Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Plan your days in Playa del Carmen, your way
Start with the classics: a morning at the Tulum ruins above the sea, then a swim at the beach below them.
Back in town, wander Fifth Avenue without a plan, ducking into side streets when something smells good.
Lunch at El Fogón for tacos al pastor, because everyone should do that once, and probably twice.
An afternoon at a cenote, Gran or Azul, floating in cool green water under the jungle canopy.
One slow morning doing nothing at the beach, which counts as an activity here.
Take the ferry to Cozumel for a day of snorkeling and a fried fish lunch by the water.
Evenings at Parque Fundadores, watching the Voladores spin down from their pole as the sky goes pink.
A day trip to Chichen Itza if you want the big one, a lazy pool day if you don't.
Leave one full day completely unplanned and let Playa fill it in.
You will come home with a little of everything, which is exactly the right amount.
Top attractions and places to eat in Playa del Carmen
La Quinta Avenida
Playa del Carmen's famous pedestrian avenue (Fifth Avenue) lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. Travelers stroll it for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
attraction · 4.2 rating · Free
Cenote Chaak Tun
Cave cenote experience with swimming and guided tours, including a tequila tasting stop.
4.7 rating · $79
Parque Los Fundadores
A central public plaza near the beach in Playa del Carmen, known for its sculptural Portal Maya arch and open gathering space. Travelers come to stroll, people-watch, and access the seafront.
attraction · 4.2 rating · Free
Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church
Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a small whitewashed chapel near Fifth Avenue, valued for its simple architecture, calm interior, and convenient downtown location.
church · 4.6 rating · Free
La Cueva del Chango
A well-known Playa del Carmen restaurant set in a lush garden, famed for traditional Mexican breakfasts and dishes in a jungle-like ambiance.
bar
Xcaret Park
A large eco-archaeological theme park near Cancún featuring underground rivers, wildlife, cultural shows, and Maya heritage exhibits. Travelers spend a full day on nature and cultural attractions.
theme park · $189
El Fogón
El Fogón is a curated dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant
Río Secreto
An underground river and cave system near Cancún where visitors wade and swim through illuminated caverns filled with stalactites. Travelers go for the guided nature adventure through the semi-submerged crystalline passages.
attraction · $89
Axiote Cocina de México
Axiote Cocina de México is a curated dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant
Los Aguachiles
Los Aguachiles is a curated dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant
Kaxapa Factory
Kaxapa Factory is a curated dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant
Punta Esmeralda
A popular public beach where a freshwater cenote meets the Caribbean, with shallow water and a family-friendly local feel.
attraction · Free
La Cochi Loka
La Cochi Loka is a curated dining option selected for quality, local relevance, and proximity to visitor attractions.
restaurant
Harry's Steakhouse & Raw Bar | Playa del Carmen
An upscale steakhouse and raw bar known for premium cuts and seafood, drawing travelers looking for a high-end dining experience.
restaurant
Mamitas Beach
A lively central beach close to Fifth Avenue, known for swimming, music, beach clubs, and easy access from downtown.
attraction · Free