Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of beach vacation image searches (yeah, us neither), chances are you’ve come across this Caribbean oasis.
One of the principal tourist centers of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is brimming with fun activities to fill your itinerary. Dreamy beaches bathed by crystal clear waters, parks, museums, shopping, unforgettable day trips… The possibilities are endless!
Planning a trip and not sure how to spend your time? Today at Civitatis, we bring you the things you can’t miss in Playa del Carmen.
Stroll Down Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida is the main avenue and beating heart of Playa del Carmen. Here you’ll find a colorful bustling atmosphere full of bars and restaurants. Want to dive into some delicious Mexican tacos? This is just the place to get your fix of the local gastronomy!
If you’re looking to shop ’til you drop, there’s also a wide range of options, from boutique shops with artisan goods to open-air shopping areas like Calle Corazón. If you just arrived in Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida is a great place to start exploring.
Check Out Parque Fundadores
At the start of Quinta Avenida, we find Parque Fundadores, one of the most important historical places in Playa del Carmen. Built in the 1950s, this plaza was intended to be the social center of the old fishing town and quickly became one of Playa del Carmen’s must-see spots.
The park, right by the sea, has sculptures, a gazebo, a playground, and plenty of benches to sit and relax. Not to mention, Parque Fundadores is also home to a charming little chapel and one of the most recognizable symbols of the area: the iconic Portal Maya, a 50-foot arched bronze sculpture of a man and a woman clasping hands designed as a tribute to the Yucatán Peninsula’s Maya history.
Soak Up the Sun at Playa Mamitas
For beach bums, Playa Mamitas is a must if you’re looking for things to do in Playa del Carmen. Picture this: crystal-clear water, fine white sand lined with palm trees, music, good food… This beach has all the staples of a Caribbean oasis!
Bubbling with life at all times of the day, Playa Mamitas is one of the area’s most popular beaches. And with good reason! It’s a gorgeous stretch of sand that’s perfect for soaking up the sun, sipping on a well-earned vacation cocktail, and basking in the festive atmosphere of the local beach clubs.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Also located just off the famous Quinta Avenida we find the Museo Frida Kahlo, a small museum dedicated to one of Mexico‘s – and the world’s – most beloved and renowned artists. The exhibition is distributed across nine rooms. Visitors can delve into Kahlo’s life through different screens, audio clips, personal items, and her most prized paintings.
You can learn about the tragic accident that would shape the rest of her life, her relationship with her husband Diego Rivera, as well as her interest in politics, all major themes that are reflected in the artist’s work. If you love exploring new places through art and culture, save time to stop at this museum!
Channel Your Inner Explorer
One of the best things about this area of Mexico is its proximity to some of the world’s most important archaeological ruins. The Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with vestiges of the Maya, a civilization that continues to surprise us, centuries later. If you’re not sure what to do in Playa del Carmen, you can’t go wrong with an excursion to Tulum, Cobá, or Chichén Itzá. Don’t miss the chance to witness the legacy of this ancient civilization in person!
Prefer to be in the water? Playa del Carmen also offers plenty of activities for those who want to enjoy the stunning cenotes and natural pools. You can go snorkeling at historic cenotes like the Gran Cenote and Taak Bi Ha, considered sacred for the Maya.
Spend the Day Island Hopping
We continue our list of what to do in Playa del Carmen with some of its most dreamy spots. If you’ve got a few days, you can’t leave without hopping over to some of the area’s island oases! No doubt the most popular of these is Cozumel, an island directly off the coast of Playa del Carmen. This island is one of the largest in Mexico and offers a ton of activities including snorkeling, bike tours, boat tours, cultural visits…
If you’re looking for a relaxing day in paradise, we recommend a boat ride to Isla Mujeres or Isla Contoy. Here, you can swim and sprawl out on the fine white sands of its shores. On the northern tip of the peninsula, we find Isla Holbox, an island known for its stunning beaches and diverse population of birds. If you’re traveling between March and October, you may even see the famous pink flamingoes that stop here to breed on their way to South America!
Let Adventure Take the Reins
Don’t worry; we didn’t forget about our fellow thrill-seekers! Aside from its spectacular beaches and awe-inspiring archaeological ruins, the Playa del Carmen area is also home to quite a few adventure and theme parks for those looking to get their adrenaline pumping. Zip lining, cenotes, kayaking, underground rivers, quad biking… These are just a few of the activities you can participate in at places like Xavage Park, Xplor Park, Xel-Há Natural Park, and Native Park.
There are also plenty of options for anyone looking to get up close and personal with the local marine life. Want to come face to face with the world’s largest fish? Join this swimming with whale sharks experience! The most daring can even test their nerves in a one-of-a-kind diving experience with bull sharks. The world is your oyster!
