Many travelers planning or considering a first-time trip to Acapulco, whether they've vacationed elsewhere in Mexico or not at all, often have similar thoughts and ask the same basic questions:
"What are some of the city's 'must-see & must-do' highlights?",
"What makes Acapulco 'special' or 'different' from other Mexican destinations?", or
"What's there to see & do on a cruise-stop in Acapulco?".
That's a good thing to do, of course (to ask questions) - because for those who arrive in this old port city with a bit of advance knowledge and insight, most leave with fond memories and hope to return one day.
Unlike Cancun and Los Cabos, which are very Americanized Mexican vacation spots, Greater Acapulco is an expansive long-established city - truly 'Mexican' in terms of its people, its culture, and its foods. It extends nearly forty miles from the Barra de Coyuca (northwest of the city proper) to Barra Vieja (southeast of the city's international airport) and nearly ten miles inland from Isla de la Roqueta to its northernmost colonias. There are scores of places-to-see and things-to-do, numerous beaches, hundreds of restaurants and eateries, and never enough time to squeeze it all in.
First-time visitors who, before traveling, take time to familiarize themselves with the city and jot down some sort of loose itinerary (a 'bucket-list', if you will) often find their stay to be more enjoyable and less stressful - especially cruisline passengers who, at best, have only a day (or several hours) to explore and experience the city. Considering Acapulco's age and history, its location (in one of the country's poorer states), its size, and its mix of people, those travelers who arrive with an open mind and an open heart - and few expectations - will undoubtedly find something or someplace to be long remembered. The overwhelming majority of Acapulco's people are genuine, warm, generous, and friendly; and they welcome their guests with open arms.
While some people prefer to sunbathe on the city's stunning beaches or embrace its never-ending nightlife, another option for travelers to Acapulco is to experience Acapulco’s rich, deep-rooted culture. This living and thriving seaport has witnessed years of change yet maintained its roots in the history of the location. Below is an extensive (though not all-inclusive) list of some of what Acapulco offers - a list from which travelers may pick-&-choose based on their own personal interests. Click the accompanying Trip Advisor 'Insider Page' links to learn more about each.
Some may find the following real-life satellite-map to be helpful when planning their stay. Designed so that users may freely zoom in and out on any specific location and move it in any direction with a touch of the mouse, this online map makes it easy for almost anyone to explore Acapulco from a bird's eye view.
Greater-Acapulco Satellite Map
In no particular order, here are some of Acapulco's many highlights, attractions, and features. In most cases, the local (Spanish) name by which each is known appears first, in bold lettering, followed by a common English translation whenever possible and if necessary.
HISTORY & CULTURE
> El Fuerte de San Diego ( Fort San Diego ) and
Museo Histórico de Acapulco ( Acapulco History Museum ) - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco, on the Costera Miguel Alemán - directly across from the cruise ship terminal
> Diego Rivera Wall Mural - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco / Peninsula de las Playas, on Calle Inalámbrica - a short distance south of La Quebrada (near the Sinfonía del Mar)
> Hotel Los Flamingos - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco / on the western side of the Peninsula de las Playas, overlooking the Pacific Ocean
> Museo Histórico Naval de Acapulco ( Historic Naval Museum ) - Insider Page
Location: Costa Azul (on the east of the city), on Teniente Mateo Maury - behind the Suntory restaurant
> Zona Arqueológica Palma Sola ( Palma Sola Archeological Zone ) - Insider Page
Location: El Veladero National Park, about two miles inland from (north of) the Costera Miguel Alemán
LOCAL EXPERIENCES
> Central Mercado ( The Central Market ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Old Acapulco, about a mile (road distance) north of the cruise ship terminal on Calle Diego Hurtado de Mendoza
> Ride the Local Buses - Insider Page
> Calandria Rides ( Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: in the Hotel Zone (east of mid-bay), along the Costera Miguel Alemán
> Enjoy An Acapulco Sunset - Insider Page
Best Locations: Peninsula de las Playas (Sinfonía del Mar or Hotel Los Flamingos) or Pie de la Cuesta (also known as Sunset Beach) or Sinfonia del Mar (close to Quebrada)
> Miradors Along the Carretera Escénica
( Panoramic Viewing Points Along the Scenic Highway ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: several - along the eastern shore of Acapulco Bay and in the area overlooking Puerto Marqués Bay
CASUAL FUN
> Walk or Stroll Along 'La Costera' - Insider Page Coming Soon
> Bay Cruises - Insider Page Coming Soon
Departure Points (3): Old Acapulco - from near Parque de la Reina (at the cruise terminal), from the local malecón (across from the zócalo), and from the pier just beyond Playa Tlacopanocha (west of the zócalo)
