Acapulco, a dazzling city on Mexico’s Pacific coast, has long been a magnet for tourists seeking sun, sea, and adventure, all within reach of the vibrant energy of Mexico City. In fact, I was surprised to learn of Acapulco as the hot tourist destinations before there was Cancun. Acapulco has been known as the hot spot for the rich and famous with old school charm, something of the most stunning views in all of Mexico, and a surprisingly affordable price point.
What I really enjoyed about Acapulco was how it’s a common tourist destination for Mexico travelers. If you’re looking for a gorgeous travel destination, but with a more local cultural feel, you’re going to get it in Acapulco. The best thing is that it has a little bit of everything including spending your entire time relaxing by the beach, indulging in incredible culinary delights, going out for nightlife, and enjoying adventure!
Best Things To Do in Acapulco
Relax on Acapulco’s Iconic Beaches
Playa Condesa
Condesa beach is one of the most popular beaches in Acapulco known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, located in the heart of the city’s hotel zone. This bustling beach on Central Acapulco is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. The nearby bars and seafood restaurants provide ample opportunity to enjoy delicious local cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
Playa Pie de la Cuesta
If you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, Playa Pie de la Cuesta is the place to be. Just a short drive from downtown Acapulco, this serene beach is ideal for watching stunnings sunsets and enjoying the calming sound of the waves and clear water. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat ride on the nearby Laguna de Coyuca, a freshwater lagoon teeming with wildlife.
Playa Palmitas
Playa Palmitas is a hidden gem perfect for those seeking tranquility. Nestled away from the bustling tourist spots, this beach offers a serene escape with its soft sands and gentle waves. Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, it’s a great place to unwind. There are also cozy beachfront cafes where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the beautiful ocean views.
Playa Revolcadero
This stunning beach on the Pacific coast of Mexico invites you to relax on its golden sands or ride the waves with thrilling surfing. For a memorable experience, gather around a beach bonfire with loved ones, indulge in delicious seafood at seaside restaurants and dance the night away to lively music. And, the best way to experience Playa Revolcadero is by embarking on an unforgettable horseback riding excursion along the beach.
Playa Icacos
Playa Icacos is also located in Acapulco’s tourist zone, close to the city center. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Acapulco and is situated along the Costera Miguel Alemán. While it may not be exactly in the absolute center of Acapulco, it is centrally located and easily accessible from many luxurious hotels as well as boutique hotels, local restaurants, and attractions in the area.
Try snorkeling to discover vibrant marine life, ride jet skis along the coast, or paddle kayaks for a peaceful adventure.
Witness the Thrill of La Quebrada Cliff Divers
A trip to Acapulco is incomplete without witnessing the world-renowned cliff divers of La Quebrada, Acapulco’s most famous tourist attraction. These fearless professional divers perform death-defying dives from heights of up to 115 feet into the narrow and rocky waters below. When you see the strong waves and how rough the water is, it’s amazing how brave these athletes are with many being teenagers and the youngest being 11 when we were there.
The tradition dates back to the 1930s and continues to be one of Acapulco’s most thrilling spectacles. The best time to watch is during the evening show when the divers perform their stunts with flaming torches, adding a dramatic flair to the already breathtaking performance.
Pro tip: You can pay the small fee (cash only) to be close to the divers, but you can also opt to watch the divers while enjoying dinner from La Perla restaurant.
Explore the Historic Fort of San Diego
For a dose of history and culture, visit the San Diego Fort, Acapulco’s most significant historical monument. Built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, this star-shaped fortress now houses the Acapulco Historical Museum. Led by knowledgeable tour guides, explore the museum’s exhibits, tracing the city’s rich history, from pre-Hispanic times through the colonial era to the present day.
The fort also offers panoramic views of Acapulco Bay, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
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Stroll Along The Malecón
The Malecón, one of Acapulco’s best attractions, is a picturesque waterfront promenade that stretches along the city’s main bay. This lively area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. Along the way, you’ll find street vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food. It’s also a great spot to watch the local fishermen bring in their daily catch or to enjoy a boat tour around the bay.
