Explore Playa del Carmen: Top Attractions and Activities

With a walkable city center, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to beaches and reefs, it’s no wonder Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest-growing cities in Quintana Roo.

From its humble beginnings as a fishing village, Playa has evolved into a multicultural beach town brimming with remarkable restaurants, cafes, yoga studios, and chic apartments. However, it hasn’t forgotten its roots: taquerias still line the side streets, Mexican music plays from public speakers, and lively night markets take over the squares as night falls.

It’s a pleasure to get to know this multi-faceted city in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Here are the top things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Seek Out the Xaman-Há Ruins

Few casual tourists know this, but Playa del Carmen is home to a set of Maya ruins that date back to the 13th century. Xaman-Há served as a launchpad for pilgrimages from the mainland to Cozumel, where Mayans worshipped Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility.

Today, the Xaman-Há ruins lie inconspicuously under thick foliage in the Playacar gated community. You’ll most likely spot more iguanas than visitors here, adding to the site’s subtle charm. To visit, you can walk along the Playacar beach or enter through the Playacar Fase II gates.

Swim in a Water-Filled Cavern

To cool off from the blazing sun and lively beach clubs, adventurous travelers can dive into cenotes—natural swimming holes considered by the ancient Mayans to be portals for communicating with the gods. These cenotes are the crown jewels of Riviera Maya, attracting outdoorsy travelers and families alike.

The nearest cenotes to Playa del Carmen are just a 20-minute drive or an easy colectivo bus ride away. The trio—Cenotes Azul, Cristalino, and Eden—are located close together, making it simple to visit all three in one day. With crystal-clear waters and lively fish swimming around, these open-air cenotes provide fun for travelers of all ages.

Take a Day Trip to Cozumel

Isla Cozumel looms on the horizon from any point along Playa del Carmen’s waterfront. With its relaxed atmosphere and miles of empty beaches, the island offers an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of Playa. It’s an easy one-hour boat ride away, with high-speed ferries departing hourly from the main pier.

Don’t underestimate Cozumel’s size—Mexico’s biggest Caribbean island measures 30 miles (48km) long and merits at least a few days to see it all. Plan to hire a buggy or jeep to navigate through the lush tropical forests and nature reserves.

A highlight is Punta Sur Ecological Park, where visitors can spot crocodiles while canoeing, explore the Maya ruin El Caracol, and climb the Celarain Lighthouse for panoramic views.

Hit the Beach

Although Playa del Carmen’s beaches may not match the grandeur of Cancún or Tulum, they compensate with remarkable accessibility. Furthermore, the town’s planners designed the coastline to facilitate easy public access to its 20-mile (32km) stretch of beautiful beach.

The busiest beach stretches from the main square, Parque Fundadores, to 16th Street. However, the best beaches are found at the northern and southern ends of town. Punta Esmeralda is a local favorite up north, complete with a unique cenote on the beach. Meanwhile, Playacar down south offers a sparkling, quieter stretch that is part of a private residential community yet remains open to the public. For those seeking adventure, continue walking south from Playacar to navigate rock formations leading to the wild Playa del Pecado.

Watch the Sunrise from a SUP

The best time to experience Playa del Carmen’s beauty is undoubtedly at sunrise. During this tranquil hour, the beach is clear of crowds, and the calm waters tint a golden hue. Therefore, consider going on a sunrise stand-up paddleboard session to take in the stunning views of the town from the water.

Say “Om” on the Sand

Locals, affectionately known as Playenses, are deeply invested in fitness and wellness, evident from the various yoga studios and meditation centers around town. One popular studio is Playa Yoga Tribe, which offers a range of donation-based yoga sessions housed in a charming palapa (an open hut with a thatched roof).

However, nothing beats yoga right on the beach. Sunrise Yoga Playa holds sessions on CTM beach daily at 7 am. No reservations are required, but a minimum donation of MX$100 ($4.80) is recommended. Just bring a mat, stretch out, and find your center.

