Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen
Fun Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a beautiful place to enjoy in Mexico! It’s visited by people from around the world every year! It’s also a good place to visit if you’re looking for a party and good times!
I am going to share some fun things to do in Playa Del Carmen to help make your trip even more awesome!
Table of Contents
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Enjoy La Quinta
La Quinta means fifth, so basically it’s Fifth Avenue.
This is a long brick road that is filled with colours, fun, and excitement!
It is a pedestrian street only, you will only see cars, when you are crossing a side street.
You can taste tequila and mezcal, dine on authentic Mayan and Mexican food, get a massage, dance, eat dessert, get a tattoo, shop, mingle with people from around the world and much more!
There are a lot of street vendors, buskers and performers that you can enjoy at La Quinta, especially in the evenings.
Check out my video of a night on La Quinta in Playa Del Carmen! So fun!
TIP: If you need to take out more cash from the ATM, there are a lot of ATM machines on La Quinta. Check as some of them give American dollars and other Mexican Pesos only. There are also some currency exchange booths too.
How to figure out your way around La Quinta
La Quinta is a very long avenue with a lot going on.
There are even more than 1 of the same thing such as tequila and ice cream shops.
It can get confusing to remember where you saw that souvenir that you wanted to buy later.
So, here are some ways that you can figure out where you are and know your way around La Quinta in Playa Del Carmen.
All of the cross streets are numbered by twos in order.
There are posts at each cross street that have a map and information on them.
The map shows a circle and a ‘you are here’ symbol, so you can see where you are and where some key locations are too.
There are also symbols that show you where key points are like banks, pharmacies, the beach, telephones, hotels and taxi stands. The taxi stands are called ‘sitio de taxis’.
Hang out in Fundadores Park
Just beside La Quinta is Fundadores Park. Whether it’s day or night, you will find fun and interesting things happening in this park!
It’s also so great just to chill there and people watch with an ice cream or churros.
You can also listen to the waves and chill by the water, as this park is also right beside the ocean! I mean, how do you get better than that!
Not only is this park right at the beach, it’s also right by one of the best streets in Playa Del Carmen -La Quinta!
Often in the evenings there are shows like performances by clowns there. The clowns are all about audience participation and making you laugh!
They will come around and offer to sell you some desserts too. Also, near the end of the show they will come around asking for tips for their performance.
More than just the clown performances, there are special events sometimes there! They put a stage under the big sculpture and have performances. I was lucky enough to have my travels line up with a 2-day mariachi festival in Fundadores Park!
I love the variety and authenticity of the Indigenous cultures in Mexico!
At Fundadores Park you have a chance to see 2 different types of ceremonies or performances.
The first is Los Voladores de Papantla. This is a mesamerican ceremony that has Indigenous roots from the Nahua, Otomi, and Huastec People. Those are 3 Indigenous groups from Mexico.
Their pole is located close beside the large sculpture. They perform during the day at random times.
They climb up to the top and attach rope to their wastes, then they slowly spin in a circle upside down as the rope unravels until they reach the ground.
TIP: Make sure that you have smaller bills or coins so that you can tip the performers.
Here is my YouTube video of the same ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, so you can understand what happens during this ceremony.
Secondly, there is a Mayan ceremony and dance with drumming that often happens by or in front of the big sculpture.
They drum, chant, and sing in the Mayan language and play the conch shell.
This Mayan dance and ceremony shows happens at random times throughout the day and evening.
Both groups of performers will come around and ask for tips after they finish.
There are two very unique and interesting glimpses of authentic Mexican Indigenous culture!
Karen's Playa
Karen’s Playa is a super fun bar and Mexican restaurant!!
They are the life of the street at certain moments in the evening!
They have a live band that plays rock and other types of music from 6:00pm to 9:00pm everyday.
Karen’s Playa is on La Quinta between 2nd and 4th Avenues.
TIP: I recommend coming here for a late dinner or for drinks so you can enjoy the dances and you don't miss out on the fun! Especially the congo line on La Quinta!
At 9:30pm until around midnight, there is a live Cuban salsa band that plays salsa, mergengue and cumbia.
This is when I recommend visiting Karen’s Playa!
