Getting Around
Top Sights
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco's defining image — trained clavadistas dive 35 metres from a narrow cliff ledge into a surging sea inlet, timing each dive to the waves below. Performed multiple times daily (shows at 1pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm, 10:15pm) by divers from the same families who have been doing this since 1934. The evening shows with torches are the most dramatic. Watch from the public viewing area (MXN 65) or from the La Perla restaurant for an elevated view with dinner.
📍View on MapFuerte de San Diego
A star-shaped Spanish colonial fort built in 1616 to protect Acapulco's galleon trade route from Manila — for 250 years the most important port in the Americas for Pacific trade. Now houses the Museo Histórico de Acapulco with an excellent collection on the Manila Galleon trade, Filipino and Asian cultural exchange, and the independence war. One of the most underrated historical museums in Mexico.
📍View on MapIsla Roqueta
A small island a short boat ride from Caleta beach with calm snorkeling waters, a lighthouse, a small zoo, and several beach restaurants. The glass-bottom boat ride from Caleta pier passes over a submerged Virgin of Guadalupe statue. One of the safest and most family-friendly excursions from the hotel zone. The beach on the island is quieter than any on the mainland.
📍View on MapPie de la Cuesta Beach & Lagoon
A wild, undeveloped Pacific beach 10km north of central Acapulco separated from Laguna Coyuca by a narrow strip of sand. The beach faces the open Pacific and is too rough for swimming, but the sunsets are spectacular and the lagoon side offers calm kayaking and lancha (boat) tours through mangroves. Go with a hotel-arranged driver and return before dusk.
📍View on MapCostera Miguel Alemán — Zona Dorada
The grand 10km boulevard that was once Latin America's most glamorous resort strip — lined with 1950s–70s hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs that hosted Hollywood stars and international jet-setters. Much is still recovering from Otis but the bay views, beach access, and concentration of tourist services remain. Walking the Costera gives the best sense of Acapulco's mid-century heyday and its complicated present.
📍View on MapMuseums
Museo Histórico de Acapulco — Fuerte de San Diego
Inside the Fuerte de San Diego — covers Acapulco's extraordinary role in the Manila Galleon trade (1565–1815), the largest transoceanic trade route in history. The museum presents the cultural exchange between Mexico, the Philippines, China, and Spain with well-curated artefacts including navigational instruments, silks, porcelain, and religious art that arrived via the Pacific. One of the best colonial-era history museums in Mexico.
📍View on MapParks & Nature
Laguna de Coyuca
A large coastal lagoon northwest of the city fringed by mangroves and home to abundant birdlife — herons, pelicans, frigate birds, and migratory species in season. Lancha tours from Pie de la Cuesta offer 1–2 hour circuits through the channels and to small sandbar beaches inside the lagoon. One of the most tranquil and unspoiled natural environments near Acapulco.
📍View on MapPlaya Diamante
The highest-end beach in Acapulco — a wide Pacific-facing strip at the southern end of the bay lined with luxury hotels (Las Brisas, Banyan Tree) that largely avoided the worst of Otis damage. Cleaner and calmer than the Costera beaches, with better amenities. Access mainly through hotel beach clubs; call ahead to confirm current status post-Otis.
📍View on MapEat, Drink & Work
Mariscos Nacho
A beloved institution on the Costera — the go-to for fresh Pacific seafood: ceviche de camarón, pescado a la talla (achiote-marinated grilled fish), and oysters on the half shell. Survived Hurricane Otis and reopened — a genuine landmark in a city rebuilding its food scene. Cash preferred; arrive before 1pm for the freshest selection.
📍View on MapEl Amigo Miguel
An Acapulco classic since 1969 — generous portions of traditional seafood dishes in a no-frills setting near La Quebrada. The pescado zarandeado and mixed seafood platter are the house specialties. A favourite of locals and those who knew the old Acapulco. One of the longest-operating restaurants in the city.
📍View on MapBaikal
A clifftop fine-dining restaurant in Punta Diamante with panoramic views over the bay — the most elegant dining experience in modern Acapulco. French-influenced Mexican cuisine with a strong seafood focus. Spectacular at sunset. Reservations essential; confirm operational status post-Otis before booking.
📍View on MapRemote work in Acapulco
Acapulco is not a remote work destination — infrastructure was heavily disrupted by Hurricane Otis and the security situation limits mobility significantly. Hotel zone WiFi has largely been restored in major properties (Las Brisas, Camino Real). No dedicated coworking exists. If you must work here, use your hotel's business centre and avoid any unnecessary movement outside the hotel zone.
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