Sometimes you just want an easy trip.
You know, the type that’s usually on the short side and doesn’t require much of an agenda. For most travelers, a classic beach-style vacation is what comes to mind. In truth, it could be any destination where you don’t need maps or guidebooks. There’s no plan to seek out the “best” restaurants. Nor are you expecting life-changing discoveries.
The only goal each day is to wake up, smile, and enjoy the day. Seriously.
For me, this was Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. (It also didn’t hurt that I could use my Southwest Rapid Rewards Points and my Companion Pass to fly my sister and me for just pennies.)
I’ve created this “things to do in Playa del Carmen Mexico” guide so that you can come along on the journey, too.
Let’s go!
10 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen…(Or Not)
Playa del Carmen is between Cancun and Tulum and a short ferry ride to Cozumel. It became super popular very quickly and it’s easy to see why.
There are so many things to do in Playa del Carmen! The area has beautiful beaches, water sports, Mayan ruins, adventure parks, and a pedestrian-friendly avenue for shopping and dining.
The great part is what to do in Playa del Carmen is totally up to you. Be as adventurous or as nonactive as you want to be depending on your interest and energy level!
Either way, Playa del Carmen makes for a perfect Yucatan base.
1. Relax at a Playa del Carmen beach.
Topping the list of Playa del Carmen things to do? The beach, of course!
Whether you prefer a quieter spot like Playacar or the main stretches of beach lined with beach clubs, there’s no shortage of sand and sea. All beaches of Playa del Carmen are public which is different than Cancun where many beach-fronts are for resort guests only.
I’m hardly a beach connoisseur but the best beaches in Playa del Carmen are in the Playacar area. These beaches are quieter, with wider stretches of soft, white sand.
On the other hand, the beach clubs closer to town offer lounge chairs, umbrellas, and waiter service with food and drinks for order. It all depends on the vibe you want.
If you’re after a good time with a lively atmosphere, Playa Fundadores is a great place. You can try beachside activities, mingle with locals or fellow travelers, and soak up the sunny vibe. Plus, there’s no shortage of eateries and bars along the shoreline. And don’t forget to snap a pic with the iconic Portal Maya Statue right there on the beach.
Another buzzing spot is Playa Mamitas—it’s all about the party scene where you can enjoy a drink and dance to electronic music. You can rent a lounge chair, set up by the beach, and enjoy the party as the sun goes down.
But if you’re up for a more laid-back vibe where you can just bask under the sun and listen to the soothing sounds of waves, Coco Beach is the perfect place to be.
It’s located near the heart of Playa del Carmen. Just take a stroll down 5th Avenue until you hit 48th Street, then head on down to the beach. While erosion has taken its toll on some parts, the white sands and turquoise waters don’t disappoint.
If you venture away from the hustle of Playa, the beaches of Akumal and Tulum are easy to reach and on the quieter side, too.
Pro Tip – Traveling with a sun intolerance or allergy? I do. That doesn’t stop me from taking trips like this one. See my tips on how to travel with a sun allergy.
2. Get active in the water.
Is there an adventurous pull taking you out of your lounge chair?
If getting out on, in, or above the water to play is your thing, there are plenty of Playa del Carmen excursions in the water to satisify. Jet skiing, boating, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling…take your pick! Equipment is available for rent along the beach and 5th Avenue. Guided day tours are just as easily booked.
3. Do some Cozumel snorkeling.
If you’re up for an island adventure, hop on a round-trip ferry ride to Cozumel. It’s one of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen and is easily one of my favorite memories from this trip. This island paradise is all white sand beaches and glistening crystal clear waters just off the Mexican Carribean coast.
Ferries run directly from the piers in Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. If your hotel is within walking distance to the beach, the ferries are within walking distance, too.
The ride lasts about 35 minutes and day tours and vehicle rentals are available to book before, on, and after the ferry.
I highly recommend renting a Vespa to have the freedom to explore the island’s beaches. Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Cozumel. Having a Vespa or another rented vehicle will allow you to snorkel at different spots at your own pace.
Snorkel gear is easily rented or can be cheaply purchased in Playa del Carmen if you plan on snorkeling a lot. The best snorkeling in Cozumel is the Palancar Reef. If you’ve never snorkeled before or consider yourself an amateur snorkeler like me, this is a great reef to learn and practice.
The reef seems to stretch endlessly, offering countless opportunities to encounter fascinating marine life such as nurse sharks, eagle rays, and barracudas. And if you get lucky, you might even encounter dolphins—definitely a bonus!
