U.S. News and World Report recently released its list of the eight best beaches in Mexico. The list features sites with beautiful scenery and plenty of nearby restaurants.

As wonderful as a lounging on the beach for days is, most travelers like to venture out and try some other activities as well. To help make the choice in beach vacation destination easier, we have narrowed down the U.S. News and World Report list further to the top five Mexico beaches with unique not-to-be-missed attractions nearby.

Playa del carmen

Take a break from the beach, shopping, and nightlife to check out Rio Secreto – the secret river – located in the heart of Playa del Carmen. The underground tour through a network of caves features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites amid the many other geological wonders. Many of its visitors count the experience as spiritual or life-changing.

Tulum

Located about an hour away from Playa del Carmen, Tulum is practically a Mayan time capsule. After relaxing on its beach at the foot of 39-foot cliffs, explore the ruins of an ancient Mayan city.

Puerto Vallarta

Meander through a 20-acre collection of native tropical plants at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The garden is home to rare species of plants that are on display in only a handful of botanical gardens in the world. If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta at the right time of year, you may even be able to take part in the March beer festival or any one of the local celebrations.

Cabo San Lucas

Visit the nearby Baja Outback for a hands-on look at the local ecosystem. A favorite attraction is the turtle release conservation adventure – guests can adopt a turtle and personally participate in its release. Other activity options include a tour of Cabo highlights that includes a ride on a glass-bottomed boat and time to explore.

Cancun

About an hour away  from the heart of Cancun, you can taste Mayan culture and environment at the Xcaret ecological theme park. The attraction mixes natural wonders like cenotes leading down to marvelous underground caves with cultural attractions like a Mayan Ball Game. The more than 50 attractions are sure to please the entire family.

If you plan to step off the beach for some local adventure, plan your trip around one or more of these unique destinations.

Mexico’s coasts are among the most beautiful waters for diving. The amazing coral reefs and undersea caverns are not just for the pros; even beginners can receive training and certification meeting internationally recognized standards at most diving centers in Mexico.

There are plenty of not-to-be-missed diving sites in Mexico. Read on to learn more about some of our favorites.

Playa del Carmen dive sites

Sistema Dos Ojos is one of the largest underwater cave complexes in the world – there is so much to see that for at least your first visit, you should cons/rivieranayarit/ider diving with a guide.

The cave system is enormous – over 300 miles long – and visitors can enter through 28 sinkhole entrances known in the area as cenotes (derived from a Mayan word meaning “sacred well”). The cenotes are found near Playa del Carmen, all along the Riviera Maya. “Dos Ojos” is Spanish for “two eyes” and the beautiful complex branches off into two separate caverns that in turn split off into elaborate passages. One passage leads to a breathtaking illuminated air-filled chamber while others lead to sights like stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Scuba diving near Cancun

Deep Blue Cozumel, near Cancun, is your window into colorful coral reefs and fish. The sparkling water off the coast of Cancun display the rainbow of marine life, allowing divers to see for 200 feet.

Beginning divers can enjoy the tropical reef life. More experienced divers can venture deeper into a series of caverns, connected in an intricate maze.

Dive Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit offers several exciting diving locations with an array of marine life experiences. The underwater mountain range of Las Marietas Islands Marine Reserve is exciting for beginners and was also a site explored by Jacque Cousteau. Six miles away, at the El Morro site, divers can take in sights of dolphins, manta rays, lobsters, turtles, and more. The challenging site offers an experience suited for more experienced divers. Also in the area is Los Anegados, another site suitable for more experienced divers. Get up close with nurse sharks in these warm waters.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro diver, there is much to take in under the waters of Mexico.

Explore The Amazing Riviera Art Gallery In Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is considered by many to be one of the premier vacation destinations in all of coastal Mexico. As the popularity of Playa Del Carmen continues to increase, a growing number of people are discovering the many unique attractions, events and activities that occur on a daily basis throughout the region. For example, the Riviera Art gallery is a special and unique place that has much to offer for those who truly appreciate diverse art.

Quality Art Is Close At Hand

Considered one of the most respected fine art galleries in all of Playa Del Carmen, the Riviera Art gallery offers everything from tribal handcrafts to prints and a number of other original works. In addition, acrylic paintings, oil paintings, lithographs, sculptures and photographs are all on display for everyone to enjoy. Quality art is close at hand when visiting Playa Del Carmen by simply making it a point to explore the Riviera Art gallery. The gallery is conveniently located in the heart of the city and features artwork from many local artists.

