PDC bucket list: 20 things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Let’s explore the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico—the tropical jewel of the Riviera Maya! From white-sand beaches and ancient Mayan ruins to secret underground cenotes, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Playa del Carmen has something for everyone.

We spent a full week in Playa del Carmen during our six-month travels around the Yucatán Peninsula and made some of our best memories in this lively seaside town in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

In this blog post, you’ll find the top things to do in Playa del Carmen (and nearby) with photos, descriptions, and exact locations on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as we did! Happy travels!

Read more » 20 best Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

1. Go shopping on the Quinta Avenida

Welcome to the vibrant Playa del Carmen! This town is known for its seaside location, lively atmosphere, and…one of the most famous streets in the Yucatan Peninsula – the Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue!

Shopping on or just checking out Quinta Avenida is one of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen!

The famous street stretches parallel to the sea and is the heart of Playa del Carmen. Quinta Avenida is lined with an array of shops, restaurants, and bars. During the night it is a busy spectacle like no other!

From morning until late at night, this famous street is bustling with activity, vibrant colors, photo spots, cafés, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, and street vendors. Stretching for miles, it offers just about everything you could imagine!

Start your walk at Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall and just continue on until there is nothing to see. The street is more attractive closer to the center of the city, and then all the fun slowly runs out as you go further out.

Location: Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall – Quinta Avenida

2. Explore Playa del Carmen’s best coffee shops

For years, Playa del Carmen has been a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, bringing diverse traditions to this vibrant town—including specialty coffee shops! As millennial digital nomads, we were thrilled about it!

If you’re a coffee lover, exploring coffee shops is a must! And if you’re anything like me and my husband, you might find yourself trying a new coffee shop every morning! But why not? Mexico is the world’s eighth-largest coffee producer!

Most coffee shops in Playa del Carmen also serve breakfast options like pastries, toasts, breakfast bowls, and more. And, of course, you’ll find your favorite coffee drinks—whether it’s an espresso, cappuccino, flat white, or a refreshing cold brew to beat the tropical heat.

Some of our favorite coffee shops in Playa del Carmen are Quadra Café – Specialty Coffee, along with MiDogo Café (my personal favorite), and Marley Coffee (my husband’s top pick). We also really enjoyed Gran Café de la Avenida breakfast spot.

3. Take a photo at Playa del Carmen letters

Wherever you travel in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula, every city, town, and village has a large art installation featuring its name somewhere in a central location. So taking a photo at the letters is one of those must-do things to do in Playa del Carmen!

You will find photo-perfect letters next to one of the most popular places in Playa del Carmen: Parque Los Fundadores. It is a gorgeous seaside park or a square surrounded by palm trees, vibrant streets, and the stunning Caribbean Sea from each side.

This colorful attraction is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen. We came here at sunrise to watch the sun beaming through the palm trees and letters. It is a must-visit place in Playa del Carmen!

Location: Letras Playa del Carmen

4. Go on a day trip to Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone

The Yucatan Peninsula is the land of ancient and modern Maya civilization, and you can’t leave this part of Mexico without paying a visit to some of those ancient Mayan archaeological sites. There are many, but the most famous of them all is Chichen Itzá.

A day trip to Chichen Itza must be on your Playa del Carmen travel itinerary!

Chichen Itzá is one of the most visited places in Mexico. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted among the New 7 Wonders of the World. Historically it was one of the largest Mayan cities dating back to 600 AD.

The most famous structure is the great El Castillo pyramid (the castle) which is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid with the temple on top of it is 30 meters high and was built sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries.

Visiting the Chichen Itza is one of the bucket list things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It gets crowded so come here first thing in the morning, if you can! It will be much nicer to explore the archaeological zone without the massive midday crowds.

Location: Chichén Itzá

5. Watch sunrise at Portal Maya in Parque Fundadores

The seaside park Parque Los Fundadores in Playa del Carmen is a popular gathering place. We came here multiple times during our stay and we even woke up early a few times to watch the sunrise here! It was pretty magical!

The park features a gorgeous sculpture: Portal Maya. It is a massive (50 ft. / 16m high!) arched sculpture, impossible to miss when visiting Playa del Carmen!

