By James Scott Bankston
This
resort city on
Mexico's Pacific coast has been popular with tourists since the mid-twentieth century, and it is filled with pricey hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs and numerous venues for outdoor recreation. It can get very crowded, and it lacks the degree of charm many Mexican towns have, but it is never less than exciting.
The Beaches
Acapulco has three main sections of beach: in the mushroom-shaped bay and to the east and west of said bay. Working your way from west to east, the main beaches are Playa la Angosta, which is rather small, Caletilla, Caleta, which are separated by the Magico Mundo Marino water park and are popular with locals, Honda, Larga, Manzanillo, just south of the old downtown area, Hornos, Hornitos, Condesa in the central section and Icacos off to the east. Further on to the east is Punta del Guitarron, Puerto Marques and Punta Diamente.
Sports and Relaxation
All the usual water sports are available here: swimming, snorkeling, scuba, surf fishing, deep sea fishing, surfing, boating, para-sailing, as well as tubing on the nearby Rio Azul. Golf and tennis are available, and there are several spas in town as well.
Sights and Sounds
The old part of Acapulco is centered around the zocalo or town square. Here you'll mostly find the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Cathedral, some craft shops and off to the east, the Fuerte de San Diego---a fort used to protect the bay back in pirate days. The Casa de Dolores Olmedo features mosaics by Diego Rivera.
Don't Miss
Five times a day divers leap 125 feet (38 meters) from the steep cliff of La Quebrada into shallow waters just shy of the rocks.
Day Trips
If you enjoy history, rent a car and go visit the charming colonial era city of Oaxaca or the archaeological ruins in Palenque.
About the Author:
James Scott Bankston, of Austin, Texas, has been a writer and editor since 1985. His work has appeared in Citysearch.com, the Austin Chronicle, and various Demand Media sites. He has a B.A. with a double major in English and history from Sam Houston State University.