Indulge in Acapulco’s Nightlife
Acapulco’s nightlife is legendary, with a wide range of options to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back beach bar or a high-energy nightclub, you’ll find it here.
Baby’O
One of the city’s most iconic nightclubs, Baby’O has been a favorite of celebrities and party-goers since the 1970s. The club’s luxurious interior, top-notch DJ sets, and vibrant atmosphere ensure a night to remember.
Palladium
For breathtaking views and an unforgettable night out, head to Palladium. Perched high on a hill, this nightclub offers panoramic views of Acapulco Bay. The state-of-the-art sound system and light show, combined with world-class DJs, make it one of the best places to dance the night away.
Barbarroja
If you’re looking for a unique and vibrant nightlife experience in Acapulco, Barbarroja Acapulco is a must-visit destination. This pirate-themed club offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and entertainment that sets it apart from other local bars. The club offers an open bar setting and a diverse range of live music, making it an appealing choice for anyone looking to enjoy a night out in Acapulco.
Savor the Local Cuisine
Acapulco’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Mexican flavors and fresh seafood. Be sure to try these local delicacies:
Grab Pozole at El Nido
Pozole may be a staple throughout Mexico rooted in Aztec tradition, but it especially holds a place in the culture of Acapulco where there is a city wide pozole day every Thursday. Historically, the town has been known for having money to spend on Thursdays for pozole and it’s something that has continuously passed down.
For those who don’t know, pozole is a hearty soup made with hominy, pork, and a variety of seasonings, pozole is a staple of Guerrero cuisine. Since Acapulco is a seaside town, some restaurants opt to add seafood into the dish. There are also three different types including a white with no spice, green with slight spice, and red with more spice.
We enjoyed one of the pozole Thursdays at El Nido where you could enjoy bay views on top of the hill all under the shade of the palm roofs. You can even see them making the pozole right in front of you and you might get lucky to be serenaded by a mariachi band.
Enjoy Fresh Ceviche and Paella at Sirocco
As you’re riding or driving around Acapulco, its hard not to constantly state at Sirocco for the unique architecture that stands out compared to all the normal structures around. I almost thought it was an art museum! Given its coastal location, it’s no surprise that Acapulco is home to some of the best ceviche in Mexico. However, at Sicorro you can also find a mixture of different seafood paellas to enjoy while looking out into the view (is there any restaurant in Acapulco without a view?).
Pecada La Talla at Las Gaviatos II
Another dish that Acapulco is known for is their Pescado a la talla. This dish is famous for having originated in Acapulco and for the adobo sauce that’s spread all over their local catch of the day.
At Las Gaviatos II on the beach, as soon as you walk in you get to see them as they lather thin slices of the fish in the adobo sauce before putting it in between two metal clamps and roasting it over a charcoal fire creating a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside dish!
Step Into Greece at Muna
While Acapculo is of course known for it’s traditional Mexican, you can find a touch of modern at Muna! This restaurant overlooking the bay sets a mood as you walk through the blue Grecian doors covered in pink bougainvillea. However, it’s not Greek or Mexican food you’ll get here, but Japanese fusion that’s heavy on the seafood. indulge in grilled meat or pulpo skewers, tostadas de hamachi, or chicken dumplings.
Every night, they also have a fun tradition where they hand everyone a sparkler to get you into the party spirit.
Enjoy Water Sports and Outdoor Adventures
Acapulco’s warm waters and diverse landscape make it an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some activities you shouldn’t miss:
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Explore the underwater world of Acapulco by snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters around Roqueta Island and Caleta Beach are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs.
Jet Skiing and Parasailing
For an adrenaline rush, try jet skiing or parasailing along Acapulco’s coastline. Several operators offer rentals and guided tours, ensuring a safe and thrilling experience.
Hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains
Just beyond the city lies the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range at Puerto Vallarta, offering numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views. One popular route is the hike to the top of Palma Sola, an archaeological site with ancient petroglyphs and panoramic vistas of the bay.
