Architecture:
The only really interesting building in Acapulco from the point of view of architecture is the San Diego fort, although it is better known for its history than for its architectural value. This pentagonal fortress with its corner bulwarks was built in the 18th century.

Arts and Crafts:
The artistic imagination of the inhabitants of Acapulco is most evident in the decorative objects made out of shells and sea snails. Inland from Acapulco is the place where tamarind sweets come from.

Festivals:
Flower-filled processions take place on December 12, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. September 29 is the Day of San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael, the Archangel) in Coyuca de Benítez, a village some 34 km northwest of Acapulco. The celebrations include a fair, dancing and processions. There are also fireworks and dancing in Holy Week.

Historical Interests:
Pirates used to attack the Port of Acapulco during the 18th century in an attempt to capture the galleon from Manila, in the Philippines. The inhabitants at the time had to build a fortress to defend the port and that was how the San Diego fort came to be built. The construction was attacked by the insurgent, José María Morelos during the War of Independence. After a 14-day siege, the captain in charge of the fort, Pedro Antonio Vélez, finally surrendered.

Museums:
There is a History Museum in the San Diego Fort where old maps of the port, religious objects and cloths that came over on the Nao de China (the ship from China) are on display. This museum shows the importance of the port of Acapulco for international trade.

Performing arts:
There is not a lot of scenic art in Acapulco.

Beaches:
Acapulco Bay has a score of delightful beaches. Some have gentle, friendly waves, like Caleta and Caletilla, others have moderate waves like La Condesa while still others have rough waves in the open sea like El Revolcadero, but all of them are extremely beautiful.

Cuisine:
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties and fish and shellfish combination dishes. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants. These can be found in the hotels and on the Costera (the coast road). Local dishes like shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce are available at restaurants like the Kookaburra, for example.

Eco Tourism:
The Coyuca and Tres Picos lagoons located just outside Acapulco are full of mangroves trees and wildlife. The network of canals through the dense forest can be traversed in boats from which you can admire the wide variety of birds and listen to the pleasant sounds of their song.

Night Life:
Acapulco’s nightlife has something for everyone and its illuminated glass porches are now legendary. The discotheques, dance halls and bars are designed for all sorts of people wishing to have a good time. Many of these establishments have a panoramic view of the bay.

Shopping:
Acapulco has modern shopping centers with all types of shops and boutiques. The port is the leader in top quality summer clothes. You can also find costume jewelry, silver, leather goods, perfumes and souvenirs made from seashells at the innumerable shops along the Costera (coast road).

Spas:
Spa and massage services are available for guests at the Camino Real Acapulco Diamante and Westin Las Brisas hotels at Punta Diamante and Puerto Marqués on the south side of the city. Similar services are also available at the Hyatt Regency, Acapulco and Elcano hotels on Icacos Beach in the hotel zone on the Costera(coast road).

Camping:
In Acapulco, you can camp at the Playa Suave Trailer park, next to the Hotel Do Brasil. Electricity and bathroom facilities available.

Extreme Sports:
If you are addicted to adrenaline, you can get your rush by taking the bungee jump at Condesa Beach on the Costera Miguel Alemán (the coast road). This is a drop of some 50 meters. If you enjoy white-water rafting, you can get your thrills riding the Shotover Jet boat on the Papagayo River, near Acapulco.

Golf:
The 18 holes spread over the beautiful green carpet at the Hotel Acapulco Princess Golf Course invite you to come and enjoy your favorite pastime. You can also play at the Club de Golf Acapulco, near the Convention Center.

Hiking & Climbing:
There is a craggy canyon at the spot where the Papagayo River that flows down the Southern Sierra Madre mountain range joins the Omitlán River before it reaches the Pacific Ocean. The walls of the rocky canyon reach up to 60 meters high. This spot is located 6 km south of Tierra Colorada and about 60 km from Acapulco.

Horseback Riding:
If the idea of riding along a long sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and the Tres Palos Lagoon appeals to you, then you will enjoy renting horses on the wide Barra Vieja beach. Another attractive beach for horseback riding and enjoying the intense sunset is Pie de Cuesta.

Sailing:
Acapulco has docks from which to sail in all corners of the bay and also in the closed bay of Puerto Marqués.

Snorkel & Scuba:
The transparent waters between the rocks and Icacos beach on the eastern side of Acapulco Bay are a great place for diving. Coralreefs and all sorts of fish can be seen at this spot. Other places where you can enjoy sea wildlife are Roqueta island and Caleta and Caletilla. Beaches.

Surfing:
If you like the feeling of sliding down a wave on a surfboard, then Punta Diamante, Revolcadero and Ejido Bonfil are the places for you. The waves at Punta Diamante are big, as this spot is outside of the bay.

Water Sports:
Facilities for practicing your favorite water sport are available at many of the beaches in Acapulco. Water-skiing and jet- skiing can be done from beaches like Puerto Marqués, Caleta and Caletilla.

Cuisine:
Whether you’re at a lively beachfront eatery along the boardwalk, a romantic hilltop restaurant, or one of the leading hotels, dining out in Acapulco is a memorable experience. Even the most modest restaurants can offer fresh-from-the-sea fish and shellfish grilled to perfection, and accompanied by an ice cold chelada—beer and lemon juice on ice served in a salt-rimmed glass.

Acapulco specialties include ceviche, fish or shellfish marinated in lime juice and mixed with onion, tomato and cilantro; pescado a la talla, fish rubbed with spices and charcoal broiled; and pozole, a hearty stew made with chicken or pork and hominy that is traditionally found on Acapulco’s restaurant menus Thursdays.

Diners can also choose from a variety of international restaurants, including Japanese sushi bars and establishments offering U.S., Belgian, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican and French cuisine. Dining in Acapulco tends to be a late affair. It’s rare to find Mexicans sitting down for their midday meal before 2 p.m. and dinner almost never starts before 9 p.m. Most of the leading establishments accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express.