About Playa del Carmen - If you’re looking for a trendy and beautiful trip, visit Playa del Carmen. From its beaches with people from around the globe to its clear waters perfect for spotting the diverse sea life, Playa del Carmen is one of the best vacations Mexico has to offer. It is just south of Cancun, on the stretch of the beautiful Riviera Maya coast and looks out on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean. If you want to stay within walking distance of Playa’s nightlife, bars, and the Quinta Avenida, or in a condo rental that is quieter and a short walk from the beach, Owner Direct Vacation Rentals have a wide variety of accommodations to meet your needs.

Where to Stay & Why - Many of the vacation rentals listed give you all the amenities of a hotel, the comforts of home, and a view that will take your breath away. Tastefully decorated and sleeps from 3 guests, it’s perfect for couples, families, or groups who appreciate space and luxury. The lodgings also have a great location for you to enjoy all that Playa del Carmen has to offer. As you walk into the living room, you’ll feel the breeze softly blowing through the sweeping curtains while watching your favorite show or movie from the flat screen TV or enjoying a book, a board game or staying connected using the WiFi while lounging on the sleeper sofa. While restaurants abound just outside your door, should you want to prepare a meal, the kitchen is well equipped with all the tools you need. There’s ample dining seating - both inside and out - which makes the perfect place for friends and family to gather and make memories. Enjoy the view from the private terrace or patio with an exterior living area, pool or spa tub. Other amenities include DVD player, private parking, safety deposit box, beach towels, coolers, and some beach games and gear too.

What to See & Do - Playa del Carmen Beach is the highlight of most vacationers’ time in the area and makes for a delightful way to spend your afternoons. Playa del Carmen’s main street, La Quinta Avenida, is lined with an assortment of restaurants and bars - it one of the best nightlife spots in the city. There are plenty of souvenir shops as well, selling trinkets and mementos. Offering some of the best diving spots in the Western Hemisphere, you can’t come to Playa without taking a dip under the sea to explore its colorful population of fish via the Reef Quest or Playa Scuba Dive Center. For natural wonders, one of the best-kept secrets on the Yucatan Peninsula, Rio Secreto (Secret River) is an underground river with a collection of caves. You can swim in the river, climb through the caves, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. If you love golf, the area’s golf courses are picturesque and challenging. Try your swing at Golf Club Playacar, the Grand Coral Golf Riviera Maya, and El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club.

Where to Eat & Drink - From simple local fare to sophisticated fine dining establishments, venture off to sample a few of Playa’s offerings around town. There are a few popular spots that experts and travelers recommend, like La Coronela - known for its tasty food (think: tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, margaritas, and more) at affordable prices. There’s also El Fogon and La Laguna in the Fairmont Mayakoba. If you’re looking to splurge on dinner, Oh Lala comes highly recommended as an upscale restaurant with creative dishes and an intimate atmosphere.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - Cancun Airport is the main airport that services the area. Cozumel has an airport that is international but after that, you’d need to take the ferry to Playa del Carmen. From the Cancun Airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, book private transfers or take the bus.

The best way to get around Playa is on foot. As most of the best things to do are located right off the beach. Renting a car is easy and useful if you’re going to be doing some day trips. You can also rent bikes, scooters, or take the shuttles. Picking up a taxi at the stands called “sitios” will cost you more than hailing a cab on the street. To save yourself from spending more, catch a van or “colectivo” for a more reasonable price.

When to Go - The best time to visit is in April and May when the temperatures aren’t too high and the beaches are less crowded too. These prime two months are also the way to go if you want to avoid Mexico’s hurricane season which lasts from June to September.

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