Acapulco, Mexico

What to do in Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco City Tour

Get to know the city with an expert local guide, who gives you an overview of the main sights, including a cliff-diving exhibition!.

Mexican Fiesta

Enjoy a 3-hour party with dinner, open bar, mariachis, folk dancing and the Famous Flying Indians from Papantla entertainers.

Acapulco Yacht Cruise

Cruise around Acapulco Bay for 2+ hours with both live and recorded music and drinks. .

Shotover Jet

Spend 3 hours aboard a jet boat that thrills you with 360°F turns at high speed along the Papagayo River.

La Quebrada Cliff Divers

This is the most popular attraction in Acapulco. From a towering cliff high above the city, divers plunge 130-feet into shallow waters several times a day. The show often varies, for example they may carry torches, dive in pairs, or perform stunts on the way down.

Plaza de Toros

Tradition and spectacle collide every Sunday from Christmas through Easter, when the bullfighters enter the ring. The festivities are often kicked off by Spanish dancers and live music.

El Fuerte de San Diego

Originally built in 1616 to guard against pirates, this fort was destroyed by earthquake and rebuilt in the 18th century. It is now home to the History Museum of Acapulco, with exhibits that illustrate the city from prehistoric times through Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821.

Casa de la Cultura

For a quiet experience of the local culture, head to this complex featuring the Ixcateopan art gallery, with changing exhibits, an archaeological museum, and an exhibit of local and international crafts.

Zocalo

A more contemporary setting of Acapulco's culture is seen at this town square in the heart of Old Acapulco. Several vendors sell all sorts of goods during the day, while nighttime often brings live music in the bandstand. Nearby is the town church, Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, with its blue bulb-shape and bright yellow spires.

Mercado Municipal

Devout shoppers will be delighted with this market. Both locals and tourists come to this sprawling marketplace to find whatever they may want, from fresh produce to love potions. Craft vendors sell everything from handmade pottery and baskets to mythical charms and talismans.

Papagayo Park

Off the Costera, this 52-acre park includes a life-size model of a Spanish galleon, an aviary, a roller-skating rink, a racetrack with miniature cars, and bumper boats on a small lagoon.

Magico Mundo Marino

Some of the best toys to enjoy the beach are for rent here, including jet skis, inner tubes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. There is also an aquarium, a sea-lion show, and swimming pools.

CiCi

If you're traveling with children, don't miss this water theme park with water slides, an aquarium, seal and dolphin shows, and a wave pool.

Taxco

Known as the silver capital of the world, and located about 4 hours by car from Acapulco and slightly more by bus, Taxo is a quaint town that seems never to age.

Isla la Roqueta

(Roqueta Island) Only a 10-minute boat ride from Caleta Beach. The island is located right in front of Acapulco Bay, and the area is known as one of the best places to hike and snorkel in Acapulco. There is also a zoo on the island.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts find championship courses at many of the larger hotels. There is also a public course on the Costera called the Club de Golf.

Beaches

The beaches in Acapulco are unsurpassed and plentiful - you could spend your whole vacation just trying to enjoy them all! Fortunately, they're all open to the public - even those near luxury hotels. Some favorites:.

Barra Vieja

A long, uncrowded stretch of beach about 20 miles east of Acapulco, where the Tres Palos Lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean. Coconut, palm, and banana trees, and exotic birds create a tropical setting.

Playa Caleta

A family-oriented beach with typically calm waters. At this spot on the peninsula in Old Acapulco, you can rent small sailboats, paddleboats, and kayaks, or take a 10-minute motorboat ride to the Isla de la Roqueta - an oasis with soft sand, crystal-clear water, and gentle surf.

Playa La Condesa

This is the most popular beach in town and faces the middle of the bay. The rough surf makes swimming difficult, but the open-air bars and al fresco restaurants make it the ultimate hangout.

Pie de la Cuesta

About 8 miles from downtown Acapulco, is the "official" sunset beach. Locals and visitors alike arrive in the late afternoon to await the sensational view.

Puerto Marques

The sheltered waters of this beach, tucked under the airport highway, are perfect for water sports.

Playa El Revolcadero

Starting behind the Princess Hotel, this beach offers horseback riding and body surfing. Dolphins are often seen swimming offshore.