Popular Acapulco Destinations: Your Guide to Mexico's Famous Resort City
Welcome to Acapulco
Acapulco is Mexico's original party town, with a stunning geography of soaring cliffs curling into a series of wide bays and intimate coves, fringed with sandy beaches and backed by jungle-green hills.
With its rich nautical history dating back to the 16th century, Acapulco has much to offer with its beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife, and jungle-clad hills. This Pacific Coast destination has attracted visitors for decades, from famous Hollywood stars to tourists from around the world. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Acapulco has something for everyone.
La Quebrada: The Cliff Diving Show
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Acapulco is undoubtedly the cliff diving show at La Quebrada. The cliff divers perform daily shows for the public, which involve diving 30 or 41 meters (98 or 135 feet) from the cliffs into the sea below.
The divers must calculate the right moment to jump to catch an incoming wave and avoid serious injury or death.
Although cliff diving at La Quebrada had taken place for many years, it was not until 1934 that the La Quebrada Cliff Divers was formed. What began as a daring game between local fishermen has evolved into a world-renowned performance. The 1963 Elvis Presley film Fun in Acapulco brought the cliffs to worldwide attention. Today, these skilled performers are honored professionals who maintain this dangerous tradition.
Watching the Divers
To see the cliff divers, you have several options. The best vantage point is from the Observation Deck, which only costs $3.00 to enter, and includes a drink. Alternatively, you can reserve a table at La Perla restaurant located in the historic El Mirador hotel, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where you can enjoy a 3-course dinner while the cliff divers plunge into the water below.
Currently, the divers offer five shows daily, even at night.
The Beaches: Acapulco's Star Attractions
The beaches of Acapulco are arguably what the Mexican city to stardom in the mid-20th century and they remain one of the star attractions. Each beach has its own personality and appeal.
Playa Condesa
Condesa Beach, in the center of the tourist-friendly Golden Zone, is where you'll find the biggest crowds in Acapulco. This beach, with its golden sand, is packed with families and friends relaxing on sun loungers, playing beach games or water sports.
You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis, with windsurfing classes and even bungee jumping available for the more adventurous. There's also a great selection of beach bars and restaurants lining the beach.
Playa Caleta and Isla la Roqueta
Once the most popular beach in Acapulco, Playa Caleta is located in the "old" part of town. For swimming it is still one of the best in Acapulco, making it popular for families with children.
Isla la Roqueta is a jungle-covered island about 300 meters off the mainland coast. There's no permanent population here, but its beautiful beaches are home to a few small restaurants. While reaching these beaches takes a little more effort, they're much less crowded than those on the mainland, making it a great place to enjoy the surroundings in peace.
Revolcadero Beach
Revolcadero Beach is a long and mostly peaceful beach that's a short drive south of Acapulco Bay. It stretches for 4 km and is most popular with surfers, who come for the big waves. This beach offers a different experience from the busier central beaches.
Puerto Marqués and Playa Pie de la Cuesta
Puerto Marques and Majahua beach are considered the best in Acapulco by most of the local people who live here. And although they are smaller than the beaches along the bay, locals visit here because there are fewer tourists. For those seeking peace and natural beauty, Playa Pie de la Cuesta, located just west of the city, is famous for its calm waters and atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for those looking to escape the of the busier areas while still enjoying beautiful beach views.
Lagoons and Nature Activities
Beyond the beaches, Acapulco offers beautiful natural areas for water sports and wildlife observation. North of Acapulco, freshwater Coyuca Lagoon spreads across some 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) and is particularly important for migrating birds. The lagoon is also a popular destination for water sports.
A leisurely cruise along Coyuca Lagoon showcases its lush vegetation and calm waters, and the freshwater lagoon also attracts hundreds of bird species such as herons, storks, and pelicans. Enjoy a buffet lunch as you sail past mangroves and flowering hyacinths.
The Laguna de Tres Palos is a massive lagoon just behind Punta Diamante and Barra Vieja, which has added an element to the many reasons to visit Acapulco. Both Tres Palos Lagoon and the smaller Coyuca Lagoon provide natural habitats for migrating birds, which you can explore on tour boat rides. Uniquely among Acapulco's lagoons, Tres Palos contains a beautiful lotus flower garden in its farther reaches.
Water Sports and Adventure Activities
Acapulco is an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're speeding across the water on a jet ski, gliding through the air parasailing, or simply enjoying the waves while boogie boarding, there's no shortage of options for water lovers.
Popular Water Sports
For those seeking speed and excitement, renting a jet ski or wave runner is a must! The Hotel Zone (including areas like Condesa and Icacos) is home to several rental spots where you can race across the waves. Rentals are available by the half-hour or hour, with prices ranging from $25 to $30 for 30 minutes of fun. Whether you're zipping around the bay or exploring the coastline, riding a jet ski is a thrilling way to experience Acapulco's stunning waters.
One of Acapulco's most iconic water activities, the Banana Boat offers a fun, group-friendly experience. A large, inflatable banana is towed by a speedboat as you and your friends or family try to stay on while being bounced around in the waves. It's a fantastic, lighthearted way to enjoy the water, and it's especially popular with kids.
Snorkeling and Diving
The main activity to do on and around Roqueta Island is snorkeling. The waters here are beautifully clear, with plenty of tropical fish to spot.
If you've been itching to get your scuba certification, Acapulco is an awesome place to do it. The great thing about this area is that the water is so clear and there are many beautiful sea creatures to discover.
Water Skiing and Windsurfing
Acapulco offers some excellent water skiing opportunities, particularly in the serene waters of Coyuca Lagoon and Pie de la Cuesta. Located about 20 kilometers north of Acapulco, Coyuca Lagoon is a freshwater paradise ideal for water sports, including water skiing. Its calm, expansive waters make it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned skiers, while the surrounding lush landscape adds to the experience.
