And in the evening, the waterfront nightclubs and discos open their doors to party-seeking locals and visitors.

With unparalleled access to the Caribbean Sea and all of its bounty, a trip to Xcaret is a must when visiting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Snorkeling, ziplining, river rafting, exploring underwater rivers, and hiking tropical trails through jungle ruins are all options within this natural adventure park, which gives fast access to many of Cancun’s greatest attractions.

Home to the largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts on the planet, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is the most visited museum in Mexico City. Comprising more than 600,000 artifacts, highlights of the museum’s collection include the colossal Aztec Piedra del Sol (Stone of the Sun) and a 16th-century Xochipilli statue that depicts the Aztec god of art in a state of ecstasy.