Taking the Plunge in Acapulco, Mexico: A Traveler's Guide

Every year, Americans and people all over the world hop on a plane and head to the sunny beaches of Acapulco, Mexico. I've been to Acapulco three times. I was lucky to travel there when tickets were only $49 one way on the old Braniff airlines.

Acapulco, because of pleasant weather, is very popular year round. It's known as the queen of the Mexican beach resorts. Foreign and domestic travelers enjoy the variety of activities found in this area of Mexico, including parasailing, the beaches, private swimming pools in all the elegant hotels, the cliff divers, the great food and discos.

The carefree atmosphere of Acapulco, Mexico is always showcased in travel agency posters, websites and brochures.

What to see in Acapulco, Mexico

"Acapulco Meixco resort activities center around three areas. Beginning south of Acapulco Bay (near the airport) is the Playa Revolcadero/Diamante area. Once the private domain of the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marqués resorts, this long flat stretch of open ocean beach (backed by an enormous tropical lagoon) is now home to the Mayan Palace, the Tres Vidas Golf Course, and several highrise apartment/condo projects." Travel Mexico website.

Just to the north (between the airport and Acapulco Bay) is the Puerto Marqués area. This tranquil bay, for years of little interest to developers, is now the site of the enormous Acapulco Diamante resort and residential development.

"And finally, there is spectacular Acapulco Bay, a mountain-framed natural harbor that rivals Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong for natural beauty. A highway descends from the steep cliffs of the bay's southern end, becoming the coastal Avenida Miguel Alemán, also known as the Costera. This is the heart of Acapulco's resort strip and home to nearly all of Acapulco's highrise hotels, non-stop nightlife, dining, and shopping. The Costera continues north along the bay toward Old Acapulco and the aging but partially renovated downtown area."