Guerrero (Mexico)
Acapulco is Mexico's original Pacific beach city, a curved bay where old colonial streets, a star-shaped fort and a famous clifftop dive show sit beside long beaches and a lively waterfront.
This guide covers the essentials: the La Quebrada cliff divers, the Fuerte de San Diego and its Manila Galleon museum, the Zócalo and malecón, the Chapel of Peace above the bay, a boat trip to Isla La Roqueta, a kayak paddle to El Morro, a first scuba dive, the sunset beach and lagoon at Pie de la Cuesta and the over-water zipline at Puerto Marqués. Hurricanes Otis and John damaged many hotels, so the five stays here were each checked against current rates and recent guest reviews, from a clifftop classic by the divers to beachfront villas, an all-inclusive family resort and a large resort at Diamante.
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco's signature show: professional divers leap about 35 metres from the rocks of La Quebrada into a narrow, surging inlet. A sunset visit with a drink and a seat above the cliffs is the best-known evening out in the old town.
Isla La Roqueta
A protected island a short boat ride from Caleta beach, with calm water, snorkelling, a lighthouse trail and a quieter feel than the main bay. A guided paddle and hike makes the most of it.
Acapulco City Tour with Cliff Divers
A small-group half-day tour that strings together the Chapel of Peace, the artisan market, Plaza Álvarez and the La Quebrada divers. It is the simplest way to see the headline sights in one go.
Fuerte de San Diego
A star-shaped Spanish fort above the harbour, now the Museo Histórico de Acapulco. Its galleries tell the story of the Manila Galleon trade, pirates and independence, and its walls give a good view of the bay.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Acapulco's signature show: professional divers leap about 35 metres from the rocks of La Quebrada into a narrow, surging inlet. A sunset visit with a drink and a seat above the cliffs is the best-known evening out in the old town.
A star-shaped Spanish fort above the harbour, now the Museo Histórico de Acapulco. Its galleries tell the story of the Manila Galleon trade, pirates and independence, and its walls give a good view of the bay.
A protected island a short boat ride from Caleta beach, with calm water, snorkelling, a lighthouse trail and a quieter feel than the main bay. A guided paddle and hike makes the most of it.
A guided paddle across Acapulco's bay to the rocky islet of El Morro. It is a short, accessible way to see the coast from the water and one of the best-reviewed activities in the city.
A small-group half-day tour that strings together the Chapel of Peace, the artisan market, Plaza Álvarez and the La Quebrada divers. It is the simplest way to see the headline sights in one go.
A minimalist chapel in the hills of Las Brisas, marked by a 42-metre cross and set in gardens with sweeping views over Acapulco bay. It is a calm stop and a favourite for photos.
The shaded heart of old Acapulco, with Plaza Álvarez, the cathedral and a rehabilitated waterfront promenade. It is a free place to stroll, eat and catch the water taxi along the bay.
A small-group, four-hour introductory scuba outing around Roqueta Island. A rated 5.0 from 31 reviews, it is a safe first dive with an instructor and equipment included.
A long, wild beach and a mangrove lagoon on the western edge of Acapulco, known for hammocks, sunsets, boat tours and sea turtle releases. It is a slower, local-feeling side of the city.
An over-water zipline park that crosses Puerto Marqués bay. It is the adrenaline option in Acapulco and a good fit for teens and thrill-seekers.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Diamante, Costera de las Palmas
A large beachfront resort in the Diamante area, reopened after a major renovation, with pools, a spa, an adjacent golf course and a choice of ocean or golf-view rooms. It is the splurge pick for a resort stay.
Check rates →Costera Miguel Alemán, Zona Dorada
A beachfront resort of redesigned villas with kitchens and bay views, reopened after a major renovation. A comfortable mid-range base on the Costera with pools, a spa and a beach club.
Check rates →El Secreto Beach, Guitarrón
An all-inclusive beach resort on El Secreto beach, renovated after Otis, with a water park, kids club and bay views. A good family value pick in a quiet gated area.
Check rates →Costera Miguel Alemán, Zona Dorada
A beachfront hotel on the Costera in the Zona Dorada, formerly the Calinda Beach, reopened in 2024. A well-reviewed mid-range base with a pool, beach access and some all-inclusive rates.
Check rates →
$$La Quebrada, Old Acapulco
A classic clifftop hotel built into the hillside beside La Quebrada, with views toward the divers, three pools and the old town close by. A characterful base for old Acapulco.
Check rates →What to book ahead, how to get around, how many days to allow and how Acapulco fits together after Hurricanes Otis and John, for a first visit.
A neighbourhood guide to the old town, the Costera and Zona Dorada, El Guitarrón and Diamante, matched to five hotels that are open now.
