Searching for the best non-touristy things to do in Playa del Carmen? Look no further! In this guide, written by a travel expert, you will get a detailed list of the best hidden gems in Playa del Carmen. With these tips, you’ll feel like a local in no time. Say no to the typical tourist to-do’s and yes to Playa’s secret spots!
Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen is a vibrant beach town and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
With thousands of visitors each year, there is certainly no shortage of tourist attractions, overpriced restaurants, and mediocre tours in Playa del Carmen, but if you dig a little deeper you can also find some incredible hidden gems in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya region.
While living as an American expat in Playa del Carmen for almost two years, I was lucky enough to uncover some of these amazing off the beaten path things to do and places to visit in Playa del Carmen.
Read on to discover the top unique things to do, less well-known beaches, and local hotspots, restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen.
Unique Things to Do in Playa del Carmen: Explore the Hidden Gems of Playa Del Carmen
There are so many fun touristy things to do in Playa del Carmen like snorkeling tours, catamaran sails, scuba diving, and adventure parks.
Don’t get me wrong, these touristy activities can be really fun but if you really want to experience the destination, here are some insider recommendations for some more unique local experiences.
Swim in a sacred freshwater cenote
Visiting a cenote (pronounced “say-know-tay”) is one of the most unique things to do in the Riviera Maya. Cenotes are freshwater swimming holes that were once revered by the Mayans where nowadays you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or just hang out in a beautiful natural setting.
There are hundreds of cenotes of all shapes and sizes in the Yucatan region of Mexico, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Some of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen are Cenote Eden, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Azul, which are located right next to each other.
These cenotes can be visited by driving just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, by taking a colectivo (shared van) from the downtown area, or by going on a guided tour.
When visiting a cenote, it’s best to get there early to beat the crowds, and be sure to bring biodegradable sunscreen, as regular sunscreen is prohibited.
If you’re willing to venture further outside of Playa del Carmen, some of the most amazing cenotes are located near the colonial town of Valladolid, which is about a two-hour drive from Playa del Carmen.
Near Valladolid, you will find Ik Kil Cenote, Suytun Cenote, and Zaci Cenote, which are some of the largest and most magnificent cenotes I’ve seen in Mexico.
Note: You can visit a hidden cenote on a private excursion with a guide. You’ll get to enjoy a swim in its refreshing waters and then walk through the underground cave system as your guide explains the geological history.
Relax at a hidden lagoon
Located just 15 minutes south of Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon is a hidden swimming hole where you can spend the day relaxing in a beautiful shallow lagoon.
The most amazing sight at Kaan Luum Lagoon is a deep cenote perfectly positioned in the center of the lagoon, where there is a sharp contrast in the color of the water.
Swimming in the center is prohibited, but you can hang out on a long wooden dock, relax on the overwater swings, or even make a mud bath from the soft sand.
With very few amenities, Kaan Luum Lagoon is definitely a less well-known attraction and a fun place to hang out and get some sun.
Go standup paddleboarding
Another unique thing to do in Riviera Maya is to go standup paddleboarding. Aloha Paddle Club is a paddleboarding club in Playa del Carmen that offers standup paddleboarding directly off the beach in downtown Playa del Carmen.
I was a member of Aloha Paddle Club and it was definitely one of my favorite activities in Playa del Carmen.
You can choose to join a sunrise paddleboarding session (their #1 tour), sunset one, or go out on the water at any time during the day.
It’s such a relaxing experience to be out on your own on the Caribbean Sea. Plus, you’ll get a great workout!
Aloha Paddle Club also offers some fun paddleboarding tours to locations a little further away from Playa del Carmen. One of the coolest places to paddleboard is at Casa Cenote, which is a beautiful cenote with calm tranquil waters.
It’s a great place for beginners to learn how to paddleboard without interference from ocean waves.
Zipline over the Mayan jungle
If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, another unique Riviera Maya excursion is to go ziplining over the Mayan jungle. There are many adventure parks in Riviera Maya where you can zipline and participate in many adventurous activities.
However, the best zipline experience I’ve had in the Riviera Maya has been at Cenote Zapote, which is an eco-park located near Puerto Morelos.
At Cenote Zapote, you can zipline on a variety of courses, rent an ATV, as well as swim in three unique cenotes. The ziplines are safe and secure, and you’ll get to soar over the treetops and see some really stunning jungle views.
Visiting Cenote Zapote is a fun excursion, especially for groups, and offers a full-day adventure experience.
Observe natural wildlife at Sian Ka’an
Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an is a Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site where you can observe wild dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, starfish, and birds all in their natural habitat.
The easiest way to visit Sian Ka’an is to take a guided tour, which is a full day wildlife expedition with the opportunity to snorkel and visit the nearby town of Punta Sam.
Sian Ka’an is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and aside from the wildlife, you’ll also get to see thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Visiting Sian Ka’an is perfect for the nature lover and really allows you to experience the untouched natural beauty of the region.
Tip: You could take an exciting half-day tour through the heart of ancient Mayan civilization and enjoy the stunning Sian Kaan Nature Reserve. They have some pick-up spots available.
*Another cool option is to scuba dive in Playa. The best part is that they only take a small group where the max is just five guests, so you will have all sorts of interaction with the marine life in Playa del Carmen. Your instructor will be with you the entire time to keep you safe, and to help point out different species that you may miss if you were on your own.
Off the beaten path Playa del Carmen: Less Well-Known Beaches in Playa del Carmen
A trip to Playa del Carmen would not be complete without getting to experience some of its world-renowned beaches.
