I Spend Every Winter in Playa del Carmen—Here’s What Most Visitors Miss

I spend every winter in Mexico’s Playa del Carmen and it feels like my second home now. What started as a short trip years ago quickly became something much bigger—the kind of place you keep returning to, until the town’s rhythm feels almost as familiar as your own hometown. 

Between the turquoise Caribbean waters, palm-lined streets, and that effortless mix of laid-back charm and vibrant energy, PDC stole my heart long before I even unpacked my suitcase.

Over the years, I’ve explored every corner of this coastal town. I know the best cafés to linger in with a morning coffee, the underrated stretches of sand where you can swim without a soul in sight, and the hidden cenotes tucked just outside town that feel like secret slices of paradise. 

Whether I’m strolling Quinta Avenida in the golden hour, hopping between beach clubs, or catching a ferry to Cozumel for a day of diving, I always find new reasons to fall for Playa.

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know: the best beaches, where to stay, the must-do activities, and FAQs from travelers who are curious about this Riviera Maya gem. If you’re thinking about visiting or just curious about life in Playa del Carmen, I’ve got you covered.

Playa del Carmen is tucked right in the heart of the Riviera Maya, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, about an hour south of Cancun. It’s the kind of town that feels small and walkable, yet has all the energy of a much bigger city. 

White sand beaches stretch along the coast, turquoise waters lap the shore, and palm trees line streets that are alive with cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.

What makes PDC so special, and why I keep coming back every winter, is that it balances everything you could want from a Caribbean getaway. 

You can spend your mornings snorkeling or diving, your afternoons wandering 5th and 10th avenues with its shops and street performers, and your evenings sipping margaritas at a beachfront bar as the sun melts into the horizon.

It’s popular for good reason: the beaches are incredible, eco-adventures and Mayan ruins are just a short drive away, and there’s a community of locals, travelers, and expats that make the town feel instantly welcoming. 

One of the reasons I spend every winter in Playa del Carmen is the beaches—each one has its own personality, and I know them all like the back of my hand. From lively social hubs to hidden local gems, here’s my guide to the best beaches in PDC.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Playa Mamitas is the place to be. It’s the most famous beach in town, lined with beach clubs, sunbeds, and bars serving icy cocktails. 

I love starting my day here with a swim in the turquoise water, then watching the kitesurfers and yoga classes in the morning sun. It’s social, buzzing, and the perfect place to people-watch while soaking up the Caribbean vibes.

For something quieter and more refined, Playacar Beach is my go-to. This stretch is mostly resort-lined, so the sand is pristine and the water calm. I often spend long afternoons here reading under a palapa, listening to the gentle waves, and enjoying the slower pace. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the liveliness of Mamitas.

A true local favorite, Punta Esmeralda has a small natural cenote right on the beach. It’s perfect if you want a swim in fresh water before hitting the sea, and the vibe is laid-back and authentic. I often go here early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the Caribbean, with hardly anyone around—just me, the birds, and the soft sound of the waves.

This one’s a little more off the beaten track. Xcalacoco Beach is quieter, less developed, and surrounded by natural greenery. I love coming here when I want to escape the crowds, and it’s a wonderful spot for a long, reflective walk along the sand while the sun dips behind the palm trees.

My local, just a few minutes walk from my apartment, Coco Beach is great if you’re after a classic Caribbean vibe with soft sand and shallow waters. It’s easy to reach from the centre of town and has a few charming beach bars, perfect for a late afternoon cocktail. Starting my mornings here with a sunrise beach walk is the ultimate best start to a day.

Right by the famous Parque Los Fundadores, this beach is ideal for families and anyone wanting a mix of culture and sand. I love walking here to see the iconic sculptures, catch street performers, and then dip into the water to cool off. It’s central, lively, and a perfect introduction to Playa del Carmen’s energy.

If you have a bit more time, Xpu-Ha is just a short drive from PDC and absolutely worth it. The sand is soft, the water is impossibly clear, and it’s far quieter than the beaches in town. I usually take friends here for a day escape, pack a picnic, and spend hours swimming and lounging. It truly feels like a secret slice of paradise.

One of the things I love about Playa del Carmen is how easy it is to feel at home, no matter where you stay. Over the years, I’ve explored every corner of the town—from bustling streets to chilled beachfront resorts—so I know the options inside out.

The heart of Playa. Walking distance to Quinta Avenida, the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. I love staying here when I want everything on my doorstep and the energy of the town around me.

An upscale, gated neighbourhood just south of the centre. Resorts line the beach, the streets are quiet, and it’s perfect if you want a more relaxed, resort-style stay. I have a few friends who live here and I love to spend mornings here with a coffee by the sea before heading into town.

Ideal if you want something more boutique or private. There are eco-resorts, smaller boutique hotels, and quiet stretches of sand that feel like your own secret hideaway. If you stay here, you’ll want to rent a car as taxis are super expensive. 

Some of my favorite places to stay include:

Having spent every winter in Playa del Carmen for the past few years, I’ve had the chance to explore both the must-see spots and the hidden gems. Whether you’re here for a long stay or just a few days, there’s always something to do.

Just a short ferry ride away, Cozumel’s reefs are world-class. I still remember my first dive there; the clarity of the water and the vibrant coral made it feel like swimming in another world.

The Riviera Maya is famous for them, and I can’t get enough. Dos Ojos and Cenote Azul are favorites, but some of the smaller, off-the-beaten-track cenotes feel like private pools surrounded by jungle.

A day trip to Tulum or Coba is essential. Tulum’s cliffside ruins are stunning, while Coba’s ancient pyramids let you climb up for epic jungle views. I love combining history with a swim in a nearby cenote for the perfect day.

Playa’s pedestrian street is alive with boutiques, cafés, and street performers. I could spend hours wandering here, popping into small shops or stopping for tacos along the way.

From Playa Mamitas to quieter spots like Xcalacoco, each beach has its own vibe. I often spend afternoons moving between them, soaking up sun, and watching the turquoise water glint in the Caribbean sun.

Other favorites include eco-parks like Xplor, enjoying fresh seafood at local markets, or simply watching the sunset from a rooftop bar. Playa del Carmen has this perfect balance of adventure and relaxation—I never tire of it, and there’s always something new to discover.

Absolutely. I’ve spent every winter here and always feel safe walking around, even at night. Like any travel destination, it’s wise to take basic precautions (keep an eye on your belongings and respect local customs) but overall the town is welcoming and very tourist-friendly.

Most travelers fly into Cancun International Airport, then take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car about an hour south. I personally love taking the ADO bus for a stress-free ride straight to the heart of town, so I can start my Caribbean getaway the moment I arrive.

I’d recommend December to April, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for beaches and outdoor adventures, without the peak heat of summer. I spend all my winters here, and this period is my absolute favorite.

Yes, in designated areas like beach clubs and resorts. I usually grab a cocktail at Playa Mamitas or one of the quieter beach bars while watching the sun sink into the Caribbean. It’s a must-do ritual for me.

Not at all! While Cancun is a resort-heavy city, Playa del Carmen feels smaller, more walkable, and less commercialized. I love that I can combine beach days, local cafés, and day trips without feeling like I’m in a tourist bubble.