11 Best Beach Bars on Mexico's Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's preeminent coastal playgrounds. On your next evening out, swing by a sandy beach bar, whether it's a low-key palapa or a decadent dance-all-night club.

01 of 11

Freddy’s Tequila and Ceviche Bar, Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa, Playa Del Carmen

Address

Carr. Cancún - Tulum Km 51, 77710 Riviera Maya, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 998 872 8200

Web Visit website

This blue-chip luxury resort on Maroma Beach—a secluded stretch of powdery white sand mixed with fine pink coral—is home to a sophisticated beachside bar and restaurant that feels a world away from the wild scenes in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. With over 100 varieties of top-shelf tequila, Freddy’s is the place to really earn an appreciation for Mexico’s iconic spirit. There are six types of ceviche available daily, prepared tableside, and the service is top-notch.

02 of 11

LUV Lounge, Tulum

Address

Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila, Tulum Beach, 77780 Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 144 3960

Web Visit website

The casual but chic sand-between-the-toes atmosphere of the Luv Tulum boutique hotel is carried through to its oceanfront bar and lounge. Nosh on artisanal tacos or fresh grilled fish while watching the sunset. It's an idyllic way to spend a romantic Saturday night.

03 of 11

Fusion, Playa del Carmen

An aerial shot of Fusion Beach Bar — Fusion Beach Bar Cuisine

Address

Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Touted as one of Playa’s most romantic beachfront venues, Fusion is a laid-back bar with palapas and tables right on the sand. The menu takes a global tour through Italy, the Middle East and the U.S.—the burger gets good reviews—along with Mexican staples like fajitas and enchiladas. At dusk, the mood is enhanced by live reggae music and hurricane lanterns glowing on every table.

04 of 11

Mamita's Beach Club, Playa del Carmen

Mamita's Beach Club entrance — Mamita's Beach Club

Address

Mza 10, Lote 8, Calle 28 Nte., Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 803 2867

This beach club is where all the Playa’s beautiful people go to play. Mamita's sits on a stretch of sand studded with chic white daybeds. The scene can be wild after sundown, with DJs, dancing, and drinking margaritas ‘til dawn. Daytime, meanwhile, is all about staking out a prime sun lounge position beneath a palm tree, ordering up some sushi, and watching the passing parade of tan bodies.

Continue to 5 of 11 below.

05 of 11

Ana y Jose Restaurant, Any y Jose Hotel, Tulum

Address

Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila Km. 7, Tulum Beach, Punta Piedra, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 998 880 5629

Web Visit website

This friendly, family-run hotel has been luring guests since 1985 thanks to its warm service and great location along the beachfront in Tulum. Its open-air, palapa-style restaurant serves delicious Mexican dishes with an international spin, like the lobster tail flambeed with tequila and the tuna salad with poblano chiles. The breakfast menu features mouth-watering traditional dishes like Huevos Motulenos and Chilaquiles. Tables are right on the sand and have gorgeous views of the sea, making it a big hit with couples.

06 of 11

La Buena Vida, Akumal

Outside La Buena Vida in Tulum — La Buena Vida

Address

Noth Beach Road Lt 35, 77710 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 875 9061

Web Visit website

Akumal is a small resort town situated between Playa del Carmen and Cancun; it's perfect for those wanting to kick back in a fun setting that’s less of a non-stop party scene than its more high-profile neighbors. Many visitors come to see the turtles for which the area is famous (Akumal means “place of the turtles” in Maya), and the eco-friendly theme is carried through at many of the town’s hotels and restaurants, including the popular La Buena Vida, on Half Moon Bay. Sand floors, swings at the bar, and Day of the Dead skeletons are all part of the whimsical vibe. There’s also an inventive cocktail list and happy hour every evening.

07 of 11

Kukus Jacuzzi Beach Bar, Omni Cancun Hotel & Villa, Cancun

Address

Boulevard Kukulcan Km 16.5 L-48 MZA.53, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 998 881 0600

Web Visit website

Every hotel worth its salt along the Cancun Hotel Zone has a beach or pool bar of some sort, but this five-star mega-resort goes one step further. Its beachfront pool has a swim-up bar and multiple jacuzzi seating areas with tables that are perfect for drinking with friends.

08 of 11

Oceanus Beach Club, Na Balam Hotel, Isla Mujeres

View of Na Balam Beach Hotel SPA from the water — Na Balam Beach Hotel SPA

Address

Zazil-ha #118, Centro, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 998 881 4770

Web Visit website

Na Balam, meaning “house of the jaguar” in Maya, is a chic, laid-back boutique hotel on lovely Isla Mujeres, a small island northeast of Cancun. The hotel's hopping Oceanus Beach Club offers a wide range of tequila, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and simple Mexican dishes. There’s also live music on the weekends.

Continue to 9 of 11 below.

09 of 11

Zenzi Beach Club, Playa del Carmen

Address

Calle 10 y la Playa, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 803 5738

Web Visit website

Enjoy live music every single evening at Zenzi Beach Club, a chill spot in Playa del Carmen that boasts good music, free salsa and samba lessons, live sports on the big screens in the bar, and an all-you-can-eat barbecue on Sundays.

10 of 11

Lido Beach Club, Playa del Carmen

Address

Av. 1era. Norte Bis, Mz. 22, Lote 3, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 803 1090

Web Visit website

Some beach clubs in Riviera Maya can cost a fortune to enter, but Lido Beach Club is a budget-friendly option that's still an ideal place to sunbathe, dine, and booze it up. Guests rave about the friendly, attentive service—meaning you won't have to chase anyone down for a margarita. The vibe isn't quite as party-hard as some of the other bars in the area, but live bands and DJs bring a lively atmosphere that's still tons of fun.

11 of 11

Coralina Daylight Club, Playa Del Carmen

People partying at Coralina Daylight Club — Coralina Daylight Club

Address

Calle 26 Nte S/N, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Get directions

Phone +52 984 204 6009

Web Visit website

For a VIP experience, head to Coralina Daylight Club, arguably the most exclusive—and expensive—beach club in Riviera Maya. The vibe is much like a Vegas pool party with dancers, bottles of Champagne, and blasting music. Though there are tables and loungers on the beach, the hotspot is definitely near the pool.