Welcome to the first vacation spot in Mexico. There was Acapulco before Cancun and Los Cabos were even a blip on the map. This mountain-covered coastal city, which is situated on one of Mexico's largest bays, is well-known for its brilliant blue water, golden sand, and opulent hotels that rise from the water to the jade-colored peaks.
The Hollywood glitterati once made Acapulco their go-to vacation destination, traveling there to see and be seen at the opulent hotels, opulent restaurants, and sun-drenched beaches. Glamour, enjoyment, and money have long been the top things to do in Acapulco.
As violent corruption made Acapulco the center of it all, the story of the Pearl of the Pacific took a little turn over a number of decades. The situation has significantly improved over time, yet Acapulco has managed to hold onto some of its previous splendor. In reality, Acapulco is quickly becoming a more popular location as tourist developers keep investing millions of dollars there.
Residents of Mexico City still go there as their getaway destination of choice to explore the city's numerous bays, inlets, and soaring cliffs. You could think that the possibilities are unlimited given the wealth of history and scenic splendor. Go through our list of the best things to do in Acapulco to get you started on your trip down memory lane in Mexico.
1. Unwind at the beach
Acapulco was Mexico's premier jet-set vacation for many years. The elite of the globe, including European A-listers and Hollywood celebrities, would converge on Acapulco's shores for opulent getaways that included yacht rides, excellent dining, and, of course, golden beaches.
The fame of the beaches in Acapulco does not change even though the city's reputation may not be what it once was. Without spending time on some of Acapulco's most lovely stretches of sand, a trip there would be incomplete.
One of the most popular stops for those in the know is Pie de la Cuesta, which features kilometers of golden sand. It follows the Coyoca Lagoon side by side. At the beach's entrance, there are numerous hotels and restaurants, however as you walk further away, there are less of these establishments. When the sun begins to set, here is the place to be.
Tourists frequently go to Playas Caleta and Caletilla for Acapulco beaches that are more conventional. The majority of the action is concentrated on these two beaches (which are actually one beach), which are divided by the aquarium. Playas Caleta and Caletilla are constantly buzzing with activity, including swimming, massages on the beach, restaurants, and live music.
Playa Condesa, sometimes referred to as the Golden Zone Central, is another place you should go. One of Acapulco's busiest beaches, especially with tourists, is this one. Another well-liked beach, Playa Icacos, has hotels and restaurants all around it.
Playa Puerto Marques, Playa Majahua, Playa Las Hamacas, Playa Hornos, and Playa Tamarindos are additional beaches to check out.
2. Check out the Cliff Divers at El Quebrada
One of the most significant customs has evolved over time into its most well-known tourist destination and one of the best things to do in Acapulco. Even the most hardened cynic in the group will be dumbfounded by the La Quebrada Cliff Diving spectacular.
See as a number of buff, bronzy males scramble up a rugged cliff face wearing nothing but Speedo swimming suits. The divers take their positions at the top of the 130-foot cliff before making a graceful dive into the shallow chasm of turbulent water below. Their heads emerge from the whitecaps just before panic takes them, and they start to scramble up the cliff to repeat the ordeal.
Since 1934, the divers have been performing this as a form of tourist entertainment, and it is still one of the best sights in Acapulco.
3. Go to Fort San Diego
If your mind needs a little stimulation, walk over to the Fort of San Diego because it's simple to be lost in Acapulco's sun and sand. During the Spanish Colonial era, this magnificent building held a lot of significance. The Fort of San Diego, a five-pointed star-shaped historical building that overlooks the bay, was once built to defend Acapulco against threats from the sea.
With 12 exhibitions, the fort now serves as a museum and gift shop that takes tourists through Acapulco's history. You'll get some of the nicest views of Acapulco Bay from the fort's summit.
A brand-new museum called Casa de Mascaras, or the House of Masks, is not far from the fort. Masks from numerous Indigenous groups around Mexico are on display in this small museum. To learn everything there is to know about Mexico's countless tribes, make the brief pause that is well worth it.
4. Experience an XTASEA Zip Line.
Even if you are an expert zipliner, nothing compares to zipping down Xtasea. The longest zipline in the world is located in this extreme adventure park, and it is nothing short of astounding.
At the brand-new Acapulco Diamante neighborhood, the zipline route begins at the top of a mountain that overlooks Puerto Marques and traverses the entire bay to the other side.
Four ziplines on the course can travel more than a mile at a height of 328 feet while moving at a speed of 86 miles per hour. It would be an understatement to say the adrenaline is rushing. Since it is one of the best things to do in Acapulco, adventurers still throng to test out this superb course.
You can celebrate your success when you get to the other side at the bustling outdoor café at the end of the line, which has stunning views of the harbor.
A new Xmonkey rope park was added to Xtasea in 2019 and includes a variety of hanging bridges and steel cables, all with views of the Bay of Puerto Marques.
5. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude
This magnificent cathedral, which serves as the city's primary Catholic church, is located in the center of Acapulco, just off Plaza Alvarez Square. The blue dome of the cathedral, which has towers that resemble those in Eurasia, gives it away. Yellow floor tiles and blue and white tile walls make the interior just as fascinating. In 1930, the chapel was built using materials from an unfinished movie theater.
The church can be visited for free, but if you don't feel like going inside, there is always action in the plaza outside, including live music performances, vendors, and people relaxing and mingling. Take a trip across the area to observe some additional unique examples of Acapulco's architecture.
6. The mosaics by Diego Rivera
Mexican art enthusiasts are very familiar with Diego Rivera's murals (husband to Mexican icon, Frida Kahlo). Many of his pieces are shown in important institutions and buildings in Mexico City. Did you realize, though, that he also owns works of art in Acapulco?
