It is hard to believe that we have not written anything about Playa del Carmen’s best activities before. Playa del Carmen was our first trip to Mexico way back 1999. We have returned again and again. We have stayed in all types of accommodation, including apartments, resorts with all-inclusives and budget hotels. Every time we went to Playa del Carmen, it was just as enjoyable as the previous.
Although the Mayan Riviera’s many day trips and excursions can be used interchangeably between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen offers much more than a regular Cancun vacation. It has evolved from a small fishing village with narrow streets and outdoor markets into a thriving tourist destination that offers fine dining and luxury hotels.
You might consider a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. Keep reading to find out all about Playa del Carmen’s attractions and those nearby along the Mayan Riviera.
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico: Top Things to Do
The beaches are inviting and soft to walk on at sunrise. There are many walking streets, nightlife, shops, cafes, and other activities. There are many things to do in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen will suit any travel style.
We have used Get Your Guide on many of our Playa del Carmen trips. Get Your Guide has the best excursions and offers transfers, tour guides and access to the top activities in Playa del Carmen.
You can book several day trips from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. There are many options for adventurous cenote tours and diving tours. You can also choose leisurely tours that allow you to cancel easily and get a full refund.
La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
Playa del Carmen’s heartbeat is La Quinta Avenue. You will be able to wander this pedestrian-only street and enjoy shopping, dining and nightlife. Mexico’s 5th Avenue is bustling, 5-mile-long, cobblestone street full of street performers, vendors, bars, and other businesses. As we enjoy the nightlife, we love to pull up a chair on one of the patios and listen to live music. La Quinta Avenida is open all day and night. Local art galleries are available to purchase souvenirs made by local artisans.
You will want to avoid the streets when a cruise ship arrives in town, as it can become very chaotic and crowded.
Rooftop pools
Playa del Carmen is a far cry from our first visit, when the only bar in Playa del Carmen was Senor Frogs. It has one of the most beautiful rooftop pools in the world, making it one of the top things you can do in Playa del Carmen. Day passes can be purchased for the rooftop pool you choose. Then, relax and enjoy the view.
The rooftop pool day pass includes a chair and a food credit. If you spend less than 50 Pesos, other places may allow you to enjoy their rooftop pool. Some popular rooftop pools in Playa del Carmen include The Thompson Playa del Carmen, BePlaya Rooftop Pool,
Sun and Fun at a Beach Club
Playa del Carmen is known for its beaches and clubs. We’ve noticed that many of the beaches we saw on our first trip to Playa del Carmen are now eroded. It is becoming more difficult to find a spot. This is why there are so many beach clubs.
We had the pleasure of staying on Playa del Carmen’s beach in our little oasis. But, if you don’t want to go to the Playa del Carmen beach, there are many beach clubs that you can check out. A day pass can be rented that gives you a chaise lounge right on the Caribbean Sea.
Popular Playa del Carmen beach clubs include Lido Beach Club, which is a laid-back beach club, Mamita’s Beach Club, which is a famous beach climb in Playa del Carmen, and Kool Beach Club, which is located close to Mamita’s in the event that it is too busy.
Parque Fundadores (Founding Fathers Park)
Although some beaches in Playa del Carmen are now eroded, you can still enjoy the surf and sand.
Portal Maya Statue
The Portal Maya statue is located at Parque Fundadores. It depicts two figures being pulled by wind and water. It was built to commemorate the 2012 end of the Mayan Calendar. It is a stunning sight, standing 50 feet tall.
Playacar Beach
Another of Playa del Carmen’s most popular beaches is Playacar Beach has beautiful white sand and is less frequented than other beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Catamaran Cruise Or Sailing Trips
Our top recommendation is to get on the water in Playa del Carmen. The water is beautiful, clear, and warm. It is easy to see why this area has become a tourist Mecca by sailing along the coast.
Sailing trips are a favorite pastime of ours. If you’re looking to enjoy the coastline and soak up the sun, then sailing is for you. You must explore the Mayan Riviera. You should sailboats instead of party boats or high-speed speed boats. Many sailing trips include snorkeling. This combination combines two of our favourite things to do in Mexico, getting on the water and getting in it!
