Much more than the name of a beach resort, Acapulco is a world renown synonym for relaxation and fun. Located in the Pacific Coast of Mexico, its perfect year-round tropical climate makes it the perfect place for all kinds of day and night time activities.

The rare mixture of golden beaches, Sierra Madre Mountains, tropical jungles and lagoons, and the Mexican warmth, mysticism and tradition perfectly blend in together to form a unique experience to last a lifetime. Needless to say, the vistas are unique.

History

Acapulco is a paradise with a lot of fun. Also available are tennis, golf, bowling, beach volleyball, soccer, squash and fronton courts, scuba diving, sailing, deep sea fishing, wind surfing and jet skiing. Spectator sports include bullfighting, diving, boxing and wrestling. Important Golf Tournaments and Tennis Cups are held in Acapulco every year, as well as Triathlon and other athletic competitions.

Acapulco sizzles by night, and its nightlife is legendary. There is no place in the world that can compete with Acapulcos sophisticated dazzling night clubs and the choice of entertainment and restaurants. There is magic in the air! The view of Acapulco Bay, with its millions of lights reflecting in the water like stars, is simply breathtaking, and probably one of the most romantic scenarios in the world.

The real heartbeat of Acapulco is also the main street, Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman, known locally as just "The Costera". If you are going almost anywhere in your next Acapulco vacations (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 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 zocalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic center of Acapulco. The zocalo 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 zocalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years. One end of the zocalo 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.

Acapulco is also a vibrant city with many centuries of history and culture to be explored. Acapulco is a living witness of pre-Columbian times to Mexican Conquest, Independence, and Modern times. Acapulcos history even has its share of pirates, and love stories to share. Several blocks south of the zocalo 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.

Acapulco for Kids

Acapulco is a great vacation destination if your children are going to join you. CiCi, located on the Costera, at Playa Icacos, 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 featuring indoor and outdoor marine exhibits, water slides, water sports, restaurants and gift shops. Parque Papagayo, is a huge park located on the Costera, the park is filled with carnival rides, go-karts, roller skating rinks, skateboard courses and many other attractions.

Your children will love their next Acapulco vacations. 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.

Beaches

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. 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. You can not miss Playa Icacos on your next Acapulco vacations.

Playa Condesa, in the heart of 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.