9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Cancun

About 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Cancun, Cozumel makes for an easy weekend trip from Cancun. With crystal-clear waters brimming with colorful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life, Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is a top destination to book a scuba diving excursion or join a snorkeling tour for all levels: Snorkeling at El Cielo sandbar is especially pristine.

On dry land, the town of San Miguel is a great starting-off point for your island excursion, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops—as well as the Cozumel Island Museum—to keep you occupied once you’ve had your fill of Cozumel water adventure activities. Don’t miss the popular cash-only Mojito Factory either, which is notorious for its strong drinks and hole-in-the-wall atmosphere.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, spend a weekend in the nearby coastal resort town of Akumal. Roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Cancun, Akumal is known for its white-sand beaches and marine life—namely, sea turtles.

Here, you can snorkel among sea turtles in Akumal Bay, swimming in turquoise waters you’re not likely to forget. Then take some time to relax at the beach, explore nearby cenotes and caves, and visit rescued animals at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary for a true taste for what Akumal is all about.

Tours and excursions to and in Mérida are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a weekend trip less than a 4-hour drive from Cancun. This picturesque city built on the ruins of an ancient Maya town features Spanish colonial architecture—opt for a private sightseeing tour to learn about Mérida’s fascinating and complex heritage.

Yucatecan cuisine in Mérida is second to none, too, so sample the local street food on a walking tour or immerse yourself in the cuisine by taking a cooking class in the home of a local. And be sure to try cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork shoulder), one of the region’s most highly acclaimed dishes.

Though Tulum is also one of the best day trips from Cancun, it’s even better if you have time to spend the whole weekend there. A top Cancun getaway for couples, Tulum has romantic beaches, upscale beach clubs, an impressive dining and nightlife scene, and many sinkholes to explore (such as Cenote Dos Ojos).

Particularly noteworthy is Cenote Suytun, which features a stone pathway leading into the center of the water-filled cavern. Whether you’re enjoying a photography tour or visiting the ancient ruins of the Tulum archaeological site, you won’t be at a loss for memorable experiences during your visit.

Related: 9 of the Top Day Trips from Cancun

The coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen is considered one of the most family-friendly getaways from Cancun, situated just over an hour away. Choose from a wide variety of activities on offer for a weekend trip, including beach-hopping, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and shopping along Fifth Avenue.

You can also prebook one of the many jungle adventures in the area, including thrilling ATV rides or horseback riding excursions. Playa del Carmen’s location also offers an easy gateway to the rest of the Riviera Maya, making it an especially convenient base for exploring destinations such as Tulum and Cozumel.

If you’re in the market for a cultural weekend in Cancun, charming Valladolid is just the thing. Stroll through the city center and admire the intricate architecture then visit nearby sinkholes such as Cenote Zaci.

Designated as one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magic Towns), Valladolid is a great place to fill up on delicious regional cuisine (don’t miss out on trying lechazo, or suckling lamb, a local delicacy) or enjoy a mezcal-tasting tour. It's also a jumping-off point for exploring nearby destinations, such as Chichén Itzá, easily reached via bus tours from Valladolid.

Related: 10 of the Most Magical Towns in Mexico

If you've booked a last-minute Cancun weekend and you’re looking for an idyllic tropical retreat, Isla Mujeres is just a ferry ride from the city. As far as island escapes from Cancun are concerned, this one is pretty special. The pristine beaches of Isla Mujeres are second to none—particularly Playa Norte, which is widely considered to be one of the island’s top attractions—and the lively town bustles with colorful shops, restaurants, and live music on every corner.

Hop on a catamaran to cruise around the island, sail into the sunset, or even hire a private yacht if you’re feeling spendy—whatever your preference, Isla Mujeres has plenty to keep you entertained.

Less than a 5-hour drive away, Bacalar is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for a Cancun nature escape. Known for its exceptional natural attractions, including the freshwater Lake Bacalar (also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors), this part of Quintana Roo is a hub for ecotourism and is popular for paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as sailing tours on turquoise waters.

A weekend trip to Bacalar gives you the chance to relax and swim on a boat tour of the lagoon, which remains particularly pristine as it’s a protected area (don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen when visiting).

Nearly an hour’s drive from Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone, the fishing town of Puerto Morelos feels more like a sleepy village, known for its quiet seclusion and peaceful white-sand beaches. Sample street tacos on a food walking tour or head to popular Puerto Morelos Beach, located in the center of town.

It’s also a prime location for diving and snorkeling due to its proximity to the acclaimed Mesoamerican Barrier Reef in the protected Puerto Morelos Reef National Park just offshore.