Playa del Carmen

Locals know and use street names, but few street signs exist. The main street, Avenida Juárez, leads to the zócalo (town square) from Highway 307. As it does so, it crosses several numbered avenues that run parallel to the beach, all of which are multiples of 5. Avenida 5 is closest to the beach; it's closed to traffic from the zócalo to Calle 6 (and some blocks beyond, in the evening). On this avenue are many hotels, restaurants and shops. Almost all the town is north and west of the zócalo. Immediately south are the ferry pier and the Continental Plaza Playacar Hotel. Immediately south of the Continental, is the Xaman-Ha condos. This is the southern edge of town. Beyond it are the airstrip and the golf course development called Playacar phase 2, with lots of private residences and over a dozen resort hotels.