Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen: Where to Swim, Relax & Fall in Love with the Caribbean
The thing that makes Playa del Carmen so undeniably special is the playa.
Not just the color of the water (though that impossible turquoise helps). Not just the soft white sand. And not even the palm trees leaning perfectly toward the sea.
It’s the variety.
What many visitors don’t realize is that Playa del Carmen’s coastline isn’t one single, uniform stretch of beach. There are different access points, different neighborhoods that touch the ocean, and each section has its own rhythm, personality, and energy.
Walk a few blocks north or south and the entire atmosphere shifts.
One entrance leads you to music, beach clubs, and social energy.
Another opens onto wide, quiet sand where locals walk their dogs at sunrise.
Further north, you’ll find freshwater cenotes meeting the sea.
Inside gated communities, the beaches feel expansive and private.
So whether you’re planning a visit, scouting neighborhoods, or simply trying to understand what makes this town so magnetic, here are the best beaches in Playa del Carmen, complete with drone views, Google Maps locations, nearby beach clubs, and what makes each one truly distinct.
Playa Xcalacoco
If you drive about 10–15 minutes north of downtown Playa del Carmen, the atmosphere changes.
The buildings thin out. The traffic quiets. The sand feels wider. And Xcalacoco begins to feel like a different version of the Riviera Maya: slower, softer, more residential.
This stretch of coastline is known for its natural beauty and boutique feel. You won’t find the same density of beach vendors or heavy foot traffic that you see in central Playa. Instead, you’ll find open sky, long walking stretches, and a mix of locals, expats, and visitors staying in nearby resorts and private communities.
What Makes Xcalacoco Special
A calmer, more relaxed atmosphere
Wide sand areas perfect for long walks
Less commercial density than central beaches
A blend of luxury resorts and low-rise residential developments
It’s the kind of beach where you bring a book. Or go for a long shoreline walk at golden hour. Or meet friends for a long, unhurried lunch by the sea.
Beach Clubs to Know
Mvngata Beach Club
One of the most beautiful beachfront settings in the area, Mvngata combines elevated dining with a relaxed Caribbean aesthetic. Expect white daybeds, curated cocktails, and a more refined atmosphere compared to party-style beach clubs in town.
Punta Xcalacoco Beach Club
A more laid-back option with a barefoot luxury feel. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, oceanfront seating, and the kind of setting where you can spend the entire afternoon without feeling rushed.
Playa Punta Esmeralda
Punta Esmeralda is one of those beaches that feels like a local secret, even though everyone who lives here knows it well.
What makes it unique is the freshwater cenote that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. You’ll see families sitting in the shallow, cool water where the cenote meets the ocean, children splashing between fresh and salt water, and groups of friends setting up simple Sunday picnics under palm trees.
It feels community-oriented. Relaxed. Very “Playa.”
What Makes Punta Esmeralda Special
A natural freshwater cenote merging with the sea
Shallow areas ideal for families
Wide open sand with fewer high-rise buildings
A strong local presence
Unlike central beach entrances, Punta Esmeralda has a more residential backdrop. The surrounding neighborhoods (including parts of Colosio and north Playa) give it an authentic feel that’s less polished and more lived-in.
This is not a party beach.
It’s a social-gathering beach.
A bring-your-own-towel, stay-for-hours kind of beach.
Mornings are especially beautiful here. The light hits the water in soft tones, and locals come for early swims or quiet walks before the day warms up.
There are no large-scale beach clubs directly on this stretch, which helps preserve its natural and communal feel. If you’re looking for music and daybeds, you’ll want to head further south. If you’re looking for a beach that feels integrated into everyday life in Playa del Carmen, Punta Esmeralda delivers exactly that.
Playa 88
Playa 88 has a distinctly local feel.
During the week, it can feel spacious and calm — long stretches of sand, morning walkers, people squeezing in a quick swim before starting their day. But come Sunday, everything shifts.
Families arrive early with coolers and umbrellas. Music plays softly from portable speakers. Kids run between the shoreline and the sand. Groups gather under palm shade to enjoy their day off. It feels alive in a very authentic, unfiltered way.
This is not a polished beach club scene.
It’s everyday Playa del Carmen.
What Makes Playa 88 Special
One of the widest beaches in town
Strong local presence, especially on weekends
Easy public access and parking
A social, community-oriented atmosphere
Unlike some of the more curated or resort-lined beaches further south, Playa 88 feels accessible and real. You’ll hear Spanish more than English here. You’ll see birthday cakes, soccer balls, and big family gatherings on Sundays.
