6 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers 6 essential experiences that define this Caribbean destination: the 22-block 5th Avenue pedestrian promenade, world-class eco-parks (Xcaret, Xplor, Xel-Ha), ancient Mayan ruins including UNESCO World Heritage site Chichen Itza, pristine powder-sand beaches stretching for miles, vibrant nightlife centered on Calle 12, and over 6,000 natural cenotes within 20 minutes of downtown. Whether you're moving to Playa del Carmen or visiting for a week, these activities capture what makes this former fishing village Mexico's most dynamic coastal city.

Experiencing the Best of Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has evolved from a quiet fishing village into one of Mexico's most vibrant destinations, offering the perfect blend of Caribbean beauty, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. Whether you're visiting for a few days or settling in for an extended stay, these six essential experiences capture what makes Playa del Carmen truly special.

1. Stroll Down 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida)

The heart and soul of Playa del Carmen, 5th Avenue is a 22-block pedestrian promenade that runs parallel to the beach. This lively street embodies the energy and character of the city, making it an absolute must-experience for every visitor.

What You'll Find

From Calle 1 at the ferry pier all the way to Calle 46, 5th Avenue offers an ever-changing landscape of experiences. International restaurants serve everything from fresh ceviche to Italian pasta and Argentine steaks. Boutique shops showcase Mexican artisan crafts, designer clothing, and unique souvenirs. Street performers entertain crowds with music, dance, and acrobatics, creating a festive atmosphere day and night.

The Different Sections

The lower section near the pier tends to be more touristy with resort wear shops and souvenir stores. As you walk north past Calle 20, you'll find more upscale boutiques, art galleries, and sophisticated restaurants. The northern end offers a more local feel with authentic tacuerías and neighborhood bars.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning offers a peaceful walk before the crowds arrive, perfect for coffee and breakfast. Late afternoon and evening bring the street to life with performers, happy hour specials, and perfect people-watching. The energy peaks around sunset when locals and tourists alike fill the avenue.

2. Explore World-Class Eco-Parks

The Riviera Maya is famous for its eco-parks, and Playa del Carmen serves as the perfect base for experiencing these incredible attractions. Discover more adventure options near Tulum as well.

Xcaret

This massive eco-archaeological park combines nature, culture, and entertainment. Swim through underground rivers, snorkel in natural inlets, visit the butterfly pavilion, and watch an spectacular evening show celebrating Mexican culture. Xcaret works perfectly as an all-day experience with its all-inclusive options for food and beverages.

Xplor

For adventure seekers, Xplor delivers adrenaline with zip lines soaring above the jungle, amphibious vehicles racing through caves, underground rafts floating through caverns, and challenging hammock walks. It's physically demanding but incredibly thrilling.

Xavage

The newest addition to the park family, Xavage focuses on extreme activities including white-water rafting, monster trucks, zip lines, rope courses, and kayaking. It's designed for those who want maximum adventure.

Xel-Ha

This natural aquarium offers a more relaxed pace with incredible snorkeling, lazy river floating, cenote swimming, and cliff jumping. The all-inclusive food and drinks make it excellent value for a full day of aquatic fun.

3. Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins

Playa del Carmen's central location makes it ideal for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula's most important archaeological sites.

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza features the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court, and numerous other impressive structures. While it requires a full day trip from Playa (about 3 hours each way), the grandeur and historical significance make it worthwhile. The newly opened Viejo Chichen Itza section adds even more to explore.

Coba

Unlike most ruins where you can only look, Coba still allows visitors to climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. The site sprawls through dense jungle, with bicycle rentals available to navigate between structures. It's less crowded than other sites and offers a more adventurous experience.

Tulum

The only Mayan ruins located directly on the Caribbean coast, Tulum provides spectacular clifftop views. The compact size means you can explore thoroughly in a few hours, making it perfect for a morning excursion. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat. For accommodation recommendations, check out where to stay in Tulum.

