Overview

To the American traveler, Acapulco conjures up certain images. Perhaps the Rat Pack, perhaps Elvis Presley, perhaps Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, perhaps even Tú o nadie, the blockbuster worldwide telenovela starring Lucía Méndez. By the 1980s, it seemed like every daytime game show was giving away prize packages to luxurious Acapulco. Before Cancún and Puerto Vallarta became holiday staples and standard-bearers for what the American vacation experience in Mexico looked like, there was Acapulco, in Guerrero state on Mexico's Pacific coast, leading the way and boasting lodging in every price point, from Hiltons and Sheratons to Holiday Inns.

For decades, Acapulco represented aspiration. Today, its name still carries glamour and allure, but it also recalls a "time before" when other Mexican destinations were still emerging for tourists or before Mexico perfected curated, boutique, and more secluded luxury experiences. Yet beyond Acapulco's lingering glitz, it remains a warm and inviting destination where sunny beaches meet clear blue waves and locals serve fresh seafood with a smile. Here, history lingers in the old fort overlooking the bay, while traditions and modern energy come together in lively markets, music-filled nights, and colorful festivals. Acapulco welcomes travelers to soak up its rich blend of culture and beauty, offering something for everyone whether you're here for the sun, the food, the history, or simply to relax.

History and Culture

Acapulco's story stretches back millennia, long before the modern tourist boom. It was once a small fishing village, prized by indigenous communities for its natural harbor and abundant marine life. Its pivotal moment came in the 16th century when Spanish explorers recognized its strategic value, transforming it into a key port for the Manila Galleon trade that connected Asia, the Americas, and Europe. For over two centuries, Acapulco was a bustling hub of commerce, linking Mexican silver and Asian luxury goods along treacherous trans-Pacific routes. The Fort of San Diego, built in the early 17th century, still stands today as a witness to this era, a symbol of the city's importance and its brushes with pirates.

Culturally, Acapulco has always reflected a vibrant fusion of indigenous, colonial, and contemporary influences, evident in its music, cuisine, and festivities. The city pulses with the rhythms of chilena and sones, traditional musical styles that blend African, Spanish, and indigenous sounds. Its food scene, rich with seafood and tropical fruits, offers flavors like ceviche acapulqueño and pescado a la talla. In the mid-20th century, Acapulco became a global icon, drawing celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra to its beaches and nightlife. Even today, its legacy as a playground for the elite coexists with local traditions: artisans craft intricate beadwork, and festivals like the Carnaval de Acapulco bring color and energy to the streets. Acapulco is a place where history and modern culture blend seamlessly.

Weather

Expect warm temperatures no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Acapulco. The high season coincides with its dry season, which occurs from November to May. Lower humidity prevails and temperatures are in the mid and upper 80s Fahrenheit, dipping to the low 70s at night. Similar temperatures occur during the rainy season, but of course more humidity and more chances for rain, particularly in the afternoons and evenings (the storms roll in, rain heavily, and leave as quickly as they came). Make sure the clothing you pack is breathable and lightweight, carry sunblock for protection, and a small umbrella or poncho for rainy season. Note that Pacific hurricane season is like the Atlantic, running from June 1 to November 30. Acapulco can and does get tropical storms and hurricanes, as evidenced by the effects the city is still dealing with following Otis in 2023 and John in 2024.

Must-See Sights in Acapulco

Note: Hurricane Otis in 2023 and Hurricane John in 2024 caused significant impacts to Acapulco's infrastructure and its sights, with some sights (such as the El Rollo Acapulco water park) now permanently closed. The descriptions of must-see sights below reflect ones that are open to the public as of late spring/early summer 2025.

Acapulco's renowned beaches, such as Playa Condesa, Playa Icacos, and Playa Revolcadero, are fully open to locals and visitors as of 2025, welcoming sun-seekers and surfers alike. Barra Vieja Beach, known for its tranquility and local seafood delicacies, is also open to visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore the serene Laguna de Tres Palos, ideal for bird watching and boat tours. Additionally, Isla de la Roqueta offers hiking trails, snorkeling spots, and panoramic views from its lighthouse.

The iconic La Quebrada Cliff Divers have resumed their breathtaking performances, captivating audiences with their daring dives just like they had before the two hurricanes. The Fort of San Diego, a 17th-century fortress housing the Acapulco Historic Museum, is open to the public once again. The collections within the fort and in the museum itself offer lots of insight into the city's rich history. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Sinfonía del Mar amphitheater and explore the lush landscapes of Parque Papagayo. (Note that some portions of Papagayo might still be under construction.)

