Unico Beach: Nightlife Options Just Steps Away

Unico Beach's prime Riviera Maya location means you're never far from the action, but 'close' requires definition. Most of what you'll want to experience requires a short taxi ride. The main highway, Federal Highway 307, is a five-minute walk from the resort's main entrance, and from there, cabs are readily available.

Walking to any significant dining or nightlife outside the resort gates is generally not recommended after dark due to the highway's lack of pedestrian infrastructure and the heat. Consider a 10-15 minute taxi ride for the closest clusters of restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen's northern hotel zone, or a slightly longer trip for the heart of the town's famous Quinta Avenida.

For a taste of Playa del Carmen's energy, head south. Alux Restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience inside a natural cave system, complete with stalactites and stalagmites. For vibrant nightlife, Coco Bongo presents an over-the-top show combining acrobatics, music, and impersonators, a spectacle you won't find back at Unico Beach.

If you prefer a more relaxed evening with excellent cocktails and live music, Chez Celine on Quinta Avenida is a reliable choice, especially for its French-inspired pastries earlier in the day. For a casual beachfront vibe with good seafood, Los Aguachiles is a popular local spot known for its fresh ceviche and aguas frescas.

If you're seeking a more upscale dining experience, Oh Lala is a small, intimate restaurant with a frequently changing menu focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

Getting from Unico Beach to the main attractions in Playa del Carmen is straightforward. A taxi is your most practical option. The resort is about a 15-minute drive from the center of Playa del Carmen, depending on traffic.

The resort can arrange taxis, or you can hail one from the highway entrance, though agreeing on the fare beforehand is always wise. Walking is not a viable option for reaching these destinations due to the distance and the nature of the highway.

Locals know that the best tacos al pastor aren't found on the tourist strip. Venture a few blocks inland from Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen, away from the main drag. Look for small, brightly lit stands or simple, open-air eateries where you see locals lining up.

The spit-roasted pork, shaved directly onto small corn tortillas, is often accompanied by grilled pineapple and a selection of salsas. This is where you'll find the authentic flavor, a world away from the resort experience at Unico Beach.