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Overview
Located within the popular and beautiful coastal resort of Playa del Carmen along the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a long and wide white sand beach. The beach is positioned along the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, a promenade lined with many shops, and a large park popularly known as the Parque Los Fundadores, which together offer Instagram-worthy views. Playa del Carmen is part of the Riviera Maya, a tourism corridor that attracts millions of visitors each year, contributing significantly to the local economy and emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts while protecting the natural environment and marine life.
Amenities
Playa del Carmen does not have lifeguards but offers many other amenities, including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a large park, hotels, and nearby restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Activities
Playa del Carmen is a family-friendly beach that offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, walking, and picnicking. If you are planning to go in the water, there is a swimming area, and the waves are always fairly calm. Snorkelers and divers may spot an array of marine life as the beach is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, and is just off the coast, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts. The beach hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and the Day of the Dead celebrations, that attract a large influx of tourists. Playa del Carmen is a perfect place where visitors can also enjoy a thriving nightlife, and there are numerous nightclubs, including the extremely popular Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen, On Heaven, and Clandestino Rooftop, that stay open until late hours. If you enjoy shopping, there is a popular pedestrian thoroughfare, the Quinta Avenida, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.
Disability Access
Playa del Carmen offers an access path for people with disabilities.
Parking
Getting to Playa del Carmen is easy - the beach has a small paid parking lot located at Esquina Con, 10 Avenida Norte, Av. Benito Juárez 10, 77710. Alternatively, there are also several nearby parking lots in Playa del Carmen where visitors can park their vehicles at 10 Avenida Norte. 28, Gonzalo Guerrero, or Av. Benito Juárez 56, Centro, 77710, which provides easy access to the beach.
Fun Fact
Playa del Carmen and its surrounding area were originally inhabited by the Maya people. It was once a small fishing village, but over the years, it has rapidly developed into a bustling tourist destination over the past few decades.
Playa del Carmen is a key gateway for cruises in the Caribbean, particularly due to its proximity to Cozumel, a major cruise ship destination.
Attractions
There are many attractions near Playa del Carmen. The Playa del Carmen Lighthouse is a prominent landmark situated along the coast of Playa del Carmen that serves as a beacon for ships navigating the waters. It provides an interesting glimpse of the maritime history of the region and offers Instagram-worthy views of the Mexican Caribbean coastline. Xplor Park is a family-friendly adventure park that offers many thrilling activities, including zip-lining, amphibious vehicles, hammock splashing, underground cave explorations, underground river rafting, and the world's first 5-in-1 waterslide that combines four distinct raft descents to culminate in a wave pool. Parque Los Fundadores, also known as Founders Park, is a popular, centrally located public park. It features a large playground, shaded areas, picnic tables, nearby restaurants, bustling markets selling local crafts, a chapel, and a 16-meter-tall bronze sculpture of the Maya Portal. In addition, the park hosts numerous cultural performances throughout the year, including the famous Voladores de Papantla and pre-Hispanic dances, making it a perfect place to relax, socialize, and absorb the coastal vibe.
Cenote Chaak Tun is a natural sinkhole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, exposing underground rivers and pools filled with fresh freshwater. These cenotes are positioned amidst the lush jungle, offering visitors an opportunity to swim in its refreshing waters, marvel at its unique geological formations, observe the diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy guided tours that provide information on history, geology, and ecological significance. If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Museo Frida Kahlo is a small museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The museum is divided into nine rooms, each focusing on different aspects of her life and offering a unique sensory experience, combining various tools including audio, video mapping, object boxes, touch screens, art installations, infographics, and samples of her paintings.
Restaurants
If you get hungry, there are many nearby Playa del Carmen. The Carmen is an upscale restaurant positioned right on the beach that serves amazing salads, pizzas, ribs, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes. C-Grill is another beachfront restaurant and popular nightclub positioned right on the beach and serves soup, salads, pasta, pizzas, seafood, meat, pork, and poultry dishes. Yum Yum is a popular Asian fusion restaurant that serves incredible seafood, beef, meat, and poultry dishes. Carboncitos serves incredible salads, burgers, burrata, quesadillas, seafood, beef, meat, and poultry dishes. If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Tropical is a Mexican restaurant that serves amazing salads, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, steaks, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, meat, poultry, and vegan dishes.
Hotels
If you are looking for a nearby hotel in Playa del Carmen, there are many great options nearby. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Thompson Playa Del Carmen Beach House, by Hyatt is right on the beach and offers many amenities, including a rooftop outdoor pool, a fitness center, an in-room spa facility, a steam room, bars, and a restaurant. A more affordable hotel is the beachfront 4-Star The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, which offers many amenities, including an infinity outdoor pool, cabanas, hot tubs, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Another moderately priced option is the beachfront 4-Star Hotel Colibri Beach, which has many amenities, including a rooftop hot tub, a hammock, a bar, and a restaurant. A more reasonably priced option is the oceanfront 3-Star Hotel Casa Melissa, which offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool and a terrace with sun loungers. If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star The Carmen Hotel, offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
4828 meters
Entry Fee
Restroom Available
Beige
Amenities
ATM
Dogs
Lifeguard
Playground
Restrooms
Showers
WiFi
Activities
Bike Paths
Fishing
Hiking
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Volleyball
Rentals
Bikes
Fishing Boats
Jet Skiing
Kayaking Canoeing
Mat Rentals
Sailing
Umbrella Rental
Windsurfing
Food
Bars
Local Beach Vendor
Restaurants
Access
Bike Racks
Car Access
Disabled Access
Foot Access
Parking - Paid
Parking - Street
Public Bus Stop
Features
LGBTQ+
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Top Traveler Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!
Does Playa Del Carmen have parking? If so, is it free or paid?
No, this Beach does not have dedicated parking but has street parking near the entrance.
Does Playa Del Carmen have lifeguards?
Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.
Is Playa Del Carmen a family-friendly beach?
Yes, this Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.
Is Playa Del Carmen good for swimming?
Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.
Does Playa Del Carmen have restrooms?
Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.
Is Playa Del Carmen a nude beach?
No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.
Is there food near Playa Del Carmen?
Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.
What are the activities at Playa Del Carmen?
Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Fishing, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Volleyball.
Does Playa Del Carmen have accommodations for people with disabilities?
Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.
Is Playa Del Carmen a dog-friendly beach?
Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!
Is Playa Del Carmen good for surfing?
No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.
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Top Beaches in Quintana Roo, Mexico