33 Fun Things to do in Playa Del Carmen
Wondering what the most exciting things to do in Playa del Carmen are? I am here to help because I have lived in Playa del Carmen for a while and keep going back! I have a special bond with this place.
You can read more about my story if you want 🙂 Otherwise, let’s dig into my full guide to Playa del Carmen right away.
Located halfway between Cancun and Tulum, Playa del Carmen strategically nests close to the major attractions of the Riviera Maya. Known for great beaches, funky shops, and restaurants, and a great atmosphere, there are plenty of unique things to do in Playa del Carmen and its surroundings.
Besides strolling along the Quinta Avenida for the best shopping or basking in the sun by its beautiful beach clubs, there are so many other things to do in Playa del Carmen, and in this post, I will tell you all about them.
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Free Things To Do in Playa Del Carmen
1. Relax On The Beaches
No trip to the Caribbean is complete without spending some time relaxing on the beach. Playa del Carmen has miles of beautiful sandy beach, just steps off the main drag of 5th Avenue.
Whether you enjoy the beach at a beachfront hotel or go for a stroll and find yourself a great spot to relax, you will love your time hanging on the beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is a great spot to hop in the water and go for a swim. In general, the ocean is calm, letting you enjoy the refreshing turquoise water.
The beaches in Playa del Carmen are public, so you can pack a drink and snack and find a spot to enjoy. Or, you can stop at any of the beachfront bars, restaurants, and beach clubs. There, you can order food and drinks and enjoy the beach on a comfy beach chair.
2. Snorkel in Crystal-Clear Waters
You already know one of the best parts of Playa del Carmen is the beach- but do not miss the chance to explore what is found just off the coast.
In shallow, clear water, you will find beautiful coral reefs filled with tropical fish. You can either grab a snorkel and get in the water to explore from the shore or book a boat excursion that will take you out a bit further to the best coral reefs in the area.
3. Head To Parque Los Fundadores
Parque Los Fundadores is situated at the beginning of Quinta Avenida, located between a shopping center, the beach, and the ferry dock that connects to Cozumel.
My favorite time of the day to go there is the morning because it’s less busy, and the light is warmer. The only traffic is from people heading to get the ferry to Cozumel.
Evenings are much busier, and you can often find musicians or local artists of all sorts performing to make a living. If you like that sort of experience,, get there between 5. to7 pm.
There are often vendors selling all kinds of snacks from traditional Mexican candy to tacos to fresh fruit.
The park is renowned for its stunning sculptures and is the ideal spot to watch the Danza de los Voladores.
Translated to flying dance, this is a traditional ritual performed throughout Mesoamerica.
The dance involves five people climbing a tall pole. One person then sits at the top, playing the flute and drum, while the other four tie themselves to ropes and swing around the pole.
UNESCO named the ceremony an intangible cultural heritage, and there is no better place to experience it than with the beautiful Caribbean Sea as your background.
Planning your trip soon? Find more helpful articles here!
- The Best Airbnb in Playa del Carmen + VRBO and Other Gorgeous Vacation Rentals
- How to Get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres: 6 Best Options
- How to Visit the Spectacular Cenote Azul in Playa Del Carmen: Prices & Info
- Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum: Which One is Better?
- How to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen
4. Go On A Street Art Walk
Sometimes, while on vacation, we are in such a hurry to do different activities that we miss some of the charm of the places we visit. Slow down and soak in the beauty of Playa del Carmen.
Go out for a stroll and make sure to look up there are amazing murals on the sides of many buildings.
Much of the street art pays tribute to the area’s culture and natural beauty. Grab your camera and go for a stroll- it is one of the best, free things you can do in Playa del Carmen.
My favorite murals are located in the north side of Quinta Avenida, towards calle 72 on your way to Punta Esmeralda, which is actually where you find my favorite beaches in Playa del Carmen.
5. Take a Walk along the Quinta Avenida
The Quinta Avenida is a road that runs across the city center along the beach, and it’s one of the things Playa Del Carmen is famous for. It’s not only the shopping street of Playa, but it’s also where you can find nightlife.