Young Emerging Artists

In addition to local art, the Riviera Art gallery also makes available art from around the world. This impressive art gallery has much to offer art aficionados as well as those that casually admire art. Much of the art on display has been handcrafted and created by highly talented artists. From young emerging artists to established artists from across the planet, art lovers can find unique pieces for almost any taste, budget or style. With so much to offer when it comes to art it is clear to see why the Riviera Art gallery is so incredibly popular today.

Favorite Among Visitors From All Parts Of The World

The Riviera Art gallery often makes available exhibitions that feature local artists. From interior designers to homeowners looking for a special piece of art to enhance a room or interior space to professionals looking to invest in art, the opportunities abound when visiting the Riviera Art gallery. Other unique pieces made available when visiting the gallery includes sculptures, gifts, handcrafts and even souvenirs. Playa Del Carmen is a favorite among visitors from all parts of the world. Explore Playa Del Carmen today and all the amazing art that is so widely available. Contact Sea Side Reservations for Playa Del Carmen furnished vacation rental properties.

Exploring The Unique Festivals And Fairs Of Playa Del Carmen

Many seasoned travelers would agree that few other coastal Mexico vacation destinations compare to the beauty and affordability of Playa Del Carmen. Known for its incredibly beautiful and serene beaches as well as its vibrant nightlife and exceptional shopping opportunities, Playa Del Carmen is a destination for discerning travelers that is second to none. Best of all, the area makes available a wide variety of unique festivals and fairs that are worth considering.

Activities Typical Of A Fair

For example, one popular event that only continues to gain in popularity is the Yucatán Fair. The Yucatán Fair is a fun and friendly event that was originally intended for stock breeders and has grown to become a diverse fair that features many interesting events affording visitors a unique entertainment experience that will not soon be forgotten. From a theme park to a wide variety of children’s shows and horse races as well as other activities typical of a fair, the Yucatán Fair must be experienced at least once.

Celebrate And Promote The Unique And Rich Culture

Along with the Yucatán Fair, there is another annual event that has also continued to grow in popularity in recent years. This is known as the Autumn Cultural Festival in Playa Del Carmen. This delightful festival is a yearly event that is intended to celebrate and promote the unique and rich culture of the Yucatán Peninsula. The event includes everything from theatrical plays to music and dancing. Many other activities occur during the festival that creates an uplifting experience for young and old alike.

Your Next Vacation Getaway To Beautiful Coastal Mexico

Playa Del Carmen is a special part of coastal Mexico that offers many fun and interesting activities for visitors from across the country and around the world. These festivals and events are just one example of the many delightful activities that can be enjoyed in this popular coastal Mexico vacation destination. Other activities that commonly take place in the region include an annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival and a Riviera Maya underground film Festival. With so much to offer it is difficult to imagine not choose Playa Del Carmen for your next vacation getaway to beautiful coastal Mexico. Contact Sea Side Reservations today to learn more about furnished vacation rental homes, villas and condos in Playa Del Carmen.

A Playa Del Carmen Jazz Event That Should Not Be Missed

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and inviting tourist destinations in all of coastal Mexico, Playa Del Carmen is a vacation destination with few rivals. Those that enjoy Latin jazz festivals will be impressed with the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. Enjoying the soothing sounds of jazz in the tropical and warm setting of coastal Mexico makes the event one of the most sought after when it comes to jazz festivals.

A Musical Experience In A Festival Setting

Best of all, a wide variety of major international jazz musicians as well as national jazz musicians and dedicated fans attend this event on an annual basis. Considered by many to be one of the most unique Latin jazz festivals found anywhere in the world, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival offers fans a musical experience in a festival setting that will leave a lasting impression. The event consists of a varied and lively assortment entertainment from some of the most well known international musicians in the world.

Musicians From Every Corner Of The Globe

Many musicians wait all year to attend the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in Playa Del Carmen. Showcasing a wide array of varied talent and musical styles, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is focused primarily on Latin jazz. The popularity of this musical event has continued to grow each and every year. The event has become so popular that it has gained the attention of musicians from every corner of the globe. This world-class musical Festival is without question one of the most popular events in all of Playa Del Carmen.