> Trolley Tours - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: at mid-bay, across from the Hotel Crowne Plaza (corner of La Costera and Francisco Pizarro, next to OXXO)
> Mini Golf, Paddleboats, Et Cetera - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
> Parque Papagayo ( Papagayo Park ) - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco, along the Costera Miguel Alemán (west of mid-bay, across from the big Mexican flagpole)
> Amusement Rides - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: at the eastern end of Parque Papagayo [see above]
MUSIC, FIESTAS, & PERFORMANCES
> Domingos Musicales ( Sunday Music Shows ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: at Parque Papagayo [see above]
> Mexican Fiesta Buffet Shows - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations (2): at the Hotel Las Brisas (on the east side of the bay) and at the Mayan resort (in Zona Diamante)
> Orquesta Filarmónica de Acapulco
( Philharmonic Orchestra of Acapulco ) - Insider Page
Location: Costa Azul (on the east side of the city), at the Acapulco Convention Center on the Costera Miguel Alemán
> The Forum at Mundo Imperial - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Zona Diamante, on the Boulevard de las Naciones (close to the airport)
SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS
> Centro Cultural Guerrerense ( Arts & Crafts Cultural Center ) - Insider Page
Location: Costa Azul (on the east side of the city), a few steps south of the glorieta / traffic circle - on the bay side of the Costera Miguel Alemán
> Mercados de Artesanías
( Local Souvenirs-&-Crafts Markets ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
> Shop at a Mexican 'Super WalMart' - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations (2): one in the bay area, near the Hotel Grand at the eastern end of the Costera Miguel Alemán - the other in Zona Diamante, on the Boulevard de las Naciones
> 'La Isla Shopping Village' Mall - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Zona Diamante, near the airport on the Boulevard de las Naciones
SPECIAL PLACES & SPECIAL INTERESTS
> Jardín Botánico de Acapulco
( Acapulco Botanical Garden ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: on the Loyola University campus, off the Scenic Highway on the eastern side of the bay (near the Hotel Las Brisas)
> La Capilla de la Paz ( The Chapel of Peace ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: on the eastern side of the bay, near the Hotel Las Brisas
> Slot Rooms, Racebooks, & Bingo - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
> Campamentos Tortugueros ( Turtle Camps ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: several
SPORTS & WATER ACTIVITIES
> Golf & Tennis - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
> Lucha Libre Wrestling - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: at the Coliseum de Acapulco, on Calle Tadeo Arredondo - about half-a-mile (road distance) from the cruise ship terminal
> Explore the Beaches - Insider Page Coming Soon
> Beach & Water Activities - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
ATVs, Waverunners, Parasailing, Water-Skiing, Kayaking, & Horseback Rides
> Whitewater Rafting - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: on the Papagayo River, outside of the city proper
> Water Parks - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations (3): in Costa Azul at the glorieta (traffic circle), in Zona Diamante (at the La Isla mall), and on the Peninsula de las Playas (between Playas Caleta & Playa Caletilla)
CICI, AquaPlanet, & Mágico Mundo Marino
> Swim With the Dolphins - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Costa Azul, at the CICI Water Park
> Paradise Bungy Jump - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: on Playa Condesa, between the two restaurants Beto's and Paradise
> Snorkeling & SCUBA - Insider Page
> Deep-Sea Fishing - Insider Page
NIGHTLIFE
> Playa Condesa Beach Bars - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: between the mid-bay Glorieta Diana (traffic circle) and the Hotel Fiesta Americana Villas
> Canta (Karaoke) Bars & Piano Bars - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: several
> Nightclubs, Discos, & Salsa-Merengue Clubs - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various (though mostly east of mid-bay)
> 'Gentlemen's' Clubs - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various (primarily in the mid-bay area, near the Glorieta Diana)
LOCAL FLAVORS
> Experience 'Jueves Pozole' ( Pozole Thursday ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
A weekly 'Acapulco tradition' not to be missed; served and observed citywide
> Sample Some 'Tacos al Pastor' - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
A local 'evening and late-night' specialty offered at taquerias throughout the city
> Everyone Should Taste 'Huachinango a la Talla'
( Locally-Caught Grilled Red Snapper ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
A popular freshly-prepared seafood dinner available at restaurants citywide, but best ordered and enjoyed on one of the beaches southeast of Acapulco Bay
> Unique Local Beverages - Insider Page Coming Soon
Horchata, jamaica, aguas de frescas, coco loco, mescal, and more
> Stop For An Ice Cream - Insider Page Coming Soon
Locations: various
Places to satisfy your craving for helados (homemade 'coconut' is one of the best!)