It’s lined with adorable clothing stores, vibrant souvenir shops, delightful cafes, and restaurants catering to all budgets and cuisines, as well as some excellent beach hotels and nightclubs.
However, even if you don’t want to spend a dime, taking a walk along this street is quite entertaining. You can enjoy local artists performing, or admire beautiful paintings or the pretty interiors, sip your favorite beverage in one of the cafes while people watching, or chat away.
Depending on what time of day you go there, you will find different kinds of crowds. Early morning is for fitness junkies, at around 8.30 you can still enjoy a peaceful and quiet atmosphere while some cafe’ open for breakfast.
From midday, it starts getting busier, and even the hottest hours don’t stop tourists from taking a stroll. The busiest time is obviously from sunset hour, which is also happy hour time, through the night.
After many visits to Playa, I now prefer quieter areas of the city to Quinta Avenida, but if you’ve never visited, you’ll find it amusing for sure. If you want to check out my favorite places, though, you can find much cuter cafes in quieter areas. One of my favorites is Avenida 25th between Calle 26 and 32, where my favorite cafe is located, Basic Foodie.
It’s located inside a beautiful interior design shop, offering a comfortable outdoor and indoor space, as well as a variety of delicious dishes, beverages, and pastries, including vegan options. This is just one of the charming cafes you can find in Playa, and I will write more about them in a separate post.
Fun things to do in Playa del Carmen
6. Go On A Sailing Trip
We have mentioned it already, but with beautiful turquoise water all around, you will want to make sure you plan some on-the-water activities.
Sailing trips are fun, relaxing, and a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area. Many sailing trips include snorkel gear and will take you out to some of the best spots for seeing coral reefs and marine life.
While onboard, you can enjoy the peace of the ocean, take in the colors of the ocean, and enjoy the views of the coastline.
7. Shop At Quinta Avenida
I know I mentioned it before among the free things to do in the Quinta Avenida.
However, it’s also the best place to buy local souvenirs and all sorts of things. The avenue is lined with different shops, and there are several large shopping plazas too. There you can find everything from internationally recognized brands to small, regional boutiques. You can shop for clothes, shoes, art, and souvenirs.
When you need a break from shopping, there are countless restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can hang out and people watch.
You can find everything from elegant gourmet restaurants to places where you can buy pizza by the slice.
Even if you are not looking to purchase anything, going for a stroll down Quinta Avenida is one of the best free things to do in Playa del Carmen.
7. Visit Some Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history that dates back to before visitors started coming to enjoy the beaches.
Visit an archeological site and be amazed by the sophisticated architecture that the ancient Mayans built. There are many different archeological sites near Playa del Carmen that you can visit in a day trip including Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba.
Make your ruins visit into a day trip and combine it with a visit to a cenote!
Among all the Mayan ruins Chichen Itza is undoubtedly the most famous of all the Mayan ruins in Mexico, and for good reason. This beautiful site is home to the famous Kukulkan pyramid, which was built hundreds of years ago.
It stands at almost 100 feet tall, and if you are lucky enough to go on the spring or fall equinox, you will see the sun make a shadow in the shape of a serpent! Although it’s very crowded, as a uniesco heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world, I believe it’s one of the must-see landmarks in Mexico.
In addition to the pyramid, there are several other structures, and you can take a tour and learn about the life and religious beliefs of the ancient Maya.
8. Explore An Underground River
By now, you have probably heard about visiting a cenote- a natural pool that connects the surface to an underground river system. But…did you know that you can also go underground and explore the underground rivers?
Check out Rio Secreto, where you will go on a guided hike through the jungle to an opening that leads you underground to the river system. There, you will have the opportunity to explore amazing rock formations and even float along in the cool, clear water.
9. Dine In A Cave At Alux Restaurant
If you want to explore the underground river and cave system, but without the hike through the jungle, check out Alux Restaurant. This fine dining restaurant is located underground, where you will enjoy great drinks and dinner surrounded by centuries-old rock formations.
Eating a gourmet meal is something worth splurging on and one of the most unique things you can do in Playa del Carmen. Best to book in advance.