Shop for Souvenirs at the Mercado Central
No trip to Acapulco is complete without a visit to the Mercado Central. This bustling market is a treasure trove of local goods, from handmade crafts and textiles to fresh produce and traditional sweets. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Stay at Hotel Las Brisas
This cliffside pink hotel stands out as you’re driving by! Having been the playground of stars like Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Keanu Reeves, you can stay in the same hotel as the stars without paying Hollywood star level prices (when we went, rates were under $200 a night!).
Hotel Las Brisas, one of Acapulco’s gorgeous luxury hotels, boasts many incredible features. These include pink jeeps that take you to your room add a unique touch, alongside the gorgeous stone shower/bath mix. Most of the rooms feature private pools adorned with floating hibiscus flowers, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
While it’s tempting to spend all your time floating in your pool, their private beach and swim area La Concha Beach Club which is part of the hotel is an incredible spot with 3 different swimming areas. You have the shallow natural water where you can sit in the waves and let the water gently brush against, a natural pool of sea water and a natural bed that teaming with wildlife and a lot of starfish, and the typical pool if you’re wanting to stay salt free. A trip to Acapulco would be amazing simply for spending all of your time here.
Experience the Acapulco Botanical Garden
Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to the Acapulco Botanical Garden, located within the University of Acapulco campus. This lush garden is home to a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, including orchids, cacti, and tropical trees. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can learn about the region’s flora and fauna while enjoying a leisurely stroll.
Best Things To Do in Acapulco: FAQs
What is Acapulco best known for?
Acapulco is renowned for its captivating blend of sun, sand, and adventure, making it a beloved destination for travelers worldwide. Primarily, it’s famous for its iconic cliff divers, who gracefully plunge into the shimmering waters of La Quebrada from dizzying heights, captivating audiences with their daring feats. Additionally, Acapulco’s golden beaches, such as Playa Condesa and Playa Revolcadero, offer endless opportunities for relaxation and water sports, from surfing to jet skiing.
Beyond its beaches, Acapulco boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore historic landmarks like the San Diego Fort and the Zócalo, immersing themselves in the city’s colonial past. The bustling nightlife scene is another highlight, with lively clubs, beachfront bars, and restaurants serving up delicious Mexican cuisine.
Is Acapulco still a tourist attraction?
Absolutely! Acapulco continues to be a top tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe with its stunning beaches, thrilling cliff diving shows, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Despite changes in tourism trends, Acapulco remains a beloved destination. It offers an unforgettable mix of relaxation, adventure, and Mexican charm that keeps travelers coming back year after year.
Can you swim in the beaches in Acapulco?
Swimming in the beaches of Acapulco is a fantastic experience. The city boasts several beautiful beaches, including Playa Condesa and Playa Revolcadero, where you can enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. While it’s essential to be mindful of the waves and currents, lifeguards are often on duty to ensure your safety. So, grab your sunscreen and swimsuit, and dive into the refreshing waves for a delightful day at the beach in Acapulco!
Is Acapulco cheaper than Cancun?
While both Acapulco and Cancun offer incredible experiences, Acapulco tends to be more budget-friendly than Cancun in terms of accommodation, dining, and activities. You’ll find a wide range of affordable hotels, restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. Additionally, there are plenty of free or low-cost attractions to explore, enhancing its appeal as a budget-friendly destination. That said, prices can vary depending on the time of year and specific locations within each destination.
Overall, Acapulco offers fantastic value for travelers looking to enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank.
Best Things To Do in Acapulco: Final Thoughts
Acapulco is a destination that offers something for everyone, from sun-soaked beaches and thrilling adventures to rich cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife. For American tourists, it remains a bit off the beaten path, providing a more “authentic” experience. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of local attractions while still immersing themselves in the culture of the locals. You can feel happy sitting among Mexican tourists in the restaurants or dancing to reggaeton in the bars.
In a time when people are looking for the new Cancun, the new Tulum, it’s almost better to look back at the charm of Acapulco which was the original tourist destination of Mexico. Here, you can discover a place of Mexican luxury at surprisingly affordable prices.
Last Updated 7 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: June 12, 2024