It is so fun, as you watch people spinning on the dance floor in unison with the music as you sip on your margarita!
At a certain point of the night they give everyone in the restaurant these huge floppy sombreros and get everyone up dancing!
Next, they lead a conga line around the bar and out on to the street! Often people start dancing on La Quinta and others people passing by join in!
You can check it out in my video above about La Quinta!
It has such positive and fun party vibes there!
The atmosphere is very fun there no matter where you choose to sit. You can sit right by the dance floor or at the bar in the back on a swing too!
Señor Frogs
For me, it’s a place to visit just to say that you experienced Señor Frogs.
It’s a very typical tourist bar that is in many popular Mexican tourist towns.
They have funny signs that they put around people for hilarious photos.
They often have someone making balloon animals and there are party signs all around.
They are famous for these tall thin yard glasses that you can get your daiquiri in!
Also, order a shot if you drink!
They bring it over as they whistle loudly, then shake your head and make the whole experience crazy feeling! lol!
Expect a serious party and drinking vibe if you come to Señor Frogs!
Also, don’t expect any quiet at all – it’s all about the party!
Señor Frogs bar is located on La Quinta at 8th Avenue. Don’t confuse this with the Señor Frogs clothing and souvenir shops when you’re looking for the place.
TIP: I recommend ordering a tall yard plastic glasses! You get to keep the glass. Also, you can order drinks 'to go' if you want to walk around La Quinta!
Go Clubbing
There are bars and clubs through La Quinta and on other streets further back and around that area.
You can also check out 10th Avenue, the next street behind 5th Avenue – La Quinta. The streets count by fives going away from the ocean.
Also, I recommend visiting 12 Street – Calle 12 Norte – there is an area with lots of night clubs. Coco Bongo’s is around 12th Street, and the other clubs, you can’t miss!
You will see all of the lights and hear the booming of the music!
I happened to be there close to Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos and they completely changed the street with special lights and displays!
Beach Day in Playa Del Carmen
Going to Playa Del Carmen wouldn’t be complete without a beach day!
The sand is so powdery soft and beautiful at Playa Del Carmen!
The water is very warm and comfy too. There are a group of bars that have beach lounge chairs and service on the sand.
You can order drinks and food and chill.
Whether you want to get your drink on with the 2 for 1 specials and party on the beach, or relax and tan and swim, there is a spot for you!
There are bars with all different vibes.
Good to know = in front of the bars is open for anyone, so you could just bring your towel and chill on the sand too!
You will save the 200 Pesos chair fee too if you do this.
TIP: they often charge a fee to use a beach lounge chair. I paid 200 Pesos. I recommend asking if there's a fee to sit in a beach lounge chair. If you don't want to pay the fee, sometimes you can sit at a table behind the beach loungers and eat there instead.
TIP 2 Ask if they accept cards or only cash. There are some bars that only accept cash and do not have an ATM inside.
Tequila Tasting
TIP: They will ALL offer you free tequila, mezcal and different liquor tastings, so...do with that information what you choose. 😉
There are 10 different Tequila and other liquor tasting shops just on La Quinta!
You can’t miss them with big neon signs and people out front offering free tastings!
Of course, you can also buy bottles from these stores too.
There are some very interesting choices such as vanilla and chocolate mezcal, just to mention a few flavours of liquors that you can taste.
You can even try tequila or mezcal with a worm in it and another insect too!!! Any guesses??
Check out my YouTube video to see if we tried it or not… and if we did, what we thought of it!
Would you drink the tequila and mezcal with these insects?
Dine at Mercado 174
This restaurant has such a fun and colourful vibe! They play great music and are very friendly.
They have authentic Mexican food, as well as some food like burgers and fries.
What I really liked is that they had a section that had authentic Mayan food too!
It is a big restaurant with different sections, so they could accommodate a larger group.
There are also some fun spots to take photos in the restaurant too!
The food was delicious and full of flavour!
Mercado 174 is located between 6th and 8th Avenues on La Quinta.
TIP 2 I recommend going there for dinner when the lights are on.
Go Shopping in downtown Playa Del Carmen
La Quinta has lots of shopping, and I don’t just mean souvenirs and bathing suits.
