Playa del Carmen

Travel Guide

Playa del Carmen showing a bay or harbor
Playa del Carmen featuring a sandy beach, swimming and general coastal views
Half Moon Bay which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Half Moon Bay featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Half Moon Bay which includes boating and a bay or harbor

White-sand beaches, bustling nightlife and chic shopping make this beach town one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan and exciting destinations.

White-sand beaches, bustling nightlife and chic shopping make this beach town one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan and exciting destinations.

Playa del Carmen is one of the trendiest towns on the Riviera Maya, populated by well-heeled expats and crowds of European visitors. Spend your days relaxing at beach clubs, browsing upscale shops and exploring some of the wonderful nearby dive sites. At night, dine at glamorous restaurants and dance at glitzy nightclubs.

The main beach at Playa del Carmen is a wide stretch of clean, white sand that draws families, party-goers and fishermen alike. Relax in a lounge chair under the shade of an umbrella or sip a drink at one of the buzzing beach bars lining the sands. Go to one of the numerous watersports vendors on the beach to arrange snorkeling and diving excursions. Tours will take you to one of the excellent sites just off the nearby island of Isla Cozumel. Look for sea turtles, rays, moray eels and colorful coral as you explore the turquoise waters.

Go for a stroll along the town’s bustling main street, La Quinta Avenida, which runs parallel to the coast. This pedestrianized strip is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. During the day, dine at stylish cafés and browse upmarket shops found along the street’s sophisticated northern end between Constituyentes and Calle 38. In the evening, La Quinta is the center of the town’s nightlife scene. Head to the busy southern section of the strip, between Calle 4 and Constituyentes, where the most popular clubs and bars are found.

Take a daytrip to Xcaret, an ecological/archaeological theme park located 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Playa del Carmen. This massive park features an aquarium, a greenhouse, a bee farm and a small zoo, among dozens of other attractions. Walk through the enchanting butterfly pavilion and ride a raft down a jungle river.

Most travelers heading to Playa del Carmen fly into Cancun International Airport, from where regular buses run to Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, get here by taking one of the frequent buses leaving from Tulum or Mérida. The majority of the town’s activities and attractions are found within walking distance of the beach.

Experience the European-style atmosphere of this fashionable beach destination.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar

4.5/5(1,552 area reviews)

An upscale resort area with secluded beaches and villas by the sea, Playacar boasts a golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and is just a short drive from downtown Playa del Carmen.

Playacar
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(115 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
A beautiful resort on the Mayan Riviera.

Riviera Maya

While Riviera Maya isn't home to many top sights, Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Riviera Maya
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playacar Zona Hotelera. A stop by Playacar Beach or Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha might round out your trip.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4.5/5(832 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Gonzalo Guerrero
Playa del Carmen is a city I fell in love with at first sight! The people, the street food and restaurants and the beach are just amazing:) This is the view from the rooftop bar at The Palm at Playa, prefect to enjoy a cocktail at the bar or chill out in the hammocks!

Playa del Carmen Centro

4.5/5(474 area reviews)

Travelers to Playa del Carmen Centro praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal.

Playa del Carmen Centro
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is NT$5,988 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
NT$5,988
NT$7,325 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,607 reviews)
"The property was amazing! The wildlife was amazing! Pool bar was great Eloy is the man! Moses on the cart is awesome and an asset to this hotel. Samantha in building 21 was extremely helpful with our questions. The buffets were average we all found something we could eat. The steakhouse and the oriental ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/24

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only

5 out of 5
Carr. Chetumal - Puerto Juárez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is NT$20,081 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$20,081
NT$24,378 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,348 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel and delicious food. We went last week and loved how smoothly everything went. Staff was amazing and helpful.Hope to go again soon."

Reviewed on 2025/7/23

Hotel Xcaret Arte – All Parks / All Fun Inclusive, Adults Only
Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive

5 out of 5
Carr. Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is NT$25,842 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
NT$25,842
NT$31,348 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 15 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,245 reviews)
"Excelente"

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only

El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only

5 out of 5
Km 45 Carretera Cancun, Tulum Kantenah, Maroma, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (478 reviews)
"Great experience for those us older gals, who aren't going simply to party the entire time. Great restaurant options and the staff were all very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

El Dorado Royale, Catamaran, Cenote, All & More Inclusive Adults Only
Playa Palms Beach Hotel

Playa Palms Beach Hotel

4 out of 5
1st Avenue Bis, Between 12th and 14th North Street, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,644 reviews)
"Property had ocean views snd close to all the shops and restaurants"

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Singular Dream Beach Residences

Singular Dream Beach Residences

3 out of 5
Zazil-ha, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (576 reviews)
"Property is well maintained, staff friendly and awesome view from roof pool."

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Singular Dream Beach Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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