Weekend Getaways From Playa del Carmen You Need on Your Bucket List
Living in Playa del Carmen is a dream come true, with its turquoise waters, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine. But while this paradise offers plenty to explore, sometimes a change of scenery is the perfect way to recharge. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen’s location makes it the perfect home base for quick weekend getaways, whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience.
Here are some of the best weekend getaways from Playa del Carmen that you’ll want to add to your travel list!
1. Tulum
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 1 hour (65 km)
If you love white sandy beaches, trendy restaurants, and Mayan ruins, Tulum is the ideal escape. This beach town has become famous for its laid-back yet upscale atmosphere, drawing in creatives, yogis, and luxury travelers alike.
Best Activities:
Relax at a Beach Club
Visit the Parque Nacional del Jaguar (a nature reserve with beach)
Explore the Tulum Mayan Ruins
Visit Chichen Itza
ATV, Cenote, and Zip Line Adventure
Swim with Sea Turtles
Visit the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
Go Kayaking on Laguna Nopalitos
Visit the Yal-Ku Lagoon
Visit Laguna Kan Luum
Best Nearby Cenotes:
Cenote Suytun
Cenote Aktun Chen
Casa Tortuga
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Caracol
Cenote Sac Actun
Best Restaurants and Beach Clubs:
La Zebra Beach Restaurant And Bar
Casa Nana (Michelin Star)
Kin Toh By Azulik
Vagalume
La Negra Tomasa
Parole Tulum
Lula's Kitchen
Hartwood (Michelin Star)
Bagatelle Tulum
Tantra Tulum
2. Sian Ka’an & Punta Allen
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 2.5 - 3 hours (130 km)
For those looking for an off-the-grid adventure, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a must. It is recommended that you rent a Jeep or 4x4 to go since the roads are unpaved. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected natural area teeming with wildlife, pristine beaches, and stunning lagoons.
Best Activities:
Boat Tours: Navigate through mangroves and lagoons to spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species.
Snorkeling: Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Visit Punta Allen: A quaint fishing village offering a glimpse into traditional coastal life.
Star gaze: Since Sian Ka’an is a natural reserve, it is the perfect place to observe the stars.
3. Cancun
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 1 hour (68 km)
While Cancun is often associated with tourists and all-inclusive resorts, there’s so much more to this vibrant city. Whether you want to shop, indulge in fine dining, or enjoy stunning beaches, Cancun makes for a great weekend getaway.
Best Activities:
Visit Cancun’s Hotel Zone
Shopping in Puerto Cancun
Rent Jetskis or a Speedboat
Go to Xoximilco Cancun by Xcaret
See Cirque du Soleil’s JOYA at Vidanta
Yacht or Catamaran Tour of Isla Mujeres
Visit the Museo Maya de Cancún
Best Beaches:
Playa Delfines
Playa Tortugas
Playa Isla Blanca
Playa Costa Mujeres
Chac Mool Beach
Best Restaurants:
Navios Mexican Fusion Seafood
Ryoshi Cancún
Mochomos Cancún
Ilios Greek Estiatorio Cancun
Taboo Cancun
Tora Cancun
Hiromi Puerto Cancun
4. Isla Mujeres
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 2 hours (including ferry)
If you’re craving a quaint island vibe, Isla Mujeres is a dreamy weekend escape. This small island, just off the coast of Cancun, boasts crystal-clear waters, a laid-back atmosphere, and fantastic snorkeling spots.
Best Activities:
Rent a golf cart to explore the island.
Go on a yacht or catamaran excursion.
Snorkel at Garrafón Natural Reef Park.
Take a boat trip to see the Underwater Museum (MUSA).
Go diving to explore the coral reefs and marine life.
Best Beaches:
Playa Norte - considered one of the best beaches in Mexico
Playa Sol - incredible sunsets
Playa Lancheros
Playa Garrafón, located within the Garrafón Natural Park - in addition to relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and zip-lining over the sea
Playa Indios - more secluded and less known
Playa Media Luna - less suitable for swimming
Playa Tiburón - known for offering a unique experience: the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks. These sharks, which are completely harmless to humans, are a popular attraction for those looking for a more adventurous experience during their visit to Isla Mujeres.
