Are you looking for the best things to do in Acapulco? You’ve come to the right place! Acapulco is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. Situated on the country’s Pacific coast, it is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. This beach resort became popular in the 1950s as a getaway for millionaires and Hollywood stars.
Acapulco is still famous for its nightclubs, beaches, and water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing. However, there is more to this city than just nightlife and beaches. Acapulco is rich in history, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do in this Mexican city. To help you make the most of your time in this beautiful resort city, I’ve put together a list of the 12 best things to do in Acapulco. Read on!
Things To Do In Acapulco
1. Explore Old Acapulco
For a taste of history, make your way to Old Acapulco. This is the city’s historical center, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best things to see in Acapulco. Start your exploration at the fort of San Diego, which was built in the 17th century to protect Acapulco from pirates. Today, the fort is home to a museum with exhibits on the history of Acapulco, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
Next, stop by the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, which was built in the early 20th century. The exterior of the cathedral is beautiful, but the real highlight is the view from its towers. From here, you’ll be able to see all of Old Acapulco.
After admiring the cathedral, stroll through Zocalo, the main square in Old Acapulco. This is a great place to people watch and do some shopping. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes to refuel in.
No visit to Old Acapulco would be complete without seeing La Quebrada, one of the most famous things to do in Acapulco. La Quebrada is a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Every day, divers jump into the sea from the top of the cliff, which is about 35 meters high. It’s an impressive sight to see and one you won’t soon forget.
2. Acapulco Beaches
After exploring Old Acapulco, it’s time to head to the beach. Acapulco is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, so you’ll definitely want to spend some time here.
Start your beach day at Playa Caleta, which is a secluded cove that’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. If you’re looking for a livelier beach, head to Playa Condesa. This beach is popular with locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place to people watch. For a beach with a bit more of a scene, check out Playa Icacos. This is where you’ll find the best nightlife in Acapulco, as well as restaurants, bars, and cafes. For a more laid-back beach experience, check out Playa Puerto Marques. This is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and relaxing.
Regardless of what kind of beach experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here. And because they attract so many visitors, they are considered to be the most popular tourist attractions in Acapulco.
3. La Quebrada Cliff Divers
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Acapulco that are a little bit out of the ordinary, then a visit to the La Quebrada cliff divers is definitely worth considering.
Performed daily since 1934, the dives take place at sunset and involve daring young men jumping from the cliffs into the sea below. The cliffs range in height from 35 to 120 feet (10.5 to 36.6 meters), and the divers reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) as they plunge into the water.
As you might imagine, the dives are not without risk, and there have been a number of fatal accidents over the years. However, the divers are all highly trained and know what they’re doing.
But despite the risks, the show goes on, and it’s estimated that around 500,000 people watch the cliff divers each year. If you’re in Acapulco, watching the sunset from a restaurant or bar with a view of the bay is a must. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday or Sunday, you might even get to see the divers perform their ‘human pyramid’ stunt.
I have to admit that I’m not exactly the bravest person in the world, so watching the cliff divers was a bit of a nerve-wracking experience for me. But it was also exhilarating and something that I’ll never forget.
4. Learn the History at San Diego Fort
No list of top tourist attractions in Acapulco would be complete without the inclusion of the Fort of San Diego. This fort was built in the 17th century to protect Acapulco from naval threats. The design of the fort is unique in that it is a five-pointed, star-shaped fort. It is also one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial fortresses in all of Mexico.
The fort is now a museum that you can explore. It houses artifacts from the time when it was used as a military garrison. You’ll also find exhibits on the history of Acapulco, as well as a display of weapons used by the Mexican military. You can also climb to the top of the fort for some great views of the city.
A visit to this fort is one of the best things to do in Acapulco if you’re interested in history or want to learn more about the city. You can easily spend an hour or two here exploring the museum and climbing to the top of the fort.
5. Punta Diamante
Punta Diamante is one of the most exclusive areas in all of Acapulco. Located at the southern tip of the Acapulco peninsula, Punta Diamante is home to luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops. This is the place to come if you want to be pampered and treated like royalty.
One of the best things to do in Punta Diamante is to simply take a stroll and take in the stunning scenery. The area is incredibly beautiful, with its cliffs, caves, and rock formations. The beaches here are also some of the best in Acapulco. So if you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, you’re sure to find a perfect spot.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a number of activities to keep you entertained. You can go ziplining, rock climbing, or take an ATV tour. There are also a number of boat tours available, which is a great way to see the area from a different perspective.
This is also where you’ll find the Acapulco Golf Club, one of the best golf courses in Mexico. If you’re not into golf, you can still enjoy the lush surroundings and beautiful views.
Punta Diamante is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. But there’s also plenty to do if you’re looking for a little more excitement. You can go parasailing, jet skiing, or take a ride on a banana boat. There are also a number of tour operators in the area that offer snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water activities.
6. Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral
Acapulco’s most famous church, Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral, is located in the city center. The massive white cathedral, with its two Eurasian-looking towers, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Acapulco.
The cathedral was built in 1930 on the site of an unfinished movie theater. The interior of the cathedral is quite beautiful, with white and blue walls, stained glass windows, and a large crucifix. Admission is free, but you’ll need to dress modestly to enter (no shorts or tank tops).