The sculpture depicts a man and a woman holding hands and leaning out of a spiral of water and wind. The arch symbolizes the beginning of a new era. You definitely must visit this place in Playa del Carmen!

Location: Portal Maya

6. Join a local food walking tour

Playa del Carmen boasts a rich food scene for a variety of palates. If you’re ready to explore the local cuisine, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is to join a food tour led by a local guide so you can learn about food and savor authentic Mexican specialties!

A food tour in Playa del Carmen is a fantastic way to satisfy your taste buds and connect with the local community and its traditions. Every food and every delicious bite has a story and the guide will be very happy to tell you all about it.

7. Enjoy Playa del Carmen’s tropical beachside

The pride and joy of Playa del Carmen are its stunning tropical beaches, with turquoise shallow waters, soft white sand, and palm trees lining the shore. These beautiful beaches are what draw all types of travelers to this vibrant town.

The beach was one of my favorite places in Playa del Carmen. We loved waking up for sunrise and watching people walk, run, do yoga, or simply start their day by relaxing by the sea.

You don’t have to go far to find a beach in Playa del Carmen—it’s right in the heart of town! You can either claim a free spot on the sand or treat yourself to a more relaxing day at a beach club, where you’ll find sunbeds, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails.

With so much to explore, we didn’t spend too much time at the beach, but we did take some morning walks on the sand and visited Lido Beach Club for a relaxing breakfast. We sat at a table right by the water, with our feet in the sand. The ultimate vacation vibes!

8. Go on a day trip to the island of the swallows—Cozumel

The tropical Caribbean island of Cozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island and is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, lush palm trees, wild nature, delicious food, and Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle.

Located just a 45-minute ferry ride away, Cozumel is the easiest destination for day trips from Playa del Carmen! Just walk to the ferry terminal in the center of Playa del Carmen, hop on the ferry, and go!

We actually spent an entire week exploring Cozumel and its most famous attractions. Some of the best things to do in Cozumel include snorkeling at the Great Mayan Reef, visiting the San Gervasio archaeological site, and spotting crocodiles in Punta Sur Eco Park.

But don’t worry! A weekend trip to see all of Cozumel’s must-see sights and must-do activities will be more than enough!

We also spent plenty of time in the capital, San Miguel de Cozumel, where we enjoyed churros and marquesitas in Benito Juarez Park, admired the iconic Cozumel Clock Tower, and watched the sunset from the promenade.

Outside the city, a must-do thing to do is to get a rental car (or scooter) and drive around the island while stopping by the wild East Coast and at Punta Sur Eco Park. We also did a tour in the Mayan chocolate factory and stopped by a couple of beaches.

If you have time for a fun weekend trip from Playa del Carmen, I highly recommend going to Cozumel. But also a single day will be full of fun if you visit the Mayan ruins, go snorkeling, eat tacos, and watch the sunset from the promenade.

Location: Cozumel

9. See paintings come alive at 3D Museum of Wonders

One of my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen was visiting the unique 3D Museum of Wonders. I am not usually one of those who include museum visits in travel itineraries, but we had to see this wonderful, interactive museum in Playa del Carmen.

Turns out it is the ultimate epicentre of Instagrammable spots in Playa del Carmen! For an entrance fee of 35 USD (yes, it is a bit steep!), you can visit dozens of paintings in the museum that look three-dimensional.

We had a lot of fun in this museum and I hope you can see it in the photos! They do look quite deceiving (and…alive?) because every single painting was painted on a flat surface. Isn’t it crazy? They look real and deep, and high!

For every painting, there is a specific spot you have to stand on to see the special 3D effect in the painting. The 3D effect is especially visible through the camera, so the photos look more ‘alive’ than what you see in real life. I quite liked it despite the price!

Location: 3D Museum of Wonders

10. Go on a hunt for the best tacos in Playa del Carmen

Tacos are the Vitamin T of Mexico—you simply have to try them when visiting this country! Luckily, Playa del Carmen offers plenty of opportunities to taste delicious, authentic Mexican tacos.

