The Playa beach starts more or less at the ferry docks. The beach of course continues along southward and northward. Walking north you encounter the main beach which runs the length of the city along the coast. The majority of hotels and resorts run parallel to the beach and most are either on the beach or a close walk to the beach.

It is nice to stay in a room that is facing the ocean but it is not imperative. Of course you pay extra for the experience. Walking to the beach is not a problem. If you are trying to reduce costs, stay at a hotel close to the beach, not on it.

Playa del Carmen Beaches PlaygroundAll beaches in Playa del Carmen are open to the public. There are numerous access points to the beach all along the coast. The farther north you walk the less frequent the access points.

Although all beaches are public, access to some beaches is restricted because of private property. You cannot cross private property to access a beach.

Playa Tukan

Playa Tukan, located on the most beautiful stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen, has everything you need to make your Caribbean vacation as comfortable as possible.

To spend your days in a comfortable lounge chair and have your food and drinks brought to you right there on the beach - it doesn't get better than that! Not only hamburgers, pizza and pasta is on menu - the chicken fajitas is a good choice (it comes with beans and guacamole) and the ceviche is awesome. Both food and drinks are moderately priced and the waiters are fast and courteous. Don't leave the beach without a having tried a chelada - a beer served with lime juice over ice in a salted glass, wonderfully refreshing on a hot day!

The pool at Playa Tukan is great for your kids, as well as for your dive training or a free dive demonstration, which you book at Explora Dive and Watersports at Playa Tukan Beach Club.

Shangri-La Beach

With a private beach, views of the sparkling coral islands, and legendary attentive service, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa offers the serenity of a secluded tropical Kota Kinabalu luxury resort just 10 minutes away from the centre of downtown Kota Kinabalu.

Cocoa Beach

Located on a barrier island, nestled between the great Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Welcome to Cocoa Beach SignLagoon on Florida's Central East Coast, Cocoa Beach continues to link the birth of the Space Age with the wonders of the future.

Just six miles long, and mostly less than one mile wide, Cocoa Beach is truly a unique place! Where else can you choose between watching a space launch from the beach or precious animal species in their natural habitat? You can choose between a swim in the ocean, or a quiet kayak exploration off the Banana River islands, from our river shore? Play a round of golf at our 27-holes golf course, surf cast from the beach for dinner, or just enjoy a day at the beach where you will likely see dolphins at play or be lucky enough to see an occasional whale in migration. Widely known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach is the hometown of surfing champions.

5th Avenue

5th Avenue [Quinto Avenida] is the main street that runs parallel to the ocean. It's around 500 meters from the water. In between the water and 5th are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, Rentals, Timeshares, and restaurants. It is commonly referred to as, "Playa del Carmen's Pedestrian Walkway".
Along 5th Avenue you will find numerous stores selling interesting items as well as restaurants and hotels. There are clothing stores selling the latest trends from Europe as well as Cuban Cigar and Rum stores. It is a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival. We have seen live lions, fire breathers, giant boa constrictors and a cavalcade of characters parading down 5th.