And yet, early mornings can be surprisingly peaceful, the kind of place where the horizon feels expansive and uninterrupted.
Playa 72 Colosio
Playa 72 sits in that sweet spot between north residential Playa and the more central stretch of town and it has a personality all its own.
First, it’s pet friendly, which immediately changes the energy. Mornings and late afternoons are filled with dogs sprinting across the sand, jumping into the waves, and socializing while their owners catch up nearby. It feels like a true neighborhood beach.
But that’s not the only thing that defines it.
You’ll often see volleyball games happening on the sand — informal, spontaneous, and open to whoever wants to join. And on windier days, the sky comes alive with kitesurfers, their colorful kites moving across the horizon just offshore. This part of the coastline tends to catch more wind, making it one of the better areas in Playa del Carmen to spot (or practice) kite surfing.
What Makes Playa 72 Special
Pet-friendly access
Active volleyball scene
Popular stretch for kitesurfing
Strong local and expat presence
Casual, community-driven atmosphere
It’s active without being chaotic. Social without being commercial.
Unlike the beach club zones further south, Playa 72 feels organic. The kind of place where people come because it’s part of their routine — to walk the dog, join a volleyball match, or catch steady wind for an afternoon session on the water.
On weekends it gets busier, but that’s just real life unfolding along the Caribbean.
Keep walking south from here, and you’ll start to feel the shift into central Playa, where the buildings rise higher, the sand narrows slightly, and the beach energy becomes unmistakably more vibrant.
Playa Coco Beach
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YTDs47zAmL7dVXra9
Access to the beach is by a public access along The Reef Coco Beach Resort & Spa
Coco Beach is a shoreline moment that sits quietly between the energetic beaches of central Playa and the wider sands just a little further north.
This stretch is defined both by its natural setting and by the presence of a few notable beachfront venues that give it a distinct local personality, without the intensity of the Mamitas strip or the high-fashion atmosphere of some south Playa clubs.
What Makes Coco Beach Special
Close proximity to central Playa del Carmen
A quieter stretch with a more relaxed feel than Mamitas
Easy walkability and direct beach access
A mix of local day visitors and resort guests
The water here tends to be swimmable when conditions are calm, and the sand feels classic Playa — not too narrow, not too manicured, just open to walk, lounge, and watch the wave patterns shift with the wind.
Beach Clubs & Spots to Know
Fragata Beach Club
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragata.beachclub/
Location: https://share.google/DDFdVX37ZHEHH1ava
An oceanfront club directly adjacent to the Reef Coco Beach area. It’s known as an elevated beachfront spot with loungers, beachside seating, food and drinks, and a relaxed but social vibe. Access policies can vary, and some visitors book Fragata experiences through hotel day passes or direct reservations to enjoy the beach club setting without resort lodging.
The Elements Beach Club
A beachfront bar-style club right on Coco Beach. It has a more casual, local feel and simple food and drink options — a good choice if you want a laid-back stop right on the sand rather than a full resort club atmosphere. (Day pass availability varies by season and event; day pass offerings are generally more common through nearby resorts than through small standalone beachfront bars.)
The Reef Coco Beach Day Pass
If you’re not staying at the resort, there are day pass options available through third-party providers that grant access to pools, food, drinks, and beach loungers at The Reef Coco Beach Resort & Spa. These typically include meals, drinks, pool and beachfront lounging, and access to resort amenities without staying overnight — worth exploring if you want a resort day without booking a stay.
The Atmosphere
Coco Beach feels like a local meeting point between different Playa energies.
In the morning, walkers and swimmers drift through.
By midday, groups settle into shade and beach chairs for a long lunch or an extended swim.
In the late afternoon, friends often gather with drinks to watch the light shift on the water.
It’s a beach that doesn’t push a specific vibe — no big DJs, no heavy music — but instead invites you to just be on the sand, listen to the Caribbean, and settle into the slow rhythms of the day.
Playa Pelicanos
Playa Pelicanos (more commonly known as Playa 40) marks the subtle transition into central Playa del Carmen.
Here, the coastline begins to feel more connected to downtown life. You’re within walking distance of 5th Avenue, beach clubs become more frequent as you head south, and the mix of locals and visitors becomes more balanced.
It’s still relaxed, but you can feel the pulse of town nearby.
