Playa Principal is a popular beach among locals and tourists and despite only being separated from Playa Zicatela by some rocks, it has a very different vibe.
The beach’s seaside city vibe and tropical feel with sand roads and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the town’s favorite beaches.
Where is Playa Principal
Playa Principal is located in central Puerto Escondido and it is the most central beach in town.
How to get here
Depending on where you decide to stay in Puerto Escondido Playa Principal is the center point of a lot of the action so it can easily be reached by foot, scooter, or taxi.
Playa Principal is a 33-minute walk from Playa Zicatela and a 20-minute walk from Playa Carrizalillo.
If bringing a scooter here there are plenty of spots to park in front of the Adoquin markets. It is important to note that the street is one-way and will close down at around 6 pm.
What to do at Playa Principal beach
Playa Principal is a small but fairly beach as it is close to the center of town so it means there is no lack of activities to do near here.
Adoquin
The Adoquin night markets are located directly behind Playa Principal the street shuts down and the markets start at around 6 pm.
While visiting Playa Principal we’d definitely recommend taking a walk along the street to enjoy the different stalls and grab a drink.
Swim
The waters are very calm at Playa Principal and it is a very friendly beach for families and children.
The best time for swimming is in the afternoon as early in the morning through until the middle of the day boats running dolphin tours and fishing trips are coming and going.
Watching the pelicans and fishermen is also an enjoyable part of swimming and relaxing here.
Coastal walk – Mirador Un Sueno Posible
If you’re feeling like an adventure from Playa Principal there is a gorgeous coastal walk that will take you around the headland to Mirador Un Sueno Posible which is a stunning lookout point.
Depending on how fast you walk the trip there and back can take the best part of 1 – 2 hours so we’d recommend doing this in advance of sunset.
Best time to visit Playa Principal
We would recommend visiting Playa Principal in the afternoon and staying in the area until sunset.
Depending on how much of an adventure you’re looking for you can squeeze in the coastal walk, a swim, a sunset, and the Adoquin market all in one afternoon making for the perfect itinerary.
Where to stay near Playa Principal
There are a number of accommodation options near Playa Principal and we would recommend staying in this area if you are traveling with your family and want to be close to a family-friendly beach as well as close to the Puerto Escondido action.
Best hostels near Playa Principal beach
Our top two hostel recommendations that are located right near Playa principal are Nomad Hostal & Beach Club and Paziflora Hostel.
Best hotels near Playa Principal beach
Two of our top hotel recommendations that are located near Playa Principal beach are Rincon Del Pacifico and Hotel Paraiso Escondido.
We can also recommend to stay in Caracol Plaza Hotel is the first hotel in Puerto Escondido.
FAQ
Is It Safe To Swim at Playa Principal?
Playa Principal is generally suitable for swimming as its waters are typically calmer compared to the more surf-oriented beaches in the area. However, always prioritize safety precautions.
Can You Watch The Sunset At Playa Principal?
Playa Principal may provide stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, depending on its positioning. Observing the sunset is a frequently enjoyed activity among visitors.
Playa Principal Summary
Playa Principal is one of the most popular beaches for Mexican holiday makes and it is centrally located making it very easily accessible by walking, scooter, or taxi.
Due to its prime location, there are a number of activities that can be experienced here such as the Adoquin night markets, swimming, and the gorgeous coastal walk to Mirador Un Sueno Posible.
The best time to visit Playa Principal is in the afternoon as sunset is gorgeous here and can be experienced in combination with other great activities.