Up for a deeper underwater adventure? If you’re a scuba diver, the coast of Cozumel is part of the second-largest reef system in the world which means you can marvel at the majestic sights of coral reefs and marine life.
4. Explore Mayan ruins.
The Mayans were the Yucatan’s first inhabitants before being conquered by Spanish explorers.
Their presence and influence are rooted in the region’s culture, food, beliefs, and architecture. Luckily, ruins from Mayan civilizations’ past survive and can be visited today. Chichen Itza is a full-day trip away from Playa and is arguably the most well-known and best Mayan ruins in Mexico.
The Tulum Mayan Ruins, though, are just an hour from Playa del Carmen. And it’s one of the best places along the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula offering a unique experience for visitors. I couldn’t get over the stunning display of ancient structures set against the turquoise-blue ocean waters!
Colectivos, or local buses, run from Playa to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. You can also join a Tulum ruins tour. But, you’re best off renting a car, even for the day, if you’re interested in visiting a nearby cenote or other ruins in the area.
Tulum’s ruins get crowded as the day goes on so the best time to go is early in the morning if you can. Make your way through the theme park-like maze of souvenir shops and street vendors to the entrance of the archaeological zone to buy a ticket.
The ruins complex is well-kept and simply gorgeous. Signs are in Spanish and English. You can also book a guide beforehand to go deeper into the history on your visit if you want.
By car from Tulum, you can also visit the lesser-known (but rising in interest) Coba Mayan ruins. Coba is a vast complex of former Mayan pathways, roads, and ceremonial structures. Nohoch Mul Pyramid is the tallest temple, and could still be climbed via the 120+ steep, uneven steps.
The view overlooks the dense, green Yucatan jungle and makes you wonder what the Mayan people thought as they gazed upon similar views.
Bikes and bike taxis are available to rent. I recommend taking advantage of this as the distance is long from the entrance to the main temple. Our taxi driver even shared his knowledge of the ruins and the surrounding jungle along the way.
5. Go for a Cenote swim.
These natural sinkholes and caves are all over the Yucatan Peninsula and reveal pure groundwater underneath.
The Mayans thought of them as sacred and used them for ceremonial rituals. Today, they’re popular for snorkeling, swimming, free jumping (where permitted), and scuba diving. Cenote Azul, Jardin del Eden, and Cristalino are cenotes near Playa del Carmen, while Gran Cenote and Cenote Ik Kil are among the most popular.
Curious about the safety of swimming in cenotes? They’re absolutely safe! These underground pools offer calm waters, perfect for a leisurely dip. Just remember, exploring the caves solo isn’t a wise move—stick to public areas or guided tours to explore further to avoid of any chance of getting lost.
You can even combine a visit to the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza with cenote swimming fun!
6. Try local Yucatan cuisine.
To really get a feel for this seaside town, savor its authentic cuisine. And what better way to experience the culinary delights of Playa del Carmen than by embarking on a local food walking tour?
This tour will lead you through the bustling streets of Playa del Carmen, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of local dishes, including famous spiced tacos, succulent cochinita pibil (roasted pork), flavorful carnitas, and savory pastor (marinated pork), among others.
One of my favorite meals included papas bravas and paella at El Tapas & Company, nestled on Calle 10 Norte between 15th and 20th Avenues. The food was delish and the vibe perfect after a day at the beach. Plus, washing it all down with margaritas made the most sense because everyone knows the tequila burns off all the calories!
But if you’re steering clear of alcohol, try one of Playa del Carmen’s sweet delights. Treat yourself to a classic Mexican ice or milk-based frozen popsicles brimming with locally sourced fruits. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a flavor-packed meal.
7. Visit a Playa del Carmen adventure park.
Hoping to zip line or swim in underground rivers? How about spelunking or rafting?
Xplor is just outside of Playa and has a day packed with one thrill after another. Not to be confused with Xcaret, which if you’re an animal lover, should be avoided. (See below about captive dolphins.)
At Xplor, you’re in control of your adventure. Start your day with heart-pounding zip lines that offer breathtaking views. Then, hop on an ATV to explore mystical caves. Dive into water activities like rafting and swimming, including an expedition through an underground river. Be sure to swim through the waterfall, too—it’s a highlight you won’t want to skip.
While there may be occasional hiccups, like rafting delays, the overall experience is a ton of fun!
