Acapulco Travelers Recommend

The so-called Pearl of the Pacific, Mexico’s Acapulco has been attracting sun-seekers since Frank Sinatra and Gary Cooper first started hanging out here back in the 1950s. The main draw has always been, and remains, the region’s magnificent sun-kissed beaches, of which there are many to choose from. See below for our top beach picks. 

Playas Caleta & Caletilla

These neighboring beaches, separated by a rocky strip, are loved by locals for their fun, buzzy atmosphere. Visit on the weekend when a festival-type atmosphere pervades. 

Playa Icacos

A less-crowded, though by no means quiet, alternative to the ever-popular Playa Condesa beach, the golden-sand Playa Icacos faces onto Acapulco Bay. This centrally situated beach is a hub for water sports, with everything from water skiing to parasailing on offer here. 

Playa de Barra Vieja

About an hour’s drive from Acapulco, Barra Vieja is a secluded and scenic strip of sand tailor-made for relaxation. Have a professional work away knots in one of the beach’s massage tents or go horseback riding across the sand. 

Playa Puerto Marques

Set south of Acapulco Bay, this flat, pristine beach overlooks the C-shaped Puerto Marques Bay. Surfers and bodyboarders can be seen tackling the waves offshore from the ocean-side restaurants. 

La Roqueta Island

Located offshore in the warm waters of Acapulco Bay, La Roqueta Island is a little more laid-back than the mainland. The beaches here are a haven for snorkelers with nearby reefs to explore. Glass-bottomed boats take passengers out to underwater sights, including the submerged Virgen de los Mares Acapulco statue, which sits on the sea bed. 

Playa Pie de la Cuesta

Situated about six miles (10 kilometers) northwest of Acapulco near the picturesque mangrove-lined Coyuca Lagoon, this beach offers a much more peaceful, tranquil experience than the lively stretches in the main part of Acapulco Bay. Lay out on the sand, go horseback riding along the shoreline, and see if you can spot dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Once the glitzy getaway of the rich and famous, Acapulco still exudes tropical allure, with rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, and an air of romanticism, thanks to a history of spice ships and pirates. And, the area surrounding the resort town offers plenty of day-trip options. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Acapulco.

Day 1: In and around Acapulco

Get the lay of the land with a morning tour. See sweeping Acapulco Bay, stroll through verdant gardens, shop for handicrafts, and watch the famous La Quebrada cliff divers plummet into the ocean from over 136 feet (41 meters). Afterward, head to the Mask Museum (Museo de la Máscara), visit the Acapulco Historical Museum (Museo Histórico de Acapulco), or check out the Diego Rivera mural on the exterior of one of the Mexican artist’s former houses. If you came to Acapulco looking for outdoor fun, say hello to the Pacific at Playa Revolcadero, just south of the city. For dinner, book a table with a view at BellaVista Restaurant.

Day 2: On and in the water

See Acapulco from a different angle as you snorkel off La Roqueta. Swim in the warm waters of Acapulco Bay, and enjoy a beach day. Or, summon your inner Hemingway with some deep-sea fishing: venture out early on a fishing boat, and with any luck you’ll return with sailfish, dorado, or marlin. Alternatively, join a beginners’ scuba-diving course, learning the basics before swimming below the surface to see coral and fish. Finally, end the day with tacos and beer while watching lucha libre, a popular Mexican sporting event.

Day 3: Up and down the mountains

Journey into the mountains north of Acapulco and discover Taxco, a preserved colonial city in a stunning slope-hugging setting. Don’t miss the Santa Prisca Cathedral with its detailed baroque facade and ornate spires and altar; however, even Taxco’s humblest houses retain an 18th-century air with white stucco, red-tiled roofs, and wrought iron balconies. Prefer to stay on the coast? Explore nearby Coyuca Lagoon on a cruise that includes lunch at a beachside restaurant. Known for its lush jungle shoreline, the freshwater lagoon has been featured in movies such as Tarzan and The African Queen. Finally, sail away on a sunset cruise, and catch views of La Roqueta and Acapulco’s coastline as you sip cocktails and listen to live music.

A happening hot spot for celebrities and jet-setters in the 1950s and ’60s, Acapulco maintains its vibrancy with luxe resorts, high-energy nightlife, and its famous cliff divers—not to mention beaches, tropical jungles, and lagoons. Whether you’re docked for the entire day or just passing through, here are some options.

