Forum by the Sea

Forum by the Sea is a shopping and entertainment plaza on Boulevard Kukulcan at Km 9.5 in the Zona Hotelera of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is best known as a dining and nightlife hub, housing the Coco Bongo nightclub and the Senor Frog's restaurant-bar, alongside souvenir stores, clothing shops and a range of restaurants. The retail side is modest and tourist-oriented: shops sell T-shirts, beachwear, tequila, Mexican trinkets, sunglasses and gift items, with few authentic handmade crafts, so visitors seeking quality artisan goods generally do better at the neighbouring Coral Negro market or downtown Mercado 28. Prices in the plaza's shops are typically fixed, although some souvenir stores will give small discounts on bundled items. Cards are accepted in most venues, and pesos are the best currency for cash, while dollars are often taken at poorer rates. There is no tourist tax refund on these purchases. The plaza stands out for its food and drink options, with outdoor-terraced restaurants, bars and fast-casual venues, and for its lively atmosphere in the evenings when music spills from the venues and crowds fill the walkways. Daytime is calmer and better for browsing the shops, while after dark the focus shifts to dining and entertainment. High season from December to April and spring break periods bring the largest crowds, and queues for Coco Bongo can form early in the evening. The location, close to Mercado de Artesanias Coral Negro and other Km 9 venues, makes it simple to combine shopping, a meal and a night out in one stretch of the boulevard. The Hotel Zone R-1 bus passes the plaza, and taxis are widely available. Because the plaza is geared to nightlife, it suits adults and groups more than families with young children during late hours.