Zócalo

16th century Spanish fortress, built to defend the Acapulco harbor against pirates. The Manila-Acupulco trade route was very important during the colonial era of the Spanish Empire, linking the colonies of New Spain and the Philippines. The fort was damaged by an earthquake in 1776, but rebuilt. It is a classic 5-pointed star shaped fort with bastions on each point. The fort houses a historical museum that includes exhibits about the colonial era, the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution. It also houses a gallery about the Mezcala culture, one of the least understood of the Indigenous cultures of North America.

No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada. They have been doing it since 1934. You can see the dives from a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee, or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good view of the divers. Showtime at 13:00, 19:30, 20:30 and 21:30.

Isla de la Roqueta has a beautiful beach with shallow areas for families to play. You can get there by water taxi (around US$3.50) or the glass-bottom harbour tour boat (around US$7) from Caleta Beach. The harbour tour provides many sightseeing opportunities as well as seeing the yachts and homes of the rich and famous. As well, you can experience the cliff-divers’ show at La Quebrada, the submarine Virgin of Guadalupe, and see a diver with the tour swim under the boat with food to attract fish. If you don't pack food while on your tour, there is a great opportunity to have lunch by way of a boat restaurant that comes alongside the boat and prepares your order. Just be prepared to wait depending on the number of people on the tour with you. Once on Isla de la Roquet there are numerous well-maintained trails, a lighthouse and beautiful snorkeling spots - but they can be rough (if this doesn't suit you, your best bet would be to go to the Camino Real for snorkeling). And the bonus, you can take as much time as you want as the tour company's boats dock throughout the day.

The national park preserves a wilderness area around the hill known as Cerro El Veladero. Near the Colonia Palma Sola is a rocky area with prehistoric petroglyphs carved on 18 granite boulders. Climbing to the top of the hill follows a long hike with 500 steps. The engravings represent human faces and bodies, animals, and geometric figures. The park itself can be reached by taxi.

A water park right by the main beach. Especially nice for kids. Entrance is M$100 and it features many different pools and slides, a Skycoaster (a mix between a swing and a bungee jump) and a dolphinarium. Dolphin shows are on offer, and so is one hour swims with the dolphins - a lifetime memory for US$120.

Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marqués sees much less tourist traffic than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer. The restaurant owners (as well as most other locals) are very friendly to tourists and some will offer discounts or a free round of beer to groups. Tourists and locals alike munch on shrimp enchiladas, sip negra modelos, wade in the waters, and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Fewer locals speak English in Puerto Marqués than in Acapulco, so it is recommended that visitors speak some rudimentary Spanish. One can reach Puerto Marqués via bus.