Why We Fell in Love with Playa del Carmen by Barefoot bride: Sophia Wilder

In 2022 my fiance and I were about a year into dating. We bonded over a shared love of adventure and exploration. So when dear friends of ours decided to get married in Mexico, we didn’t know what to expect. We just knew we were excited! Their wedding took place at the Blue Venado Seaside venue and all of their guests stayed between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. We chose to make a vacation out of the event and decided on a Tuesday through Sunday stay at a resort in Playacar so we could party, relax, and explore this new city.

When we arrived in Playa del Carmen, we walked through the streets of the city. Overwhelmed by the cleanliness and the cultural charm, we immediately knew that this would become a special place in our own love story. Hand in hand we strolled through the streets and while daylight turned to darkness, we were amazed when the city lit up even more brilliantly. The vibrant atmosphere, friendly people, and beachy air welcomed us again and again, as we came into town every night of our trip to try all of the fun new places! There were many wonderful restaurants we tried and the tequila was certainly flowing. As a tourist destination, some of the restaurants were a little pricey but they all had their own interesting aesthetic that justified any price tag. And while the vibey restaurants of Fifth Avenue were great, we really got some of the best service, food, and coffee at places that were a little off the beaten path. The shops offered the perfect mix of souvenirs for our family, handmade trinkets, beautiful clothes, and cool digital experiences. In addition to enjoying the walk down the main street every day, we also got to check out the party scene and let me tell you - it was unmatched! We partied at Coco Bongo, a super cool aerial show and immersive club experience, we went to a variety of bars and clubs that had amazing music and lively, open spaces. And of course, we dabbled in some of the late night food options before heading back to the resort.

Along with the fun we had on Fifth Avenue, we also enjoyed the location of Playa del Carmen in general because it is perfectly situated near a bunch of wildlife preserves, cenotes, beaches, and other cities. As scuba divers, we were able to go diving at the Dreamgate Cenote. My fiance also went diving with sharks - something I absolutely did not have the appetite for. But he found a family owned dive shop, hopped on a small boat, waded into the ocean, and came face to face with huge sharks! On the day of our friends’ wedding, we even went on a morning excursion to the Coba ruins, rented bikes, and rode around the historical site! The weather was amazing and the exercise got us feeling ready to celebrate the marriage of our friends.

After the entire experience, we definitely knew that Playa del Carmen won our hearts. We’ve visited a few times since and have even started considering a potential future there. But for now, our love of the city will be celebrated during our own wedding. We are getting married in Pa’amul in 2026 and will be staying in Playa del Carmen with our friends and family so we can share the magic of our favorite place with them.