Playa del Carmen Beaches

[Rene McDaniel]

Hi again,
I've heard someone say on TUG that they enjoyed the Playa del Carmen beaches even more than Cancun. So, I'm wondering where exactly in Playa del Carmen do you go for a beach day? Do you go just plop down in front of a mega resort or go to a beach club or where?

We've been to Playa for groceries at Mega, 5th Ave. at night, the ferry to Cozumel, and the ADO bus station --- but I don't know anything about where to go to spend a nice day at the beach. We are staying at Grand Mayan and we like their pools, but the beach there is lousy.

Also, any other recommendations for things to see & do in Playa del Carmen? We've been to the Cocoa place, and it was okay -- but I don't think we'd do that again. We'll have our 15-year old daughter, and we enjoyed window shopping on 5th, but we need recommendations for other things. We aren't able to do expensive dinners, but we do enjoy an occasional good meal out at a reasonable price, and being from San Diego we love Mexican food.

Thanks!
---Rene McDaniel

 

[Enrico]

Here is a great site for info on Playa: http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/ The restaurant reviews tend to be very accurate. One thread has a link to download a Word doc for area restaurants with reviews and comments. It was 4-for-4 for us in finding good places to eat on our trip there this past October. I have a copy of the doc if you can't find it.

 

[pittle]

There is a place on 5th Ave next to the 100% Natural restaurant that has wonderful massages for $40-$45. It is upstairs.

Quite a few restaurants have beach access and umbrellas and chaise lounges. Just check them out. Most are quite reasonable. You can enjoy both the beach and good food.

 

[alfie]

Coco

For a good beach day, try Coco Beach in Playa. It is way down 5th avenue on Calle 38. Normally past the regular tourist walk. The crowd thins out, somewhat, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day. (washrooms and a restaurant are also available) So, you walk north on 5th past the Grand Porto Real Hotel, which is on Calle 20 and keep going to 38, then turn right and walk till your feet get wet...enjoy