No No to FOMO: Fun Things to Do in Acapulco, Mexico
What is Acapulco Best Known For?
Welcome to Mexico’s OG beach destination, a pearl of the Pacific. Before any of the other well-known beach hubs, like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, there was Acapulco. Against the backdrop of lush mountains and turquoise-colored waters, the international rich and the famous were drawn to Acapulco’s golden beaches sprawled in front of luxury hotels and extravagant partying. Anyone who was anyone came to bask in its golden beaches…in the 70s.
With the glitz came the glamor, and with the glamor came the violence and corruption. Even though the sunset still dazzles on the skyline, the sun set on the golden age of Acapulco’s reputation.
Commonly asked about if it is now safe to visit, security has significantly improved in recent years since the peak of its violent days. There’s no need to worry at all, especially along the tourist areas that hug the giant bay.
Is Acapulco Still a Good Vacation Spot?
Today, Acapulco is still a popular vacation getaway for mostly Mexican natives giving the whole city a unique tourist feel, but not a westernized version of it. There are many fun things to do and see in Acapulco, Mexico, so check them out below if you find yourself in town.
Fun Things to Do in Acapulco, Mexico
So, you’re planning a trip to this Pacific coast port city, what fun things should you do in Acapulco besides beach around? Read on to find the best lookouts and adventurous and popular things to do in Acapulco.
1. Marvel at the Death-Defying La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Starting as a tradition among local fishermen in the 1930s, the La Quedabra Cliff Divers have become the tallest organized cliff jumping spectacle with world-renowned recognition.
Happening near La Candelaria, this is a must-do attraction in Acapulco. In every show, a few boys and men scale the 130 ft cliff before diving or flipping gracefully into the ocean below.
They have a showing every-day at 13:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00, 22:00. There are 3 different ways to watch it: by platform (50 pesos for adults, 20 pesos for children), in the Mirador Restaurant (must order food), or by boat.
Address: La Quebrada 25, Centro, 39300 Acapulco de Juárez, Gro., Mexico
👉 Luxury dinner and a show? Book the package to wine and dine while people are risking their lives for your entertainment
2. Explore the Bay by Waverunner
Not the cheapest way to explore Acapulco Bay but probably the most fun, you can rent wave runners for 700 pesos (~35$ USD) for 40 minutes. Most places may initially offer 30 minutes, but if you negotiate, you will be able to get those 10 extra minutes.
The water is relatively calm when you ride in the bay, allowing you to make great distances. We were able to wave run past La Roqueta Island all the way to the open Pacific Ocean, gazing at the affluent mansions along the way. We even spotted one with its own private gondola to their ocean access.
There are also many potential urbexing options spotted for those who are so inclined as well.
3. Swim to Acapulco Bay Island at Sunset
The forecast of incredible sunsets in Acapulco is always bright. Every day, you can expect deep hues of orange and pink, and when they dazzle off the white hotels lined along the beaches, it is a beautiful sight.
In front of the Hotel Emporio on La Condesa Beach is a small island named Farallon del Obispo, which you can swim to. It takes about 10 minutes of ocean swimming and dodging passing boats, so make sure you can swim about a quarter-mile to get there.
There is a pull rope and a pair of stairs to the top. It is the ideal place to watch the sunset glow against the panoramic views of Acapulco’s luxury resorts. Just make sure you get back before dark, as the current in the Pacific Ocean can be unforgiving.
4. Chill on Beaches While Vendors Bring Everything Straight to You
Long stretches of beautiful beaches line all of Acapulco. Most likely, that is why you are here. Just a forewarning, you will not be finding any secret spots secluded just for yourself here, but that is the beauty of Acapulco’s beaches.
Anything you could want will be brought straight to you. Deserts, ceviche, oysters, ice-cream, souvenirs, massages, clothing, you name it. You can even rent speakers from passing vendors. Coupled with water sports options like riding on wave runners, parasailing, or bobbing on a banana boat, it turns out to be a pretty fun day at the beach.
Related Post: If you’re looking for some other amazing Mexican beach towns on the Pacific side, add Chacahua, Zihuatenejo, and Puerto Escondido to your list.
5. Snorkel the Hidden Beach of Isla La Roqueta
First of all, La Roqueta Island is a well-visited tourist attraction. Just by the lines for the glass-bottom boat ride to the island, you can tell that its hidden gem days are long gone. However, it is still worth a trip to snorkel and hike around La Roqueta Island.
👉 Book a half-day snorkel tour roaming around the secluded bays of La Roqueta
Our little secret, directions to a less-visited beach on La Roqueta
Follow the cement path to the more secluded beach, which turns into a hiking trail to Playa Dania. When the path forks, both courses will lead to the same beach.
