10 Best Beaches in Acapulco

Condesa Beach, in the centre of the tourist-friendly Golden Zone, is where you’ll find the biggest crowds in Acapulco. This beach, with its golden sand, is packed with families and friends relaxing on sun loungers, playing beach games or water sports. Come here if you want some action along with your sunbathing.

You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis, with windsurfing classes and even bungee jumping available for the more adventurous. There’s also a great selection of beach bars and restaurants lining the beach. Condesa Beach isn’t the most relaxing stretch of coastline in Acapulco, but it is the most entertaining.

Pichilingue Beach is a peaceful stretch of coastline a short boat ride from downtown Acapulco. Popular with locals and couples looking to escape the crowds, come here to get stuck into a good novel or enjoy a long walk along the sand.

At Pichilingue Beach, the water gets deep enough for swimming quite close to shore and is often cleaner than you’ll find closer to the city. To get here, look for a speedboat taxi from Acapulco Bay. You can arrive by road, but it can be quite challenging to find.

Barra de Coyuca is a beach around 30 km from Acapulco Bay, but it’s worth the drive if you’re looking for a stunning coast with clean, golden sand and crashing waves.

Despite the distance from downtown Acapulco, there’s plenty to do here. Several restaurants and bars line the sand, along with water sports rental stalls that offer surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. For those who make the journey, Barra de Coyuca is considered by many to be the finest beach in the Acapulco area.

Caleta Beach and its sister, Caletilla Beach, together make up one of the most famous coastlines in all of Acapulco. The 2 small beaches are separated by a small islet, and the calm waters are among the most popular in the area. Its central location certainly helps – you can walk here from the downtown area. Many popular hotels also line the beach.

The sand at Caleta Beach is a little rough compared to other beaches in Acapulco, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in amenities. At mealtimes, you’d be spoilt for choice thanks to a wide range of food stalls, seafood restaurants and bars available.

Majahua Beach is a great all-rounder beach in Acapulco. This family-friendly cove has calm water suitable for kids, with plenty of water sports on offer and many restaurants and bars with tables on the sand. Sun loungers are set up along the majority of the beach, so you’ll have no problem finding a comfortable place in the shade.

Located just south of central Acapulco, this beach can get busy on weekends. You’ll find a steady stream of hawkers selling beach gear, snacks and cold drinks, but they’re not overly intrusive.

Icacos Beach, known locally as Playa Icacos, is a gorgeous white-sand beach that stretches off to the horizon and beyond. In parts, the beach is lined with shops and restaurants, though most of the beach is undeveloped and popular with couples looking to escape the frenzy of central Acapulco.

If you’re looking for something to keep you entertained after sunset, Icacos Beach is a good option because you’ll find some bars and clubs close to the coast. They keep the party going until late, so you won’t be stuck for something to do at night.

Revolcadero Beach is a long and mostly peaceful beach that’s a short drive south of Acapulco Bay. It stretches for 4 km and is most popular with surfers, who come for the big waves. The water and sand are noticeably clean here. But be careful when swimming as it gets deep only a few metres out and there can be some strong currents.

You won’t find many bars or restaurants at Revolcadero Beach, but that’s part of the attraction for those who want to find a quiet spot on the sand to read a book or work on their tan.

Barra Vieja Beach is a lesser-known beach that promises soft sand, a host of seafood restaurants, and a lagoon just a short walk away. It’s among the Acapulco area’s unique beaches, attracting a mature set looking for a relaxed day on the shore and fresh seafood. If you do make the 30-minute drive out to Barra Vieja Beach, be sure to check out the nearby lagoon.

The massive Laguna de Tres Palos lagoon is just behind Barra Vieja Beach and is a popular nesting area for several bird species. People use the mud from the lagoon as part of their skin-cleansing beauty ritual. Try it for yourself and see how you feel.

Del Amor Beach is a hidden beach on the north coast of Isla la Roqueta. The water here is always calm and clear, making it suitable for children and novice swimmers. The beach is only a few hundred metres long but it’s rarely crowded. To get here, take a boat from Acapulco Bay. The main activity here is snorkelling. Spot the many tropical fish swimming in its beautifully clear waters.

Isla la Roqueta is a jungle-covered island about 300 metres off the mainland coast. There’s no permanent population, only a few beautiful beaches and a few small restaurants. While reaching Del Amor Beach takes a little effort, it’s less crowded than those on the mainland, making it a great place to enjoy the paradisical surroundings in peace.

Playa Tlacopanocha is a small beach in the old town of Acapulco, located at the southern end of the fishing pier. It’s popular with locals and travellers, with gentle waves suitable for small children. There’s plenty of street food to try and local restaurants to dine at here, making it a great place for those looking to eat well on a budget.

The sand is clean, although it does get busy. Playa Tlacopanocha is best for a quick dip in the sea and a short break from sightseeing, rather than a whole day on the coast.