Forum Beach is a popular public beach in Cancun, known for white sand, turquoise water, and a lively atmosphere. Playa Forum, or Forum Beach, is located on the northern side of Cancun Island’s Hotel Zone, near Coco Bongo and Mandala Cancun. The beach is within easy walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and local hotspots, making it a particularly popular destination for both local residents and travelers. You’ll find Forum Beach easily accessed by bus and car, though parking options are sometimes limited.
This well-trafficked beach attracts visitors of all ages to enjoy its soft sand, sheltered waters, and colorful beach vibes. You’ll find beachgoers here ranging from families and couples to solo travelers and friend groups, with Forum Beach being an especially popular spot on weekends and holidays. Visitors frequently spend between one to four hours on Cancun’s Forum Beach, with many beachgoers ordering food and drinks from the many available beachside restaurants and bars.
Forum Beach in Cancun - one of the highlights of 10 Best Beaches in Cancún (Read all about Cancun here)
What are some highlights of Forum Beach in Cancun?
Forum Beach is one of Cancun’s liveliest beaches, with high-energy music drifting over the shore from the many beachside restaurants in the area. Most of these restaurants offer beachside service, with wait staff taking and delivering orders to patrons relaxing on lounge chairs in the sand. Food options range from flavorful Mexican dishes and local favorites to American classics, tapas, and fresh fruit. Tropical drinks and regional beers are especially favored by visiting travelers at Forum Beach.
If you’d like to visit Forum Beach without the crowds, locals suggest arriving in the early morning or in the evening when the beach is less trafficked. These are especially great times to watch a sunrise or sunset over Cancun’s tropical waters, which is considered a must-do when visiting the area.
Cancun nightlife at Forum Beach
Cancun is well-known for lively nightlife, and you’ll find plenty of it around Forum Beach. Just off the beach, you’ll find two major local hotspots, Mandala Cancun and Coco Bongo. Mandala Cancun is a spacious nightclub with indoor and outdoor spaces, high-energy music, and a packed dance floor. Coco Bongo offers colorful dancers and performers in evening shows, before transforming into a popular dance club in the later evening.
Local bars and restaurants are plentiful around Forum Beach, with many offering a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces so you can enjoy Cancun’s warm tropical evenings. Many offer live music and weekly events, with some running until late into the night. If you’re looking for a space to relax, you can check some of the area’s hookah lounges and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Good to know when visiting Cancun’s Forum Beach
Morning beachgoers are more likely to snag a lounge chair and umbrella on the shores of Forum Beach, as these typically become hot commodities by midday. It’s a good idea to bring along water and sunscreen when visiting, and cash to tip service workers. To save funds when visiting Forum Beach, stop by one of the nearby grocery or convenience stores to pick up snacks and drinks before heading to the beach.
You’ll find plenty of shopping options around Forum Beach in Cancun. Adjacent to the beach is Forum By The Sea, a large shopping mall and entertainment center just off the shoreline. Within this plaza, you’ll find everything from name-brand shops, small boutiques, and souvenir stores to a movie theater, Hard Rock Cafe, and a disco.
Forum Beach in Cancun
Location: Unnamed Road, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Open: 24/7
Phone: +52 984-158-2318