![People playing beach volley in Playa Del Carmen.](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2023-02/Mexico%20Playa%20del%20Carmen%20Nur%20Photo%20GettyImages-1236265943%20RM.jpg?auto=format&w=1920&h=640&fit=crop&crop=faces,edges&q=75)
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Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, now one of Quintana Roo's largest cities, ranks right up there with Tulum as one of the Riviera's trendiest spots. Sitting coolly on the lee side of Cozumel, the town’s beaches are jammed with super-fit Europeans. The waters aren’t as clear as those of Cancún or Cozumel, and the sand isn’t quite as powder-perfect as they are further north, but still Playa grows and grows.
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Must-see attractions
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…
Playa del Carmen
Two blocks west of the highway, this pretty park has play areas for kids, shady picnic spots and walking trails as well as activities such as movie…
Playa del Carmen
Restaurants, bars, stores and craft stalls line a 2km stretch of this busy pedestrian thoroughfare.
Museo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen
This 'museum' is mainly info about Kahlo rather than displays of her artwork. It's also small. But if you're looking for something to do on a non-beach…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Secret ruins, underground caverns, night markets and more to do in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen
Hike and swim through a 1km-long underground cavern 5km south of Playa del Carmen. Some aspects are hyped, but there is a lot that is just plain awesome.
Playa del Carmen
The 'Monkey's Cave,' known for its fresh and natural ingredients, has seating in a jungly palapa setting or a verdant garden out back. Service is friendly…
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…
Playa del Carmen
Two blocks west of the highway, this pretty park has play areas for kids, shady picnic spots and walking trails as well as activities such as movie…
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Things to Know
Our guide features important things to know before your visit to Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, including safety tips, etiquette and more.
Read articleDay Trips
Here are the top day trips from Playa del Carmen – and how to do them – so you can hit the road and check out the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Read articleMoney and Costs
We give you the lowdown on how to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen on the Rivera Maya without breaking the bank.
Read articleFree Things to Do
We round up the top 10 free things to do in Playa del Carmen so you can stay and play for longer.
Read articlePlan with a local
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Articles
Latest stories from Playa del Carmen
![Storm and rain coming to the Caribbean sea of Playa del Carmen Mexico. Fishing boats anchored near the beach; Shutterstock ID 1589015776; your: Brian Healy; gl: 65050; netsuite: Lonely Planet Online Editorial; full: Best time to visit Playa del Carmen](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2022-04/shutterstock_1589015776%20RFC.jpg?auto=format&w=780&h=425&fit=crop&q=75)
Festivals & Events
When to head to Playa del Carmen for fabulous weather, fun festivals and hotel dealsApr 21, 2022 • 7 min read
- FoodPlaya del Carmen's best places to eat in 2022: local favorites, top tacos, and unique dining experiences
Apr 11, 2022 • 9 min read
- BeachesSecret ruins, underground caverns, night markets and more to do in Playa del Carmen
Mar 30, 2022 • 11 min read
BeachesThings to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorableMar 8, 2022 • 11 min read
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