A large number of hotels have reopened, and by 2025 Acapulco was operating at about 75% capacity when compared to the 2022 tourism season (prior to the arrival of Otis). The Arena GNP Seguros, despite previous damages in both storms, is fully operational and continues to host major events, including tennis tournaments and concerts.

Activities

As mentioned above, many iconic activities in Acapulco are open once again, like the viewing of the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, and tours of the Fort of San Diego and visits to the Acapulco Historic Museum. The Diego Rivera Mural on the Centro Cultural La Casa de los Vientos is available for you to take pictures in front of once again, having been retouched following the storms. The cultural center is also open (four days a week, Tuesday-Friday). A number of beaches, like the ones mentioned above, are open, and Barra Vieja is a great place to try pescado a la talla, grilled butterflied and on skewers. We recommend a glass-bottom boat tour to Isla de la Roqueta, where you can see the island's lighthouse, snorkel offshore, or hike the island trails. It's also possible to tour portions of the Acapulco countryside and beach area on horseback from licensed operators.

Shopping

Mercado Central is Acapulco's largest local market, and it boasts over 650 establishments and a diverse array of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, and a variety of crafts and folk art. It's an ideal spot for finding handmade items like woven textiles, embroidered clothing, leather goods, ceramics, and colorful piñatas.

Located near Playa El Murro, Craft Market El Pueblito is renowned for its wide range of traditional arts, crafts, home décor, and local foods. Visitors can find unique souvenirs, including bathing suits and beach blankets, all while enjoying the market's proximity to the seashore.

Finally, anyone who wants to look for traditional handicrafts shouldn't miss Mercado El Parazal. Recognized as Acapulco's oldest continuously operating arts and crafts market, Mercado El Parazal features vendors from across Mexico selling handmade leather goods, wood art, hats, shoes, and home décor made from seashells. It's a treasure trove for those seeking authentic Mexican crafts.

For a shopping experience more analogous to back home, you'll want to visit the La Isla Acapulco Shopping Village. This luxurious open-air mall is a premier shopping destination featuring popular international retailers like Billabong and Lacoste, and also includes dining options like Harry's Prime Steakhouse.

Nightlife

Despite back-to-back hurricanes, Acapulco's nightlife has rebounded quite impressively. Whether you're in the mood for high-energy clubs, laid-back beach lounges, or unforgettable cultural performances, Acapulco delivers with style and flair.

For travelers seeking a night of dancing and celebration, venues like Believe Acapulco (embedded into a hillside) continue to set the scene with curated DJ sets and stunning views of Acapulco Bay. Disco Beach remains a favorite among the younger crowd, with its famous foam parties and beachfront dance floor, while Mandara offers an upscale experience with panoramic bay vistas and an eclectic mix of music, from house to pop and Latin beats.

For those who prefer a more relaxed night out, Acapulco's beachside bars are back in action. Barbarroja, with its distinctive pirate-themed décor and ship-shaped interior, provides live music and a spirited atmosphere. Kassandra Beach House offers a blend of poolside lounging and vibrant nightlife, where guests can sip tropical cocktails while soaking in the views of the bay. These spots have reopened and reclaimed their spots as staples of the Acapulco nightlife experience.

Cultural entertainment has also returned in force. Arena GNP Seguros, the city's modern arena, is hosting major concerts and events once again, with performances by major Mexican artists lined up for the year. Meanwhile, La Quebrada continues its iconic cliff-diving performances into the evening, with the divers illuminated against the night sky.

Food & Drink

Acapulco's food scene has been resilient after the storms as well, with old favorites and new energy competing for diners and continued influence in the city. You'll find classic dishes like pescado a la talla, where whole fish is butterflied, marinated in a rich chili sauce, and grilled over an open flame, and ceviche Acapulqueño, which combines fresh fish with lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and a touch of orange juice or soda for a hint of sweetness. There's also the hearty vuelve a la vida seafood cocktail, packed with shrimp, clams, and oysters in a spicy tomato sauce, and pozole Guerrero style, a hominy stew. If you're in the mood for something simple, tiritas de pescado, thin slices of fish cured in lime with onions and chilies, or camarones al mojo de ajo, shrimp cooked with garlic and butter, are always great choices.

If you're looking for where to eat, there are plenty of great options open and ready to welcome you. El Amigo Miguel is a local staple known for its fresh ceviche and grilled fish. Bora Bora brings a lively atmosphere with its seafood-focused menu, while La Vela at Camino Real offers a more upscale spot to enjoy ocean views and well-prepared seafood. Cosecha adds a creative touch with dishes that mix local ingredients with global influences, and Rosatto puts a Mediterranean twist on the traditional Acapulco experience.