10. Go Wild At An Adventure Park
The father of the Adventure Parks in Playa del Carmen is Xcaret. They have created multiple parks for families, adventurers, and any type of traveler, except introverts. In fact, this is not an activity I particularly enjoy as the parks are so popular that they are usually very crowded.
If you are looking for the opposite of relaxation – an adrenaline rush, make sure to check out one of the adventure parks along the Riviera Maya.
There are adventure parks that focus on thrilling water attractions, as well as parks that take you deep into the jungle.
Some of the popular activities at area adventure parks are jungle ATV tracks and ziplining.
Many adventure parks even have an onsite cenote where you can jump ( or sometimes glide from a zipline ) into refreshing water. There are several parks in the area to choose from, so you can find something that will get your heart racing.
11. Chill At A Beach Club
We all know one of the best parts about Playa del Carmen is in the name – the playas! One of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful beaches in Playa del Carmen is to treat yourself to a day at a beach club.
Beach clubs offer great food, drinks, and a comfortable spot to relax on the beach. It is basically like a day resort, where you can watch the waves roll in with a margarita in your hand, sit back and relax, and let the servers spoil you.
The most popular is Mamitas, which has been there forever. If you walk by in the morning, you will find it empty. However, after midday, it becomes crowded, and the music gets louder. But there are many others who are quieter, such as Martina Beach Club further north. In my full guide to Playa del Carmen Beach Clubs you will find all the most popular ones.
12. Discover Las Coloradas On A Day Trip
As you do your research for your trip to the Riviera Maya, you may have come across pictures of beautiful pink lakes. Called Las Coloradas, these pink lakes are located in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen.
Las Coloradas are man-made lakes that were designed to mine salt.
A microorganism that lives in the lakes creates a pink color, and the area is known for a huge variety of bird species that live there.
The company that owns the mines carefully follows environmentally friendly practices, and bird populations are carefully monitored. Rent a car or take a tour to see this beautiful, unique area of the Yucatan!
13. Watch a Cirque du Soleil Show
Cirque du Soleil is renowned worldwide for its awe-inspiring shows that seamlessly blend dance, acrobatics, and music.
Playa del Carmen is lucky to be home to the show JOYA. This show tells the story of an alchemist and his rebellious granddaughter who are on a mission to discover the secrets of life.
You can buy tickets to the show that include a full dinner and spend the evening enjoying a world-class show!
14. Go For A Helicopter Ride
Enjoy an unforgettable experience with a birds-eye view of Playa del Carmen in a helicopter tour.
For most people, just getting to ride in a helicopter is a thrilling experience. Add in the amazing views of the Playa del Carmen skyline and the turquoise Caribbean waters below and you have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
15. Swim With Whale Sharks
If you are visiting the area in the summer months, one opportunity you do not want to miss is the chance to swim with whale sharks.
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish- they can grow to be 40 feet long!
Do not let their name confuse you, they are fish, the name is a tribute to their huge size! These gentle giants come to the waters off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula to feast on a yearly plankton bloom. Their large mouths filter the water and they slowly swim through the water.
The Riviera Maya is one of the best places in the world to see them. Sign up for a snorkel tour that will take you far off the coast into the open water, where you will get a chance to see these magnificent animals close up.
Cheap things to do in Playa del Carmen
16. Explore By Bicycle
Playa del Carmen has grown a lot in recent years, but it still has a laid-back, small-town vibe. Hopping on a bicycle is a great way to cover more ground and explore the city.
You can check out different sections of the beach or cruise around in town. There are countless small cafes, taco stands, and restaurants that are tucked away, off the normal path.
Pay attention to where locals are gathered- that is where you will find some of the best-hidden gems!
17. Jump Into a Cenote
If you are looking for unique things to do in Playa del Carmen, make sure to check out a cenote. Cenotes are freshwater pools or sinkholes that connect the surface to a massive underwater river system that flows below the surface of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Don’t let the word sinkhole deter you from visiting, in reality, cenotes are beautiful pools or openings that connect to cave systems filled with fascinating rock formations.
If you go snorkeling in a cenote, you will see stalactites and stalagmites.