What Makes Playa 40 Special
Central location with easy pedestrian access
A blend of residential buildings and boutique hotels
Beach club culture without being as dense as Mamitas
Seamless transition from beach to dinner or nightlife
Beach Clubs & Restaurants Here
Martina Beach Club
One of Playa’s most recognizable beach clubs — stylish loungers, DJ sessions, pool energy, and a lively crowd, especially on weekends.
Pecatto Beach Club / Restaurant
A beachfront dining spot that leans more toward restaurant energy than full party club. It’s known for ocean views, comfortable seating, and a slightly more refined but approachable vibe.
Encanto Beach Club
Balanced and comfortable — somewhere between laid-back and curated. Ocean views, loungers, and a social but not overwhelming feel.
Mandarino Beach Club
A casual beachfront option that feels approachable and easy. Less about spectacle, more about settling in and enjoying the sea.
Pecatto Beach Club / Restaurant
More dining-forward than party-focused. A good choice for long lunches with an ocean backdrop.
Playa 38
Playa 38 sits at one of the most charming and recognizable access points in Playa del Carmen.
Calle 38 itself is often considered one of the best streets in Playa for restaurants, shaded by trees, lined with boutique hotels, and home to some of the most consistently loved dining spots in town. Walking down 38th feels different from the grid-like streets around it. It’s greener. Slower. Almost tucked away.
And when you reach the ocean, that same feeling continues.
What Makes Playa 38 Special
Beautiful tree-lined access via Calle 38
Walkability to some of Playa’s best restaurants
A balance of boutique resort and public beach space
A softer, more relaxed central atmosphere
This stretch of beach feels curated but not loud. There’s movement, but it doesn’t feel rushed. It’s central without being chaotic.
Beach Clubs to Know
Mahekal Beach Resort Day Pass
One of the defining features of this area is Mahekal Beach Resort, which offers day passes depending on availability. This gives you access to loungers, pools, and restaurant service in a setting that feels tropical and intimate.
It’s a good option if you want a more elevated beach day without the DJ-driven party vibe of other clubs nearby.
Playa Mamitas
If Playa del Carmen has a postcard beach, this is it.
Playa Mamitas is one of the most recognizable stretches of sand in town, centrally located, highly walkable, and framed by beach clubs that have shaped Playa’s social identity for years.
The sand here tends to be bright and soft. The water, on calm days, is that signature Riviera Maya turquoise. And the energy is noticeably elevated compared to the beaches just a few blocks north.
What Makes Playa Mamitas Special
Prime central location
High concentration of beach clubs
A lively, social atmosphere
Strong mix of visitors and residents
This is where the rhythm picks up. Music carries across the shoreline. Groups gather around daybeds. Weekends feel celebratory.
Beach Clubs to Know
Mamitas Beach Club
One of the most iconic names in Playa del Carmen’s beach scene. Known historically for larger events, DJ sets, and a vibrant social crowd. It’s long been associated with Playa’s more energetic, party-forward identity.
Coralina Beach Club
Located just steps away, Coralina brings a polished, design-forward aesthetic. Expect infinity pools, curated cocktails, and a stylish, social environment that draws a well-dressed crowd, especially on weekends.
Together, these clubs define much of the atmosphere along this stretch.
Playa Fundadores & Portal Maya (Calle 10 to Portal Maya)
From Calle 10 down to Portal Maya, you’re standing at the historic and symbolic heart of Playa del Carmen.
The iconic Portal Maya sculpture marks the entrance to the sand. Just steps away is the ferry terminal. This is where you take the ferry to Cozumel, with multiple daily departures crossing the turquoise channel between the mainland and the island.
There’s constant movement here. Cruise passengers passing through. Street performers in the evenings. Families gathering. Musicians playing as the sun sets.
It’s vibrant. Textured. Full of life.
What Makes This Stretch Special
Landmark entrance at Portal Maya
Direct access to the Cozumel ferry
Live music and cultural activity
A mix of locals, travelers, and returning residents
Unlike the quieter north beaches, this area hums from morning to night. The ferry comes and goes. Music drifts across the sand. Sunset often feels like an event.
Beach Clubs & Restaurants Along This Stretch
Lido Beach Club
An elevated wooden terrace overlooking the ocean, known for relaxed dining and live music in the evenings.
Zenzi Beach Club
One of the most established spots in this zone. Expect live bands, social tables, and a festive sunset atmosphere.
