I took my first real trip to the Mexican Riviera this last February with mi familia, aka my husband and bambino. Let's face it, I've been to Tijuana many, many times during my college days in San Diego to party it up, but that in no way counts for a true, week long Mexican vacation.
We flew into Cancun, and then took a comfortable 45 minute personal van drive down to Playa del Carmen, a very charming and quaint Mexican Riviera town. I recommend taking a van, it's only around 50 dollars one way, and you get a lot of tips from the local and nice driver. We stayed at Moongate Hotel, in the heart of 5th Avenue, which is the main tourist strip where all the action happens. Shopping, eating, drinking, dancing, you name it, it's all there on 5th Street, only a block from the beach, or la playa, literally. I would not recommend staying though where we did, as the room was small, dark and dingy, and smelled of sewer! It did have a nice balcony though, but was right next to a construction area, where we could actually hear pounding hammers through our walls, I'm not joking.
There are a plethora of hotels to choose from in Playa del Carmen, though, and I would recommend getting something beach side and away from construction if you can. It is such a great town to get immersed in, stroll down the cobble stoned streets and have a great time --- and we even did it with an 8 month old!!!
Also, rent a car while you're there and take the easy hour drive down to Tulum to see the ancient Mayan ruins, so beautiful, and right on the beach! Also, take note of the signs for local cenotes, or natural swimming holes, ponds, etc. We found one off the beaten path on our way back to town from Tulum, and paid a minimal fee of around 15 dollars, and had the cenote to ourselves to dive into and be purified by the healing waters!!! Ahhhhh!!
February is also a great time to travel to the Mexican Riviera, as the temps were very lovely, in the mid to upper 70's I would say, just marvelous!
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