Cenotes are usually located in the middle of a beautiful jungle, and have cool, refreshing, fresh water! They are a unique geographical feature of the area and something you do not want to miss!
18. Visit The Frida Kahlo Museum
When you are ready for a break from the beach, make sure to hit up the Frida Kahlo Museum. Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic female Mexican artists and is beloved by people all over the world.
The museum is located on Calle 8 and 5th Avenue and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm.
The museum does not have any of her paintings, but it is a great space to learn about her life, including her illness and relationship with Diego Rivera, a famous Mexican painter.
The museum has interactive exhibits and is one of the first cultural spaces in Playa del Carmen- making it worth a visit!
19. Try A Marquesita
Marquesitas is a must-try Mexican food that you probably will not find at any restaurant you visit!
Marquesitas are made fresh to order on food carts, and the best places to find them are in plazas and parks. This dessert originated in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Marquesita carts have a gas-powered round grill where they make a thin crepe. Traditionally the crepe is stuffed with a combination of caramel, sweet condensed milk, or a fruit jam and queso de bola or edam cheese.
Queso de bola is a salty cheese that gives the marquesita a satisfying salty taste to balance the sweet fillings.
The crepe is then rolled up and served!
Today, you can find marquesita carts that will also put fresh strawberries, bananas, chocolate, and Nutella in your crepe- you can choose whatever combination you want!
Marquesita’s popularity is taking off throughout Mexico, with Mexicans from all over the country wanting to try them when they visit the Yucatan.
Do yourself a favor and find a marquesita cart and indulge in this sweet treat.
20. Eat Like The Locals At The Food Truck Park
It is hard to resist a food truck. They usually serve delicious, affordable food.
Now, Playa del Carmen has two food truck parks, so you do not have to try to chase down your favorite truck for a great meal.
You can check out Street Park, located on Constituyentes between Avenidas 60 and 65. There, you can find all sorts of tasty Mexican treats, including tacos, burritos, and tortas. They even have trucks offering vegetarian options.
The other street truck park is called Gourmet Park and is located on Avenida 25 and Calle 28.
Gourmet Park has a bar where you can get yummy cocktails and 5 different trucks that serve everything from traditional Mexican to fried chicken to gourmet sandwiches.
In addition to great eats, the food truck parks have fun atmospheres and are a great place to hang out.
21. Go Salsa Dancing at Zenzi
Whether you are an experienced salsa dancer or a beginner who wants to enjoy the Latin atmosphere, you do not want to miss the chance to go salsa dancing while in Playa del Carmen.
Zenzi is located on Calle 8 and the beach, and is a beachfront restaurant and bar that is known for live music, including salsa!
They have salsa dancing throughout the week and a live band playing salsa and samba on Sunday nights. Dance classes start at 9 pm.
You will find a mix of dedicated salsa-dancing locals and visitors here and are guaranteed to have a good time.
Check their website for current live music schedules- what could be better than live music and dancing with the Caribbean Sea as your background?
22. Snorkel With Turtles in Akumal
Located south of Playa del Carmen, before you arrive in Tulum, you will find the small town of Akumal. This quiet beach has a beautiful sandy beach that leads to the calm waters of Akumal Bay.
The bay is home to many resident turtles and has become a popular spot for snorkelers who want the chance to see these beautiful creatures.
Take a snorkeling tour where you will enter the water from the beach and swim out over seagrass. There you will have the chance to see hawksbill, loggerhead, and green turtles!
23. Hop On the Ferry to Cozumel Island
Just across the channel from Playa del Carmen sits the island of Cozumel. Ferries leave from Playa del Carmen, just in front of Parque los Fundadores, every hour all day long. Hop on a ferry and visit Cozumel.
The island is known for its impressive coral reefs and laid-back atmosphere.
Many visitors like to go for a snorkel tour, or you can rent a car and drive around the island, visiting restaurants and secluded beaches along the way.
24. Try Authentic Mexican Food
Get away from the major tourist areas and try regional, authentic Mexican food.
Ask locals where their favorite food is; often, the best places to get real Mexican food are small hole-in-the-wall places that specialize in one or two dishes.
Some places even have weekly specials, with certain tacos only being offered one or two days a week!
