 Located about about 43 miles (75km) South of Cancun, Playa del Carmen has quickly developed into a smaller more quite version of Cancun. Here you will find a great combination of simplicity and variety. There are delightful beaches, hotels for all prices a good choice of restaurants and shops and well as a happening nightlife, mostly located down Quinta Avenida (Fifth Ave). This is the best place in Mexico if you want all the simple pleasures of a seaside adventures with a more authentic local feel, away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.Quinta Avenida is closest to the beach and is closed to traffic from zocalo to Calle 6.composed of a pedestrian only street that has mostly local shops, and restaurants, however recent rapid growth, many chain restaurants and shops have begun to appear along the Ave. There is still an abundance of independent local merchants and the town is trying to keep the small and cozy feel.  There are some all inclusive resorts located along the beach right off Quinta Avenida, such as the Gran Porto Real and the more expensive Royal Porto Real. As well there are many hotels that are not right on the beach but are quite close, and remember that all beaches in Mexico are public beaches.
There are many things to do during the day in Playa del Carmen such as deep sea fishing (at the marina located at Puerto Aventuras), scuab diving and snorkeling, as well Xcaret and Xel Ha are just as short drive away as well as the Ruins of Tulem and the island of Cozumel is just a 30 minute ferry ride away. There are many bars and clubs located down Fifth Ave that will keep you occupied at night. The most notable is the Blue Parrot which is basically a dance club on the beach that involves a fire show earlier in the night. | 
