El Zócalo

El Zócalo is often referred to as the center of Playa del Carmen. Located just off of the docks of Playa del Carmen, El Zócalo is a main square from which the rest of the bustling main tourism area of Playa del Carmen branches out. From El Zócalo you’ll have easy access to Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue and the soft sandy beaches of the city. Before you go exploring though, you’ll want to spend some time getting acquainted with the square of El Zócalo itself, which has a gorgeous view of the ocean framed by swaying palm trees. Within El Zócalo you’ll find aesthetically pleasing architecture housing restaurants and shops around the perimeter of the square. Hotels are also located adjacent to the square and are a popular place for travelers to stay when visiting Playa del Carmen. 
The shops of El Zócalo have local crafts and you can find great souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home while perusing through them. Continue down Fifth Avenue to find even more shops.

Practical Info

To get to El Zócalo if staying outside Playa del Carmen, you can take a bus into the city as most buses stop at the bus station on Fifth Avenue and from there it’s an easy walk to El Zócalo.