Pedal Everywhere

Active travelers looking to burn some calories will be pleased to learn about Playa del Carmen’s bike-sharing system. This citywide network offers bike stands throughout town, making it convenient for tourists to explore the area. Just download an app to unlock a bike for only MX$98 ($4.80) per day.

One of the best bike paths runs along Tenth Avenue, allowing you to pedal parallel to the beach from Parque Fundadores to Avenida CTM. However, be cautious of pedestrians and fast-moving vehicles, as they are not yet accustomed to the increasing number of cyclists.

Indulge in Maya Chocolate

After all that exercise, a treat is well-deserved! Stop by any of Ah Cacao’s locations for a cup of authentic Mexican hot chocolate and a deep dive into the country’s Maya cacao tradition. Ah Cacao specializes in various cacao products, handcrafting items from responsibly sourced cacao. This social enterprise also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Admire Street Art on Every Corner

With a flourishing art scene, Playa del Carmen has become a magnet for creative individuals. In recent years, the city has seen an explosion of graffiti art reflected in vibrant murals throughout the area. The northern district of Colosio is particularly rich in street art. Starting from 10th Street and moving toward 30th Street, you’ll encounter large murals inspired by Frida Kahlo and other cultural icons.

Hang Out at Artsy Le Lotus Rouge

Combining an art house, restaurant, and theater, Le Lotus Rouge presents a unique and immersive creative experience. Resembling a Parisian cabaret, the venue hosts live performances, from aerial acrobatics to traditional Mexican shows on weekends, with guided visits available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Go on an Underground Adventure

If cenotes excite you, then relish the opportunity to experience Río Secreto. Start with an off-road biking excursion through lush jungles, spotting wild iguanas and coatis. Afterward, hike along a 0.6-mile (1km) cavern equipped with a helmet and headlamp, marveling at the bats and stalactites above. Finally, rappel into a turquoise water grotto and swim—making it an excellent escape from the heat or rain.

Dine Under Jungle Trees on 38th St

For a memorable dinner, visit Calle 38, renowned for its striking natural beauty. Giant banyan trees and hanging roots create a serene atmosphere near the water’s edge, welcoming various charming restaurants with lush gardens and running streams.

Among these, La Cueva del Chango enjoys popularity for its delicious regional dishes, such as chicken in poblano mole sauce, served on a lush terrace under the shade of palm trees.

Take Dinner in a Cave

If you seek a unique dining experience, the cave restaurant Alux offers gourmet cuisine set within a natural cavern. Its contemporary menu surprises with delightful dishes while the ambiance promises an unparalleled experience. Guests are escorted to a cool wine cellar stocked with premium bottles—be sure to check prices before ordering, as meals can be pricey.

People-Watch Along Fifth Avenue

All roads in Playa del Carmen lead to Fifth Avenue, a lively pedestrianized boulevard that doubles as the city’s main drag. Just a block from the beach, it’s lined with bustling restaurants, tequila bars, and quaint shops.

This lively area can feel overwhelming during high season; however, it is also a great spot for entertainment. Enjoy watching street performers, from dance acts to fire swallowers, in the evenings.

Watch Traditional Dances at Parque Fundadores

As evening falls, Parque Fundadores, the city’s main square, truly comes alive. Expats and tourists gather at this beachfront space while snacking on grilled corn and sipping fresh coconuts, enjoying traditional dance shows.

The setting is remarkable, featuring the 52ft high sculpture named Portal Maya. Every afternoon around 4 pm, a troupe performs ancient Maya rituals, complete with chants and conch-shell blowing. Concurrently, the Voladores de Papantla perform their mesmerizing aerial routine.

Browse the Night Market at the Palacio Municipal

A few blocks from the beach lies the Palacio Municipal, which attracts a less tourist-oriented crowd, particularly families and locals. During weekend evenings, this vibrant park transforms into a lively market featuring artisan products, traditional clothing, and unique local jewelry.

While exploring, take the chance to sample authentic Mexican street food, especially the Yucatán delight, tacos de cochinita pibil, alongside a passion-fruit frappé or the local favorite, marquesita (a crunchy crepe filled with condensed milk, chocolate, or Edam cheese).