Cancun is a magical destination with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and historical sites enlightening visitors about the region’s past. There are many good reasons to book a flight to Cancun from California as soon as possible, besides the affordable airfare, excellent hotel package deals, and short flight that makes it easier to travel with children. These 10 charming places are more than enough reasons to visit Cancun for your next vacation.

10 Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a well-known historical site near Cancun that is a must-visit day trip for any traveler visiting the state of Quintana Roo. Chichen Itza is an important archeological site and part of Mayan history. From 550 AD to 800 AD, the pyramid was a ceremonial center for Mayan Civilization and was resettled in 900 AD. Today, it’s a beautiful place to glimpse the impressive architecture of Mexico’s past.

9 Isla Mujeres

Many travelers to Cancun choose to stay in resorts, but it’s essential to take some day trips outside this area to appreciate the best of the region. A day trip to Isla Mujeres offers a more authentic local experience, including the opportunity to sample fresh local seafood at seaside restaurants. Travelers can even stay on the island in one of the many hotels or guesthouses there.

8 Cancun Scenic Tower

Cancun Scenic Tower, or Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancun, is an 80-meter tall tower on the coast that offers breathtaking 360º views of the area from the top. It’s worth visiting for the experience of viewing the Riviera Maya from above, with blue waters stretching as far as the eye can see.

Related: The Best Places In Cancun To Avoid The Crowds

7 Downtown Cancun

Many travelers don’t feel comfortable staying in Downtown Cancun, but even visitors who are staying in resorts at the Hotel Zone can book excursions to the city center for a taste of local culture. While Cancun has a reputation for being unsafe after dark, it’s a vibrant and beautiful city that is worth visiting during the day. Eat at local taquerias, admire the colorful street art, and visit Parque De Las Palapas. Centro, or downtown, is where locals hang out and live, providing a much more realistic experience of Mexican culture than staying exclusively in your resort.

6 Mercado 28

While in Downtown Cancun, shopping at Mercado (Market) 28 is a must. Travelers can go with a guide if they want to learn about the city as they walk through the market, but for an authentic local experience, try shopping independently, speaking with the vendors, and supporting the local economy by buying handmade products from this charming market.

5 The Hotel Zone

Most travelers to Cancun will stay in the Hotel Zone, or Zona Hotelera, during their time in Quintana Roo. However, the Hotel Zone offers more than just luxury accommodation options. This is a 14-15 mile strip of coastline where hotels, resorts, and nightlife cater to tourists and ensure they have a memorable time. The Hotel Zone has more than 70 hotels and some of the best beaches in Cancun.

Related: This Beautiful & Remote Isle Sits Only 12 Miles Outside Cancun

4 Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy is located just north of Isla Mujeres and is a slice of paradise for travelers who want to experience some of Mexico’s best nature close to Cancun. The island is small and has been a national park since 1998. Due to this status, nature there is protected, and this makes it a fantastic destination for bird watching.

3 Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya is a piece of coastline along the northeastern Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Just south of Cancun, Riviera Maya is a spot that travelers staying in the Hotel Zone or Cancun Centro should plan to visit during their trip. This region boasts plenty of Mayan ruins, history, and beautiful cenotes, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

2 Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)

The Underwater Museum of Art, also called MUSA, has been a staple of Cancun's tourism industry for 11 years. There are plenty of ways to explore the wonders of this underwater historical marvel, including snorkeling tours, scuba diving excursions, glass bottom boat adventures, and a jungle snorkel tour. MUSA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to conserving the underwater art that is the 500+ statues and sculptures under the water near Cancun and Isla Mujeres. These sculptures are important pieces of artwork, but they also help promote growth and support the life of corals. Visiting the MUSA is an experience unlike any other in Mexico.

1 Las Coloradas

While not directly in Cancun, Las Coloradas is worth visiting from the city. It’s located on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Quintana Roo and is famous for the bright pink water in the lakes that are popping up all over social media. The pastel pink waters seem otherworldly, but the color is caused by the salty environment, attracting brine shrimp, plankton, and algae. When the water evaporates and the sun hits the water lightly, the living organisms in the water become concentrated, and the optical illusion of pink water is the result. It’s a beautiful sight to behold and certainly worth booking a trip to Cancun for!