Stroll around and pay attention to where the locals are eating. If they are lined up for something, chances are that means it is delicious!
Remember, the area’s hot sauce is made with habaneros, so be careful when applying it to your food.
25. Photo Fun At The 3D Museum
If you are looking for a fun rainy-day activity, or want an air-conditioned break from the heat, check out the 3D museum. This museum is located on 10th Avenue between Calle 8 and Calle 10 and has 3D illusion artwork.
Make sure to take your camera- the staff will help you position yourself to capture amazing pictures with the 3D artwork. This is a fun activity for people of all ages and is family-friendly.
26. Visit Valladolid
Head into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula and visit the colonial town of Valladolid. This town is rich in history. It was originally a Mayan settlement called Zaci.
When the Spanish arrived in the area, they dismantled the Mayan buildings and used the stones to build what is now known as Valladolid.
Today you can stroll through the town and see the Spanish colonial architecture, and visit the San Bernardino Convent, and the San Servacio Cathedral.
A cenote is located in the heart of the town, offering a refreshing swim experience. The area around the plaza is filled with restaurants, cafes, and small shops to explore.
Valladolid is near the famous ruins of Chichen Itza, so many visitors stop there after visiting the ruins; however, if you have the time, it is worth spending a day or more there!
27. Go On A Food Tour
Lots of visitors say they want to eat like a local, and there is no better way to make sure you try the best, regional dishes than going on a food tour.
Many food tours include stops at local markets, where you can shop around for local ingredients and learn about regional fruits and vegetables that are not always found at major supermarkets.
Food tours are a fun way to explore the town, learn about food and culture, and find small restaurants you can return to on your own.
28. Party At Coco Bongo
If you want to let loose and go to a great party, make sure to visit Coco Bongo.
Coco Bongo has been the must-visit party spot in Cancun since 1997, with a location in Playa del Carmen that offers the same high-energy party that combines a nightclub with a Las Vegas-style show.
Be prepared for lights, acrobatics, dance, and music plus an open bar! Buy your tickets in advance to make sure you have a spot.
29. Join A Cooking Class
You will get to take home a piece of Mexican culture when you sign up for a cooking class. Learn about local products, go shopping at small markets, and then learn how to cook regional food.
Cooking classes are more than just instructions on how to make delicious food, they are a chance to learn more about the area’s traditions. Plus, you will get to eat delicious food at the end!
30. Learn About Chocolate At Choco-Story
When you think of Mexican food, you probably think of hot sauces and tacos. But, Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate.
Learn about this fascinating part of Mayan history with a visit to the Choco-Story Museum. 7 interactive rooms explain the importance of cocoa.
The tour ends with a delicious chocolate tasting. You can plan to visit the museum and make a reservation to participate in a cacao workshop, where you will get to make your chocolates!
Choco-Story is located on Avenida Constituyentes between 10 and 15 and is a great indoor activity to do in Playa del Carmen.
Why Should You Visit Playa del Carmen?
As you can see, Playa del Carmen is a must-visit spot on the Riviera Maya. Just an hour south of Cancun, it has strikingly beautiful beaches and jungles and, despite growing, has maintained a laid-back vibe.
Unlike Cancun, which separates the hotel zone from the downtown, everything is connected in Playa del Carmen.
You can go for a stroll on the beach or down 5th Avenue, checking out restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops.
You can wander further back off the beach into town to find some delicious, authentic food, or explore nearby cenotes. There are tons of great things to do and see!
Where To Stay in Playa del Carmen?
There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Playa del Carmen– whether you want to be right in the middle of the excitement in town or prefer a peaceful spot on the beach just outside of town.
Whatever your budget is, there is a great option for you. Here are some of our favorite spots:
🛏 Budget: Meliora by Bunik
If you are looking for a great price at a hotel that is close to the beach and restaurants in Playa del Carmen, check out Meliora by Bunik.
The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and an outdoor grill for guests to use.
It is an easy 10-minute walk to the beautiful beaches of Playacar and an 8-minute walk from the ADO bus station.
All the rooms have private bathrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. The hotel offers studios, suites, or a two-bedroom family suite.