Morning: Sightseeing by the Sea

Maximize your time by joining a guided tour, and spend the morning exploring the resort town’s top attractions. You’ll see the Fort of San Diego (El Fuerte de San Diego), now home to the Acapulco Historical Museum, which displays artifacts through the Mexican War. The colorful mosaic Mural Diego Rivera—on the exterior of a former house of the Mexican artist—features symbols and iconography such as Quetzalcoatl, the Aztecan feathered serpent. Another popular stop is the Chapel of Peace and Trouyet Cross, perched atop the mountains overlooking Acapulco Bay.

Afternoon: Dive Time

A trip to Acapulco isn’t complete until you see the iconic cliff-diving show in La Quebrada. Tours typically include a stop at La Perla restaurant and bar, offering one of the best views of the show. Watch as the divers climb to a height of more than 136 feet (41 meters), pray at the altar of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and dive off the jagged cliffs into the roaring waves below. You can also book a cruise that allows you to watch the divers from the water. Alternatively, make your way to the beach and soak up some sun.

Night: Lively Entertainment

Don’t worry if you missed the afternoon cliff-diving show. The divers are back at it in the evening—so enjoy dinner at La Perla, and catch the action then. Or, eat elsewhere and stop by El Mirador to see the show. Alternatively, experience the excitement of lucha libre, one of Mexico’s most popular sporting events. Grab tacos and a beer at a taqueria before heading to a venue to cheer on the colorfully outfitted wrestlers—known as luchadores —with local fans.

Two days in Acapulco are enough time to soak up some major sun, go snorkeling, take in the top cultural attractions, and even venture out to nearby Taxco. Here are some ways to make the most of 48 hours in this Mexican resort town.

Day 1: Sightseeing and the Sea

Morning: Do your Acapulco sightseeing in the morning, before it gets too hot. Guided tours typically include highlights such as the Fort of San Diego (El Fuerte de San Diego), home to the Acapulco Historical Museum; the bold Mural Diego Rivera; and the Chapel of Peace and Trouyet Cross. If you can’t wait to get in the water, explore Acapulco Bay on a half-day snorkeling excursion.

Afternoon: Head to La Quebrada to watch Acapulco’s famous cliff divers. Have lunch at La Perla restaurant and bar, which offers one of the best views of the show.

Night: If you missed the afternoon cliff-diving show, try to catch one of the evening dives. Otherwise, grab some tacos and a beer from a taqueria, then check out lucha libre, one of Mexico’s most popular sporting events. Join local fans in cheering on the colorfully outfitted wrestlers, known as luchadores.

Day 2: Farther Afield

Morning and Afternoon: Book a guided day trip to Taxco, and wander around the small colonial town known for its silver. Many visitors go to shop for jewelry, silverware, and other souvenirs. Located in the Sierra Madre Mountains, Taxco is also a good destination for hikers wanting to explore nearby waterfalls and mountaintops. If you prefer to stay closer to Acapulco, take a boat ride out to Coyuca Lagoon to admire the water hyacinths and tropical palms, as well as the colonies of pelicans, herons, and storks.

Night: Plan ahead and reserve your spot at BellaVista restaurant at Las Brisas Hotel, a romantic option for couples. Dine on a 3-course meal while savoring the city views on your last night in Acapulco.

As one of Mexico's most famous tourist destinations, Acapulco boasts an exciting range of sights, bars, and clubs, as well as opportunities to gain insight into the town’s fascinating identity. Here’s what you need to know.

Watching the Quebrada Cliff Divers

Dating back to 1934, the professional La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform a must-see show of daunting dives from dizzying cliff heights to the delight of the onlooking audience. Take in the evening show against a Pacific backdrop, while unwinding with a gourmet meal in a cliffside restaurant or a cocktail in a local bar that offers sweeping views of the spectacle.

Night Sightseeing

For a fresh insight into Acapulco’s culture, opt to rent a car or explore by foot to discover landmarks after dusk, such as the Mural Diego Rivera or the cathedral in the Zócalo de Acapulco. A casual stroll along the main street, La Costera, brings you to the Piedra Alta sea statue, a charming spot to take in evening views of the ocean and the nighttime fishing boats, headed to work.

Bar and Club Crawls

Head further along La Costera to discover Acapulco’s famous clubs and bars. Dance the night away in one of the large nightclubs toward the Las Brisas hillside, known for their DJs and elite service, or visit the bars along the beachfront for live music and Latin dancing. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, the strip is also home to themed pubs with affordable beer and food options.