Acapulco has a reputation.  That reputation portrays a city that never sleeps and Acapulco does it’s best to live up to that reputation.  Nightclubs and discos don’t close until every last reveler has gone home, at times this is long after the sun has come up.  Legendary nightlife aside, Acapulco also has a reputation of being a magnet for the rich and famous.  Many celebrities, from all over the world, have homes or keep vacation retreats in Acapulco.  Keep your eyes open, as you never know whom you will see in this lively city.  Acapulco is a diverse city that offers the many benefits of a large city with a population of over 2 million, yet in many areas of the city Acapulco retains the feeling of a small town.  

The first thing that comes to mind, for many people, when they think of Acapulco is the incredible bravado and the daring feats preformed by the La Quebrada cliff divers.  These divers are famous the world over and are definitely a “must see” when visiting Acapulco.

These exciting exhibitions are presented on a daily basis at 1:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 PM.  The last show at night is enhanced with the addition of torches, that are held by the divers, adding yet another touch of drama to an already highly dramatic show.

Each show can be seen from a public viewing area or you can watch from the comfort of the Plaza Las Glorias Mirador hotel.  The hotel charges an entrance fee that includes a couple of drinks and also offers the option of lunch or dinner on the outdoor terraces which make a comfortable viewing area.

Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe shaped natural bay, with hills and cliffs on either side.  Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay, the city and all of the beaches within the bay.  Many of the restaurants, bars and discos are located to take advantage of these incredible views.  The view of Acapulco at night has got to be one of the most incredible scenes in Mexico.    

Z o n a  D o r a d a  -  T h e  G o l d e n  Z o n e

The real heartbeat of Acapulco is also the main street, Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán, known locally as just "The Costera".  If you are going almost anywhere in Acapulco (beaches, shopping, dining or drinking) you will come in contact with the Costera.  Most of Acapulco’s major attractions are either on or very close to this busy street.  The Costera begins at the airport as Carretera Escénica (Scenic Highway) and changes it’s name as it winds out of the hills to the south of the bay and enters Acapulco proper.  The action along The Costera is varied, and constant, making many sections of this strip a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner and do some serious people watching.. 

The zócalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic center of Acapulco.  The zócalo is lined ice cream stands and sidewalk cafes.  Here you can mingle with the locals as they go about their daily business.  The daily routine around the zócalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years.  One end of the zócalo is dominated the cathedral which was built in 1930 originally for use as a movie set.  When the film crews moved out in they left the building, which was later altered into its present state.

A c a p u l c o  f o r  K i d s

Acapulco is a great vacation destination if your children are going to join you.  Apart from the beaches and the normal beach related activities there are many attractions to keep the younger set busy.  CiCi, located on Av. Costera M. Alemán, at Playa Icocas, is a water park featuring water slides, water toboggans, dolphin encounters, seal shows a wave pool and Sky Coaster, a ride that will leave youngsters and grownups alike screaming.  Mundo Marino is an aquarium and fun center, located in between the little beaches known as Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla and features indoor and outdoor marine exhibits, water slides, water sports, restaurants and gift shops.  Parque  Papagayo, is a huge park located on The Costera, across from Playa Hornos.  The park is filled with carnival rides, go-karts, roller skating rinks, skateboard courses and many other attractions.  The two major malls both have many diversions, such a video game rooms, for the younger set, so that the parents can shop while the kids amuse themselves.

Several blocks south of the zócalo is the Fuerte de San Diego, a fort built in the 18th century to protect the city against pirate attacks.  The fort is very well preserved and houses a museum with some interesting displays pertaining to Mexico's history.  This is another, easy to get to, attraction that is very enjoyable to the younger set.   

There is also a small zoo out on Isla Roqueta that the kids might enjoy.  Take one of the many glass bottom boat trips that go to the island.  Most of these boats also stop at the sunken statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, on the way to the island. 

B e a c h e s

Acapulco is a city that gives you many choices when it comes to beaches.  During the day most of the focus in Acapulco is on the beach.  The theme in Acapulco seems to be Party All Night and Play on the Beach All Day.  The whole bay is lined with beaches, we will cover a few of them; you can check them all, time permitting, when you visit.  Many of the beachfront restaurants will put umbrellas, chairs and tables in the sand so you can enjoy your food or drink right at waters edge.

Playa Diamante and Playa Revolcadero, south of town near the airport are areas of major development.  Four of Acapulco’s golf courses are located in this area, along with some serious resorts.  Water sports of all kinds, waverunners, ultra light airplanes and horseback riding are available here. This long stretch of beach is open to high waves, so be careful if you are not an expert swimmer.  Because of the waves this is a great area for surfers as well as beachcombing and collecting a few shells.

Playa Puerto Marques is part a fairly large bay that is a favorite with locals.  The entire beach is lined with tin roofed restaurants serving up fresh seafood, cold beer and tropical drinks at prices that are usually below those of Acapulco proper.  The calm waters are great for swimming and water sports, when there is room.  This beach is busy every day and is very, very crowded on weekends.

Playa Icacos is a calm beach, toward the southern end of the bay, lined with high-rise hotels and condominiums.  This beach has all of the local watersports available directly from shore.  This area also is the home of the giant CiCi water park and very close to much many of the discos.