Guests who stay here appreciate that it is quiet and clean, yet conveniently close to all the town’s attractions.
Budget-friendly and great location! It was exactly what we had booked – a budget hotel close to the beach in Playa Del Carmen, with easy access to restaurants and the market area.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ANUSHREE, JAN 2024
🛏 Mid-Range: Mvngata Beach Hotel
Located on a beautiful stretch of beach just north of downtown Playa del Carmen, Mvngata Beach Hotel offers guests an outdoor swimming pool, bar, onsite restaurant, and free parking.
The property has plenty of outdoor space to relax, including a garden and terrace.
All rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV. There are oceanview and oceanfront rooms to choose from, as well as a bridal suite and a premium room with a living area.
There are three restaurants on-site, you can enjoy an à la carte breakfast menu, and Mexican and Italian cuisine.
The hotel has a fitness center and spa where you can relax with a massage, facial, or manicure. There is evening entertainment, including live music and a nightclub with a DJ.
Guests who stayed here loved the spacious rooms and relaxing atmosphere.
Beautifully designed hotel with luxuriously comforting rooms. Security is amazing and very thorough from the moment of arrival, we had no safety concerns. The staff is excellent and very hospitable. If you’re looking for a getaway, this is it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ PATRICE, FEB 2024
🛏 Luxury: Fairmont Mayakoba
Treat yourself to a luxurious vacation at this AAA five-diamond award-winning resort. The resort is made up of low-rise buildings that are all connected by waterways and surrounded by lush jungle.
You can enjoy both jungle and ocean views, and the resort is located north of Playa del Carmen on a stretch of white, sandy beach.
Pamper yourself at the 20,000-square-foot full-service spa that offers massages and beauty treatments using location plants and based on traditional healing practices.
The Fairmont Mayakoba resort is completely car-free, you can travel to different areas of the property on foot, by boat, on the bicycle trails, or a staff-driven electrical golf cart!
The resort has 5 swimming pools and 3 restaurants on site where you can choose from seafood, Mexican, and Italian cuisine.
There are several different rooms to choose from, including rooms with soaking tubs, butler service, and direct access to infinity pools.
The resort offers many different activities to choose from, including cooking classes, bicycle rentals, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and a water sports facility.
Guests who stay here love the immaculate landscaping, relaxing atmosphere, and attentive staff.
Beautiful luxury stay in paradise with ultra comfort, attention to detail, and a very high level of hospitality!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TAL, JAN 2024
Getting From Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen
Almost all visitors to Playa del Carmen fly in and out of the Cancun airport, which is located less than 60 kilometers away. It usually takes around one hour to get from the airport to downtown.
The fastest and most convenient way to get there is by Cancun Airport Transportation service, one of the most trustworthy companies in Mexico. I always use them when my friends cannot pick me up.
They speak English, are reliable, and offer a private service for your party, whether it’s one person or five. Their average rating is 4.7/5⭐️.
You can read the amazing reviews for their Cancun Playa del Carmen shuttle service before booking.
However, there are many other ways to get from Cancun to Playa and you can read more about it in my dedicated post on how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
There are several ways to get from the airport to your hotel. The public ADO bus leaves the airport almost every 20 minutes and will take you to the main ADO bus station in downtown Playa del Carmen.
The tickets cost a little over 200 pesos, and it is a safe, inexpensive way to travel.
The bus is ideal for people staying in downtown Playa del Carmen. From the bus station, you can either walk or take a taxi to your hotel.
If you are staying on the Riviera Maya, just north or south of Playa del Carmen, the private shuttle mentioned above is definitely the best choice.
Most shuttles can accommodate up to 4 people, and you can book them in advance, to save time and get a discount if you book the return service.
Be mindful that Taxi drivers at the airport are notorious for overcharging tired visitors who just want to get to their hotel.
Avoid the hassle and book a shuttle before you travel; your driver will be waiting for you!
Getting Around Playa del Carmen
There is a lot to do in Playa del Carmen, and thankfully, it is easy to get around town.
If you are staying at a downtown hotel, you will be able to walk to the beach, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.
Another fun way to get around town is to rent a bicycle, just be sure to always lock it up!