During our stay, we visited a new taco spot every day. One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t look for fancy, modern restaurants. The best authentic tacos are often served at simple eateries, food trucks, or street food stalls.

Our favorite taco spots in Playa del Carmen were El Fogón (a must-visit place!), AY TACO! taco spot, EL CHULETÓN taqueria, as well as Tropical Tacos, and the unique Birria de la 30, where you can get birria tacos (fried, golden beef tacos).

11. Visit underground cenotes & Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

As you stroll along Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen, you’ll pass numerous tour vendors, all trying to lure you into booking a fun day trip. One of the most popular offers is a trip to Rio Secreto Nature Reserve.

Rio Secreto is an underground river—a miles-long water system just a short drive from the center of Playa del Carmen. It’s the perfect adventure for anyone staying in town! You can explore it on a guided tour.

Rio Secreto (Secret River) is known for its crystal-clear, filtered water and impressive rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. This cave adventure will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Mexico!

If you’d rather not join a guided tour but still want to experience swimming underground, I highly recommend visiting some of the underground cave cenotes near Playa del Carmen. My favorites were Cenote Taak Bi Ha, Dos Ojos Cenote, and Cenotes Sac Actún.

Location: Rio Secreto – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

12. Go on a trip to Tulum, the tropical jewel of Riviera Maya

Tulum is a well-known destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and one of the best destinations for day trips from Playa del Carmen. The town attracts visitors with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and iconic ancient Mayan ruins perched on a seaside cliff.

If you have an extra day to spare, I highly recommend going on a short trip to Tulum!

Some of the top things to do in Tulum include exploring the Tulum archaeological zone, visiting the iconic Ven a la Luz sculpture park, enjoying the tropical beaches, trying street food at Parque Dos Aguas, and admiring street art.

Although Playa del Carmen and Tulum may seem like similar destinations, there are some things about Tulum that you simply won’t find anywhere else around the Yucatan Peninsula!

Tulum is divided into two parts – the downtown area inland and the Tulum Hotel Zone by the sea. Although we stayed in the downtown area (cheaper and more restaurants), we did multiple trips to the hotel zone to check out the creative hotel entrances. Pretty impressive!

Tulum offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and bohemian charm. Walking through the Tulum Hotel Zone feels like visiting an open-air art exhibition, and I truly enjoyed our time there. However, I do hope they restore some of those beautiful yet run-down entrances!

Tulum is also known for one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites – the Tulum Archaeological Zone. The ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Did you know that the name Tulum means ‘a wall’ in Mayan?

Another advantage for Tulum is cenotes – the perfect escape when the beach is covered with sargassum sea algae (something that occurs every year!)! Tulum boasts many famous cenotes just a couple of minutes’ drive from the downtown.

Despite Tulum’s popularity, there are also plenty of places to eat authentic Mexican food so don’t forget to hunt down the best tacos in Tulum along with tortas, quesabirrias, guacamole, marquesitas, and more. Every week, we discovered new food spots in Tulum!

Location: Tulum

13. See one of the highest Mayan pyramids in Coba

Coba Archaeological Zone near Tulum is one of the largest Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. The ancient jungle city is located just a 1h30min drive from Playa del Carmen, making it an easy destination for a day trip from Playa del Carmen.

The Coba ruins were once one of the most important ancient Mayan cities in the area. The archaeological site boasts multiple stone pyramids, temples, and other important structures. It was a pretty impressive place to explore for a very democratic entrance fee!

Most of the structures in Coba date back to the 7th-10th centuries. Coba used to be a large center of the Mayan civilization, reaching 50 thousand inhabitants!

Entrance to the site is paid in different parts – parking and two different entrance fees, so don’t forget to bring some cash with you. All the buildings are pretty much scattered around the jungle, so it will be a longer walk (or you can rent a bike there).

One of the most impressive buildings is the temple pyramid Nohoch Mul. At 42 meters (137 feet) it is one of the highest Mayan structures in the Yucatán Peninsula. Only Calakmul in the State of Campeche is higher than this Coba pyramid.