EXPLORE 'ACAPULCO TRADICIONAL'
> El Zócalo / Plaza Juan Álvarez ( The City Square ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Old Acapulco / Centro, on the Costera Miguel Alemán
A very popular local tourist spot along the Costera, about 700 yards west of the cruise ship terminal
> Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad ( Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral ) - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco / Centro, at the back of the zócalo
Early 20th century Roman Catholic church, currently the episcopal see of the Archdiocese of Acapulco; a popular local parish and tourist draw located on the backside of El Zócalo
> El Malecón ( The Boardwalk ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Old Acapulco / Centro, bayside on the Costera Miguel Alemán - directly across from the zócalo
A 1200'-long local pier from which most fishing charters depart; opposite El Zócalo (the city square), bayside along the Costera
> La Quebrada Clavadistas ( La Quebrada Cliff Divers ) - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco - near Centro/downtown, at the end of Calle La Quebrada - a short distance from the zócalo
The city's most popular world-famous tourist draw, overlooking the Pacific Ocean
> Sinfonía del Mar ( 'Symphony of the Sea' Amphitheater ) - Insider Page
Location: Old Acapulco / on the western side of the Peninsula de las Playas, overlooking the Pacific Ocean
An open-air amphitheater on the west side of the Peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean; popular with locals for watching sunsets
> Plaza de Toros ( Bullfighting Ring ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Old Acapulco / Peninsula de las Playas, near Playas Caleta & Caletilla
> Playas Caleta & Caletilla ( Caleta & Caletilla Beaches ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: Old Acapulco / Peninsula de las Playas
The once-famous sister beaches which played host to celebrities and stars in the 1950s/60s, about 5 miles from the city center at mid-bay
> La Isla de la Roqueta ( Roqueta Island ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: half-a-mile by water-taxi from Playas Caleta & Caletilla
An uninhabited island which remains a popular tourist draw, especially for snorkeling
ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE CITY
Note: For additional information, link directly to the Acapulco Day-Trips page.
> Zona Diamante ( The Diamond Zone ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 9 miles southeast of the city center at mid-bay
A fast-developing upscale area of resorts, condos, and businesses
> Bahía de Puerto Marqués ( Puerto Marqués Bay ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 8 miles southeast of the city center at mid-bay (in Zona Diamante)
A small local village, bay, and beach area
> Playas Bonfil & Gloria ( Bonfil & Gloria Beaches ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 14 miles southeast of the city center at mid-bay
Two small but popular near Playa Diamante, enroute to Barra Vieja
> Barra Vieja & the Laguna de Tres Palos - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 24 miles southeast of the city center at mid-bay
A rural village, beach area, and lagoon
> Pie de la Cuesta, the Laguna de Coyuca, and Barra de Coyuca - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 11 miles northwest of the city center at mid-bay
A popular laid-back beach area and lagoon
> Coyuca de Benítez - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 25 miles northwest of the city center at mid-bay
'AWAY FROM THE CITY' DAY-TRIPS
Note: For additional information, link directly to the Acapulco Day-Trips page.
> Playa Ventura - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 80 miles southeast of Acapulco, along the 'Costa Chica'
Beach area
> Zona Arqueológica Tehuacalco ( Tehuacalco Archaeological Zone ) - Insider Page
Location: about 40 miles northeast of Acapulco, near the town of Tierra Colorada
> Chilpancingo - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 65-70 miles southeast of Acapulco
Capital of the State of Guerrero
> Grutas de Juxtlahuaca ( Juxtlahuaca Caves ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 75-80 miles northeast of Acapulco, near the town of Chilapa
> Chilapa - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 85-90 miles northeast of Acapulco
> Taxco de Alarcón - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 140-150 miles northeast of Acapulco
The 'Silver City'
> Grutas de Cacahuamilpa ( Cacahuamilpa Caves ) - Insider Page Coming Soon
Location: about 150-160 miles northeast of Acapulco, near Taxco de Alarcón