Gay Playa del Carmen

Playa possesses a specific and unique feeling that you will not find anywhere else. You feel free here, free and alive. In fact, Playa is a melting-pot town. Its cornerstone has been built on every single nationality, trend, taste, and culture. All of them are represented, alive and tangible. Each of them has brought a bit of its own country to implant it here in Playa del Carmen. The bohemian atmosphere of Playa Del Carmen offers you a blissful feeling. You always feel relaxed and happy. Acceptance of each other is the motto word. Everyone finds one’s own place and is fully accepted by the city and its inhabitants. No one is let out.

Many gays have started seeing Playa del Carmen as a sophisticated alternative to super-gay Puerto Vallarta or tourist-filled Cancun. Only a one-hour ferry ride from Cozumel, the town used to be seen as a stop along the way back to Cancun. It has now grown up and come into its own as a worthy destination with plenty of things to see and experience.

Playa del Carmen Gay Scene

Since there are mostly European travelers here, the vibe is much different than in Cancun. Most beaches are top-optional, and English is not the only other language you may hear. The main drag in Playa de Carmen is Quinta Avenida, which is a colorful, mostly pedestrian zone that fills every evening with people patronizing the many venues that line the avenue. 

Mexico is generally a very open-minded destination for LGBTQ travelers, and Playa del Carmen is specifically very gay-friendly. Playa del Carmen hosts many events and activities catered to LGBTQ travelers, but in general, the city of Playa del Carmen is just very gay-friendly and the gay scene is integrated amongst all the other things to see and do in the region.

When to Visit Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is popular from November to March when it's hot and dry. But that's also when many international tourists plan their holidays, so if you want to avoid some of the crowds, pick a date in the late spring such as in April or May. There are festivals and events taking place in Playa del Carmen, including many LGBTQ ones.

A Playa del Carmen Pride festival is held each year in June and features pride parties, parades, and events attracting tourists from around the world. There are occasional circuit parties and special events hosted irregularly by some of the more welcoming hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen and along the Riviera Maya, as well. Those events are usually hosted by international performers and drag queens. But the biggest LGBTQ event of the year is the annual Arena Festival in February. The 4-day festival is an electro and house music festival catered specifically to gay men visiting Playa del Carmen.

Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions in Playa del Carmen

There is a lot to do in the region, so plant yourself among the other traveling gays in Playa and then venture out from there!

Visit an eco-park

Beyond Playa del Carmen, there are four eco-parks that are widely loved. Similar to State Parks in the United States, these are private concessions granted by the Mexican government – but maintain the incredible beauty of the surrounding environment through sustainable tourism. These parks are less crowded and cleaner than public beaches and offer snorkeling, tubing, and general exploring in a more intimate environment. Xcaret focuses on Mayan ruins; Xel-Ha is an all-inclusive natural aquarium with diving and more; Xplor has a number of neat limestone caves and grottos; the Aviaro is a bird aviary; and the Tres Rios Nature Park is spread over a stunning, uncultivated 326 acres of lowland jungle and mangroves.

Day trip to Cozumel

Cozumel is a small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen known for its incredible white sand beaches. This is where the cruise ships dock, but if you visit on a day with no cruises, you just might have the picture-perfect beaches to yourself!

Museo Frida Kahlo

While it's a small museum, Frida Kahlo is an LGBTQ icon and if you're looking for an indoor activity, it's a fun way to enjoy a gay afternoon in Playa del Carmen.

Gay-Friendly Dining in Playa del Carmen

With international cuisine and world-class tacos and other Mexican specialties, Playa del Carmen has a big food scene.

El Fogon

If you’re looking for classic Mexican tacos, El Fogon is your typical cheap eats. Plastic tables and quick service, visit late at night for a snack, or show up in the early evening to order a plate of 3 or 4 tacos al pastor with a cold beer, and you'll fit right into the local culture!

CATCH at Thompson

Upscale dining with a view, Catch at Thompson in Playa del Carmen has a full raw bar and an expansive seafood menu. Whether enjoying cocktails and sunsets on the rooftop terrace or unforgettable dinners in the open-air dining room, CATCH is the place to experience Playa del Carmen dining at its best.

Zitla

A moderately-priced Mexican restaurant, Zitla serves great food in a great environment. It's just a few blocks from the beach so a little less touristic than other parts of Playa del Carmen but the seafood is just as fresh!

Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife in Playa del Carmen

There are a few gay bars and clubs in Playa del Carmen, but truthfully, the entire city is very welcoming for gay and lesbian travelers. You can feel comfortable in most venues thanks to the European-like atmosphere throughout the town.

Playa 69 Gay Club

The only gay bar in Playa del Carmen's town center, the club is in a popular area for gay and lesbians. On weekends, show up for the Friday and Saturday night drag shows! 

Reina Roja Hotel Bar

The hotel bar here is popular with gay travelers and sometimes hosts special LGBTQ events with special DJs and drink offers.

Coco Bongos

Part of the popular chain throughout Latin America, Coco Bongos is not explicitly gay but it is very gay-friendly. Located just one block from the famous 5th Avenue shopping district, Coco Bongo is as much a bar and club as it is an entertainment venue. Acrobats and dancers fly overhead while people dance and mingle across the dancefloor. Entrance prices are steep but include unlimited drinks. A place to dance, to be amazed, and to be part of the show.

Safety

Like other Mexican beach resort towns, the main city center itself is generally safe for tourists. Just use common sense, be cautious if out late at night, and stick to the main resorts and tourist hotspots. For gay and lesbian travelers, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico's most gay-friendly beaches.

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