The Playas of Playa del Carmen: How to Find the Right Beach in this Sandy Caribbean Town
Punta Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen.
Written by Alex Ruelase
Playa del Carmen is the beach town par excellence. Not only does it have the Spanish word for beach in its name, but it also grew from the very beginning connected to the ocean. As any map will show you, Playa begins and ends with the sea.
But are all beaches the same? Perhaps surprisingly for a town that many would consider not that big at all, the vibe of its white-sand coast is refreshingly varied. The shore changes. The energy, too. So here’s a guide that will help you find the perfect spot for you and the key to endless days of sandy toes and salty tans.
Playacar
This elegant gated community located in the southern end of the city boasts one of the most striking beaches in town. Accessible either as a resident – some villas in Playacar have private beach access – or by the beach entrance located a few hundred meters from the main gates, Playacar beach has a laid-back residential feel. Families, young couples, and senior travelers alike enjoy themselves in a section of the coast that’s shared by high-end hotels and tasteful private homes.
Here, the beach is long, the atmosphere is chill, and the winding shoreline invites you to walk along the ocean. And if you’re staying in this part of town, you can rest assured that this is a truly privileged place to be.
Downtown
In the heart of Playa, virtually all streets lead to the ocean. The town’s connection to the beach is made evident by the fact that every other road in the center, laid out as a neat grid, ends by the sea. If you’re walking on 5ta Avenida, take the next turn east, and you will find the shore. You will also find an inexhaustible tourist offer.
Downtown Playa is the most vibrant part of the city. From the quaint seaside parroquia to the beach clubs further north, there is no shortage of things to see and do along a coast busy with hotels, restaurants, and seaside bars. Head to Calle 28 for drinks and party in trendy Mamitas and Coralina beach clubs. In the evening, walk down Calle 10 for tasty food and dancing salsa nights at Zenzi. Or if you want to hang out in the middle of the action, follow a street down, pick your spot, and live the vibe of this exciting part of town.
Calle 38
Ask any local. Calle 38 is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. This winding cobbled road, sheltered by the foliage of imposing, trees and goes all the way down to one of Playa’s most visited beaches. And it’s easy to see why. Charming and accessible, this is the place where many visitors fall in love with the destination.
Walk south, and you’ll find yourself in downtown Playa. Walk north, and you’ll see fishing and tour boats bobbing lazily neer the beach, fishermen after fresh catch, and people simply enjoying the sunshine. And after a nice day in the water, you can walk back up Calle 38 to one of the cute restaurants that will make for a perfect tropical afternoon.
Playa Pública
Playa Pública – or Public Beach – is a local’s secret. Secluded from the busy atmosphere of 5ta Avenida, away from the more touristy part of town, this is the beach where long-time residents spend their weekends. There are no hotels here, no beachfront homes either. Just a stretch of forested coast that almost collides with the waves.
If you’re looking for long, quiet walks at sunset or want to catch spectacular sunrises, Playa Pública is the place to be. Just make your way north and turn east on Calle 88. Here you’ll find a serviced Blue Flag beach access that serves as a gateway to the wider beach. You can also access it through Avenida CTM. Go all the way down to Calle Flamingo, turn left, and then search for the sandy alley on the northern end of The Reef Coco Beach hotel. Now switch your mind off. Relax and relish the simplicity of laying on the sand and walking with no other purpose than feeling the joy of the Caribbean.
Playa Punta Esmeralda
The northernmost part of Playa is an unlikely scene. Where the town proper ends, there is a beautiful emerald cenote – hence the beach's name – that is separated from the turquoise sea by just a slender bar of sand. This lovely geographical accident created what is essentially a natural water park.
If you want to experience Playa Esmeralda at its best, make sure to be early. This gorgeous place is extremely popular with locals and can get quite busy, especially on weekends. However, if you are up for an early morning, you will be rewarded with a crystalline freshwater pool, a tranquil ocean, and a sunrise to remember.
From $1,600 USD / night