Immediately around the secluded beach bay, calm waters turn into a strong current. Make sure not to go bast the bay!
Hike to the top of the Island
Another wonderful small little hike takes about 10 minutes of steep climbing entering through what looks like an army barrack to reach the top of La Roqueta Island. You can just pass through to see the natural beauty and amazing views of the entirety of Acapulco Bay.
How to Get There:
There are 2 ways to get to La Roqueta and 4 notable companies.
Option 1: Leave from Playa Caleta y Caletilla. Cost: 70 pesos. Ferries you straight across to the island.
Option 2: Leave from the Zocalo. Cost 150 pesos. Comes with a 45 minute tour in Spanish that takes you around the bay and shows you the underwater statue of Virgin de Guadalupe and some fish. The 3 companies that run are Yates Victoria, Coral, and Dinka.
How to Get Out:
Lines can get extremely long; I would know I went NYE weekend. Big mistake. However, it would’ve been a lot shorter had we known that there were actually 4 separate lines at the pier waiting for the respective company’s boats.
GO TO THE FRONT to ensure you are waiting in the right line. Yates Dinka can hold the most people and thus are generally faster.
6. Dance the Night Away in Acapulco’s Famous Nightlife
Acapulco has always been known for its nightlife. Walk the streets post-dinner, and every day of the week, you will pass thumping music, stumbling youth, and flashing lights. Check here for a list of Acapulco’s nightlife establishments.
The best area to party is Acapulco’s Golden Zone, between the Avalon Excalibur and the Naval Base. In the center of it all is Playa Condesa, the central hub of bars and nightclubs.
Acapulco Spring break is still very much a thing. Between February and Easter, thousands of spring breakers from all over North America descend upon the city to turn up.
7. Bungee Jump in a Nightclub
Knockback a shot if you have ever bungee jumped. At Paradise Bungy nightclub in La Condesa, you can knock back a shot and then go bungee jumping. Featuring a 165 feet tower overhanging a pool, now you can show off by bungee jumping off the big stage before showing off your dance moves.
8. Stunning Views from the Chapel of Peace
Looking across Acapulco, you have probably seen the large cross that stands on top of the hills in the distance. Capilla de La Paz (Chapel of Peace) features a 128-foot tall cross and chapel built to inspire peace. We have talked a lot about stunning views of Acapulco in this post, but here is certainly another worthy perspective of the Acapulco skyline.
Address: 2a. Cda Vientos Cardinales, Acapulco de Juárez, Gro., Mexico
9. Stroll the 17 Mile Acapulco Strip
Like the Vegas strip, the Acapulco strip houses everything meant to entertain and essentials. The main road along the beach stretches 17 miles in length, and the whole way, there are restaurants, bars, and markets to view. Recommended areas are:
- The Zocalo – downtown center, which is right along the main strip
- Playa Condesa Beach – the best nightlife and bar district if you’re trying to dance to some loud reggaetón
10. Visit the San Diego Fort
For those trying to get cultured, head over to visit the San Diego Fort (Fuerte de San Diego). Now a museum, walk through to see the history of Acapulco and one of the best places to see Acapulco Bay.
Nearby is another museum, Casa de Mascaras, which houses an impressive collection of indigenous masks.
Address: Hornitos s/n, Centro, 39300 Acapulco de Juárez, Gro., Mexico
11. Zipline on the Longest Zipline over a Bay
Xtasea adventure park boasts the world’s longest zipline over the sea. Before you say that is too many adjectives, the zipline is an impressive 1.13 miles long, 328 feet high, and speeds up to 87 miles per hour! Going on this adrenaline-pumping adventure will cost a pretty penny ranging from $50 – $75 USD for one ride down.
Along with the zipline, there is also an Xmonkey rope park, a high ropes course with views of the Acapulco bay.
Address: Paseo de los Manglares 1007, Granjas del Marqués, 39890 Acapulco de Juárez, Gro., Mexico
12. Play Unique Carnival Games at the Annual Christmas Market
If you happen to be visiting Acapulco around Christmastime, there is a carnival that springs up at the convention center. They are open every day from 6 pm to midnight, starting the week before Christmas and lasting around a month. Tickets in 2021 were 90 pesos per person, with 5 rides included.
The lines for the included rides were too long, but there are paid rides with no line for 50 pesos per person. We did one, and it was a whopping 8-minute ride!…which was too long for my stomach.
My favorite part was the super unique carnival games, like throwing rocks at beer bottles or scoring soccer balls in goals. Prizes could win you taxidermy or sombreros. Nuff said.
Along with the rides, carnival games, and the circus, the carnival brings a market within the fairgrounds. Vendors sell everything from food, rompope, deserts, even jeans, and shoes…which seems like a strange purchase for a carnival, but hey.