Cultural Attractions and Historical Sites
La Quebrada and Fort San Diego
Beyond the cliff divers, Acapulco has rich cultural and historical attractions. An excellent example of classic Spanish defensive architecture, the Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego) was built in 1616 to fight off increasing attacks by British pirates on the trade port of Acapulco. Today the star-shaped fortress houses the Acapulco Historical Museum (Museo Histórico de Acapulco), with good displays on city history.
Diego Rivera Mural
The Diego Rivera Mural is a spectacular mosaic sculpture on the exterior of Exekatlkalli (La Casa de los Vientos), where the Mexican artist Diego Rivera once lived with his lover Dolores Olmedo. He spent the last years of his life with her here, and in 1956 created this mural featuring Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican mythical serpent.
Capilla de la Paz (Chapel of Peace)
A chapel, located on a hill overlooking Acapulco Bay, is a popular spot for tourists seeking stunning panoramic views of the bay. However, as a place of worship, it also provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, offering visitors a rare moment of tranquility away from the constant bustle of the city. The chapel features a simple yet refined architectural design, with a towering 39-meter-high cross.
Visiting during sunset is particularly recommended, as the chapel offers a spectacular view of the sun setting over Acapulco Bay.
Acapulco Zócalo
Like nearly every city in Mexico, Acapulco has a zocalo (a central square) surrounded by the cathedral and government buildings. Although it's not exactly one of the things to do in Acapulco, visiting the area around the zocalo will give you a glimpse of regular life in a hot Mexican coastal town. Small shops and restaurants are on the streets surrounding the zocalo, and just south is the malecon, a walkway along the water with views of the bay.
Acapulco's Legendary Nightlife
Acapulco is world-renowned for its nightlife, a reputation that dates back to its golden age in the mid-20th century. During that time, Hollywood stars and international jet-setters flocked to this Pacific paradise to party into the early hours, cementing its status as a nightlife capital. Today, Acapulco continues to deliver unforgettable nights, with venues that cater to every mood—from laid-back beachside bars to glamorous nightclubs perched high above the bay.
Where to Go at Night
The Condesa district is Acapulco's heart of nightlife. By day, this area may seem quiet and unassuming, but after sunset, it transforms into the city's premier party hub. Known for its door-to-door bars and clubs, La Condesa offers something for everyone. Whether you're into salsa, electronic beats, or classic rock, you'll find a venue that fits your vibe.
Costera Street is Acapulco's premier nightlife strip, the perfect place to an entire evening away. This lively oceanfront promenade stretches from downtown's fishing docks to the sky rise resorts on the east end of the bay.
Popular Nightlife Venues
Small, exclusive, and expensive, Baby'O caters to the local elite. The club has long had the reputation of being Acapulco's classiest, and the well-dressed lounges and dances in a jungle-inspired interior. It can be hard (and pricey) to get in, and even harder to get a table, but this is the place to go if you're looking for a glamorous night in Acapulco.
A waterfall cascades down from the dance floor, which is considered by many to be Acapulco's best. It's also surrounded by 50-foot-high windows, so dancers have a wraparound view of the city. This describes the Palladium club.
Hours and Timing
The action doesn't even start until late—around 1:00 am—when, in most places, the party would be winding down. In Acapulco, the night is just getting started, and clubs often stay open until 5 or 6 am, giving you plenty of time to dance, socialize, and soak in the vibrant energy.
Parks and Family Activities
This ecological center is the most extensive green area in all of Acapulco, and a great place to be if you've just had too many beach days. Parque Papagayo is very popular with Mexican families, thanks to the shaded children's park that it offers.
El Rollo is an aqua park located along Acapulco Bay, making it a great destination for families and couples. The park offers numerous attractions, including wave pools, multiple water slides, an exhilarating bungee jump, and a dolphin show. One of the highlights is a waterslide that leads directly into the bay, offering an exciting and refreshing experience. A particularly popular attraction is the opportunity to swim with dolphins, available daily.
Entertainment Beyond the Beach
Mexican Lucha Libre Wrestling
Ever wanted to see Mexican Lucha Libre wrestling in person? Now is your chance! You can always buy tickets on your own, but why not combine the admission price, food, drinks, transportation, and a guide all into one? On Wednesday and Sundays this Mexican wrestling tour gives you dinner and beer at a local taqueria and then a show, in the company of locals and other tourists alike for the $66 USD cost.
Local Markets and Food Tours
There's a taco tour for that. Spend about 4 hours trying not only tacos but also other traditional dishes at local restaurants and food stalls. You'll feel more connected to this part of Mexico through their food and will get to eat where the locals do.
Planning Your Visit
Vibrant Acapulco is known for its Mediterranean climate, so when it comes to what to wear, comfortable clothes that can endure warm days and hot nights are key. Opt for light fabrics, choose bright colors that will match Acapulco's colorful beauty, and don't forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season, between November and April, as the weather is ideal during these months and the sea conditions are safer.
Getting Around
Several attractions, including Condesa Beach and Playas Caleta, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Acapulco's best neighborhoods, Costera Acapulco is 2 miles away from downtown, while Farallón is 2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
Conclusion
Acapulco offers an incredible variety of experiences for every type of traveler. From the death-defying cliff divers at La Quebrada to the calm, pristine waters of Coyuca Lagoon, from world-class beaches and water sports to vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, this "Pearl of the Pacific" truly has something for everyone. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, planning your trip to Acapulco promises an unforgettable vacation experience on Mexico's stunning Pacific Coast.