Muyil

This hidden gem near Tulum offers a peaceful alternative to the busier sites. The ruins connect to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and you can float down natural channels through pristine lagoons after exploring the archaeological zone.

Ek Balam

Less visited but equally impressive, Ek Balam features remarkably well-preserved stucco sculptures. The climb to the top of the main pyramid rewards you with panoramic jungle views.

4. Relax on Beautiful Beaches

Despite all the activities available, Playa del Carmen's beaches remain the foundation of its appeal.

Public Beaches

The main public beach stretches along the entire coast, with the softest sand and calmest waters between Calle 10 and Calle 38. Beach clubs offer chair and umbrella rentals, though finding free public access points is easy throughout the beach zone.

Beach Activities

Water sports operators along the beach offer jet ski rentals, parasailing, kiteboarding lessons, paddleboard rentals, and snorkeling trips. The beach is also perfect for simply swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the shore as waves lap at your feet.

Beach Clubs

Mamitas Beach Club, Kool Beach Club, and other establishments provide comfortable lounge chairs, waitress service, pools, and restaurant facilities. Minimum consumption requirements vary, but the comfort and amenities often justify the cost.

5. Experience Playa's Nightlife

When the sun sets, Playa del Carmen transforms into a party destination with options for every taste.

12th Street (Calle 12)

This street has become the epicenter of Playa's club scene. Massive venues with multiple floors feature international DJs, impressive light shows, and crowds that party until dawn. Expect high-energy electronic music and a young, party-focused atmosphere.

10th Avenue Clubs

Running parallel to 5th Avenue, 10th Avenue hosts several popular clubs and bars with slightly less intensity than 12th Street but still plenty of energy.

Coco Bongo

This famous venue combines nightclub, concert, and acrobatic show into one unforgettable experience. Performers reenact famous music acts and movies while flying through the air and engaging with the crowd. Open bar is included with admission, and the non-stop entertainment keeps the energy high all night.

Rooftop Bars

For a more sophisticated evening, numerous rooftop bars along 5th Avenue offer craft cocktails, ocean views, and chill music. These venues attract an older, more refined crowd looking for conversation over dancing.

6. Discover Stunning Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula's limestone geology creates thousands of cenotes - natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. These swimming holes offer a magical experience you won't find anywhere else.

Location

The closest concentration of cenotes is about 18 minutes south of Playa del Carmen along Highway 307. Rental cars or organized tours easily reach these natural wonders.

Types of Cenotes

Open cenotes like Gran Cenote near Tulum offer sunny swimming in wide pools. Semi-open cenotes provide partial cave coverage with dramatic light beams penetrating the water. Fully enclosed cave cenotes create an otherworldly experience swimming through caverns with stalactites hanging overhead.

Popular Options

Gran Cenote features excellent snorkeling and turtle sightings. Dos Ojos offers incredible underground cave systems for certified divers. Cenote Azul provides easy access and family-friendly swimming. Ik Kil near Chichen Itza combines perfectly with a ruins visit.

What to Bring

Biodegradable sunscreen only (regular sunscreen contaminates the water), water shoes for rocky entries, waterproof camera, towel, and cash for entrance fees (typically 100-200 pesos).

Making the Most of Your Time

These six experiences form the foundation of an incredible Playa del Carmen visit. You could easily spend a week exploring just these attractions without repetition. Start with a morning at the beach, stroll 5th Avenue in the afternoon, visit a nearby cenote, explore a Mayan ruin, dedicate a full day to an eco-park, and experience the nightlife - you'll quickly understand why Playa del Carmen has become one of Mexico's most beloved destinations.

The beauty of Playa del Carmen lies in its variety. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture, nature, or nightlife, you'll find world-class options just minutes from your accommodation. These six essential experiences showcase the diversity and quality that make Playa del Carmen truly special. Join our expat community to connect with others living in Playa del Carmen and across Mexico.