Nestled along the stunning Caribbean coast of Mexico in the Riviera Maya region lies one of our favorite travel destinations, Playa Del Carmen. Once a quaint fishing village decades ago, it has transformed into a vibrant multicultural international destination that has captivated our family throughout our many visits over the years.
Our stay in a cozy condo in Playacar set the stage for our unforgettable adventures, combining relaxation with exciting explorations just a short walk away. Choosing to stay in Playacar was perfect for us.
This secure gated community offers a quiet, peaceful neighborhood feeling that we are accustomed to and provides easy access to Playa Del Carmen's bustling town center.
Our mornings began with coffee or breakfast on the patio overlooking the golf course, and our evenings were filled with leisurely walks into town, where the kids eagerly anticipated discovering new shops and delightful eateries, taking in the cultural activities around every corner.
One of our favorite parts about traveling is always the food, and Playa Del Carmen spoils us with such a wide array of local flair and world-class options. On our latest trip, we indulged in some of our old favorites and some new and unexpected gems, everything from classic authentic Italian flavors at La Famiglia to delightful French pastries at Chez Celine to freshly caught seafood at Ictio Fish House.
Each meal added its special flavor to our vacation. While the dining scene is plentiful along 5th Avenue, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that venturing out a few blocks from the main tourist areas and eating as the locals do is one of the best experiences you can find in Playa.
Tacos from El Fogón, chicken from Asadero el Pollo, or a fresh fruit smoothie from La Ceiba de la 30 next to the DAC market are some of the best ways to eat off the beaten path.
The highlight meal of our latest trip was an evening at Osteria de Roma, the food was delicious and the service impeccable. With a great atmosphere and a staff and owner that welcomes you into their home and treats you like family—it was a truly memorable meal.
Shopping in Playa Del Carmen is always a treat, from browsing local vendors for souvenirs to exploring chic boutiques for unique finds. With the mix of traditional artisan crafts and modern high-end malls, you’ll find a wide range of shopping options to suit everyone’s taste.
Along the way our kids loved stopping for ice cream or Mexican chocolates, trying various new items from the candy shops, and watching the entertainers while strolling the avenue.
For a different experience away from the abundance of 5th Avenue, check out the local vendors in the Plaza 28 de Julio by the municipal building. I recommend grabbing a fresh marquesita and strolling through an interesting mix of local vendors in a low-key, hassle-free environment.
We always love to get out of town and experience the beautiful sights of the area. One of the highlights of our trip was spending a day at Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park that felt like stepping into a wonderland.
Our kids had a blast swimming and interacting with stingrays in a natural lagoon. They also loved exploring Children’s World, where they went down water slides, climbed suspension bridges, explored tunnels, and splashed in cenotes.
Xcaret offered endless excitement for the whole family, from exploring underground rivers to meeting exotic wildlife at the aviary and butterfly pavilion. We even caught glimpses of sea turtles and jaguars, and the views from the scenic tower were breathtaking.
Make sure you take a break from the action to watch the ritual ceremony of the Voladores, an exciting and thrilling performance to watch.
Another highlight was traveling further south to Xel-Ha, an all-inclusive aquatic park paradise. Snorkeling in clear waters, floating down rivers, jumping off the Cliff of Courage, and gliding on ziplines kept us busy.
One of the top attractions was going to the top of the Scenic Lighthouse for the view at 131 feet and then descending on a waterslide that ends in a natural pool. The children's playground and relaxing in cenotes provided serene moments amidst the action-packed day.
To balance out these adventures we made sure to carve out days to relax and enjoy laid-back moments, we indulged in all-inclusive day passes at the Reef Club resort in Playacar, lounging by the pool and playing on the sandy beaches.
The serene atmosphere and warm hospitality everywhere we went made it a perfect retreat.
For those who love the arts, Playa has a vibrant community with local artists, musicians, and craftsmen of all kinds. If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat between shopping and eating on 5th Avenue, take time to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, where art and history converge to offer insights into the fascinating heritage of one of Mexico’s most renowned modern artists.
Playa Del Carmen truly offers something for everyone: reliable transportation options and the ease of exploring via taxis or bicycles make getting around stress-free.
Families looking for adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion will find Playa Del Carmen an ideal destination. Our family vacation was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
From the serene moments at our condo in Playacar to the thrilling adventures at Xcaret and Xel-Ha, every day brought new discoveries and lasting memories. We left with hearts full of gratitude and a promise to return to this tropical paradise that welcomed us with open arms.
Location: Playacar Public Beach.
