CR/PR/St. Lucia. Volcanos, rafting, hikes. Rainforests and animals to explore throughout these options.

It was a while ago, but I stayed at Mahekal hotel in Playa del Carmen and we walked to the downtown.

OP here, thanks all. I think Aruba might work, any recommendations of where to stay? Slightly below Ritz prices; mid-range

Honestly, Miami is perfect for your list. Not sure what your budget is, but both the One Hotel and Ritz are nice and in good (not crazy partying) locations, where there is a lot to walk and bike to.

We found Barbados, Anguilla, and Cayman to be fun and safe to explore. Eleuthera, too, but it’s more rugged and you won’t find much shopping, etc.

Aruba definitely seems to fit the description of what he wants. There is an entire area right behind the main stretch of hotels filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. And he could walk to other places that have activities out of them or be picked up from the hotel. It is also super easy to get into Oranjestad

+1 Puerto Rico

We stayed on Condado Beach. There are a few resorts along that stretch and a lot of walkable shops and restaurants. It’s also a quick ride the San Juan. You can get a rental car, but there’s also plenty of shuttle services and Uber.

Avila Beach in California. Not tropical (water is chilly) but beach is warm enough to enjoy every day in the summer and the little town is adorable. Tons other stuff to do around there like hiking and biking, and of course visiting wineries. You can also drive to the other bigger towns like SLO.

I like Aruba-nice restaurants and shopping and other things to do and most of the hotels are resort like with great pools and beaches so you can kind of have both.

It’s safe and easy to walk around or take taxis.

I think Puerto Rico would be great - stay at a resort and have a rental car.

Check out Las Catalinas in Costa Rica. I haven’t been yet but have 2 different friends who rave about it

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/las-catalinas-costa-rica-beach-town

Puerto Rico. We stayed on the grounds of the resort 3 of the 8 days we were there. Rented a car and explored.

Puerto Rico - Rent a car and plan to do a variety of activities, including Old San Juan, El Yunque (hiking, rainforest), etc.

Aruba - Stay at the walkable “American side” where the resorts/condos are.

Grand Cayman - Rent a car and stay on 7 Mile Beach. Probably the safest island in the Caribbean and easiest to navigate.

Honestly, the best vacation would be in the Mediterranean if you want to mix up beaches and city/village roaming.

Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen. Very easy to walk into town where there are lots of shops and a mall, etc.

https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/cunpc-grand-hyatt-playa-del-carmen-resort?src=corp_lclb_google_seo_cunpc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=lmr

Looking for recommendations for a beach trip in the Caribbean or Mexico (Yucatán) where you’re not stuck at a resort the whole time. The kids and I love swimming all day at big beach resorts, but my husband feels like a hostage. He prefers places where you can walk to shops, cafés, and restaurants, and have a few non-beach activities nearby. Similar ideas in Florida are also welcome.
Last year we compromised and didn’t go to the beach, this year is our turn but want to try to find a middle ground so he doesn’t feel trapped. Thanks!