Playa del Carmen is a bustling beach town in the heart of Riviera Maya, and a popular destination for tourists around the world. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why! Discover its timeless charm and fall in love with the city as you explore its many activities.
1. Visit Parque Los Fundadores
Framed by a stunning statue, Parque Los Fundadores is a beach park that’s great for a long stroll. Sample some classic Mexican street food, browse local shops, and take in the culture of Playa del Carmen’s downtown core.
A local stage in the park often hosts musical entertainment, surrounded by local fruit vendors with fresh produce ripe for the picking. For kids, there’s a pirate ship-themed playground with plenty of room to run and play to their heart’s content. The pristine beach is also a great place to relax and catch some rays.
2. Explore Cenote Chaak Tun
A cenote is a natural freshwater pool created by sinkholes filling with water.
Cenote Chaak Tun is one of the most popular cenotes in Playa del Carmen. Inside this underground cavern decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in its refreshing waters with one of the many guided tours available in the area. You’ll also learn more about how the ancient Maya used cenotes in their religious rituals.
3. Relax on Playa Punta Esmeralda
Punta Esmeralda is a beach that locals love. Relatively unknown to most tourists, its gorgeous white sand and clear blue waters make it the perfect spot for a beach day. There’s also a shallow, open-air cenote that acts like a natural splash pool for kids to play in.
The calm waters make for excellent swimming and snorkeling, and the soft sand is ideal for lounging and strolling along the water’s edge.
4. Go to the 3D Museum of Wonders
Rainy days on vacation don’t have to be a letdown! The 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen is a fun destination on days when the weather isn’t ideal, or when you’d like to take a break from the heat.
The museum displays vivid artwork that uses optical illusion to make the images appear as if they are three-dimensional. Stoke your imagination and become part of the image by posing with its eccentric characters! Photos are encouraged, and both kids and adults will be amazed by the intricate, lifelike 3D images throughout this unique museum.
5. Explore Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, is the center of Playa del Carmen. It’s a five-mile stretch of pedestrian-only street, lined with shops, art galleries, a rooftop pool, and bars and restaurants. Parque Fundadores can also be found here, making it easy to visit Quinta Avenida after your relaxing beach day.
It’s your one-stop shop for amazing nightlife, fantastic shopping, and delicious dining. In particular, we enjoy browsing Chez Celine, an authentic French bakery serving up delectable pastries, croissants, and baguettes daily. We also love visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, where you can view the artist’s many iconic paintings, heavily inspired by Mexico’s natural landscape and its diverse cultural history.
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