We are heading to the Yucatan for 12 days in early April. We are planning to spend our first few days in Playa del Carmen and we will rent a car, but beyond that we haven't planned much.

Any suggestions of favorite spots / things to do along the Eastern coast? Is it worth driving over to Merida? Any other driving destinations? Non-driving destinations?

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might share with us!

Thank you!

There is so much to do, it's really hard to list everything.

I suggest getting a couple of maps from cancunmap.com. Get the Playa map, Riviera Maya map, and the Chichen Itza map.

Great tip on ordering the map - it is almost an entire travel guide in itself - you will love it. My personal favorites - spend a day lazing away on Akumal Bay in Akumal. Terrific snorkeling right off the beach - this is a prime spot for turtles! There is a great little beach bar/restaraunt called Lol Ha right on the beach for refreshments and drinks. We spend our entire week here as a home base.

Another favorite is to eat pizza at Pizza Leo's in Chemuyil - I know - Pizza in Mexico??? But it's wonderful, very local place, very few tourists.

You might also visit locogringo.com for more in depth info on the area - they have a very active message board with research function for you.

Do one of the cenote (cave) snorkeling trips. I thought it was fantastic. I only wish I would have brought a water camera (with flash).

I liked Merida, nice city, and the food is great! Also go to Dzibichaltun (don't know if i spelled it right, though), I liked it a lot!