A couple of years ago it was possible to climb the pyramid in Coba, but not anymore. However, it didn’t take away from the whole experience – it was fun walking the narrow paths through the jungle and finding jungle birds and Mayan ruins along the way!

Location: Coba Archaeological Zone – Parking lot

14. Explore the otherworldly AZULIK – City of Arts

Well, if you come to Coba Archaeological Zone or visit Tulum, this marvellous gem is just a stone’s throw away from those two spots and you might as well add this place to your itinerary! Introducing you to AZULIK-City of Arts!

This is a contemporary museum like no other! The City of Arts is an out-of-this-world, handmade artisanal creation that takes you on a journey through the most surreal spaces.

When I first entered this place, my immediate thoughts were of The Lord of the Rings—it felt like stepping into an elven realm with otherworldly structures nestled among the trees.

The City of Arts is a massive, interconnected structure with wooden pathways that allow you to explore the upper levels before leading you down to the ground floor. The lower level connects to various rooms and spaces, each offering something unique and creative.

Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll get your shoes back and can step outside to explore everything in the surrounding area: there’s a pool, a restaurant, and several hidden nooks waiting for you to see them.

The whole place felt like stepping onto a different world. The entrance fee is 400 pesos per person, and yes, it was absolutely worth it. You can take photos, listen to the sounds of nature, admire the art, and simply escape the world in this incredible space.

There are some things you should know if you want to take photos inside AZULIK City of Arts.

Firstly, no shoes, you can only walk around barefoot inside the building. Secondly, no outfit changes are allowed. Thirdly, you can only take photos with your phone. Extra fees apply if you want to use a professional camera. I absolutely loved this place!

Location: AZULIK City of Arts

15. Peek into the Museum of Frida Kahlo

For those eager to learn more about Mexican culture, there’s a great place to visit right in the heart of Playa del Carmen—the Frida Kahlo Museum. Frida Kahlo is arguably the most famous and iconic Mexican artist of all time.

Today, Frida Kahlo is recognized worldwide as a symbol of resilience, feminism, and personal struggle. Her portraits appear on murals, in fashion, and throughout pop culture around the globe.

The museum in Playa del Carmen is located on Quinta Avenida and offers an interactive experience, focusing more on the struggles and storytelling behind Frida’s work and legacy rather than just displaying her original paintings.

A cool place to visit in Playa del Carmen when it rains, perhaps?

Location: Museo Frida Kahlo

16. See the most picturesque cenotes in Mexico

Every visit to this part of Mexico is all about the weather, tropical beaches, delicious food, Mayan ruins, and, of course, cenotes! These unique natural sinkholes are characteristic of this region, and I highly recommend including at least a few in your itinerary!

But which cenotes are the best ones to visit from Playa del Carmen?

We spent six months traveling around the Yucatán Peninsula, including the Riviera Maya, and visited around 30 of the top-rated cenotes in the region. Let me tell you—there are only a handful of must-see cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula!

One of the most famous cenotes in Mexico is Cenote Suytun. It is known for its iconic circular platform that extends over the turquoise water, with a natural opening in the cave ceiling right above it. And the massive stalactites only make it even more photo-worthy!

Another well-known cenote is Cenote Ik Kil, which translates to ‘Place of the Winds.’ It is famous for its circular shape, plant-covered walls, and hanging roots that reach down to the deep blue water. Its close proximity to Chichén Itzá makes it a highly visited attraction.

Then come some of my favorite cenotes. Cenote Atik Tulum is a gorgeous open-air cenote surrounded by lush jungle. It offers a more secluded and less crowded experience compared to many other popular cenotes near Tulum. I loved this place!

Then Cenote Saamal near Valladolid. It is a beautiful semi-open cenote known for its cascading waterfall on one side. The crystal-clear cool waters make it the perfect place to go for a refreshing dip in the tropical heat.

One of the closest famous cenotes to Playa del Carmen is Gran Cenote, known for its crystal-clear waters, caves, and turtles. Yes, you can swim with turtles here! I did! It features both open and partially covered areas. But Gran Cenote is quite expensive and can get crowded.

