Acapulco is Mexico's most famous tourist destination, boasting an illustrious past of Hollywood glamour. Even today, with heady high-rise hotels rimming the bay from end to end and houses built into the once-verdant hills, it is easy to see what attracts so many travelers here. The bay is beautiful, with its blue waters and soft hills. And although there isn't much culturally in the way of museums or historical sites, there is plenty of playing to do, with swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, jet skiing, and parasailing to keep visitors busy. Then there is the nightlife, which is nearly as big a draw as the city's natural gifts. There may actually be more discos than there are beaches.

Unfortunately, Acapulco has grown to the bursting point, where the city and its resources can hardly be managed. The natural beauty, which originally lured people here, has been almost mostly destroyed by the local commercial interests. International tourists largely stopped coming here when it became apparent that the city was being developed indiscriminately, and when air and water pollution became a serious problem. In recent years, little more than superficial efforts have been made to clean up the bay, and progress is slow.

Nevertheless, Acapulco is still heavily visited, although 80 percent of today's visitors come from within Mexico. Mexico City is only four hours away by car, making Acapulco a weekend getaway spot for many wealthy professionals. For those coming from a city of 22 million, Acapulco is still paradise.

The part of the city that stretches along seven miles of the bay is divided into three sections. To the west lies old Acapulco, the center of town, with its town square, commercial wharves, and fishing fleet. More centrally located is an area known as Acapulco Dorada, or Golden Acapulco. Farther east is Acapulco Diamante, the most recently developed area, with both grand-style resorts and lavish private homes.

Despite its environmental issues, Acapulco still has world-class accommodations, elegant restaurants, and a high-energy, glamorous disco scene. Acapulco can still offer what any vacation should: rest, relaxation, and beauty.