Explore Free Activities in Playa del Carmen
Not quite as flamboyant as Cancún or boho-chic as Tulum, Playa del Carmen is the humble middle sibling on the Riviera Maya. Prices here aren’t as sky-high, and there’s a deluge of experiences you can enjoy without spending a dime.
Best of all, the beaches of Playa del Carmen—arguably its main attraction—are free to use and easy to access on foot. Even the strands that sit in front of shiny resorts and swanky restaurants are gratis for all.
Chill out on picture-perfect Playacar Beach
Just south of the bustling ferry terminal in Centro lies the sweeping white sands and shallow spearmint water of Playacar. Locals and expats all agree this is the city’s best beach. Compared to other beaches in Centro, Playacar is cleaner, quieter, and calmer.
The immaculate strand is part of an upscale gated community with plush beachfront villas and family-friendly resorts. It’s open to the public and just a 10-minute walk from Centro. There are no facilities or snack bars here, but vendors often peddle baskets of sugar-coated churros on the beach.
Admire Murals by Local Street Artists
In recent years, the streets of Playa have become proud canvasses to local street artists. The Colosio neighborhood in the far north is seeing an explosion of graffiti art, but you can find vibrant murals almost anywhere in town. Start at 10th Avenue, where brick walls feature striking paintings of Maya and emblems of Playa del Carmen.
Explore the Xaman-Há Ruins
While you’re in Playacar, take a detour to the little-known ruins of Xaman-Há. Although located within a private residential area, visiting the ruins is free.
This smattering of Maya ruins are the remnants of a pre-Columbian settlement established in the 13th century. Xaman-Há, meaning “northern water,” was the most significant starting point for pilgrimages from the mainland to the spirited Cozumel island.
Take the first side street from Playacar Beach and cross the road to get there. You’ll see a few sets of temples surrounded by the jungle, with more iguanas than humans around. Xaman-Há is a hidden part of Playa del Carmen that few know about.
Visit the Free Cenote at Punta Esmeralda
It’s a bit of a trek to get to Punta Esmeralda, but it’s the only beach in Playa del Carmen with a cenote (freshwater spring). It’s not the quintessential cenote with turquoise water shimmering under stalactites, but the shallow and warm tidal pool is plenty of fun for kids to splash around in.
Locals flock to Punta Esmeralda in droves, especially on weekends. The lounge chairs and palapa shade cost money—but laying out on the beach is free.
Play Beach Volleyball on Playa 88
This under-the-radar beach in the Colosio district appeals to more residents and fishers than holidaymakers. You don’t have to be athletic to join in a game of beach volleyball on Playa 88. Every evening, active locals pitch up their nets and invite anyone interested to join in.
If you’re looking for a free experience that keeps you active, Playa 88 is your answer. By the time the match ends, players go from strangers to friends, spending the evening knocking back beers as the sun sets.
Roam in Nature at Parque la Ceiba
This natural park offers fun-filled play areas for kids, short walking trails, and shaded areas for parents to relax. It’s worth traipsing across the hectic Highway 307 for this green oasis, where children can run free, and grown-ups can take a respite from the sun.
Volunteer at a Local Dog Shelter
Volunteering on vacation can be an enriching experience. Animal lovers will embrace the chance to help at a local dog shelter, showering abandoned canines with love. Spend a morning walking or playing with the dogs—it’s a small investment of time that makes a big difference to them.
Browse Playa del Carmen’s Sunday Market
The city’s only remaining market is the Sunday market on 30 Avenida Nte in the mainly-local Colosio district. This outdoor flea market features a dizzying mix of taco carts, fresh produce stalls, and stands for kids’ clothes. Browsing is free, but be ready to be tempted by some sizzling taco de tripa for just M$20 (US$1) each.
People-watch at the Palacio Municipal
The central plaza, Palacio Municipal, might not be the most attractive square in town, but it is an excellent spot for people-watching. Take a stroll through the park on a weekend evening to feel the pulse of local life.
At sundown, you can see couples strolling with corn on the cob, families chasing after giggling toddlers, and music echoing in the air. Food stands serve regional Mexican flavors, including marquesitas and tacos de cochinita pibil, at M$20 (US$1) each.
See Traditional Dances at Parque Fundadores
After enjoying some tacos, wander down to Parque Fundadores, the heartbeat of Playa del Carmen. This busy plaza is alive every evening, hosting daily dance performances and featuring a large Maya sculpture at the water’s edge.
Look up, and you’ll spot the Voladores de Papantla, men swinging off a tall pole in an acrobatic display that originated from Veracruz. This cultural dance has now become a captivating experience for visitors. Remember to bring small notes to tip the performers!