If you’re not interested in going inside, you can still appreciate the cathedral’s exterior, which is adorned with intricate carvings and mosaics. In addition, there is a plaza in front of the cathedral that is always buzzing with activities.
I enjoyed exploring the inside of the cathedral, as it was very peaceful and serene. I also liked people-watching in the plaza out front. It was interesting to see the mix of locals and tourists that were milling about. Although there were plenty of people around, I still think that this is one of the best places to visit in Acapulco.
7. Enjoy Local Cuisines
If you’re like me, then one of the best things to do in Acapulco is to enjoy local cuisines. After all, what’s a vacation if you can’t indulge in some good food?
Acapulco is known for its seafood, and you’ll find some of the best here. One of my favorite dishes was Camarones a la diabla, which are shrimp in a spicy sauce. Other popular seafood dishes include Pescado zarandeado (a whole grilled fish) and aguachile (raw shrimp in a chili-lime sauce).
But seafood is not the only thing Acapulco is known for. You’ll also find some excellent Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and burritos. There are also plenty of international restaurants to choose from if you’re in the mood for something different.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it in Acapulco. So make sure to add trying local cuisines to your list of things to do while in town.
8. XTASEA Zip Line
Do you like adrenaline-pumping activities? Then you’ll want to check out XTASEA Zip Line. This is one of the world’s longest ziplines, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
At nearly 2 miles long, the XTASEA Zip Line will take you on a ride of a lifetime. You’ll reach speeds of up to 86 miles per hour as you zip through the air, enjoy breathtaking views of Acapulco Bay, and maybe even get a little adrenaline rush. At the end of the zip line, you’ll be treated to a meal with a view at one of the most popular open-air restaurants in Acapulco.
I have to admit that I was a little nervous before taking the plunge, but it was definitely worth it. The views were absolutely incredible, and the experience was unlike anything I’ve ever done before. If you’re looking for fun attractions in Acapulco, the XTASEA Zip Line is a must-do.
9. Diego Rivera’s Mosaics
If you’re a fan of Diego Rivera’s art, then you’ll want to add a visit to see his mosaics to your list of the best things to do in Acapulco. Diego Rivera is one of Mexico’s most famous artists, and his work can be found in Museums and important buildings in Mexico.
In Acapulco, you’ll find mosaics that Rivera created at Casa de Los Vientos. This property once housed Diego Rivera’s studio, but it’s now a cultural center that’s open to the public. The mosaics are made with different materials, including ceramic tiles, mirrors, and stones.
You don’t need to be an art lover to appreciate the beauty of these mosaics. They are truly a sight to behold. Even if you’re not familiar with Diego Rivera’s work, I think you’ll be impressed by the mosaics at Casa de Los Vientos.
10. The Zocalo
The Zocalo is the central square of Acapulco and one of the top tourist attractions in the city. It is here where you’ll find the Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude, which was built in 1930. The Zocalo is also a great place to people watch and soak up the local atmosphere.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, the Zocalo is the place to go. You’ll find plenty of shops selling all sorts of Acapulco-themed items, from t-shirts to keychains. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, so you can grab a bite to eat or drink while you’re here.
In the evening, the Zocalo comes alive with music and dancing. There are often performances by local musicians and dancers, so you can enjoy some traditional Mexican entertainment. The Zocalo is also the starting point for many of the city’s festivals and events, so it’s always worth checking to see what’s going on.
I enjoyed spending time at the Zocalo, especially in the evening when the square was full of people, and there was a lot of energy in the air. It’s a great place to people watch and get a feel for the local culture. So it should not miss your list of the best places to visit in Acapulco.
11. Acapulco Botanical Garden
The Acapulco Botanical Garden is one of the top tourist attractions in Acapulco not to miss. Located on a hillside, the garden offers stunning views of the city and the bay. It is home to more than 1,000 species of native plants and flowers, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies.
There are several different trails to explore in this garden, each with something different to offer. You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour. I recommend the latter so that you can learn more about the plants and animals that call the garden home.
I enjoyed strolling through the different sections of the garden, taking in the views, and learning about the plants. I also enjoyed seeing the different birds and butterflies, many of which I had never seen before. So if you are looking for things to do in Acapulco that are a bit more low-key, this is a great option. It is a beautiful place to relax and take in the natural beauty of Acapulco.
12. Take a Boat to La Roqueta
Finally, I finish this list of the best things to do in Acapulco with a boat ride to La Roqueta, an island located just off the coast. This island is popular with divers and snorkelers because of the clear water and diverse marine life.
There are many tour operators offering boat rides to La Roqueta, so it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and budget. I opted for a tour that included transportation from my hotel, lunch, and unlimited drinks. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes and makes a couple of stops along the way so you can take a dip in the water or just enjoy the views.
Once you arrive at the island, you can spend as much time as you like swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or just exploring the island. I loved snorkeling here because I was able to see so many colorful fish and other marine life. I also enjoyed relaxing on the beach and swimming in the clear water. There are also a few rustic restaurants on the island, so you can grab a bite to eat if you get hungry.
This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Acapulco if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and experience some of the natural beauty that the area has to offer.
In summary
With so many things to do in Acapulco, you’ll need more than just a few days to experience it all. But even if you only have a short time, you can still enjoy some of the best that this Mexican city has to offer. Just make sure to add these 12 things to your list so that you can have the best vacation possible.