Live Music Playing Throughout The Night

Musicians wishing to showcase their talents when it comes to Latin jazz must consider the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. The festival is an integral part of the Playa Del Carmen experience when it is taking place. It is so popular that it literally flows over into the streets of Playa Del Carmen with people dancing in the streets and live music playing throughout the night. This is a four-day event that attracts visitors from just across the boarder as well as from across the world. Even more impressive is the fact that the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is free to attend. Contact Sea Side Reservations today to learn more about Playa Del Carmen furnished vacation rental properties.

Festival Internacional De Cine De La Riviera Maya

Playa Del Carmen has earned a reputation as being one of the most delightful and relaxing coastal Mexico vacation spots. The area has excellent shopping, a wide variety of fine dining and an active nightlife. In addition to all these benefits, Playa Del Carmen also makes available many unique festivals and events. For example, the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival is conducted each and every year and attracts people from around the world that enjoy the finer details of Latin jazz.

Continued To Grow In Popularity

In addition the Festival Internacional de Cine de la Riviera Maya is an event that has also continued to grow in popularity among those that enjoy unique underground film festivals. The Festival Internacional de Cine de la Riviera Maya is also commonly referred to as the Riviera Maya underground film Festival. This five-day event occurs each year in October in beautiful and friendly Playa Del Carmen. A variety of local, national and International films are showcased in select theaters each year.

Focus On Filmmaking And Cinematography

The films showcased during the Festival Internacional de Cine de la Riviera Maya fall into a number of different categories. This includes films based on animation, fiction, experimental and documentary. Along with a variety of film presentations, the event also provides visitors with a full range of unique film focused workshops and conferences. This includes workshops that focus on filmmaking and cinematography as well as lighting and other unique aspects of making films in today’s modern world. Those that enjoy independent films, international films and the art of filmmaking will enjoy this unique event.

One Of The Key Destinations In Coastal Mexico

Along with all that the Festival Internacional de Cine de la Riviera Maya
has to offer, Playa Del Carmen provides visitors with perhaps some of the most inviting weather in all of Mexico. This combined with a wide range of outdoor activities that are always on tap as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, makes Playa Del Carmen a likely choice for discerning travelers. From families with children to wedding parties and corporate travelers as well as honeymooners, Playa Del Carmen has long been regarded as one of the key destinations in coastal Mexico. Contact Sea Side Reservations today to learn more about Playa Del Carmen furnished vacation rental homes.

Why Playa Del Carmen Is A Smart Choice For A Vacation

Everyone enjoys a pleasurable vacation that is why it is worth considering beautiful and inviting Playa Del Carmen for your next exclusive vacation experience. While international vacationers and those from across the United States have many choices when it comes to luxury vacations in beautiful coastal Mexico, Playa Del Carmen is a special and inviting place that simply must be experienced at least one time.

Small Fishing Village

Having evolved over the last 30 years into a delightful tropical getaway, Playa Del Carmen is a luxury getaway destination that a growing number of people are discovering. Starting out as a simple small fishing village, this exclusive and friendly coastal Mexico hideaway offers many advantages and benefits that are simply not found in other vacation destinations across Mexico. The area is home to some of the finest authentic Mexican restaurants and intriguing shopping, allowing travelers to experience Mexico as it was years ago.

Situated On The Caribbean Sea

With friendly locals and beautiful pristine beaches, Playa Del Carmen takes a vacation to an entirely new level. From corporate business travelers to honeymooners and families, the area is second to none when it comes to tranquil and relaxing tropical beach settings. Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Playa Del Carmen has a wide range of activities for those that enjoy the outdoors. From golfing to fishing and hiking as well as a host of water sports, Playa Del Carmen is an area that affords vacationers more options than most would imagine. One of the best ways to experience Playa Del Carmen is to consider a furnished vacation villa or condo.

Privately Owned And Privately Managed

With a growing number of people turning away from the traditional hotel stay, furnished vacation rental properties have become the new standard for vacationers and travelers from around the world and across the country. Best of all, these furnished properties are all privately owned and privately managed. This helps to ensure the best in quality control and affords travelers an experience that far exceeds anything that could be enjoyed in a resort or hotel setting. Playa Del Carmen has a genuine Caribbean feel that draws tens of thousands of visitors each and every year. Explore Playa Del Carmen today by contacting Sea Side Reservations for the best in Playa Del Carmen furnished vacation rental properties.

