Traveling is all about fun, thrill, passion, excitement, and relaxation; therefore, finding the best things to do during your vacation to fulfill those points is crucial. During this blog, we take you deep within the Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen, where one of the most famous places to visit in Mexico lies, La Quinta Avenida, also known as the 5th Avenue.
5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen is visited by thousands of tourists and locals each year due to its diverse range of things to do, eat, purchase, and experience. When searching for the best things to do while visiting Playa del Carmen, a quick trip to this beautiful location boasts everything you will ever need and more. From commercial centers to thriving nightlife, keep reading to discover all the fantastic things to be a part of during your visit.
Bars and Restaurants
The 5th avenue in Playa del Carmen seems like an endless street of everything and anything you would ever need, but walking down the long street certainly works up an appetite. Luckily, it isn’t difficult to find something that will satisfy your rumbling stomach. While we encourage you and your travel companions to try the delicious local Mexican gastronomy, many restaurants provide various international cuisine options. Some of our favorites include:
Chez Celine
When you wake up in the morning and are craving one of the best breakfasts around, then you cannot miss Chez Celine. With a little taste of France in every bite of its delicious options, we guarantee there won’t even be crumbs left on the plate afterward.
La Perla Pixan
As mentioned above, we strongly encourage you to test the delicious Mexican cuisine during your visit, and La Perla Pixan is a fantastic option. While their traditional Mexican dishes will take your breath away, their wide variety of authentic Mezcals steals the show. So make sure to toast a wonderful vacation in the Riviera Maya.
Las Hijas de la Tostada
While walking on 5th Avenue, you will be just steps away from the beach and the glorious Caribbean Sea. So, why not try some cuisine from its rich, turquoise blue waters? Las Hijas de Tostada offers a wide variety of seafood served on a crunchy tortilla and some of the most savory Micheladas in the city.
Shopping on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
Once your stomachs are full, it’s time to go shopping. Quinta Avenida has so many options for you to explore; you probably won’t be able to visit all the shops, so you’ll have to come back soon. However, you will be able to find different stores where you can purchase authentic handmade Mayan clothing alongside makeup, shoes, sportswear, and so much more.
5th Avenue is a huge area, so it may be challenging to know where to start. Well, we recommend starting your shopping extravaganza at Quinta Alegria. It is one of the many commercial centers in Playa del Carmen, and due to its unique open design and variety of stores inside, it is the ideal spot to visit first. It boasts international brands such as:
- Apple
- Pandora
- American Eagle
- Forever 21
Daytime Activities for Fun & Relaxation
For families, couples, and groups looking to partake in the fun and relaxation that Playa del Carmen has to offer, there is no better place than 5th avenue. Looking to take a break from the heat? Wanting to do something on a rainy day? Travel to La Quinta Avenida. Here are a few of our favorite things to do during the day:
Go to the Beach
While the beautiful beach in front of the Caribbean Sea may not be directly on 5th Avenue, it isn’t far at all and is the ideal place to take a break from walking, cool off in the turquoise waters, and soak in the sun. There you will be able to do numerous activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. If you are looking for a bit more fun, there are many different beach clubs and bars to enjoy, such as:
- Martina Beach Club
- Mamitas Beach Club
- Coralina Daylight Club
- Zenzi Beach
Fun with a View
Who said going to the beach was the only way to cool off and have fun? You can dance, enjoy your favorite cocktails, and spend time with your friends meeting new people from around the world while overlooking the gorgeous Mexican Caribbean on a rooftop pool & bar. Here are a few you cannot miss:
- Deck 5 Pool and Skybar
- The Roof 28
- The Fives
Read our blog about the Best Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen to learn about more places to visit
Founding Fathers Park
Also known as the “Parque Fundadores,” this area originates back to the beginning of Playa del Carmen and has become one of the greatest places to visit in the city. It is the ideal place for both adults and kids to enjoy as the children can play in its vast area while the parents enjoy the amazing structures and layout.
One of many to be adored is the Portal Maya 2012, a huge bronze statue designed by artist Arturo Taravez and is 16 meters high or about 52 feet high. Visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the flying Papantla performers. These talented entertainers climb up a 30-meter (98ft.) pole, tie ropes around themselves, and launch themselves off while one stays at the top playing a flute and drum.
Find more activities to do during your getaway by reading our blog, Must-Do Activities in Playa del Carmen.
5th Avenue Nightlife
After a day full of shopping, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying tasty international cuisine, it is time to put on your favorite outfit and experience the wild nightlife in Playa del Carmen. Whatever you are in the mood for, you will be able to find it along 5th Avenue and the famous 12th street, where all the hottest clubs are located. So, where are you going to go? Here are just a few of the many that you can choose from.
Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo has become well-known internationally, and for a good reason. However, there are only a few places that this spectacular club can be visited, and Playa del Carmen is one of them. So get ready for a night you will never forget as you enjoy delicious beverages, witness spectacular shows performed right before you, and dance all night.
Mandala
Looking to get away from the “shows” and dance the night away with old friends and new ones? Then Mandala is the place to visit. In an open club with an Asian-style decor, you are guaranteed to have the night of your life dancing and singing to the best hits played by renowned and local DJs.
Senor Frogs
During the day, Senor Frogs in Playa del Carmen is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to the beach, but in the evening, it transforms into a place where you and your friends will enjoy a memorable night. Mouth Watering drinks, fantastic music, top-of-the-line service, and much more can be expected when visiting this excellent bar.
Remember, these are just a few places you can dance the night away on Quinta Avenida. We recommend exploring all of them during the day, so you know which one you want to visit when they open.
Accommodations
Now, before you head out to explore all of the incredible things 5th Avenue offers, you’ll need a place to stay! We have two fantastic options ideal for family and adult getaways. But before you choose where to stay, make sure you know the best time to come by reading Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen According to Weather by Month.
Sandos Caracol
Hidden deep within the jungle of the Riviera Maya lies an eco-paradise full of cenotes, animals, mangroves, and new adventures. Sandos Caracol offers an unbeatable all-inclusive getaway for travelers that love all aspects of nature. Guests can take advantage of various eco-activities, international cuisine options, a grand waterpark, and more.
Sandos Playacar
Before heading out to the famed 5th Avenue, how about some much-deserved relaxation on one of the most stunning beaches the Mexican Caribbean has to offer. Sandos Playacar, situated on an endless white sand beach, is where travelers go for a true beach getaway. Embracing their immaculate situation through entertainment programs, spa treatments, and nightly performances, guests experience a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive beach vacation.
Now that you know all about the Quinta Avenida, what to do, and where to stay? Are you ready for a vacation like no other?
