Acapulco Vacations

Like many areas in Central America, Acapulco has two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season (between November and May) is the best time to visit, as the weather then is dry, warm, and sunny for water sports, with balmy nights for bar hopping and dancing. If you are looking for something a little daring, mid-February is the time for the Acapulco Carnival. During this wet season, while the temperatures are similar, the rains make it more humid. On a brighter note, the beaches are less crowded, and you may find it easier to get good rates, although many local businesses just close.

This recent addition to the local botanical gardens displays masses of tropical plants and flowers halfway up the mountain.

At the Pie de la Cuesta, the point where the lagoon and bay meet is the Barra de Coyuca, magical at sunset.

Rock carvings date thousands of years old, with few visitors and a steep climb to well-marked carvings.

A small archaeological museum, art gallery, and gift shop, featuring handmade baskets, hammocks, and shawls.

While this club caters to the wealthier travellers, many locals consider it the best club in town because of the exclusivity; a table here means the royal treatment.

Known as a cruise ship destination, Acapulco is a welcoming place for any and all visitors. Nightclubs remain open until the last patron leaves (which is often after dawn), and the town itself is a portrait of beauty, blending old history and incredible nature, with more modern attractions.

Don't forget to make time to watch the awe-inspiring La Quebrada cliff divers leap into the ocean far below them. Then climb the hill to the Chapel of Peace and enjoy the view of the entire city from above.

The large fort and small (but air conditioned) museum are a must see, giving tourists insight into the history of Acapulco with wonderful exhibits.

A fun water park for kids and families, where you can even swim with the dolphins. Get a local grocery store to stamp a receipt for your purchase for a discount on admission.

The tree-lined main square of Acapulco, the Zocalo overlooks the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church.

A collection of exotic indoor and outdoor marine exhibits, this little aquarium can be fun for the entire family.

Complete with idyllic lagoon, miniature islands, and tropical flora and fauna, this is a charming and unhurried place.

In the old section of the city, this byzantine-styled church has unique architecture and a garden.

Nice beaches, good restaurants, and a small zoo make Isla la Roqueta a fun place to visit. Ride out on a glass-bottom boat and explore the water as well.

Escape from the city for a walk on the park's tree-lined paths, or go swimming, or rent a paddleboat, and don't forget to see the 65' high piñata-fountain.

This quiet beach away from the main Acapulco Bay is a great place for lying back in the sun, eating the local specialties and doing nothing else.

Usually just known as "the Costera," this is the main tourist street in Acapulco, where the night life happens.

Often referred to as “The Pearl of the Pacific,” Acapulco, Mexico, has been enticing visitors to its sandy shores for longer than many other popular Mexican resort towns. American celebrity royalty including Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra were all frequent visitors to Acapulco during their heydays, enjoying the Mexican city's beautiful ocean views and non-stop nightlife. The town was made famous by the local cliff divers, who still perform for visitors, sending their bodies slipping neatly into the ocean from rocky cliffs reaching more than 100 feet in height. Acapulco remains a popular tourist destination, beckoning all sorts of travelers, from spring-breakers and honeymooners to retirees and families. Numerous all-inclusive resorts line the beaches of Acapulco, offering easy ocean access and all the amenities needed for a relaxing tropical vacation. Visitors looking to step into the past can immerse themselves in Acapulco's rich history with a visit to Fuerte de San Diego, a restored 17th-century fort, or one of 12 petroglyph sites in the area. Options for sampling the local cuisine are ubiquitous in Acapulco, where visitors and residents take dining out seriously. With offerings ranging from fresh-caught seafood straight from the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean to classic Mexican dishes, including piquant grilled cactus, pork and beef, food-lovers will never suffer from palate fatigue in the surfside city. Water worshippers flock to Acapulco to enjoy snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving off the rocky coast by day, heading into town in the evenings to hit the local discothèques and dance until dawn.

AOL Travel’s Acapulco Guide

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