I mean brand name stores too, like jewelry and clothing stores.
You can get leather boots, clothing, running shoes, jewelry, alcohol, ice cream, food, cigars, purses, wallets and gift. Yes, of course there are also a lot of souvenir shops, so you can definitely get your touristy items too.
There is an open concept outdoor mall that is called ‘Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall’. It’s located past Fundadores Park.
The mall is opened from 10:00am until 11:00pm.
There is a cafe in the middle that has amazing acoustics for the singer that performs there.
You can find brand name shops like Starbucks, Haagen Dazs, Zingara, Oysho, Old Navy, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear and more! There are even jewelry shops there. There are security guards in the mall, especially near the jewelry stores.
TIP If you're looking for a free public washroom on La Quinta, there are not a lot. Most are in restaurants and bars. This mall has free washrooms if you go down the stairs. The washrooms also close at 11:00pm and follow the mall hours.
There is another mall at La Quinta and 12 Avenue. It will say ‘Calle 12 Nte’. Nte is short for norte (north).
There is a Starbucks, H&M, La Coste and many more stores in the 2 level open concept outdoor mall.
It opens around 9:30-10:00am and closes at 10:30pm daily.
There is also this nice sign that you can pose for pictures with!
Enjoy the Buskers & Performers
Even just sitting on a bench in the downtown is super fun!
You will see Spiderman, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Mask, the Joker and more walking around La Quinta.
You can stop and get a picture with them, they will ask for some pesos for the pictures.
As well, there are often musicians set up at a spot on La Quinta playing music as people walk by.
If you thought that was a lot, there are also performers that walk around and play for people at different restaurants or in different areas.
You may see traditional folkloric dancers, Mayan performers, mariachis and musicians performing other types of Mexican music.
Dance at La Bodeguita Del Medio
Personally, I love La Bodeguita Del Medio!
In case you don’t know, the original location is in Cuba, and now there are locations in some tourist towns in Mexico.
There is one in Puerto Vallarta and other places in Mexico, as well as a couple in the United States of America such as Califtornia.
La Bodeguita del Medio is a Cuban salsa bar and restaurant.
In true authentic form, they have a live band playing nightly and you can even buy Cuban cigars there too!
The live Cuban salsa band plays from Mondays- Wednesdays from 10:00pm to 1:00am, and from Thursdays to Sundays from 10:00pm until 2:00am.
TIP: I highly recommend getting a Mojito! It is said that La Bodeguita del Medio in Cuba invented the Mojito! Also, bring your dancing shoes, meaning shoes that you can spin in to get the full enjoyment of the live salsa band!
A mojito is a rum based drink with mint leaves in it.
Each Bodeguita Del Medio that I have been to is very much the same style and look, including Playa Del Carmen.
It’s located by 38th street and La Quinta and has a Cuban flag hanging out front.
This location has been here for 18 years, but in total La Bodeguita Del Medio has been in Playa Del Carmen for 21 years as they moved locations once. This location has a back patio area.
There is another Bodeguita Del Medio in Puerto Vallarta, you can learn more about where it is in the Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk.
Experience Coco Bongo!
Coco Bongo is an iconic bar that brings the party to a new level!
There is a Coco Bongo in Cancun, Punta Cana and Playa Del Carmen. That’s it!
It’s definitely a unique experience!
Think night club meets Cirque Du Soleil, meets Las Vegas show.
So they will have music and dancing, they call it a discotech, then after a performance. It alternates like that throughout the night until 3:00am.
Your ticket also includes your drinks and some finger foods like hot dogs, fries, and hamburgers. They don’t offer vegetarian options.
Outside of Coco Bongo there are some fun photo ops and a souvenir shop with t-shirts, cups and other things that have Coco Bongo pictures and references.
There is usually a long line up before 10:00pm, but it moves fairly quickly when they open the doors.
If you’re looking to party, dance, be entertained, then Coco Bongo can be that unique experience that you’re looking for.
It’s opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00pm until 3:00am.
It costs $1550 Mexican Pesos or $86.00 US dollars.
TIP: I suggest getting your ticket in advance. They have a box office out front and sometimes they set up a kiosk on La Quinta selling tickets too.