Playa Condesa, in the heart of “Zona Dorado” or “The Golden Zone” is one of the most popular of the city beaches, with many beachfront restaurants and a lot of activity.  Playa Condesa is also where much of the “pre” nightlife originates, and is very close to many of the better restaurants and shopping centers so that you have a choice of other things to do should you become bored with the beach scene. Playa Condesa is also the home of the giant bungee jumping attraction, Paradise Bungy, which always draws crowds of onlookers, along the sidewalk and adjoining restaurant.  The crowds are there to watch the brave jumpers, which sometimes get dipped in the giant swimming pool, far below the jumping platform that is situated 165 feet in the air. 

Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla are two small beaches, located away from most of the tourist traffic.  These small  beaches combine calm waters, great atmosphere and many beach front restaurants that serve some incredible seafood at reasonable prices.  Many of the beachfront restaurants are shaded by giant trees which add a different feel to beach going.  In between the two beaches is the Mundo Marino aquarium and fun center.  These are both great family beaches which get very crowded on the weekends.

There are many more beaches in Acapulco, to the north the Pacific beaches of Pie de la Cuesta (see side trips) and the protected beaches of the Coyuca Lagoon, offer more diversion.  Rest assured that you will find a beach in or near Acapulco that will suit your desire to get out in the sun and enjoy "la playa". 

Beach vendors work almost every beach and will offer you everything from fresh fruit to cooked fish or shrimp and temporary tattoos. You can also have your hair braided – Bo Derek style on almost any beach in Acapulco.  

T h i n g s  t o  D o . . .

Water Sports
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Water sports are a way of life in Acapulco.  The bay is alive with waverunners, parasailing, peddle boats, banana rides and even a beachfront water park.  Sailboards and small sail boats are readily available as well as numerous glass bottom boats that pull right up on the beach to pick up their passengers.  You usually do not have to go very far to partake in your favorite water sport, almost everything is offered directly from the beaches.  Most of the scuba and snorkeling operations are located along the docks near the zócalo.  The beaches of Acapulco are always busy and weekends can even get hectic, just remember to be careful and look in all directions before going for a swim or leaving the beach on a wave runner.

Sportfishing
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Sportfishing in Acapulco is as good as it is in most other Mexican resorts.  Acapulco is just not promoted as a sportfishing resort anymore.  In the not so distant past sportfishing was heavily promoted here and the good news is that - the fish are still here.  So, if a day on the water and the sound of a reel going off is your thing, go for it.  You will most likely not be disappointed.  Look for the sportfishing fleet on the docks near the zócalo and near the marina.

O u t  o f  t h e  W a t e r

Activities
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If you do get tired of the sea and sun there is still plenty to do in and around Acapulco. Everything from go karts to bull fights and much, much more.  There are many air conditioned theatres, most open during the day, where you can take in the latest movies.  Maybe a overnight trip to Taxco (side trips), the silver capital of the world.  Or take the kids to Parque Papagayo, where they can keep themselves entertained while you do some shopping or have a snack.  The bungee jump on The Costera is a fascinating way to pass a little time, whether as a participant, or just watching.        

Golf and Tennis
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Acapulco is one of those places in Mexico that can be a pleasant surprise to anyone who enjoys a round of golf or a game of tennis.  Acapulco is home to four championship golf courses and another 9 hole course that is located right in the tourist zone.  The four  championship courses are all located to the south of town, near the airport.  If you are staying in town, the short trip south will be well worth your time.  If you are on a tight schedule, two of the courses,  The Acapulco Princess and The Pierre Marqués adjoin each other and one can be played within minutes of finishing the other.  Do not overlook the fine course at the Mayan Palace or Tres Vidas, the most southerly of the courses.  Tres Vidas in an incredibly beautiful course that is built along the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean.

Tennis buffs will find more courts than most other Mexican resorts.  A new modern tennis complex at the Mayan Palace is open to the public  It is located directly adjacent to the golf course.  There are many other locations within Acapulco proper, including Campo de Golf and Tennis on Av. Costera M. Alemán, that will be happy to let you use their courts, for a small rental fee.

Shopping
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Acapulco will not leave you wanting when it comes to shopping, in fact Acapulco might even surprise you.  You can find everything from designer items for your home to original designer dresses.  A little searching in Acapulco can uncover many unique items that would not be considered normal resort fare. The prices in this city seem to be lower than those of other Mexican resorts.  With two modern air conditioned malls and many smaller shopping centers and an endless numbers of shops and open-air markets to choose from, you should be able to find whatever it is you are seeking along with surprising number of unique gift items.  Acapulco's proximity to Taxco (see side trips) has created a large market for unique silver creations of every imaginable shape and size.   

Restaurants
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Acapulco has more restaurants than any other Mexican resort, just because of its size.  With many specialized cuisines available you will find an amazing assortment of quality restaurants.  Acapulco is home to some of the best restaurants in Mexico, with the quality reflected in the prices.  Do not despair; there are many lovely spots to dine that offer a great setting and also reasonable prices.  Many of the better restaurants are located on the hills and cliffs around the bay, making for incredibly romantic settings. 

The south side of the bay, on Carretera Escénica, is the home of Señor Frogs, which along with their usual great food and drink is one of the best places in Acapulco to enjoy the evening sunsets and the city below, as it lights up for the night.

Nightlife
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Let there be no doubts about the local nightlife, Acapulco is a party town when the sun goes down.  The world famous party scene starts late and ends early the next morning.  Do not expect much action in the many discos until around 11 PM; be prepared to stay until sunrise or even later.  If you are an early riser it is not unusual to see the last stragglers on their way home well after the sun has come up.  5 AM traffic jams are common on weekends along the Condesa area of the Costera.  Acapulco's entertainment is varied, with wild discos, piano bars, tropical extravaganzas, live shows and concerts.

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