Playa Norte, on the Gulf of Mexico, is Carmen's beach area. It's rather bleak looking, with wide expanses of coarse sand, murky green water, parking areas and the occasional palapa restaurant. Development is coming fast, however, with shiny new hotels, restaurants and other services. To get here, take a bus from the center marked 'Playa Norte' or 'Zoológico'. Combis charge M$7; taxis cost M$35 to M$40.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museo Victoriano Nieves

1.71 MILES

The city's decent history museum is in an interesting old hospital building. Inside are archaeological relics (including stelae from Xpuhil), a petroleum…

2. Parque Zaragoza

1.98 MILES

Parque Zaragoza has a handsome 19th-century kiosk and is one of the city's most pleasant areas to hang out. On its north side is the 1856 Santuario de la…

3. Laguna de Términos

13.01 MILES

The largest lagoon in the Gulf of Mexico area, the Laguna de Términos comprises a network of estuaries, swamps and ponds that together form a uniquely…