Well if you ever encounter the constant haggling of the street vendors on Avenido 5 then you may refine a definition of "laid back" ; that being said, for those of us that have actually been there; 5th Ave is a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, vendors, and miscellaneous businesses that will give a visitor a selection not seen elsewhere. Learn to say "soy Russo" or "I'm Russian" because the vendors speak Spanish and English. If they think you are Russian then they leave you alone. Go at night to enhance the 5th Avenue experience. Playa caters to the over 40 crowd while Cancun caters to the younger. It's worth the 45 minute ($10USD) ADO bus ride from the airport.   RiverMaster 

 Although 5th Avenue does not allow cars; the cross streets allow cars, and trucks, to cross 5th Avenue to deliver goods to the beach (a block away) so it is true that you should watch for cars but not in the way said by someone who has never been there. I will add that you should watch for taxis. Fast, come out of nowhere, taxis. Walking is the best way to get around Playa near the beach or 5th Avenue, or even walking up to say 30th Avenue. Past that I would consider a cab. Inexpensive, fast, hold on, taxis. Most of all; have fun and taste the food cart offerings. Inexpensive and the flavor of Mexico.   RiverMaster