Eat in a Cenote Cave!
If you’re looking for the ultimate unique Southern Mexico experience! Choose this Cave Restaurant Alux- Playa Del Carmen.
Although, it’s away from the downtown for tourists, it’s worth the taxi ride there! It’s actually not that far either. I chose to walk and it took me just over 20 minutes from close to downtown.
Alux is such a unique place to visit!!! It’s defintely worth taking the time from the beach to go underground to eat here!
Between the unique dining location – you actually eat in a cave, which is also a cenote!!
They have a drink and some food dishes that involve flames and/or smoke that just add to the vibe of eating in the cave with all the stalactites, stalagmites, and lights.
And of course, there are the bats, yes bats!
They are freely flying around the cave and they don’t just stay high either, they fly low and close by, but they don’t hit anyone at all.
I specifically asked a couple of the staff this question.
Every server has a flashlight for you to take a picture of your food or see better, also they can accompany you to find the washroom as you have to walk down a walkway in the cave.
TIP: Wear light clothing. It's not cool in the cave, it's humid. They have quite a few fans running, but it can feel humid as you're exploring the cenote. Don't forget your camera! This place is 1000% picture worthy!
Believe it or not, this is actually not the first time that I ate in a cave! Check out where there’s another cave that you can dine in here: Restaurant in a Cave – Mexico.
These caves are actually completely different from each other, as Alux is also a cenote and the whole vibe of the 2 restaurants in caves are very opposite of each other.
You can learn more about the Cave Restaurant Alux- Playa Del Carmen here.
TIP: Make sure you ask to see the wine cellar! Your server will take you there (which is so interesting too) and let you walk inside of the wine cellar! It's very interesting and cool!
TIP: Expect to see bats! Yes, bats! They will fly around as you walk or eat.
How to get around Playa Del Carmen
There are regular taxis waiting at ‘sitios de taixs’, which is a place where there are taxis waiting for customers.
There are also quite a few places to rent a bicycle to get around to check out the many fun things to do in Playa Del Carmen!
Just by La Quinta on Avenida Benito Juarez, which is before 2nd street, there is a stand for bicycle taxis.
Of course, walking is always a good way to get around as well, as long as it’s not late at night and you’re alone.
Walking is, in my opinion, the best way to get around La Quinta and the streets in that area.
Tips for visiting Playa Del Carmen
The streets in the downtown area go by twos after Avenida Benito Juarez, which is a main street. (Think street 0, or a principal street) In the other direction, the streets count by fives, starting with La Quinta (5th) by the ocean.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking around La Quinta and the rest of Playa Del Carmen!
Wear sunscreen, a hat or something for the shade. Some people bring shade umbrellas.
If you’re going to be walking around the town outside of the main tourist areas look down.
The sidewalks are not all even and flat, and sometimes there are big holes, so watch where you walk.
Have small bills or coins in Mexican pesos. You can use these to tip the performers and pay for things like bottles of water at the convenience stores.
You can rent a bike if you don’t want to walk everywhere.
Also there are so many photo opportunities! Take advantage of some super nice and super fun photos!
Get used to, or at least expect to see, some interesting wildlife around.
Guaranteed you will see lots of bats -even on La Quinta flying around the trees!
Different types of lizards or iguanas depending on where you are, and cockroaches at night sometimes on the sidewalks etc.
You will also see the softest most powdery sand, beautiful blue ocean, authentic culture, beautiful decor, hand made art and beautiful music and art!
Also, check out my Best Mexico Travel Tips! (Read Before You Go) for more valuable tips about travel in Mexico!
Tours in & around Playa Del Carmen
Are you looking to book some tours for you trip to Playa Del Carmen? There are really so many great options!
I highly recommend going to a cenote, which is fresh water hole in the ground.
Also, I recommend visiting some of the Mayan Ruins around Playa Del Carmen.
A day trip to Tulum is also a great way to spend some of your vacation.
You can check out these tours plus others with Viator. You can book your tickets in advance, so that you know that it will not sell out on you.
From cenotes to Mayan Ruins, beach tours and water activities like snorkelling.
