11 Best Things To Do In Acapulco, Mexico

Are you looking for the best things to do in Acapulco? 

Tourism industry in Acapulco, once a hot spot for international jetsetters, began its decline in 2014 due to the upsurge in gang violence in the area. Foreign tourists became few in the succeeding years.

However, this beautiful resort town in Mexico’s Pacific coast has recently seen an improvement in tourism with over a hundred thousand foreign guests and about 11 million Mexican tourists in 2019.

Today, Acapulco is a popular weekend and holiday getaway for Mexicans. Foreign visitors are also slowly but steadily coming back to this fabulous beach destination.

Acapulco is set on a great bay backed by high-rises and the mountains of Sierra Madre del Sur. It offers exciting activities from the adrenaline-pumping cliff diving to bungee jumping and zip lining to high-energy night life.

Here are the 11 best things to do in Acapulco, Mexico.

11 Best Things To Do In Acapulco, Mexico

1. Watch the daring La Quebrada Cliff Divers

Do you want a literal breathtaking experience in Acapulco? Then watching the La Quebrada Cliff Divers should be on top of your activities in Acapulco.

The daring La Quebrada Cliff Divers have enjoyed fame since 1963, after being featured in a musical called Fun in Acapulco, starring none other than the king himself – Elvis Presley.
The cliff divers surge impressively from 135-ft. high cliffs into the Pacific Ocean. This skill has been admired by spectators since the 1960s.

These graceful cliff divers doing such daring act is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Acapulco that any visitor shouldn’t miss.

Buy your ticket online here.

2. Spend time at any of Acapulco’s prime beaches

When we hear “Acapulco,” the first thing that comes to mind is the stunning beaches. It is simply not possible to visit Acapulco and not fall in love with its beaches.

The beautiful beaches are among the most popular attractions in Acapulco and they are quite aplenty, too. You can choose from a wide range of options from Barra de Coyuca and Condesa Beach to Pichilingue, Caleta, Majahua, and Icacos – each more beautiful than the other.

3. Go on a glass-bottom boat ride to Isla de La Roqueta

Isla de La Roqueta is a small island with nice beaches, restaurants, and a zoo. These beaches are one of the nicest in Mexico. The island boasts wildlife as well. However, all these are overshadowed by the amazing glass-bottom boat ride, which provides an opportunity to observe the abundance of marine life and also a sunken statue.

Explore Isla de La Roqueta and enjoy the beaches. No need to worry about food as the island has restaurants to choose from. You must not miss the island zoo as well.

4. Go bungee jumping in Acapulco

In Acapulco, bungee jumping is the ultimate thrill for adrenaline junkies.

You can find Paradise Bungy Acapulco just off the coast. And for around $50 for each jump, you will be rewarded with adrenaline rush like no other, plus the great views of the waters. This is a free fall of more than 50 meters off the tower, above the pool of dolphins, which adds to the thrill.

6. See the Diego Rivera Mural

No visit to Acapulco is complete without seeing the mural of Diego Rivera, the most famous Mexican artist. This particular Diego Rivera mural is simply fantastic. Its colors alone will take your breath away!

Rivera created this mural in 1956. It can be seen on the exterior wall of the House of the Winds. It is made with colored mosaics, seashells, and stones.

The mural, which is considered Mexico‘s treasure, belongs to Dolores Olmedo, who Rivera made a nude painting of when she was 12 years old.

7. Visit the Fuerte de San Diego

Built in the 17th century and completely rebuilt in the 18th century, the pentagon-shaped Fuerte de San Diego (Fort San Diego) was one of the most important Spanish fortifications on the Pacific coast during the Colonial rule.

One of the most important historical landmarks in Acapulco, Fuerte de San Diego is home to the Acapulco Historical Museum. You can explore the fort and check out the items showcased in the museum for 65 pesos (about US $3.20).

Please note, however, that the fort and the museum are not open on Mondays.

Buy your ticket online here.

8. Palma Sola Archaeological Site

Situated high on the La Cuesta Hills, the archaeological site in Palma Sola is one of the best places to visit in Acapulco.
The site offers spectacular views of the city and the bay and a chance to see stunning rock drawings that have been here for around 3000 years.

A trek to see these well-preserved petroglyphs is a marvelous way to spend an hour or two of your time in Acapulco.

7. Take a break at the Plaza Juan Alvarez

After a day of exploring other must-see attractions in Acapulco, take break at the Plaza Juan Alvarez and soak up the ambience of the charming main square.

Plaza Juan Alvarez is surrounded by shop, cafés, and quaint buildings, with the blue domed Byzantine Cathedral within reach. Here you will find the best food in Acapulco and with plenty of shops around, you can do some shopping as well.

8. Experience the XTASEA Tirolesa Zip Line

For an experience you can’t get just anywhere else, go zip lining at the XTASEA Tirolesa. It is safe and nice, with awe-inspiring views from up. There is also a snack bar at the landing side.

If you have items that you cannot take with you, there are free lockers at the central office, where you meet before boarding the bus to the actual jump site, so store your stuff there. After the activity, buy at least one picture of your memorable experience at the XTEASEA Zip Line.

9. Hit the beach bars on the Avenida Costera

If you need anything while in Acapulco, you can find it on the Costera – especially the beach bars. Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán, the main street in Acapulco, is where all the beast beach bars are.

With 25 km. of fine beige sand with no rocks or weeds, Avenida Costera is a must-visit when in Acapulco. It has fishing docks on one side and the row of luxury hotels and resorts on the other, with so many fun clubs and bars to choose from.

The sea is breathtakingly beautiful, especially in the sunset, so go around this time and enjoy the rest of the night hitting the bars on this strip.

10. Get close to nature in the Acapulco Botanical Gardens

Interesting plants and trees – both local and exotic from differents parts of the world, with detailed information on most – can be seen in the Acapulco Botanical Gardens.

Plan to spend an hour or so for an excellent experience getting close to nature. The place is also great for hiking.

11. Walk up to the Capilla de la Paz

If you want more breathtaking panoramic views of the Acapulco Bay, you should walk up to the Capilla de la Paz (Peace Chapel).
The minimalist chapel is non-denominational, built by a family to welcome all visitors whatever their religions. It features a 40-m.-high cross and a statue of the Hands of Brotherhood.

If you’re not so fit or simply hate to walk up the mountain road (it’s long and hot!), you can get a taxi to take you to the Capilla de la Paz.

Check out this other tours from Acapulco!