Deck 5 Pool & Skybar
Offers a slightly elevated poolside perspective with ocean views rather than direct sand seating.
INTI Beach
Stylish and social, with DJ sessions and a curated beachfront vibe.
Soundset Beach Club
More music-driven and contemporary, drawing an energetic crowd.
La Tarraya
A traditional beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Mexican classics directly on the sand.
Playacar Beach
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kKXSzGyD1D2QdhAn7
Access through Playacar Phase 1 or near the ferry terminal heading south
As soon as you walk south past the ferry pier and leave the downtown skyline behind, the coastline opens dramatically.
Welcome to Playacar Beach (also known as Playa Xamanha).
The sand tends to feel wider here. The buildings sit further back. The shoreline stretches long and uninterrupted. Compared to the central beaches, there’s an immediate sense of space.
Playacar is divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2, both gated residential communities, and this stretch of beach runs along their coastline.
What Makes Playacar Beach Special
Wide, expansive shoreline
Fewer vendors and less foot traffic
Clean, open views with fewer high-rise buildings
A noticeably calmer atmosphere than downtown
Because Playacar is a gated community, the beach here feels more residential and less transient. You won’t find large public beach clubs lining this stretch. Instead, you’ll see beachfront homes, boutique hotels, and resort properties set back behind palms and dunes.
The Atmosphere
Playacar feels spacious.
Long morning walks feel uninterrupted.
Sunsets feel quiet and wide.
Even on busier days, the beach rarely feels compressed.
Depending on the season, this area can also offer some of the widest sandy sections in Playa del Carmen, which is part of why many residents consider it one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in town.
From here, the beach continues south toward resorts and eventually transitions out of Playa del Carmen proper, but for many, Playacar marks the final and most expansive chapter of the Playa coastline.
Playa Xpu-Ha
Location:
About 20–25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307
While technically outside Playa del Carmen proper, Xpu-Ha deserves a place on this list.
If you drive about 20–25 minutes south along the federal highway toward Tulum, you’ll arrive at one of the most consistently beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya.
The first thing you notice is the color.
Xpu-Ha is known for its wide arc of soft white sand and remarkably clear, shallow turquoise water. The bay-like shape of the coastline often makes the sea calmer here compared to parts of Playa del Carmen.
What Makes Xpu-Ha Special
Wide, open stretch of bright white sand
Typically calmer, swimmable waters
A more natural, less urban backdrop
A mix of low-key beach clubs and relaxed restaurants
Unlike the town beaches, Xpu-Ha feels removed from city energy. There are beach clubs here, but they tend to feel more rustic and relaxed. Think wooden tables under palm trees, fresh seafood, and long afternoons that stretch into sunset.
The Atmosphere
Xpu-Ha feels like a full beach day.
You come early.
You stay for hours.
You don’t feel rushed.
It’s popular with both locals and visitors, especially on weekends, but because the beach is wide and expansive, it rarely feels cramped.
If Playa del Carmen’s beaches are woven into daily life, Xpu-Ha feels like a small escape, close enough for a spontaneous afternoon, far enough to feel like you left town behind.
And in many ways, it captures what draws people to the Riviera Maya in the first place: space, color, warmth, and that unmistakable Caribbean horizon.
What’s Your Take on the Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen?
What makes Playa del Carmen so unique isn’t just the color of the water. It’s the contrast along the coastline.
Within a few kilometers, you can move from a pet-friendly local beach filled with volleyball games… to a palm-lined restaurant street that opens onto the sea… to a music-driven beach club scene… to a wide, quiet residential stretch where the horizon feels endless.
Each access point has its own personality.
Each section of sand attracts a different rhythm of life.
That’s why when people say, “I want to live by the beach in Playa del Carmen,” the real question becomes:
Which beach?
Do you want:
A social, central atmosphere steps from 5th Avenue?
A quieter residential stretch for morning walks?
A family-oriented beach with shallow water?
A pet-friendly area with community energy?
A wide, expansive shoreline with fewer crowds?
The right neighborhood often starts with the right stretch of sand.
If you’re exploring the idea of living in Playa del Carmen and already feel drawn to a particular beach, we can help you understand which areas, buildings, and opportunities align with that lifestyle.
Whether you’re just researching or actively planning a move, reach out to us for a personalized orientation. We’ll help you connect the beach you love with the part of town that fits you best. Reach out to us today!
