Things to do in Playa del Carmen

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Playa del Carmen showing a bay or harbor
Playa del Carmen featuring a sandy beach, swimming and general coastal views
Half Moon Bay which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Half Moon Bay featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Half Moon Bay which includes boating and a bay or harbor

Playa del Carmen Attractions

Are you a fan of fine dining or shopping? Or perhaps you just like to make your way around a new travel destination like a bona fide local. When visiting Playa del Carmen, it doesn't really matter what takes your fancy — this buzzing metropolis has all the sights and experiences you could hope for.

Discover what makes Playa del Carmen tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {582 fun activities in Playa del Carmen fun activities in Playa del Carmen}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Playa del Carmen

Tours & day trips

See all 421 activities
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Xunáan & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Xunáan & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch Buffet

Activity duration is 12 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 4715 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $49 per adult
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Xunáan & Valladolid with Traditional Lunch BuffetOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 109 activities
ATV, Ziplining & Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park

ATV, Ziplining & Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco Park

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 1527 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
ATV, Ziplining & Cenote Tour at Extreme Adventure Eco ParkOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 61 activities
Ultimate Chichén-Itzá Experience with Cenote and Valladolid

Ultimate Chichén-Itzá Experience with Cenote and Valladolid

Activity duration is 10 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 50 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $69 and current price is $65 per adult
Ultimate Chichén-Itzá Experience with Cenote and ValladolidOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 59 activities
Xoximilco Mexican Fiesta: Tasting Traditional Menú & Tequila Open Bar

Xoximilco Mexican Fiesta: Tasting Traditional Menú & Tequila Open Bar

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 374 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $110 per adult
Xoximilco Mexican Fiesta: Tasting Traditional Menú & Tequila Open BarOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 25 activities
Xcaret Park with Show (Buffet and Transport Optional)

Xcaret Park with Show (Buffet and Transport Optional)

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 2077 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $119 per adult
Xcaret Park with Show (Buffet and Transport Optional)Opens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Playa del Carmen

Number of things to do
582
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Playa del Carmen

Free Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

A vacation in Playa del Carmen doesn't have to break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you check out:

Central Square - Visit this modern local landmark and take in its design.

Playa del Carmen Main Beach - Sit for a while in this thriving area and imagine what life would be like as a local.

Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church - Spend some time in meditation or prayer at this respected spiritual site.

Things to Do in Playa del Carmen with Kids

Playa del Carmen is a superb destination for a family break. Take the kids along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Playa del Carmen? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Playa del Carmen

Xcaret Eco Theme Park featuring general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

Xcaret Eco Theme Park

4.5/5(1,373 reviews)

Commune with nature, explore ancient ruins and learn about Mayan culture at this popular theme park, home to a natural underground river.

Xcaret Eco Theme Park
#playamaroma #lifeincaribbean #cancun #rivieramaya #turquoisesea #emptybeach #beachtips

Maroma Beach

4/5(1,374 reviews)

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Maroma Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this romantic area.

Maroma Beach
Playa del Carmen Main Beach

Playa del Carmen Main Beach

4/5(2,262 reviews)

Nothing says vacation like spending a lazy day at Playa del Carmen Main Beach, a popular beach in Playa del Carmen. Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's festivals.

Playa del Carmen Main Beach
Beautiful new sculptures ... 5a y Constituyentes... Playa del Carmen #LifeatExpedia

Quinta Avenida

4.5/5(1,763 reviews)

During your visit to Playa del Carmen, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Quinta Avenida. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Quinta Avenida
If you rent a house in playacar, we definitely suggest bringing a slackline! #beach #paradise #playadelcarmen #waterlust #slackline

Playacar Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Playacar Beach during your travels in Playa del Carmen? Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Playacar Beach
Shrimp Stuffed Avocado

Mamitas Beach

4/5(496 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Mamitas Beach during your travels in Playa del Carmen? While you're in the area, stroll along the marina.

Mamitas Beach
Come this way :)

Paradise Beach

4.5/5(760 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Paradise Beach during your travels in Playa del Carmen? Amble around this relaxing area's seaside or experience its entertainment choices.

Paradise Beach

Xplor Theme Park

4.5/5(620 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Xplor Theme Park and see why everyone loves this theme park in Xcaret. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars.

Xplor Theme Park

Ferry to Cozumel

Explore the waterfront in Xcaret with a trip to Ferry to Cozumel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Ferry to Cozumel

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen

Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar

4.5/5(1,552 area reviews)

An upscale resort area with secluded beaches and villas by the sea, Playacar boasts a golf course designed by Robert von Hagge and is just a short drive from downtown Playa del Carmen.

Playacar
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(115 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
A beautiful resort on the Mayan Riviera.

Riviera Maya

While Riviera Maya isn't home to many top sights, Tres Rios Ecopark and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Riviera Maya
Beautifully lit tree along the road near Playa del Carmen,Mexico

Playacar Zona Hotelera

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Playacar Zona Hotelera. A stop by Playacar Beach or Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha might round out your trip.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
Cozumel featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4.5/5(832 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Gonzalo Guerrero
Playa del Carmen is a city I fell in love with at first sight! The people, the street food and restaurants and the beach are just amazing:) This is the view from the rooftop bar at The Palm at Playa, prefect to enjoy a cocktail at the bar or chill out in the hammocks!

Playa del Carmen Centro

4.5/5(474 area reviews)

Travelers to Playa del Carmen Centro praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal.

Playa del Carmen Centro
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Playa del Carmen

Puerto Morelos which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and a beach

Puerto Morelos

Riviera Maya which includes interior views and tropical scenes

Xcaret

Paamul

Paamul

Frequently asked questions

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?
Providing a blend of bars and pubs and underwater activities, there are plenty of things to do in Playa del Carmen. When you're here, check out Playa del Carmen Main Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Playa del Carmen?
Begin your day with a visit to Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida. Then, check out other parts of Playa del Carmen for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Playa del Carmen?
The top tourist attraction in Playa del Carmen is Playa del Carmen Main Beach, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Playa del Carmen?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city highlights, like Playa del Carmen Main Beach, Quinta Avenida and Mamitas Beach. The average stay in Playa del Carmen is five days. If you have the time to extend your break, Puerto Morelos isn't far away.
Is Playa del Carmen a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, Playa del Carmen is a good place to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida. Then take a stroll through Downtown Playa del Carmen, located 0.2 miles from the center, and Gonzalo Guerrero, which is roughly 0.2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Playa del Carmen with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all of your group, check out these terrific ideas for what to do in Playa del Carmen with kids.

What to do in Playa del Carmen for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are lots of things to do in Playa del Carmen for adults including 3D Museum of Wonders and Temazcal Natura.
Are there free things to do in Playa del Carmen?
In Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Main Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in Playa del Carmen.