17 things to know before going to Playa del Carmen

15.08.2024 - 21:06 / lonelyplanet.com

Aug 15, 2024 • 11 min read

At the midpoint between party-central Cancún and boho-chic Tulum, Playa del Carmen is a dynamic beach town offering everything from wellness retreats to raving parties to gourmet restaurants. It's a favorite among digital nomads and sun-seeking families thanks to its walkable streets, easily accessible beaches, and proximity to Mayan ruins, coral reefs and cenotes (natural swimming holes).

It's no secret that Playa del Carmen – and the Riviera Maya as a whole – is a magnet for tourists, but the beach town maintains a sense of convivial authenticity that appeals to travelers looking for a well-rounded destination. As an expat here, I have learned a thing or two about navigating this energetic beach town. Here are my first-hand tips to help you make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen. 

As the fastest-growing town in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen attracts hordes of travelers, especially during the peak season from December to April. Picture-perfect skies and cool nights are standard – but so are high prices. And the streets bulge at the seams during Christmas and spring break.

The low season runs from May to June and from September to November. Despite the soaring temperatures, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season in July and August, when crowds are thinner. While there may be some downpours and a power outage or two if a tropical storm hits, the sun always makes an appearance in between showers.

Playa del Carmen may seem small-scale at first, but once you venture out to the various neighborhoods, you'll find a world of verdant parks, weekend markets and authentic taquerias to discover. Centro – stretching from the ferry terminal to Calle 8 – is tourist central and the city's bustling heart. This is where you'll find plenty of bumping nightclubs, salsa bars and flashy souvenir stores.

Next door, Gonzalo Guerrero is a lively jumble of international restaurants, taco trucks and supermarkets sprawling to Calle 40. This area suits those who aren't hard-core partiers but still want to be near the center of the action. Further northeast is Zazil-Ha, an up-and-coming area that appeals to medium-term visitors and creative types with its affordable short-term rentals and co-working spaces.  

South of Centro lies the gated community of Playacar, which caters to couples and families with young children seeking green spaces and tranquility. Here, you'll find several family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, plenty of short-term rentals and one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. Note that you'll need to be ready to pedal or walk 15 minutes to town.

The thing that sets Playa del Carmen apart from next-door neighbors Cancún and Tulum is the town's remarkable access to the