Best Restaurants:
Samura
Xantolo
Los Tacos de Humo
Lola Valentino
Mango Café Isla
5. Puerto Morelos
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 30 minutes (38 km)
Puerto Morelos is a charming seaside town known for its relaxed atmosphere, excellent snorkeling, and beautiful coral reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. If you're looking for a laid-back getaway that still offers plenty of activities, this is the perfect spot.
Best Activities:
Snorkeling in the Great Maya Reef
Scuba Diving in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
Explore the Ruta de Los Cenotes
Watch a Polo Match at El Rey Polo Club Puerto Morelos
Explore the Barrier Reef by Kayak or Paddleboard
Visit the Crococun Zoo, where you can interact with local wildlife.
Relax at one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood.
Go Sport Fishing or Book a Boat Tour
Best Restaurants:
Taninos
La Choza Del Puerto
Unico
Punta Corcho (Michelin)
La Sirena
El Merkadito
6. Holbox
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 3 hours (including ferry)
Holbox is an island paradise with no cars, no stress, and no worries. This laid-back island is perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
Best Activities:
Rent bikes or a golf cart and explore the island
Relax in a hammock over the ocean at Punta Cocos.
Swim with whale sharks (seasonal, from June to September).
Visit Yalahau Cenote, a freshwater swimming hole.
Watch the bioluminescent waters at night.
Take a boat tour to Isla Pájaros to see flamingos.
Best Beaches:
Playa Holbox – the Main Beach
Playa Mosquito (the Holbox Sandbar)
Yum Balam Nature Reserve (facing the sandbar)
Beaches West of Holbox Town
Punta Cocos
Best Restaurants:
PIEDRASANTA HOLBOX
Fuego Beach Club Holbox By Awa Hotel
Luuma
ROOTS Pizza a Leña
7. Bacalar: The Lagoon of Seven Colors
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 4 hours (280 km)
Bacalar is home to the breathtaking Laguna de los Siete Colores, a freshwater lagoon with some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see. It is sometimes referred to as the “Maldives of Mexico”. It’s perfect for a tranquil getaway filled with swimming, kayaking, and exploring.
Best Activities:
Kayak or paddleboard through the Seven-Color Lagoon.
Visit the Cenote Azul, one of the deepest cenotes in Mexico.
Explore Fuerte de San Felipe, a historic fort with stunning views.
Go for a sunset sail across the lagoon for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Best Restaurants:
Nixtamal
Hijos Del Cocho
Waah Cocina
La Playita
Akalki (farm to table experience)
8. Mérida
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 4 hours (310 km)
Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán, is a must-visit for history lovers. Known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and incredible food scene, it offers a perfect mix of culture and relaxation.
Best Activities:
Stroll down Paseo de Montejo, Mérida’s grand boulevard lined with historic mansions.
Visit Plaza Grande, the heart of Mérida, featuring the stunning Catedral de San Ildefonso.
Explore the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, which showcases the rich history of the Mayan civilization.
Take a day trip to nearby cenotes, such as Cenote Xlacah or Cenote San Ignacio, for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Enjoy live music and cultural events at Santa Lucia Park.
Best Cenotes Near Mérida:
Cenote Hool Kosom in Homún
Cenote Canunchen in Homún
Cenote Tza Ujun Kat in Homún
Cenote Pool Uinic in Homún
Cenote Bolochohool in Cuzamá
Cenote Aktun-Ha in Cuzamá
Cenotes Santa Bárbara: Cenote Xooch
Cenotes Santa Bárbara: Cenote Chacsikín
Cenotes Santa Bárbara: Cenote Pool Cocom
Best Beaches Near Mérida:
Puerto Progreso
Celestún
Sisal
El Cuyo - In and of itself is a great weekend getaway spot for seclusion, turtle watching, and kitesurfing.
Isla Columpios (part of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve)
Chelem
Telchac Puerto
Best Restaurants:
Emplumado
Olivia
Picheta
Arcano
El Remate
Start Planning Your Next Roadtrip
Living in Playa del Carmen means having some of Mexico’s best destinations just a short drive or ferry ride away. Whether you prefer beach getaways, cultural experiences, or nature escapes, these weekend trips are sure to offer something special. So pack your bags and start exploring—your next adventure is just around the corner!
