Acapulco Beaches
A trip to Acapulco means spending time on the beautiful beaches, whether for sailing or water sports or simply to read a book and soak in the sun. The sandy strands in front of the big hotels may seem exclusive, but they are open to the public. Finding an untouched, private stretch of beach may not be possible, you can find peace and quiet if you look hard enough. Also, some areas are more popular with families than others.

La Quebrada
There is probably no image more defining of Acapulco than the swan-like elegance of the high-cliff divers soaring into the air and plunging into the sea below. Divers jump from heights of 105 feet (35 meters) five times daily, at 1pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm. The canal below is just 12 feet deep and 21 feet wide, and the divers wait for the tide before making the plunge. You can see them from an observation deck (admissions costs about US$2) right next to the Mirador Hotel, or you can watch them from La Perla, the hotel's 1940s-style supper club.

Zocalo
In the foreground of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad church, the central plaza is the center of Old Acapulco. Always a hub of activity, the area is full of vendors, women making their way to the market, occasional mariachi bands, and tourists and locals relaxing in nearby cafes. There are also docks nearby, with slips used by fishermen as well as pleasure boaters.

El Fuerte de San Diego
+52 7-482-3828
Family friendly: Yes
This fort was built in 1616 to protect the king's Pacific galleons, which transported goods and treasures between Mexico and the Philippines, from English and Dutch pirates. The fort was rebuilt after a 1776 earthquake leveled Acapulco, and today it houses the Museo Historico de Acapulco, which has interesting exhibits on Mexican history and the cultural exchange that occurred between Mexico and Asia due to trade and expeditions by Catholic missionaries. Admission to the fort is free on Sundays.

Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church
City Square/Zocalo
Located on one side of the town square, this church presents a grand example of Spanish-colonial church architecture. Two massive towers flank the white structure's curved facade.

Acapulco Convention Center
Costera Miguel Aleman
+74 84-32-18
The setting for exhibitions, concerts, and seminars, and hundreds of fairs and exhibitions, the convention center is also considered a tourist attraction because of the cultural performances here several nights a week, when singers and ethnic folk dancers accompanied by mariachi bands entertain dinner crowds.

Casa de la Cultura
La Costera Miguel Aleman 4834
+74 84-23-90
This cultural complex includes an archeological museum, an art gallery, and a Mexican crafts boutique as well as classrooms for art and music instruction.

Mercado Municipal
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Constituyentes
The Mercado Municipal is the place to be if you want to see a real Mexican market, absolutely bursting with life, color, and every imaginable item of merchandise, from fresh fruits and vegetables to home items like pottery, woven baskets and mats, to spices, medicinal herbs, and candles.

Tequila's Le Club
+74 85-86-23
Reminiscent of a scene from The Bird Cage, the transvestite dancers who grace the stage at Tequila's Le Club do their best impersonations of divas from North of the Border. Lots of makeup, sequins, and working girls singing their hearts out.

Barra Vieja
This long, broad, lightly populated beach lies about 15 miles east of Acapulco, so interested sunbathers will have to drive to get there. The scenery along the way is beautiful.

Caleta and Caletilla
These two adjacent beaches sit in a cove on the peninsula near Old Acapulco. They are two of the most popular beaches, frequ ented largely by families with small children because the water here is calm and safe to swim in. Catch a boat to Isla de la Roqueta here.

Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil
Costera Miguel Aleman
+52 74-84-82-10
Family friendly: Yes
This is a water theme park for kids and families, featuring a 30 meter-high water slide, a giant freshwater pool with artificial waves, and a tidepool aquarium. There are also seal and dolphin shows throughout the day. It is located across from the Hard Rock Cafe.

Condesa
This is the main beach along the hotel strip and is usually very crowded. There are plenty of activities to keep busy, including jet skiing and parasailing. A singles atmosphere prevails.

Hornos and Hornitos
Farther west along the Costera toward Old Acapulco, these beaches are popular with locals and Mexican tourists. In fact, on weekends, there are so many people you can hardly see the beach. Ample shade is provided by palms trees growing in the sand. There are inexpensive comedors within walking distance.

Icacos
East of Playa Condesa by the El Presidente Hotel, this beach is also popular though slightly less populated than the others. There are palapas on the beach and food stands east of the hotel.

La Angosta
Once a lovely beach located in small cove on the south side of the peninsula, this place is now overrun by litter and floating detritus. It is best to avoid this area.

Magico Mundo Marino
+52 74-83-12-15
Family friendly: Yes
Located on a small point between Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla, this waterpark has an aquarium, a sea lion show, swimming pools, a water slide, jet skis, and inner tubes for rent.

Papagayo Park
On Costera
+52 74-85-96-23
Family friendly: Yes
This amusement park stretches over 52 acres and has a roller-skating rink, a miniature car race track, bumper boats in a lagoon, and other rides. There is also an actual-size model of a Spanish galleon. It is open daily from 10am to 10pm and there is no admission fee. You must pay to go on the rides.

Pie de la Cuesta
About a 30-minute drive west of Acapulco, this is the most popular beach destination, though it is still much less populated than the beaches in town and it offers some serenity. The beach is actually quite attractive, too. It is long and wide and is a great place to watch spectacular sunsets. At the Coyucca Lagoon nearby, people water ski and fish.

Revolcadero
Located just outside the bay, east of town, this is Acapulco's widest and most expansive beach. It's a popular spot to rent horses and ride along the beach. There are also good waves here, and plenty of local surfers show up.