Tulum's 18 Must-See Attractions for a Dream Vacation

Check out these other fun things to do in Tulum.

It seems like every Mexican town that tourists visit has a colorful signs for visitors to be photographed alongside, and Tulum is no different. Get creative and lie down in front of the letters, look through them or sit on top of them. The picture you take here will make the perfect Instagram post or Facebook cover photo. The Tulum sign is located downtown in the main square. Bring along your patience and some water because there is almost always a line.

Due to Tulum’s unique layout – the coastline, its principal attraction, is separated from downtown by a short drive or a long walk – it’s advisable to rent bikes for at least a couple of the days you’ll be here. This will give you more freedom than if you were having to rely on taxis. Plus, with the wind flowing through your hair as you cycle around, you’ll practically forget about the humidity.

Commissioned for the first Art With Me event in Tulum in 2018, the huge, mind-blowing sculpture known as Ven a La Luz (Come Into the Light) by multidisciplinary artist Daniel Popper is permanently installed at Ahau Tulum hotel. Made from wood, steel, rope and greenery, the work symbolizes our deep connection with nature. Parents and kids may notice the resemblance to the goddess Te Fiti in the Disney film Moana. Stop by Ahau for a drink or lunch to see this spectacular piece.

One of the advantages of being in the Yucatan Peninsula is that you’re surrounded by natural sinkholes, or cenotes. In Tulum, you’ll be within a stone’s throw of the area’s most magnificent examples – Gran Cenote, Calavera and Carwash are some of the best known, but with a little searching you’ll find some practically deserted ones to explore, too.

For night owls and party animals, Tulum has plenty of options, whether you’re a fan of live music, beachside DJ sets or Caribbean salsa rhythms. Head downtown for the clubs that fill up on the weekends as well as more intimate venues that may take a bit more hunting down. Alternatively, head to Papaya Playa Project if partying on the beach is more your style.

Sounds obvious, we know. Paradise Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in the area and when the sea is calm, it’s crystal clear and you can see down to the bottom. When the sea is more active, it’s fun to jump and ride the waves. However, do pay close attention to the beach flags that signal water conditions: a black flag means do not swim; a red flag indicates dangerous conditions or swim with caution; a yellow flag means that although there is no immediate danger, you should still use caution while swimming; and a green flag means that it is completely safe to swim. Be aware that the more remote beaches do not have flags.

There’s nothing like ice cream on a sweltering tropical day. There’s almost always a line at Panna e Cioccolato downtown on Avenida Tulum because of its sensational gelato flavors. At Helados Buena Estrella on Highway 15, which leads to the beach, you’ll find fresh, mixed ice cream, while Meows Cream Heladeria on Jupiter Avenue offers vegan soft-serve with an oat or coconut base. For something more authentically Mexican, visit La Reyna de Michoacan, located on Alfa Sur street off the main drag, for paletas (popsicles) made from natural ingredients.

If you’re into nature, then this is undoubtedly one of the must-do things to do when visiting Tulum. Each year from May to October, most of the coastline experiences sea turtle nesting season. After the sun sets each evening, mother turtles slowly make their way onto the beach to lay their eggs before journeying back to the surf. If you want a more hands-on sea turtle experience, day trip to Akumal, where you can snorkel with these magnificent creatures.

Tulum abounds with independent shops and boutiques selling everything from luxury home goods and apparel to Mexican handcrafts and Fairtrade items. Many shop owners are people who visited Tulum, fell in love, stayed, and opened stores selling unique merchandise inspired by the area. For beachy one-size-fits-all dresses, visit Josa Tulum. If you’re looking for home goods, Kaahal Home carries beautiful items, while gender-fluid fashion can be found at CALÓ. There are shops in both the Downtown and the beach area.

There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Tulum, but if you’re looking for a dining adventure, try Mexican Experience Tulum, a communal dinner with up to 21 guests that takes you on a gastronomic journey through Mexican culture by combining Mexican classics and local delicacies. Mexican cuisine is a fusion of ancient indigenous civilizations and other cultures. Dinner is accompanied by unique cocktails and plenty of free refills. You’ll also learn how to prepare authentic Mexican salsa. People with special dietary requirements are welcome.

This has long been one of Tulum’s favorite food spots, thanks to the fresh and flavorsome ceviche and seafood served daily. While locals still stop by regularly, this has also become somewhat of a traveler joint (they accept dollars as well as pesos), but it’s still worth a visit. If that doesn’t tickle your taste buds, there are a swathe of other top-notch food vendors and restaurants that you can try out in Tulum in both the Downtown and beach areas.

Kiteboarding is an exhilarating extreme sport. Whether you’re an expert or it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, Tulum is a great place to kiteboard. If you don’t have your own gear, there are kiteboarding schools that offer rentals and lessons. Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf at Ahau Tulum hotel is a good option because they also offer restrooms, wifi, beach beds, a restaurant and parking. Kiteboarding all depends on the wind – and remember that though the windiest months are November to May, during this time there may be days with no wind, while conversely there may also be very windy days during the non-windy months.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Lauren Cocking.