Rio Secreto gives you the chance to explore dark caves while wading through underground pools of water. Go for the adventure and be amazed by the intricately formed stalactites!
8. Shop, eat, and be merry on 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen.
After you’ve spent the day at the beach, in the water, or exploring ancient ruins, stroll along the famous Quinta Avenida, also known as Fifth Avenue, for some people-watching and shopping in Playa del Carmen.
This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. The avenue starts from Paseo del Carmen (south end) and ends at Calle 70 Norte beside Colosio Avenue which has access to the beach. If you’re planning on some serious shopping, I’d recommend blocking off a couple of hours to explore this 2.5-mile stretch.
What I love the most about this avenue is the surprises that might come your way as you stroll, you’ll encounter street performers, musicians, and artists that add entertainment to the area.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly place to eat, local clothing, mini-sombreros for your dogs (really!), or a swanky bar or nightclub, you’ll find it on 5th Avenue. Yes, it’s totally touristy, but it still makes for a fun outing in Playa.
9. Watch the Sunset at Punta Esmeralda Beach
After a day filled with fun in Playa del Carmen, there’s no better way to wind down than by settling onto the golden sands of Punta Esmeralda Beach and enjoying the breathtaking view as the sun sets.
Unlike some of the bustling beaches in the area, Punta Esmeralda is more peaceful with fewer people, allowing you to fully unwind in the beauty of nature undisturbed.
If you have better balance than me, consider renting a stand-up paddleboard and soaking in the sunset from the water. It’s a great way to have the sun and the sea all to yourself.
10. Go on a Day Trip to Isla de Mujeres and Isla Contoy
If you want to see more of the area, take a day trip to Isla de Mujeres! This one-day journey takes you to 2 of the beautiful islands along the Yucatan Peninsula.
From Playa del Carmen, you’ll take a boat tour to Isla Contoy. This uninhabited island is a nature reserve for a variety of tropical bird species and rich marine life. A visit to this island also includes a snorkeling tour in the shallow waters around Isla Contoy to see corals and tropical fish.
After this, you’ll head to Isla Mujeres. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the lively streets of the island’s beach town and soak up the sun on its gorgeous beaches.
Which Playa del Carmen Attractions Didn’t Make the List?
Regardless of whether you want to relax on the beach or jet ski your days away, here are 3 wild animal experiences to keep off your Playa to-do list.
Visitors can no longer swim with the wild sea turtles at Akumal. New regulations prohibit this because tourists are disturbing the turtles and their habitat. Don’t be surprised if you see “tours” ignoring this and bringing visitors to swim with the turtles anyway. As tempting as it may be to join, resist so the turtles can enjoy their habitat.
Xcaret Park is not recommended, and neither is the Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel because they offer swimming with the dolphins excursions.
As a traveler considering animal experiences, you should always ask yourself how this wild animal experience is possible at a particular attraction when the same experience could not be replicated in the wild. In the case of swimming with dolphins, the animals are often taken from the wild, forced to live in captivity, and not fed unless they “perform.”
How to Get to Playa del Carmen
Flights to Playa del Carmen arrive at the closest major airport, Cancun International, about an hour’s drive away.
To transfer from the airport to Playa del Carmen, you have a variety of options. All hotels can arrange transportation for you before arrival. You can also take a standard taxi with a fixed rate, book a private transfer on your own, or take the ADO bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen.
If your flight gets in late (after dark), I’d recommend booking a private transfer so that you can get your bearings safely and avoid bus depots at night with your luggage.
We took the ADO bus. It was easy and cheap. We purchased our tickets at the airport just after getting our luggage and passing through border control and customs. The bus went from the airport to the bus terminal in Playa del Carmen, which was only a couple of minutes on foot from our hotel.
The official airport website recommends that you book your ADO bus tickets in advance online. However, the ability to do this seems broken at the time of writing this. Give it a look, though. It’s worth it to buy your tickets in advance if you can.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
We stayed at La Pasion Boutique Hotel by Bunik. The hotel has pretty grounds which include a rooftop pool, a bar, and a lounge area. The staff was very friendly and the rooms were comfortable with great AC. Free water and breakfast were included in the rate.
Best of all – the hotel is just 3-4 blocks from the beach and 5th Avenue. We were close enough to everything but could sleep peacefully at night. There was also a Walmart just a couple blocks from the hotel, as well as the bus station for our return trip to the airport.