If you are trying to get somewhere outside of walking distance, there are always plenty of taxis on the main streets. You can flag one down; just remember to always agree on a price before getting into the taxi!
If you are staying at a resort outside of town you can take a taxi into downtown Playa del Carmen and then stroll around. Or, you can travel like a local and use a collectivo, a large, shared van that travels set routes.
If you want to take day trips and explore outside of Playa del Carmen, you have several options. You can rent a car for complete freedom to set your schedule and explore where you want.
If you would rather let someone else drive, you can use the ADO public bus system. The buses travel all over the Yucatan Peninsula and are air-conditioned, safe, and reliable.
But renting a car is my favorite choice, and below you can find the company I recommend for booking your rental.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:
✔︎ straight forward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
When is The Best Time To Visit Playa del Carmen?
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen depends on what exactly you want! The months of November to April are the high season for the area.
The weather is consistently comfortable, with it being hot and sunny during the day (but not too hot) and cooler in the evenings.
The winter months are considered the dry season, and while it is not humid in the tropics, the humidity is generally comfortable during this time. There is always a chance of rain, but these are the dry months of the year so even if it rains, the weather clears up quickly.
Because of the ideal winter weather, Playa del Carmen is very popular to visit in the winter.
The peak tourism season is during the Christmas and New Year holidays, so if you want to travel then, make sure to book your accommodations and excursions in advance.
That said, the town has great energy during the high season. There are lots of people out and about, and plenty of places to have a good time!
If you want to avoid the large crowds, consider coming in the summer months. These months are the rainy season, but do not let that name fool you- you will still have plenty of sunny days in the summer.
The weather is hotter and more humid, but that makes it a great time of the year to spend time in the water, whether at your hotel’s pool, the ocean, or a cenote.
If you travel in the summer months, you can usually get a good deal on accommodations and do not need to plan your excursions as far in advance.
The summer months are part of hurricane season, with peak hurricane activity typically occurring in September and October. Despite this, most years, there are nothing more than a few rainy days in these months.
If you plan to travel during hurricane season, it’s a good idea to have trip insurance in case you need to change your plans due to the weather.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Playa del Carmen?
With so many fun things to do in Playa del Carmen, you could easily spend a week or more here without getting a chance to see and do everything you want. The area is full of natural wonders, great beaches, and shops and restaurants to visit.
If you only have time for a short getaway, it is still worth visiting Playa del Carmen. It is conveniently located near the airport, allowing you to arrive and quickly begin your vacation.
If you only have a few days, I suggest creating a general itinerary before you arrive. That way, you know what activities you do not want to miss and have any necessary reservations lined up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Playa del Carmen Most Known For?
Playa del Carmen is known as a laid-back beach town with great beaches, lots of trendy shops and restaurants, and fun nightlife. It is located near Cancun, but gives you a different beach vacation experience.
Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting?
Yes! Playa del Carmen is a great spot to visit on your next vacation. There are lots of unique things to do in Playa del Carmen and you can have a great time there on any budget.
Is Playa del Carmen More Fun Than Cancun?
Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen are fun, and each has its own special charms. Cancun is filled with large, amazing resorts, while Playa del Carmen maintains a more small-town feel.
In Playa del Carmen, the town is built leading up to the beach, so you can easily explore local shops and restaurants.
Unlike Cancun, where the hotel zone is separated from downtown, in Playa del Carmen, shops, restaurants, homes, and services are all located within a few blocks from the beach!
This gives Playa del Carmen a different feel and charm than Cancun. Despite growing in recent years, Playa del Carmen, or “Playa” as locals call it, still feels like a small town.
Don’t let the small-town vibes fool you, though. There are plenty of great activities to do in Playa. Here are some of the things you do not want to miss.
Final Thoughts: The Best Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
Whether you have been visiting the Riviera Maya for a long time or are planning your first vacation, make sure to spend some time in Playa del Carmen.
This laid-back town is situated right next to the beach, making it an ideal place to relax, unwind, and have fun.
Pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure, and come prepared to explore this great beach town! I hope this Mexico travel Guide will help you plan your trip.
