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The Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico while on Vacation
March 27, 2023

The Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico while on Vacation

Hello, vacationers! If you're reading this, chances are you're gearing up for a trip to the beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and looking for some fun things to do while you're there. Well, you've come to the right place! We live here so allow us to take you on a journey through some of the best activities and experiences that Playa del Carmen has to offer.

Domi & Diego
By Superhosts

Domi & Diego

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Table of Contents

List of amazing beaches

This is the main reason to visit Playa del Carmen. It boasts some of the most stunning and crystal clear turquoise waters you'll ever lay eyes on. Whether you're a sunbather, a swimmer, or a snorkeler, there's something for everyone here. For a more secluded experience, head to Playa Xpu-Ha, a stunning and quiet beach that's perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Here are a few of the best beaches to visit while in Playa del Carmen:

  • Maroma Beach: This is a stunning beach located about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The beach is known for its white sand and calm waters, and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are also several beach clubs and restaurants along the beach for those looking to relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Paamul Beach: This is a small and secluded beach located about 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The beach is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. There is also a small restaurant and bar on the beach for those looking to grab a bite to eat.
  • Akumal Beach: This beach is located about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen and is known for its sea turtles. Visitors can snorkel with the turtles in their natural habitat or relax on the beautiful beaches. There are also several restaurants and shops in the area for those looking to explore the town.
  • Puerto Morelos Beach: This is a laid-back beach town located about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The beach is known for its soft white sand and clear waters, and is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Some spots are rocky though. There are also several restaurants and bars along the beach for those looking to relax and grab a bite to eat.
  • Playa Mamitas: This beach is one of the most popular in Playa del Carmen and is known for its lively atmosphere. The beach is lined with a range of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, making it the perfect spot for those looking to socialize and have fun.
  • Playa del Carmen Beach: This beach is located in the heart of the town and is easily accessible from most hotels and restaurants. The beach offers a range of activities, including parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Xpu-Ha Beach: This is a secluded beach located about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen. The beach is known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, and is a great spot for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in a peaceful setting.
  • Punta Esmeralda Beach: This beach is located just north of Playa del Carmen and is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. The beach features calm waters and a range of colorful marine life, making it a great spot for those interested in exploring the local ecosystem.
  • Playacar Beach: This is a popular beach located just south of Playa del Carmen. The beach is known for its wide expanse of white sand and crystal-clear waters, and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Do consider: Access to the beaches is a right of the public according to Mexican federal law. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in the Riviera Maya. Access is somewhat restricted by private developments or hotels, so the solution is to go directly to beach clubs where there is a minimum consumption required.

Overall, the beaches of Playa del Carmen are a must-see for anyone visiting this beautiful destination. With their crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning views, they're the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean coast.

History and culture

If you're interested in exploring the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is a must-visit destination. This ancient city is set against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites in the world. Or let's journey to the majestic ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient city is a melting pot of Mayan and Toltec cultures, showcasing the advanced architectural and astronomical knowledge of the civilizations that lived there. Get ready to be wowed by the famous Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Ball Court, just to name a few. And the best part? You get to be a history buff for a day and impress all your friends with your newfound knowledge. So, pack your sunscreen, grab a bottle of water, and let's hit the road to Chichen Itza. Trust me, this day trip will be the highlight of your trip to Mexico!

A day trip from Playa del Carmen - Chichen Itza majestic site
Check out day trips from Playa del Carmen - Chichen Itza majestic site

Adventure and immersive experiences

Visit the Xcaret eco-archaeological park. This park is a celebration of Mexican culture and history, featuring a number of activities, exhibitions, and performances. You can explore underground rivers and witness traditional Mexican dances and music. It's an all-day experience that will leave you with lasting memories. It's best to book in advance - check out official tickets here.

Xcaret's undeground rivers
Xcaret's underground rivers

If you're an adrenaline junkie, you'll love the range of outdoor activities on offer in Playa del Carmen. Take a zip-lining tour through the jungle, swim with sea turtles, or go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. And for a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the jungle and get a bird's-eye view of the stunning scenery below.

Playa’s famous 5th Avenue

For a more relaxed day, head to the Quinta Alegría shopping center. This outdoor shopping center offers a unique blend of Mexican and international shops and restaurants, as well as live music and entertainment. It's a great place to wander around, do some shopping, and soak up the atmosphere.

Foodies rejoice!

Playa del Carmen offers a diverse and delicious culinary scene, with something to suit every taste and budget. For a truly authentic Mexican experience, visit El Fogón, a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious dishes like tacos al pastor, chile rellenos, and tamales. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, La Fisheria offers fresh and delicious seafood, cooked to perfection. And for a taste of the Yucatán Peninsula, head to Los Aguachiles, which serves up traditional dishes like cochinita pibil and panuchos.

For those who love to party

Playa del Carmen is the place to be. With a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from, you're guaranteed to have a good time. For a truly wild experience, visit Coco Bongo, a nightclub that offers a wild blend of music, acrobatics, and lighting effects. If you're looking for something a little more laid-back, check out the jazz bar, La Bodeguita del Medio, which serves up live music, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day trips from Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, as there are many exciting day trips that visitors can take to see more of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are a few of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen:

  • Tulum: This ancient Mayan city is located about an hour from Playa del Carmen and is one of the most popular day trips from the town. The site features a range of well-preserved structures, including the famous El Castillo pyramid, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Coba: Located about 2 hours from Playa del Carmen, Coba is another ancient Mayan city that's worth visiting. The site features a network of stone causeways and structures, including the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, which visitors can climb for breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.
  • Chichen Itza: This ancient Mayan city is located about 2 hours from Playa del Carmen and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site features a range of well-preserved structures, including the famous El Castillo pyramid.
  • Isla Mujeres: This beautiful island is located just off the coast of Cancun and is a popular day trip from Playa del Carmen. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore its beautiful beaches and colorful streets, as well as visit the Underwater Museum of Art.
  • Cozumel: This island is located off the coast of Playa del Carmen and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore its beautiful beaches, as well as visit the San Gervasio Mayan ruins.
  • Rio Secreto: This underground river system is located about 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen and is a great spot for those interested in exploring the local caves and natural formations. Visitors can take guided tours of the river system and see its stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls.

These are just a few of the many day trips that visitors can take from Playa del Carmen. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just relaxing on the beach, there's something for everyone within easy reach of this beautiful destination.

Rainy day in Playa? Get a massage straight to your Airbnb or hotel

Indulge in a day of relaxation and rejuvenation by scheduling an in-home massage experience. Treat yourself or plan a spa day with your partner and choose from a variety of massage types and durations. Zen to Go, the best in the city, has a stringent selection process for their therapists, ensuring only certified professionals with at least 3 years of experience in top-notch centers.

Booking online is a breeze – simply visit Zen to Go or download their iOS or Android app to schedule your appointment. Their therapists will bring everything necessary to transform your space into a luxurious spa experience, and you'll only need to focus on enjoying the treatment.

SPA Massages and Facials at Home
In-home SPA service by Zen to Go in Playa del Carmen

Our take on this fantastic city

Playa del Carmen offers a range of activities and experiences that are sure to suit every traveler's taste. From its stunning beaches and rich cultural history to its diverse and delicious food scene and exciting nightlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and beautiful destination. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! In the words of the famous Mexican poet, Octavio Paz, "Mexico is the place of sun and light, but also of shadows." So embrace the shadows and the light, and make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen by checking out some curated experiences below. In the meantime, adiós for now, amigos!

Airbnb Superhosts in Washington, DC and the Riviera Maya. Co-founders of HelloBnB.
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