6 Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen
Escape for a Day to the Beaches of Playa del Carmen
The best beaches in Playa del Carmen offer tantalizing turquoise water, psychedelic coral reefs, and fairy tale, crystal-clear lagoons called cenotes that offer secret swimming experiences in lush jungle surrounds. An exotic coastal resort town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and enviably situated on the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen beaches make for an unforgettable vacation with their abundance of waterfront restaurants and beach clubs.
When you’re not lazing under breezy palm trees or soaking up the sun on a super-comfy deckchair, you can partake in various watersports like snorkeling and parasailing or stroll to historic ruins like the mysterious Xaman-Há. Escape for a day to the beaches of Playa del Carmen and discover a whole new side of Riviera Maya.
1. Playa Punta Esmeralda
A sublime stretch of shoreline
Good for: Photo, Luxury, Food
One of Playa del Carmen’s best-kept secrets, Punta Esmeralda is a seductive sugar-white beach that’s fringed with deep green palm trees and verdant tropical jungle. One can easily spend a week here, splashing about in the Caribbean Sea which glimmers in brilliant hues of turquoise and cobalt.
Set on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya, this idyllic slice of paradise is renowned for its crystal-clear cenote that’s shallow, ideal for kids and runs parallel to the beach. Feeling hungry? Keep your eyes peeled for local vendors selling tropical fruits or head to Faro Azul cafe for chilaquiles and hotcakes.
Location: 77727, Constructores 160, Nicte-ha, 77728 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Playa Punta Esmeralda
2. Playacar Beach
A coastal haven steeped in history
Good for: Photo, Luxury, Food
Lined with upscale accommodation and an abundance of apple-green palm trees, Playacar Beach entrances with its pale golden sand and aquamarine water that seems to stretch into infinity. Only minutes from Playa del Carmen’s Centro district, this idyllic spot is prized for its multitude of exciting watersports like snorkeling, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
While open to the public, parts of Playacar Beach are accessed exclusively by resort and condo guests who benefit from comfy sun loungers, beach umbrellas, and a wealth of fabulous restaurants. A short stroll away, discover the Xaman-Há ruins, a riveting archaeological site belonging to the Mayans, that was once the ceremonial center for the fertility goddess Ixchel.
Location: P.º Xaman - Ha, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Playacar Beach
3. Playa 88
Award-winning urban retreat
Good for: Photo, Luxury
Situated in the heart of town, Playa 88 boasts fewer amenities than neighboring beauty spots, but that doesn’t make it less spectacular. Awarded Blue Flag status for its ongoing commitment to preserving the environment, the beach entices with its sapphire water, fiery sunsets, and spotless fine-white sand.
Every evening, locals erect beach volleyball nets along the shoreline and challenge visitors to a competitive match. After you’ve shown off your sporting skills, head to Paradisus Playa del Carmen, a 5-star hotel that faces the beach, for a glamorous drink at its swim-up bar.
Location: C. Alternativa, 77728 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Playa 88
4. Parque Los Fundadores
Seaside park filled with striking sculptures
Good for: Photo, Budget, Families
If you’re vacationing in Playa del Carmen with the family, spend a day at Parque Los Fundadores, a public space and picnic ground located in the popular Centro neighborhood. Famed for its Portal Maya monument, a bronze homage to indigenous culture, the park is elevated with lush, landscaped gardens, architectural fountains, and a panoramic ocean backdrop that’s nothing short of exquisite.
In the heart of the park, you’ll find Capilla de Nuestra Senora del Carmen, an iconic white stucco church that’s surrounded by palm trees and a popular venue for weddings. Buy handcrafted items from the Nuns of St Clara before taking in a sermon at an English-speaking mass.
Location: Av Benito Juárez, Centro, 77713 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Parque Los Fundadores
5. Playa Xcalacolo
A blissful Blue Flag beach
Good for: Photo, Luxury
A short drive north of Playa del Carmen you’ll find Xcalacolo Beach, a mesmerizing stretch of vanilla-white sand that’s interrupted by occasional rocky outcrops where glistening tidepools ripple. Spend the day here floating about in the warm turquoise water, lounging in the local beach clubs, or combing the shoreline for beautiful seashells.
On one end of Xcalacolo, several luxury hotels can be found, each with its own thatched overwater hut from where you can photograph rainbows and sunsets. For lunch, head to Coral Restaurant by Viceroy which features a tiki-style outdoor bar, spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, and some of the tastiest tacos you’ll try on the Yucatán.
Location: Carretera 307. 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. Mexico.
Playa Xcalacolo
6. Playa Mamitas
The epitome of luxury
Good for: Luxury, Food, Nightlife
One of Riviera Maya’s most popular beaches, Playa Mamitas attracts visitors for miles around with its sugary sand, aquamarine water, and wildly fun beach club. Outside, you can lounge on sumptuous sun beds or shade yourself under vast umbrellas, before heading to the bar for a signature cocktail.
The Mamita’s Beach Club menu teems with delicious international dishes spanning sushi, tacos, and cheesy pizzas. Come sundown, boogie the night away to resident DJs before taking a dip in the sapphire swimming pool.
Location: Calle 28 Nte MZ.10-LT.8, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Playa Mamitas
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.