Best Places to Visit on the East Coast of Mexico

Mexico‘s east coast is an exciting destination. While many visitors head for the aquamarine beaches on the famous Yucatán Peninsula, each town offers something a little different. Partygoers descend on Cancun’s white sandy coast over the summer silly season. But, there is so much more to the coast than the world-famous Spring Break spot. From Isla Holbox right down the Riviera Maya, here are some of the best places to visit on the east coast of Mexico.

Skye Gilkeson

Picture-perfect day at the beach in Cancun, Mexico. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The East Coast of Mexico

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Where to Stay on the Riviera Maya

The beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula is that the range of accommodation varies vastly. From 5 star hotels to live in Tulum yoga retreats, eco-resorts, cute BnBs and some of the most stunning rental homes in the country, there is something to suit most budgets on the east coast of Mexico.

If you are planning a trip in peak season, make sure you book early, particularly if you are hoping to stay in the more popular parts of the coast of Mexico, Tulum or Isla Holbox.

The accommodation is limited and they are also both becoming increasingly popular spots, making it even harder to find a hotel at the last minute. While you are waiting for a better deal, the entire town will sell out as I found from my own personal experience.

The view from our seats at Mandala Beach Club, Cancun. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Cancun

When it comes to the east coast of Mexico, Cancun has to be one of the most famous places to visit. There’s a strange allure to Cancun, even for those over 18. Bright lights, late nights and chaotic and colourful delights await in the northern Yucatan hot spot.

From the moment you turn into Kukulcan Boulevard on your way in from the airport you will start to see pops of blue and white sand peeking through the towers of high-end resort high rises taking up prime position on the beach.

Common along this coast are large all-inclusive resorts, favoured by families and big groups who fly in for a week of fun between the beach and the party strip.

You’ll find cute little cafes, bars and shops selling souvenirs in the hotel zone, or hotel shuttle away if you can pull yourself away from your poolside lounger.

Cancun Beach Clubs

For those who want to mingle, Mandala Beach Club is a great place to start during daylight hours. Set right on the sand with beach chairs, umbrellas, pools, showers, food and beverage service and activities, tickets start at about $US23 (for the family zone) upwards, depending on whether you are staying around past sunset for the DJ and the open bar.

As the sun goes down the street starts to get a little wild with promo girls out in full force and less than full bikinis, wooing passers-by to come in for cheap drinks and titillating entertainment.

If you’re looking for an all-night venue, Coco Bongo draws the biggest crowds. VIP access will set you back about double the cost of general admission at about $US130 but your ticket includes a show, premium alcohol, a private area and a little space away from the hoards of people.

The Surfin’ Burrito, is one of our go-to quick cafes in Cancun. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Where to Eat in Cancun

We loved The Surfin’ Burrito for their oversized burritos, one-litre jugs of frozen margarita and overcrowded tables where you’ll find yourself chatting to sun tanned strangers sitting on the high stools next to you.
Just nearby, Restaurante Natura is more low-key, serving delicious vegetarian food on their patio which was a lovely way to start the day.
Selecto Chedraui Cancún Zona Hotelera up the top of Kukulcan Boulevard is an amazing supermarket where you can buy everything from clothing to deli goods and alcohol. The food court has some delicious food options too.

Isla Mujeres is the ideal spot for a day trip or to relax for a couple of days away from crazy Cancun. Image © Andrew Mates

Isla Mujeres

One of the great things about Cancun is the non-stop tours running nearby and right down the Riviera Maya. They cater for adrenalin seekers and families to nature and history lovers. Isla Mujeres is one of the easiest and best day trips from Cancun you’ll find on the east coast of Mexico.

Isla Mujeres offers a complete contrast to Cancun; a relaxed island atmosphere, where you can relax, drive golf carts around to explore (a must-do), swim, snorkel, dive and feast on fresh local seafood.

Ferries run every half hour from Puerto Juarez in Cancun out to the island, depending on the boat it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to get out there.

A private catamaran tour is the ultimate way to see the coastline and to reach the island. Full-day tours generally include hotel pick up, the catamaran out and back and a little food and drinks. You’ll need to take a towel, sunscreen and some cash to cover the docking fee, souvenirs, food, drinks and activities on the island.

Riviera Maya

If you need somewhere to recover after a spell in Cancun, or party people aren’t your cup of tea, head down the coast. The Riviera Maya is the heart of Quintana Roo and feels like it’s a world away from Cancun. It is definitely one of the most special places to stay in Mexico, particularly for couples.

The area is home to some of the peninsula’s largest all-inclusive resorts, popular with those looking to escape the crowds without having to leave their hotel grounds.

For those that can manage to tear themselves away though, the area is full of beautiful Riviera Maya excursions, taking you straight into nature or even back in time.

Read more about trips to the Tulum ruins, Chichen Itza and the cenotes in our Tulum guide.

Find a hotel on the East Coast of Mexico

The Riviera Maya offers a beautiful mix of all-inclusive resorts and incredible activities.

Puerto Morelos

We checked into a 5-star all-inclusive resort, Valentin Imperial Maya