Playa Del Carmen Is A Place Like No Other

Mexico certainly has its share of beautiful coastal resort areas, however one place in particular is truly a place like no other. Playa Del Carmen has a long and proven history for being one of the most popular and delightful vacation destinations anywhere in all of Mexico. It offers a host of activities that will keep any vacationer busy for days on end.

Captivating Part Of Mexico

The list of activities gets even more unique and more intriguing with visits to archaeological zones as well as being able to tour a variety of monuments that are associated with the ancient Mayan civilization. This in itself is enough to be drawn to this captivating part of Mexico that is both beautiful and that has great historical significance. Few other areas of Mexico can compare when it comes to all that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer visitors. Playa Del Carmen even offers a wide range of luxury vacation accommodations that are convenient and affordable. Tourists can explore this unique part of Mexico in style while even on a budget.

Lively Nightlife And A Host Of Outdoor Activities

Playa Del Carmen is unique in many ways because only just a few short decades ago it was simply a fishing village. Today, however it has evolved into a big city with a wide range of activities that vacationers should not miss. Mouthwatering restaurants, lively nightlife and a host of outdoor-activities ensure that visitors to Playa Del Carmen will have a memorable and enjoyable experience. This is perhaps why so many people choose to return to this beautiful coastal Mexican resort year after year.

Your Vacation Destination Of Choice

Climbing pyramids or visiting lush tropical jungles is all within reach by simply choosing Playa Del Carmen as your vacation destination of choice in Mexico. While there are many Playa Del Carmen property management companies that offer a wide variety of accommodations to fit virtually any budget, only a select few truly understand the area intimately. One company in particular that fits the bill in this regard is Sea Side Reservations. This is a property management company specializes in rentals located throughout coastal Playa Del Carmen as well as a host of other resort areas across Mexico. Contact Sea Side Reservations today for the best in Playa Del Carmen vacation rentals.

Setting Your Sights On Playa Del Carmen Mexico

When deciding upon the ideal location to enjoy a true Mexican vacation, one area that stands out as unique and special is without a doubt Playa Del Carmen Mexico. From vacation rental condominiums to unique furnished villas and exclusive beachfront homes, the opportunities in Playa Del Carmen Mexico abound. Genuine Mexican hospitality is no more evident than in Playa Del Carmen. Visiting this delightful part of Mexico is well worth considering.

Taking An Organized Tour Operator Snorkeling Adventure

One of the most popular activities in Playa Del Carmen is snorkeling. Other beach related activities include seeing turtles in their natural habitat as well as visiting living coral reefs and simply taking a stroll along a world-class beach. Best of all, snorkeling can be as simple as walking into the water directly in front of the beach associated with your vacation rental or even choosing to take an organized tour operator snorkeling adventure. Either way, snorkeling is an intriguing and interesting way to explore the underwater world associated with this truly beautiful part of coastal Mexico.

Genuine And Memorable

Originally considered a simple and humble local fishing village, Playa Del Carmen Mexico is now a thriving and busy city with great opportunities for vacationers and visitors. The area features mouthwatering and unique traditional Mexican restaurants with affordable fare that is genuine and memorable. Shopping is offered throughout the region for those looking for quaint mementos and even more refined pieces of artwork. The possibilities are virtually endless with regard to what you can find in this unique and captivating part of coastal Mexico. Few other regions in Mexico compare in terms of unique and quaint splendor.

A Rare And Wonderful Experience That Will Be Remembered For Years

Playa Del Carmen Mexico is a safe and inviting place for all to enjoy. From honeymooners looking for a special location to celebrate to families looking for a kid friendly vacation destination, Playa Del Carmen can turn a vacation into a rare and wonderful experience that will be remembered for years. Finding a Playa Del Carmen vacation rental property can be as easy as contacting the experts and property specialists of Sea Side Reservations today. With a knowledgeable staff and years of experience in serving a wide variety of Mexican vacation destinations, Sea Side Reservations can help clients achieve their vacation objectives and goals.