You can check out your options, and even book, right here with Viator.
Keep your phone in service
You can use Airalo to keep in contact with all your friends and family, use Google maps to get around, and check out fun things to do in the area without roaming or data overage fees!
Just download the Airalo App then you pick your destination. You get an eSim card so that you can use your phone freely! I find it helpful for when I first arrive somewhere and I need to call a taxi, check directions or let loved ones know that I have arrived safely.
Where to Stay in Playa Del Carmen
Looking for a hotel in Playa Del Carmen? I recommend checking the area, some are far from the beach and downtown while others are right beside night clubs that party until 3:00am.
You can use this booking.com widget to check out different hotels, read their review, then book your place to stay to enjoy the fun and beauty of Playa Del Carmen!
Is there an airport in Playa Del Carmen?
No, there isn’t an airport in Playa Del Carmen, but there is in Cancun.
There is a bus station in Playa Del Carmen, so it’s not difficult to get there at all!
If you fly to Cancun, it’s very convenient to get to Playa Del Carmen from the airport.
How to get to Playa Del Carmen from the Cancun airport
From the Cancun airport you can walk outside of the airport and go to the ADO bus station which is right beside the airport. The ADO buses are big air conditioned buses, usually all red.
There is a kiosk inside of the airport, or you can buy your ticket at the ADO station.
There is assigned seating (look for the word ‘asiento’ for your seat number on your ticket) and room for your luggage under the bus.
They play movies on televisions and the audio plays through speakers throughout the bus.
It takes around 1 hour to get to Playa Del Carmen from the Cancun airport.
I am posting the ADO schedule here as of October 2023.
The ADO bus station lets you out at the tourist stop, which is right on La Quinta. You will often see people walking this street with suitcases because there is the bus station and hotels on La Quinta.
There is also a taxi stand outside of the ADO bus station that always has taxis waiting, so if you need a taxi to get to your hotel – you got it!
Playa Del Carmen is a great place to visit! There are so many Fun Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen! Check out my list of some of them.
If you’re headed to Tulum after here are the Best Downtown Tulum Restaurants.
Also, in Tulum you can’t miss this iconic photo op with the Ven A La Luz Tulum Guide.
You can take the ADO bus to Tulum from Playa Del Carmen. I have written the Ultimate Guide to Long Bus Trips in Mexico to help you with having a great bus ride.
How to get to the airport from Playa Del Carmen
You can return to the ADO bus station that is on La Quinta at Avenida Benito Juarez.
If you follow the numbers, it would be equal to number 0 street.
From there you can line up to get your ticket,
The buses pull into the back of the station. There are paid washrooms, that are upstairs (no elevator) seating, a Subway and a snack shop there too.
They have a television that shows the flights at the Cancun airport and if they’re on time.
Also, this helpful sign that shows you which terminal to go to for your airline in Cancun.
I have posted the current schedule, but at the bottom it says that the schedule and prices are subject to change, so it recommends checking the https://www.ado.com.mx/ for the latest schedule and any changes.
Tours in & around Playa Del Carmen
Are you looking to book some tours for you trip to Playa Del Carmen? You can check out your options, and even book, right here!
This way you can learn about other awesome things to do in Playa Del Carmen to make your trip the very best that it can be.
Mexico Travel Tips
If you’re looking for some travel tips about travelling in Mexico, check out these blogs.
Best Mexico Travel Tips! (Read Before You Go)
More Adventures in Mexico!
If you love interesting and diverse experiences that you can have in Mexico like visiting cave restaurants are more, then I suggest checking out these awesome experiences!
Restaurant in a Cave – Mexico (Let me know which one you would rather dine in)
Guide to Visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Longest Suspension Bridge in the World!
Ultimate Guide to Long Bus Trips in Mexico
3rd Largest Monolith in the world!
Must-Do things in Puerto Escondido!
15 Must-Try Unique Experiences in Sayulita!
Happy reading, then happy adventuring!
Which fun things in Playa Del Carmen do you like?
Let me know in the comments below which fun things that you want to do in Playa Del Carmen! Thanks and enjoy your time in Playa Del Carmen!
Looking forward to reading what you thought of these places!
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
