the beaches

The beach is calling you.

In the years that we have traveled to Tulum and have recommended travel to friends, we always make it a point to explain that accessing the beach is not as straight forward as it used to be when we first came to Tulum 12 years ago. At the time, a visitor could walk onto long stretches of open beach. Today, expect that you will arrive at the beach road but not see a clear pathway to the beach. Below are options to gain access to the fine white sand and turquoise clear waters.

Facts: Beaches are beautiful. Beaches are public. There is an excellent paved path on the beach road for alternative transportation. Parking can be very limited at the beach. Beaches in Tulum are sometimes hard to get to at first sight.

Here is what to expect and how to access different types of beaches in the Tulum area.

Public Beaches
There is currently one road to the beaches from the main highway in Tulum town. You can get to the beaches by car, taxi, bikes, scooters or jogging if you are fit and looking to exercise. When you get to the end of the road that leads to the beach, you will come to a T. Going LEFT will take you to the Tulum Ruins and the PUBLIC BEACHES. There are a few options to access public beaches. For these options, you should plan on packing in your own food, drinks, chairs and shade. There is parking if you bring your own car. This option is great if you are looking for a more laid back and inexpensive (and a bit more rustic) experience.

Beach Clubs
If you turn RIGHT at the T, you will begin your journey down several miles of small, artsy and high end beach clubs and boutique hotels. As the beach area continues to develop, it appears as if there is no access to the beach. What people may not realize is that you can access the beach by walking through most all hotels. Most all hotels have a BEACH CLUB that is open to the public. The caveat is that they expect you to spend money at their bar or restaurant. The minimum varies from establishment to establishment ($20-$50). Prices will be on par with what you will spend in the States but most offer delicious drinks and very tasty cuisine. Beach club access often comes with use of cabanas, chairs, swim pools and beach toys (if you have littles in tow). This option is great if you want to relax (care-free) and have easy access to food, drink, amenities and shopping at trendy pop-up stores and restaurants. Since parking is VERY LIMITED down the entire beach road, it is helpful to know to some additional tips:

  • Some beach clubs have limited/free parking. We love Papaya Playa Project, Estrella Beach Club and Zebra Club (see below for Zebra). Papaya and Zebra have parking lots.
  • It is a small and narrow road. It will be cluttered with bikes, taxis, rental cars, construction trucks and water trucks. Expect some traffic and slow movement.
  • Taxis will be about $5-$10 down beach road (depending on where you start and finish)
  • Pack your own towels. If traveling with kids, consider bringing your own snacks or food for them. 😉
  • From #casamuralestulum, plan on at a 10-15 minute bike ride to Papaya Playa Project and a 30-40 minute bike ride to Zebra. Our family has rented bikes with 4/6 year old in bike seats and it is a lovely ride
  • See bike page for more information on rentals
One of our favorite beach clubs. #lazebraclub. It is a small hotel and club. They have a beautiful stretch of beach, beach toys, beach bar and wonderful food. On days with a little more wind, you’ll see kite-boarders, like our friend below and boogie boards, and body surfers. SUPs also available to rent along the beach road. https://www.lazebratulum.com/

Our favorite spots to eat and relax:
-La Zebra Club
-Villa Las Estrellas
-Papaya Playa Project
-Ziggy Beach Club
-Matcha Mama (beach)
-La Eufemia Taqueria
-Nomade
-Mateos
-Zamas

*New restaurants are added all the time. Let us know any of your favorites!