Acapulco has some of the best beaches in Mexico, if not in the world. From Pie de la Cuesta to the bay itself, then out to Puerto Marques and Diamante, and on as far as Barra Vieja, Acapulco offers miles and miles of beaches, each with a personality of its own.

The Pacific Ocean beaches can have strong waves, and are fun for those who like hearty water sports. Surfers particularly like Bonfil and Tres Vidas -- beaches east of Revolcadero in the Diamond Zone. Inside the bay the waves are usually gentle, particularly in the "traditional zone," which is like a cove within a cove. The "Golden Zone" on the east side of Acapulco's bay, from Parque Papagayo to the Naval Base, has marvelous water, sand, crowds and restaurants. In the middle of this is Condesa Beach, party central during Spring Break.

Here is a rapid tour of the highlights:

Pie de la Cuesta

Pie de la Cuesta ("foot of the slope") goes on for miles of yellow sandy beach. Behind is Coyuca Lagoon, where you will find peace, nature, and a few good places to eat. This may be the best beach on the Pacific for watching the sun sink into the ocean at day’s end. The waves can be strong here. Usually uncrowded, Pie de la Cuesta is a favorite of couples.

Playas Caleta & Caletilla

Playas Caleta and its near twin, Caletilla, are Acapulco's original and most traditional beaches. The aquarium and museum, Magico Mundo Marino, lies between them. Here there is food and music and lots of family activity. The waters are calm. Originally the beach of the Hollywood stars of the 50's and 60's, Caleta and Caletilla now appeal to tourists and locals alike, especially those with kids.

Roqueta and Marin Beaches

Take a water taxi or a glass-bottom boat from Caleta to Isla Roqueta, where two beaches await. Playa Roqueta and Playa Marin are quiet, rustic beaches in this nature preserve. They are a must for the ecotourist or anyone who wants an escape. Playa Roqueta is near where the boats dock. Playa Marin is a remote and undeveloped beach that can only be reached by making a small hike to the other side of the island.

Playa Angosta

Playa Angosta ("narrow beach") is where locals go to avoid tourist crowds. This short strip of beach is on the Pacific Coast, between two tall rocky outcroppings, one inlet east of La Quebrada, where the cliff divers perform. From mid-August to mid-April you can see the sun set into the Pacific. It's the only beach in Acapulco proper that offers such a view. Several local seafood restaurants serve up the food, beer and soft drinks.

Playas Manzanillo & Honda

These neighbors are on the bayside between Caleta and downtown. Look for the lighthouse or the marina. Several traditional seafood restaurants can be found on these very popular beaches. Fishermen moor their boats near here, and there’s a boat graveyard nearby.

Playa Tlacopanocha

Tlacopanocha is a popular beach at the end of the town pier ("the Malecón"). Here you can watch the cruise ships come and go during the season, as the marine terminal is nearby.

Playas Las Hamacas, Tamarindos, Hornos, Hornitos

These four beaches extend from the Marine Terminal near downtown to Parque Papagayo. They are the remaining beaches of Acapulco’s so-called "Nautical Zone" or "Traditional Zone." Playa Las Hamacas is wide and flat, more visited by fishermen than sunbathers. Tamarindos and Hornos are long beaches, extending up the bay to the east. Large coconut palms line the entrances from the sidewalk along the Costera. They have excellent beach restaurants, umbrellas, loungers, tables, and calm waves. There is lots of space for the kids to run around. These beaches are mostly enjoyed by families. Hornitos is the last beach before the beginning of Acapulco’s "Golden Zone." It is right in front of the town's main flag pole at the entrance to Parque Papagayo.

Playa Morro

Playa Morro, just off the traffic circle at the Diana statue, is a transition from the traditional zone (more family-oriented) to the party focus of Condesa Beach farther east. Just off shore in the water is a hilly island (a "morro"), so it’s easy to find. Currents here can be trickier than at the beaches closer to downtown.

Playa Condesa

Playa Condesa is right in the middle of Acapulco’s "Golden Zone" (Parque Papagayo to the Naval Base). A big rock (called "La Redonda") is just a few yards offshore. Condesa has lots of lively bars and dance clubs, and there is always a crowd, whether it be day or night. This is the most happening place for partiers, especially during "Spring Break." A segment of Condesa (below "Beto's") is a popular beach for gays. The water can get choppy around the offshore rock formations, but there is always something happening up on the sand.

Icacos Beach

Playa Icacos, the Golden Zone's second most happening beach, is much wider than Condesa from sea to back wall, with clear water and clean sand. Like Condesa, all sorts of water activities can be arranged, like waterskiing, jet-skis and rides. The hotels and condos of Costa Azul provide most of the sunbathers, and so the crowd tends to be a bit older than at Condesa and somewhat more upscale than in the traditional zone.

Playa Pichilingue

This beach is inaccessible to most people. It's for guests at the Camino Real and residents of the gated community surrounding it. Waters are calm, as it is on the shore of the small bay of Puerto Marques.

Playa Puerto Marques & Majahua

Residents of Acapulco Diamante do not hesitate to say that Playa Puerto Marques and Playa Majahua are the best beaches in town -- especially in late morning and early afternoon. Small by comparison with bayside beaches, they seem cozier and more tropical, as they are set in the lush mangroves around Puerto Marques. The waters are calm. Tourists do not seem to flock to these beaches, preferring the grander expanses of Playas Diamante and Revolcadero. Good shopping and good eating are also right at hand.

Playa Revolcadero

Playa Revolcadero ("tumbler beach") and Playa Diamante are really one long and wide strip of sand on the Pacific Ocean near the Fairmont Hotels (Acapulco Princess & Pierre Marques) and the Mayan Palace. These are three of Acapulco's most luxurious resorts. Here the chic and the fashionable come to enjoy the sun. Serious swimmers enjoy taking on the large waves that come rolling in. Unlike the waters on the bayside, the undertow at Revolcadero can be very strong.

Playa Larga

Playa Larga ("long beach") seems to go on forever, east of Revolcadero, and continuing towards Barra Vieja, miles away. The airport property lies behind part of it. This is a place for ecotourism, or quiet retreats back to nature. There are campsites, a nearby hatchery for sea turtles and a couple of places to spend the night. There are not too many services (like umbrellas and chairs), few restaurants, and no vendors. Access by automobile is recommended (no public transportation).

Playa Bonfil

Past Playa Larga is Playa Bonfil, also very quiet and unoccupied. Here the waves get strong enough to provide decent surfing. It has a sandy bottom. Waves come right and left. Not much is there in the way of services.

Tres Vidas

Playa Tres Vidas (three-lives beach) is yet farther down the coast from Acapulco Diamante and almost to Barra Vieja. An exclusive golf resort has been built here. Very few visitors come, other than guests from the boutique hotel at the golf club, lovers and surfers.

Barra Vieja

At the far east of Acapulco, about 20 miles away, is a fishing village called Barra Vieja (old [sand]bar). Here you will find several restaurants and beach clubs, some of them absolutely first rate. They offer parking, showers, and beach  facilities. You can eat, drink, sleep in the hammocks, swim in the pool, sun on the beach -- whatever you like. It is perhaps as close to a real tropical paradise as you can get these days. Be sure to choose your beach club carefully or get a recommendation.