Acapulco

Guerrero, Mexico

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Acapulco is a historic resort city and port located in Guerrero state on southwestern Mexico’s Pacific coast, famous for its deep semicircular bay that serves as one of the finest natural anchorages in the world.

Often called the “Riviera of Mexico” or “Pearl of the Pacific,” it attracts visitors with its warm, dry climate from December through April, stunning beaches like Playa Condesa and Playa Icacos, luxurious hotels, excellent deep-sea fishing, and vibrant nightlife. The city's history dates back to 1531 when Hernán Cortés claimed the harbor for Spain, and it later became a major depot for Spanish colonial fleets trading between Mexico and the Philippines.

In the 1950s, Acapulco became a glamorous destination for celebrities like Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy, and while it has mellowed slightly, it now offers attractions for all ages including watersports, dolphin swimming, and the 18th-century Fort of San Diego museum. Accessible by airplane, cruise ship, or toll road from Mexico City (288 miles north), Acapulco remains Mexico’s closest major beach town to the capital and continues to draw over 300,000 visitors annually.