Acapulco was Mexico’s original international tourist destination, and it still delivers a mix of natural drama, history, and beach culture that few other Mexican resorts can match. From the death-defying cliff divers of La Quebrada to the 17th-century Spanish fort guarding the bay, these are the essential things to do in Acapulco. Most attractions cluster along the Costera Miguel Aleman, the main coastal boulevard that runs for 12km around the bay. The Acapulco weather by month guide helps you time outdoor activities around the rainy season. For an overview of all guides, weather, seasons, and hotels, see our Acapulco travel guide.
Things to Do in Acapulco: Iconic Attractions
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
Acapulco’s most famous attraction since 1934, the clavadistas leap from cliffs 35 meters (115 feet) high into a narrow Pacific inlet just 4 meters deep. Timing the dive requires waiting for an incoming wave to raise the water level, a miscalculation means hitting rock. Shows run daily at 1:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, and 10:30pm. The evening shows include torch-lit dives. Admission is 50 MXN (about US$3) at the viewing platform on Plaza las Glorias, or you can watch for free with a drink from the Hotel Mirador terrace next door. Arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot.
Fuerte de San Diego
This star-shaped stone fort was built in 1616 to defend Acapulco against pirates attacking the Manila Galleon trade route. Today it houses the Acapulco Historical Museum with 13 exhibition halls covering pre-Hispanic cultures, the Spanish conquest, the galleon trade, and Mexico’s independence. Entry costs 75 MXN (about US$4.50). The fort is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The rooftop offers panoramic views of the bay and the Zocalo. It’s located at the eastern end of the Costera in Acapulco Tradicional.
Zocalo and Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
Acapulco’s main square sits in the heart of the Traditional Zone, shaded by palm trees and surrounded by cafes and ice cream carts. The cathedral, with its blue-domed towers and stark white interior, was built in the 1930s and dedicated to the Virgin of Solitude, Acapulco’s patron saint. The Zocalo comes alive in the evening with families, street performers, and food vendors selling churros and elotes (grilled corn with mayo and chili). It’s free to enter both the square and cathedral.
Things to Do in Acapulco: Beaches and Nature
Isla La Roqueta
A 15-minute boat ride from Caleta Beach (60 MXN round trip), La Roqueta Island offers hiking trails through dry tropical forest, a small zoo, and snorkeling spots around coral formations. The glass-bottom boat tours let you see fish without getting wet. Bring water and snacks, there’s only one basic restaurant on the island. The hike to the lighthouse at the island’s highest point takes about 45 minutes each way. Boats run from 9:00am to 4:30pm daily.
Pie de la Cuesta
Located 10km northwest of central Acapulco, Pie de la Cuesta is famous for two things: the best sunsets in the region and the Coyuca Lagoon, a freshwater body separated from the Pacific by a narrow strip of sand. The lagoon is excellent for birdwatching (herons, pelicans, kingfishers) and boat tours cost around 200 MXN per person. The ocean side has strong surf and undertow, so swimming here requires caution. Several rustic seafood restaurants line the beach, serving pescado a la talla (grilled whole fish) for 150-200 MXN.
Barra Vieja
About 30km southeast of Acapulco along the coastal highway, Barra Vieja is a long stretch of wild beach backed by coconut groves. It’s the go-to spot for Acapulqueños on Sunday afternoons. The specialty is pescado a la talla, a whole red snapper butterflied, grilled over charcoal, and slathered with a chili-lime marinade. Most restaurants are open-air palapas right on the sand. A taxi from the Costera costs around 300-400 MXN each way. Go on a Sunday to experience it at its liveliest.
Parque Papagayo
This 21-hectare urban park sits right on the Costera near the Hornos beach area. It features a small lake with pedal boats, walking trails through tropical gardens, a children’s playground, an aviary with macaws and toucans, and a replica of a Spanish galleon. Entry is free; the aviary costs 50 MXN. It’s open daily 7:00am to 6:00pm. Good for families or anyone looking for a shaded break from the beach.
Things to Do in Acapulco: Culture and Views
Diego Rivera Mural at Casa de los Vientos
Perched on a hillside in the Las Brisas area, this former home of Dolores Olmedo (Rivera’s patron) features a 20-meter mosaic mural on the exterior wall depicting Quetzalcoatl the feathered serpent, made from thousands of ceramic tiles and seashells. The house itself isn’t open to the public, but the mural is visible from the road. A taxi from the Costera costs around 100 MXN. Combine it with a visit to the nearby Las Brisas hotel for drinks with a view.
Sinfonia del Mar
This open-air amphitheater carved into a rocky outcrop above the bay in Los Hornos offers free sunset views over Acapulco Bay. The name comes from the acoustic design: waves hitting the rocks below create natural percussion. On Sunday evenings there are sometimes free concerts. It’s a 10-minute walk from Parque Papagayo along the Costera.
Palma Sola Archaeological Site
Located in the hills above the Diamante Zone, Palma Sola features 18 petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock between 800 BC and 750 AD by the Yopes people. The carvings depict humans, animals, and geometric patterns. The site is free to enter and open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. It involves a 20-minute uphill walk from the parking area. Take a taxi or Uber from the Diamante Zone (about 150 MXN). Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
Things to Do in Acapulco: Day Trips
Taxco
The silver-mining town of Taxco sits 3.5 hours north of Acapulco in the mountains of Guerrero state. Its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and the twin-towered Santa Prisca Church make it one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Magicos. Silver jewelry shops line every street with prices well below what you’d pay in the US or Europe. Buses run from Acapulco’s Central de Autobuses on Avenida Cuauhtemoc to Taxco (Estrella de Oro line, about 350 MXN each way). It’s a long day but doable if you leave by 7:00am.
Laguna de Coyuca
Beyond Pie de la Cuesta, the Coyuca Lagoon stretches for miles through mangrove channels. Boat tours (200-300 MXN per person) take you through the mangroves to spot birds, crocodiles, and the occasional iguana. Tours typically include lunch at a lagoon-side restaurant and last 3-4 hours. Most hotels can arrange a tour, or you can drive to Pie de la Cuesta and negotiate directly with boat operators at the lagoon dock.
