Playa del Carmen Nightlife

The night itself seems to come alive around Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue with people drinking coffee al fresco, dining at exotic restaurants, savoring cocktails, and dancing at Playa’s clubs. Outdoor events are also numerous at night and Playa del Carmen beaches offer the perfect stage with their starry nights and tropical breezes.

Playa del Carmen hotels also come to life at night with lively bars, authentic restaurants and their own exotic nightclubs. Karaoke is very popular so get your voice ready! Many hotels in Playa del Carmen offer cultural shows starring local residents. Mayan ritual dances are common throughout the region and are not to be missed.

As you’ll probably be spending your evenings on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, local beach clubs are the best places to party. These beach clubs can get busy so be sure to get there early to get the best spot. Some of the best beach clubs are listed below.

MAMITA'S BEACH CLUB

Mamita's is certainly one of the most popular Playa del Carmen clubs. Food and drinks are served around the clock, either direct to your lounge/umbrella on the beach, or on the wooden veranda of the club’s sea view restaurant, but it’s most lively in the evenings. Savor delicious cocktails and move your hips to some of Playa’s best music.

CANIBAL ROYAL

Canibal Royal is one of Playa’s newest beach clubs, featuring 1950s Brazilian architecture and relaxing chill-out music. Canibal Royal has 3 levels; a funky beach bar with lounge chairs and beds for relaxation, a Playa del Carmen restaurant level with a large bar, and a solarium level complete with Jacuzzis. The food is eclectic, the ambiance is laid back and the style is completely Caribbean.

AL CIELO AT XPU-HA

Away from the crowds, Al Cielo is a small, boutique hotel situated on the peaceful Xpu-Ha beach, a 20 minute drive South of Playa. Reputed for its fine dining, Al Cielo serves drinks and exquisite food on its magnificent beach terrace daytime and evenings. Seating is limited so be sure to make a reservation.

However you decide to spend the evenings during your Playa del Carmen vacation, you are destined to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Hotel Maya+

A Brief History of Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is located in the Riviera Maya, which runs from south of Cancún to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. It was originally inhabited entirely by the Mayan culture. It later developed into a fishing area before becoming the Playa del Carmen vacation destination we know today.

During the height of the Mayan civilization, Cozumel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen were a major part of the area's trade industry. Playa del Carmen's location, lying between the two ports of Honduras and Veracruz, made it perfect for international trading.

In the early 1900's, Playa del Carmen became an official territory of Mexico and a part of the state of Quintana Roo. Mexicans from the mainland began inhabiting the area and finding their new home among the Mayan people.

The 1960's ushered in the growth of the surrounding areas of Cozumel and Cancun. Cozumel gained popularity because of an underwater documentary filming the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. During this time, Playa del Carmen tourism also started to blossom due to its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and exotic ruins.

In the 1970's, Playa del Carmen became more accessible to travelers, with the building of a boat dock enabling ferry service to Cozumel and the Cancun International Airport. More and more tourists started traveling to the area, leading to the eventual establishment of hotels, restaurants and all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resorts. The boat dock also opened the area to cruise lines, bringing in even more travelers.

In the 1990's, Playa del Carmen's population grew substantially and it started becoming more popular in the international community. Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue, its main avenue, became filled with more shops and restaurants that catered to international tourists in search of that perfect Playa del Carmen holiday.

Playa del Carmen tourism continues to thrive today, even though its reputation as a small fishing village remains intact. It’s this quality that makes it so charming to travelers worldwide.