Check the latest hotel prices in Playa del Carmen or Book Now.
How to Get Around Playa del Carmen
The beach, 5th Avenue, and many of the main tourist areas are entirely walkable. For points further off in town, taxis are widely available. There should be flat rates for downtown and in-town destinations, so agree to a price before getting in the car.
Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore and avoid bigger bus tours.
You can easily rent a car for as short as a day or for the length of your trip depending on your plans. Driving is easy between Playa and its nearby cities and attractions. The main roads are paved and well-marked. You will need pesos or US dollars at gas stations.
We (my sister and I) chose to rent a car for the day so that we could explore the Mayan ruins in Tulum and at Coba, as well as check out a few cenotes. It was a great choice and gave us the freedom and flexibility we wanted to explore a bit at our own pace.
Colectivos are small, local taxi vans that can drop you off at any place along their route. These are also available to get around. Check with your hotel about where the van you need leaves from in Playa.
Is Playa del Carmen Safe to Visit?
The short answer is, yes, Playa del Carmen is safe to visit. In fact, it’s one of the safest areas of Mexico to visit. This is largely because it is such a bustling tourist hotspot and Mexico has taken measures to protect its reputation as a fun and, even family-friendly, place to visit.
When I was there, I noticed a military presence on the main streets like 5th Avenue. This is often to offer an extra layer of security for visitors and local businesses who may get threats or pressured for money.
Regardless, one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make is to not look at the travel warnings for a place you want to visit. It’s important to use this information, not necessarily to dissuade you from going, but to help you understand the specific areas or risks to be aware of.
Playa del Carmen is in the Quintana Roo State of Mexico which is currently listed by the U.S. State Department as a place to “exercise increased caution.” This is 1 step up from “exercise normal precautions” and 2 steps away from the most serious warnings.
Not to make light of Playa del Carmen’s overall safety, consider also that many countries in Europe are also listed at step 2, “exercise increased caution.”
Tourists need to be the most vigilant to protect themselves from petty crimes, like pickpocketing or having a bag stolen while eating out or at the beach.
These thieves are just that. They are looking for money and other valuables. As I mentioned, Mexican authorities are focused on protecting visitors and the reputation of popular tourist destinations, like Playa del Carmen.
In short, you can relax and enjoy your time here. Just like in any tourist destination, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings and to know about important safety tips.
1. Taxi Rates in Playa del Carmen
Before hopping into a taxi in Playa del Carmen, set the price with the driver. Official taxi rates vary depending on your destination and starting point.
To ensure you know what a good price is, ask your hotel what the price should be for where you want to go. Having this information handy can help you negotiate a reasonable fare and avoid any surprises at the end of your ride.
Keep in mind, the main tourist zone of Playa del Carmen is very pedestrian-friendly. You’ll be able to get around easily on foot.
2. Location
This brings me to my next point. If you plan on being out at night, stay in a hotel within the heart of the tourist area in Playa del Carmen.
My hotel was just a couple of minutes from 5th Avenue. To go to and from the hotel for dinner, shopping, or drinks, we walked along well-lit and busy streets, and the walk itself took just a few minutes.
3. Hotel Scams
When booking your hotels in Playa del Carmen, use a trusted booking platform with verified reviews. You don’t want to be misled about property amenities or location. You also don’t want to discover that you’ve booked a place to stay in an apartment building when you wanted a proper hotel.
Similarly, use the hotel safe to secure any valuables and documents. These things have no place at the beach but also shouldn’t be left out in your hotel room.
4. Booking Activities
I recommend booking as many activities as you can ahead of time to avoid feeling pressured by salespeople.
For anything that can’t be booked online, do your research ahead of time to know the general price range for what you want. This will help you negotiate prices and also protect you from being taken advantage of by someone trying to charge you a lot more because you’re a tourist.
5. After Dark
If you’re heading out to a bar or club in Playa del Carmen, always watch your drink to prevent someone from putting anything in it. Likewise, never accept a pre-made drink from someone.
Stay on well-lit streets when walking, which again isn’t a problem when you’re in Playa’s tourist zone. If you’re alone, I’d consider a taxi to get around or back to your hotel.
Fun and Sun in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the perfect beach destination whether you want to lounge at the beach until your return flight or you’ve got water sports and Mayan ruins in your sights!
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, for a girls’ trip like I was, or as a family, Playa del Carmen has something for every traveler.
So, which things to do in Playa del Carmen are on your list (or not)?
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