The residence, known as Casa de los Vientos, is built atop a cliff with a panoramic view over La Quebrada and the ocean. It belonged to Dolores Olmedo, a significant collector and love interest of Diego Rivera. In this home, Rivera was able to produce some of his most stunning mosaic artwork, which can be found all over the buildings in Acapulco. The bulk of them may be located at Casa de los Vientos, and one of them is fixed to the outside of the well-known Hotel Boca Chica.
7. Travel to Taxco for a day
Travelers will come across the magnificent city of Taxco as they make their way north from Acapulco into Mexico City. The three-hour drive to this lovely mountain town on the weekend is worthwhile from Acapulco. Beautiful white buildings that are scattered around the valley and towering mountains in every direction welcome visitors.
The colonial city is well-known for its silver, which was found there in the sixteenth century and continued to be found up until the twentieth. Taxco Silver is undeniably authentic.
However, the city now relies heavily on tourism. And there is plenty of that, especially since that urban sprawl has been constrained by the city's terrain. The Templo de Santa Prisca, a Baroque gem that serves as the flamboyant center of the city, is a must-see.
8. Go to La Roqueta by boat
Isla de la Roqueta is a large island that is within a short distance from Acapulco's coast. The little beach, Playa Roqueta, and a few shabby eateries are located on the grass-covered, stony crag, which is most well-known for its offshore diving and snorkeling.
The island can only be reached by boat, and many of the well-liked boat trips that depart from Acapulco stop there. The abundance of tropical fish and the Capilla Submarina, an underwater statue of the Lady of Guadalupe, are two attractions that divers and snorkelers like.
Moreover, the island is laced with hiking trails that lead to the tiny, isolated Playa Marin after passing by a lighthouse.
9. The Zocalo
Every Mexican town or city worth its salt has a Zocalo, or main square, which frequently serves as the focal point for community gatherings. The same applies to Acapulco. The Zocalo still has remnants of its former high-energy brilliance, despite the fact that it may be a little sleepier now than it may have been in the past.
Explore the fountains and gazebo in the Zocalo. The Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral is located at one side of the square. A number of cafes, restaurants, stores, and hotels surround the Zocalo.
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10. Punta Diamante
Acapulco has undergone a metamorphosis for a number of years. Millions of dollars have been invested in the area by a tourism corporation to renovate the hotels, infrastructure, and services (like the XTASEA zipline). A portion of the investment went toward the construction of Punta Diamante, a neighborhood on the southern edge of the city that is swiftly becoming the newest hotspot in Acapulco.
Punta Diamante is a flurry of premium restaurants and hotels that entice well-heeled visitors away from the busier Old Acapulco. Punta Diamante's beaches are also much more upscale and tranquil.
Even if Punta Diamante is out of your price range, it's still worth going to see Acapulco's new look, try out one of the numerous fresh eateries, and remain to watch the sun set into the Pacific.
11. Peace Chapel
Be sure to visit La Capilla de la Paz, also known as the Chapel of Peace, while you are at Punta Diamante. The chapel was built to honor two brothers who perished in an airplane tragedy and opened in the 1970s. It continues to stand as an emblem of peace in Acapulco today.
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Since it is Acapulco's highest point, it is identified by the huge white cross that stands in front of the building. This cross can be seen from just about anywhere in the city. It is worthwhile to explore the grounds' magnificent gardens. Although the chapel itself is somewhat basic, the vistas are breathtaking. You'll have the best view in the house if you arrive at the chapel right before dusk.
12. Tres Palos Laguna
Acapulco's sun-and-city vibe is addictive, but every now and then it's wonderful to escape and take in the natural splendor of Guerrero state. The Laguna de Tres Palos, a stunning lake on the eastern side of Acapulco Bay, lies close to Acapulco.
Throughout its 9.3 miles, Laguna de Tres Palos is rich with fauna. Visitors can travel the lush, vegetated waterways that make up the lagoon by boat. The beautiful lotus flower garden, a popular tour stop, is one of the lagoon's features.
Coyuca Lagoon is not distant from Laguna de Tres Palos. Migratory birds use this lagoon, which is close to the Pie de la Cuesta beach, as a place to lay their eggs. Stepping outside the concrete of Acapulco allows visitors to realize just how pure this region of the country can be. Mexico's Pacific Coast is wild and untamed.
13. Wander the Costa
The Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman is the most important thoroughfare in all of Acapulco. This runs the whole length of Acapulco Bay and serves as the city's principal thoroughfare. It curves all the way around the stunning length of luxury hotels, starting at the fishing docks.
A walk down the Costera is undoubtedly an excellent place to begin if you wish to travel back in time to Acapulco's glitzy past. The street is the center of the action, lined with eateries, taco stands, and other spots to hang out.
You'll have the greatest seat in the house to observe the boats zipping over the turquoise water's surface. This is one of the best places to go in Acapulco at sunset to see the vibrant colors.
14. Visit Puerto Marques, please
Puerto Marques is a popular among Acapulco locals seeking a stunning beach experience and a relaxed ambiance. The same outstanding beauty is available at Puerto Marques without the higher price tags because it caters far more to locals than to tourists. There is a lot more peace and quiet here because development has been greatly reduced.
It's beautiful to drive from Acapulco to Puerto Marques. There are various vantage locations along the route that offer expansive views of the entire bay. When you go to the bay, you'll see that the water is warm, tranquil, and very attractive. You may create the ideal day in Puerto Marques by choosing one of the many seaside eateries for lunch.