13. Thursday Pozole Night!
In the state of Guerrero, Thursday night is known as Pozole night. Pozole is a traditional stew containing at least corn and meat, and maybe some other vegetables. It also comes in three different soup bases: white, red, and green. The colors of the Mexican flag. On Thursday nights, I would recommend searching for a buffet; most likely, it will be pozole night, so you can try all the varieties.
14. Check out the Zocalo and Cathedral, and the Nearby Markets
The city center is the heart of nearly every Mexican village, town, or city. It is no different for Acapulco.
There are shops, vendors, restaurants, and the Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral, a cathedral with a unique interior.
Especially post-dinner, watch people of all ages come out for a nightly stroll or be entertained with live music and street clowns.
15. Shop at the Local Markets
The entirety of the strip is basically just one giant market (displaying very cute beachwear).
Just north up the street from the Zocalo is a mini Oaxacan market. Just south is a large market selling a variety of necessities and food.
16. Punta Diamante and Puerto Marques
This post primarily focuses on Old Acapulco, but I want to point out an up-and-coming newly renovated area of the city: Punta Diamante and Puerto Marques. Located in the south end of the city, these new places entice visitors seeking to get away from tourist-heavy areas or looking for a more luxurious experience.
Is Acapulco Safe for Tourists?
Someone once told me, “You can tell how safe a place is by the number of women and children out at night”. Well, there are plenty of women and children out at night.
I usually disregard talks of safety since I think you never know until you get there. However, since the state of Guerrero, Mexico, and Acapulco has a bad rep about being unsafe, I just wanted to quell any safety questions.
In the past, Acapulco had become unsafe for a while, but it is definitely on the up and up. It is still a big city, so common sense is needed. However, especially in the touristy areas, you have nothing to fear…just don’t follow strangers into alleys or be flashy.
Best Time to Visit Acapulco
The weather is sunny, and the air is humid year-round. If you were to choose, the absolute best time to visit Acapulco is shoulder months between the rainy season and dry seasons, like April, May, October, and November. This way, you can avoid the rain and the hottest temperatures.
How to Get to Acapulco Mexico
Acapulco is situated along the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero. If you’re looking for more information on anything Mexico transportation-related, here’s a guide that’s got you.
Directly to Acapulco from Mexico City
Almost 300 km away (180 miles), it takes 5 hours for the shortest bus to go from Mexico City to Acapulco. The company Estrella de Oro busses there and depending on the class of bus, it costs between 400-500 pesos. I always check Mexico’s bus aggregators for the latest information on which companies and times the buses are going here.
👉 Check out Busbud to see if there are any busses or BlablaCar’s (aka super cheap ridesharing on your dates)
Acapulco From Taxco | Bus Stops in Iguala & Chilpancingo
There are two main bus stations in Taxco, Estrella Blanca and Estrella de Oro. They are both on Avenida de Los Plateros and maybe only a 5-10 minute walk from each other, so make sure you are at the right station. We arrived at Estrella Blanca from Cuernavaca, but to leave to Acapulco, they only had busses at Estrella de Oro. Before arriving at Acapulco, our bus also made stops in different cities along the way: Iguala and Chilpancingo.
Bus Prices:
- To Iguala: 70 pesos – 30 minutes
- To Chilpancingo: 238 pesos – 3 hrs
- To Acapulco: 350 pesos – 4 hrs – 4.5 hrs
*Prices may be different due to demand and class of bus
There were only two buses that day at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm on the day we went. We couldn’t find this bus on a bus aggregator, but here is their website to check the latest times. If there are no optimal times, Iguala has many more connections than Taxco offers, and it is only 30 minutes away.
Bucket List Worthy? Fun Things to do in Acapulco, Mexico
The people who live in Acapulco are proud to call this place their home. When you look out across the bay at the shimmering resorts and glistening waters, the coastline leaves you in awe. Even though Acapulco may have received a bad reputation in recent decades, there are definitely still so many fun things to do in Acapulco, Mexico.
These should be the activities that make you the short list:
- La Quebrada Cliff Jumping
- Swim to Acapulco Bay for Sunset
- Party your Heart Out to some Loud Reggaeton
Going Elsewhere? Discover Other Mexico Adventures and Resources
- Best Things to Do in Tepoztlán, Mexico
- Best Things to Do in Taxco, Mexico
- Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo – Ixtapa, Mexico
- Ixtapa Island: A Perfect Beach Day at La Isla Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo
- How to Visit Chacahua, Oaxaca – A Secret Mexican Beach Paradise
- Adventurous Things to Do in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
- Day Trip to the Magical Waterfalls of Copalitilla and Llano Grande
- Things to Do in Huatulco, Mexico and Why I Won’t Be Back
- Never Lost in Mexico: Transporation Guide to Getting Around Mexico
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.