With powder white sand and vibrant turquoise water, Playa del Carmen has some of the best beaches in Mexico where you spend the day soaking up the sun and sipping on frozen cocktails.
Playa Xpu-Ha
Located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Playa Xpu-Ha is a less well-known beach that is more popular among the locals.
With stunning turquoise water and just the right amount of amenities, it has my vote for the best beach in Playa del Carmen.
At Playa Xpu-Ha, you’ll find beach clubs and restaurants, as well as tours and activities for sale right off the beach. If you prefer to visit Xpu-Ha on your own, there is also plenty of space to bring your own beach gear.
Be sure to bring cash for the entrance fee ($50 pesos) and get there early to get the best spot on the beach.
Playa Xcacel
Another stunning beach to visit in Riviera Maya is Playa Xcacel, which is a hidden beach located about 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Due to its secluded location, most people don’t know about Playa Xcacel so it’s a great place if you’re looking for more of a private retreat.
Xcacel Beach is classified as a nature sanctuary so you won’t find amenities such as restaurants, beach clubs, or chair rentals.
If you plan to visit Xcacel, be sure to bring everything you need for a day at the beach. Playa Xcacel is definitely worth a visit if you want to visit a gorgeous natural beach and are okay without having any amenities.
Punta Esmeralda
Located about 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Punta Esmeralda is a really beautiful local beach in a natural coastal inset. With calm turquoise waters and some shallow natural pools, it’s a beautiful place to spend the day. P
unta Esmeralda can get very crowded on the weekends with local families, so it’s best to visit during the week or early in the morning if you want to get the best experience.
Non-Touristic Things to Do in Playa del Carmen: Local Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
It’s important to know that almost everything in Playa del Carmen is centered around 5th Avenue, which is a pedestrian-only street that spans over 20 blocks. Fifth Avenue is a colorful and lively street where you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, shops, and stalls.
It’s a fun place to go shopping or experience the nightlife, but if you really want to experience everything Playa del Carmen has to offer, I would recommend venturing off of the touristy 5th Avenue and trying out some of these local hotspots.
Restaurants
La Perla Pixan
La Perla Pixan is located just off of Playa del Carmen’s touristy 5th Avenue and is one of Playa del Carmen’s best Mexican restaurants. Serving Mexican and regional specialties, the restaurant offers an upscale gastronomic experience.
La Perla Pixan also has some of the best craft cocktails, tequilas, and mezcals in Playa del Carmen. Plus, they often have live music which makes for an entertaining dining experience.
El Doctorcito
El Doctorcito is a lively open-air restaurant serving some of the best seafood in Playa del Carmen. The menu offers a variety of ceviches, aguachiles, and seafood tacos.
It’s a great place for lunch or an afternoon snack and they usually have a live DJ, making it a popular local hotspot in Playa del Carmen.
El Ñero
Opening daily at 5:00pm, El Ñero is a late night taco spot that’s usually only frequented by locals. They serve traditional Mexican tacos, which are some of the best tasting tacos in Playa del Carmen.
It’s a very casual spot with plastic tables and chairs but it’s definitely worth a visit for some cheap and tasty tacos. Be sure to try the al pastor tacos, which are my favorite!
Cheester
Another one of my favorite local restaurants in Playa del Carmen is Cheester, which is an Italian restaurant offering pasta bowls in huge cast iron dishes.
With outdoor seating, the atmosphere is very casual and homey, which encourages the family style portions. If you order one of the pasta bowls, you will have leftovers for days.
Street Food
Aside from dining in restaurants, one of the best ways to experience the local Mexican cuisine in Playa del Carmen is to try out some of the traditional street food. Some of the most popular types of street food in the Yucatan region of Mexico are marquesitas (rolled wafer), elotes (Mexican street corn), and cochinita pibil (pork).
You’ll find street vendors selling these types of food from carts on 5th Avenue. Make sure to have cash on hand.
Bars
Be Roof
Located at the top of the Be Playa Hotel, Be Roof is a trendy bohemian style rooftop bar and pool in Playa del Carmen. It’s a great spot for evening happy hour to enjoy the pool and sunset views, or stay late to hear the live DJ.
In addition, they offer a mix of chairs and lounge beds for rent around the pool.
The Tiny Tiki Hut
The Tiny Tiki Hut is a fun tiki bar and restaurant offering a fusion of Mexican and Asian cuisine. On the menu you’ll find unique fusion items like egg rolls al pastor, Korean beef tacos, and Catonese pork belly tacos.
It’s a very popular spot among locals and offers tiki-inspired cocktails, live music, and a fun atmosphere with colorful decor.
Fusion
Fusion is a beachfront bar and restaurant with a very chill laid-back vibe. With low wooden chairs and lantern-lit tables, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some drinks with your toes in the sand.
Plus, they offer live music, as well as an entertaining fire show to really light up the night. It’s one of my favorite bars in Playa del Carmen and never disappoints!
Are you ready to experience Playa del Carmen like a local? I really hope you get to try some of these unique things to do in Playa del Carmen. In my experience, it has been totally worth it to venture off the beaten path, where you’ll find Mexico’s true hidden gems.
This is a post by contributor Allison Sicking, Viva La Travelista
About the author: Allison Sicking is a travel blogger and digital marketer with a passion for Spanish and a love of Latin American travel. She created the travel blog Viva La Travelista while living in Playa del Carmen to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Spanish-speaking countries. Follow her blog to find out more about Mexico travel, her adventures and explorations, and insider travel tips. Instagram | Facebook