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, the Cenote Xcanahaltun might be perfect for you. This cave cenote features a stunning group of stalactites and an opening in the ceiling that lets in a beam of sunlight. It’s peaceful, serene, and rarely crowded.

Location: Cenote Suytun – Cenote Ik Kil – Cenote Atik Tulum – Cenote Saamal – Gran Cenote – Cenote Xcanahaltun

17. Explore the street food scene in Playa del Carmen

You can’t leave Playa del Carmen without trying authentic street food from a local stand. Keep in mind that there are no street food vendors on Quinta Avenida, so you’ll need to venture beyond the touristy areas to find them!

Also, these stands typically start appearing in the late afternoon, with most of them operating only in the evening. We found the highest concentration around Plaza Principal, Leona Vicario Park, and along Avenida Benito Juárez.

So what traditional Mexican foods should you try? One of the must-try foods is a marquesita, a thin, rolled, crunchy waffle usually filled with sweet (or savory if you wish!) ingredients like caramel, jams, fruit, and Nutella.

For savory options, I, of course, recommend tacos (cochinita pibil, al pastor, arrachera, etc.), tortas (Mexican sandwiches), quesabirrias (a fried folded tortilla filled with tender beef and melted cheese), and grilled corn dishes like elotes and esquites.

Luckily, street food is cheap and comes in smaller sized portions so you can easily try something new and leave it if you don’t like!

18. Celebrate life at Alux, an underground cave restaurant

From street food to fine dining! I am all about finding unique places and having special experiences when traveling. And not many places can compare with Alux, an underground restaurant in Playa del Carmen.

If you have something to celebrate, this is probably one of the best places to go in Playa del Carmen!

We really enjoyed it. Although it is a much pricier dining place than many others (and food was pretty decent!), having dinner underground was just as exotic as it sounds.

Alux restaurant is built inside an underground cave system—similar to the cenotes found throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, but without water. Everything is there—the kitchen, tables, even a fountain, and, of course, music—just like in a regular restaurant.

It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion. A reservation is required, but we found it easy to get one. After dinner, they let you walk around and explore more of the cave system—it goes pretty deep and we even saw a small bat deeper in the cave! Quite impressive!

Location: Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge

19. Escape to Puerto Morelos for a day trip

When you run out of things to do in Playa del Carmen, just look nearby! There’s plenty to explore and experience just outside the seaside town. And this brings me to Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Located midway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, this charming fishing village offers a much more relaxed and authentic experience.

One of the biggest reasons to go to Puerto Morelos is that there is a wonderful long white sand beach that is easily accessible from the town center. And not a single hotel is blocking the access to the tropical white-sand beach.

Some of the must-do things to do in Puerto Morelos include visiting the iconic Leaning Lighthouse of Puerto Morelos (come for the sunrise, if you can!), checking out the local food scene, enjoying the crowd-free beaches, and a snorkeling trip to the barrier reef.

Did you know that Puerto Morelos is home to the National Reef Park, one of the best-preserved stretches of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef? So this is one of the best places for snorkeling or diving activities in the whole Yucatan Peninsula.

The town’s laid-back atmosphere (it really is a small town still untouched by the tourist crowds), combined with its local restaurants, artisan shops, and cultural attractions truly captivated me. I really liked this place.

Location: Puerto Morelos

20. Check out street art murals in Playa del Carmen

They definitely love colors in this part of Mexico! It’s no surprise that Playa del Carmen is filled with vibrant street art murals, especially in the downtown area.

One of my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen was walking around and finding new and new street art murals every day!

If you’re searching for cool photo spots in Playa del Carmen (like, cool and colorful murals!?), take your time to go on a longer walk and explore the town’s streets and squares—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find the exact murals in my photos, as they fade over time and are sometimes replaced with new (different) artwork. But it is worth trying to check these places out (each location is written under the photo)!

We found the coolest street art murals near the ADO bus station and in Leona Vicario Park in Playa del Carmen. We also spotted many murals on the side streets between 5th Avenue, 10th Avenue, and 15th Avenue.

Some taco restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and other eateries also feature beautiful murals. So, keep an eye out while exploring the streets and sights of Playa del Carmen!