Cancun is well known for being the ultimate Spring Break haven for college students. While it remains one of the most popular sites for undergrads to converge upon during a few choice weeks in the springtime every year, the beautiful beaches, luxury accommodations and geographical location have turned this once sleepy Mexican town into a premiere vacation destination for everyone. Those who travel to this bustling city will find an array of activities to participate in. Whether it's lounging on the beach, day spa pampering, exploring ancient ruins, or learning how to salsa, this city has something for everybody.

Hotels in Cancun can be found in two parts of the city: The Hotel Zone and Downtown. The Hotel Zone features waterfront resorts, many with all inclusive luxury accommodations. This area has more of a party atmosphere, due to its close proximity to the beaches, bars and nightclubs. The Downtown area offers less expensive accommodations, yet still has plenty of activities, bars and restaurants for visitors. Though it is farther from the beaches, buses travel back and forth to shuttle vacationers between the beaches and their hotel.

Vacationers Can Sunbathe on the Beach, Explore Oceanic Life and Visit Ancient Sites in the Riviera Maya

This beach on the Yucatan Peninsula features soft white sand and the pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean Ocean. The weather averages 80 degrees with the waters being slightly warmer. The sand and surf in Cancun provides ideal conditions for sunbathing and swimming, as well as more adventurous activities such as sailing, parasailing and riding wave runners.

Many visitors are enticed by the exciting activities and tours that are based in the Mexican Caribbean. The Riviera Maya is considered a gateway between the old world and the new, nestled between Cancun and the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization. Here, vacationers can embark on tours that take them through the archeological sites of the ancient capital city of Chichen Itza. Other tours in the Riviera Maya take visitors underwater to explore marine life and coral reefs. You can also find tours for visitors to get into the jungles, where they can discover native lands while they ride in vehicles or on horseback. Adventure tourism in Cancun includes everything from scuba diving, snorkeling, zip-lining, water rafting and much more.

Dining at Dusk and Partying 'Til Dawn

The dining experience in Cancun is very diverse, and includes virtually every type of cuisine. No doubt travelers will find plenty of traditional Mexican dishes, but restaurants also serve American, Italian and Chinese dishes along with many other ethnic foods. Vacationers can also go on a dinner cruise where large ships take dining onto the ocean for a night of fine dining, drinks and dancing.

The nightlife takes on a life of its' own. Similar to cities such as Miami, Cancun has acquired a reputation for its after dark activities. The city boasts numerous nightclubs that host live bands, deejays, salsa and club dancing. However, unlike like Miami, Cancun nightclubs are open until the sun comes up. For those who aren't as likely to opt for a night of dancing, bars and casinos are also popular nighttime tourist attractions.