If you requested an American some a long time in the past what their first possibility for a Mexico trip was, it is probably they might reply Acapulco.
Before Cancun was even constructed, Acapulco was a thriving resort city on the Pacific Coast.
With broad, sandy seashores backed by towering high-rises and the scenic Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, it catered to a variety of company, from Hollywood celebrities to the common Joe.
Then all of it modified:


Gangs began proliferating like seaweed, crime spiraled uncontrolled, and Cancun debuted as a much less harmful, extra developed different within the ’70s.
It’s been a very long time coming, however Mexico’s ‘forgotten’ jewel appears able to relaunch, with cleaner seashores, a revamped Hotel Zone following a hurricane devastation, and safer streets:
Acapulco Is Set To Make A Triumphal Comeback In 2025
Earlier this 12 months, the Mexican Government shared an article describing how a noticeable improve in Acapulco was fueling the town’s progress, with Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora herself affirming it is performed a big half within the financial restoration technique.


Though it continues to attract within the crowds, these are of their overwhelming majority home company, as internationals flock as a substitute to Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and the like.
This 12 months, native authorities purpose to revive Acapulco’s place of prestige as one among Mexico’s tourism hotspots.
Their objective is to fully rehabilitate its Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone, the place many of the lodges and leisure venues are centered, and additional develop the upscale Diamond Zone, residence to high-end facilities and pristine seashores.
Security apart, there’s an effort to revive Acapulco’s long-lost cultural attraction:


For these of you who do not know, it’s residence to a handful of landmark colonial constructions, most notably the Seventeenth-century San Diego Fort, presently being revitalized by a UNESCO group after Hurricane Otis, and its Zócalo, all the time essential in Mexican cities, and a Spanish-era public sq..
It’s going slowly however certainly, and very quickly, we must always count on Acapulco to start out resembling its Sixties self.
Golden Sand Beaches & $84 Hotels
Zona Dorada is the go-to choose for vacationers searching for an reasonably priced different to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean, with its reasonably priced lodges ranging from solely $56-a-night, corresponding to Acamar Beach Resort, and large choice of equally-inexpensive seafood eating places.


Some of the very best seashores on the town are additionally positioned in Zona Dorada, together with the long-lasting Condesa, recognized for its delicate, golden sands and myriad of nightclubs, and Icacos Beach, a favourite amongst water sports activities lovers.
In the secluded Diamond Zone, the place an in a single day keep can nonetheless value as little as $84 (take a look at the pool-equipped Copacabana Beach Hotel), you may select between Playa Revolcadero, a well-liked browsing spot attributable to its tall waves, and the extra tranquil Playa Barra Vieja, additional out from Acapulco Bay.
Acapulco is reasonable, and it might really feel considerably extra genuine, seeing it caters primarily to a home market—in different phrases, it isn’t like Americans are swapping Cancun for this Pacific resort anytime quickly.


The most important draw back, nevertheless, is the safety, as pickpockets and armed robbers proceed to function in sure areas:
The Truth About Safety In Acapulco
Once once more, crime ranges in Acapulco have proved to be persistently greater than the common Mexican resort metropolis, however the Government has vowed to crack down on prison exercise as early as final 12 months, so to ensure the protection of holiday makers and residents alike.
Back in November 2024, the Army, the Marina, and the National Guard have been deployed to watch native seashores, with a selected deal with the aforementioned zones, and there is been a noticeable effort in ramping up safety.


Although it’s now not the jet-setting vacation spot it as soon as was (it is getting there once more), it is necessary to notice that the majority Americans who go to Acapulco achieve this with out main issues.
For that, they often observe security suggestions which are, the truth is, in place throughout most of Mexico, but it’s strongly suggested that you just adhere to them when in Acapulco.
Fly Nonstop To Acapulco From The U.S.
If you are questioning how accessible Acapulco is if you happen to’re flying in from the States, it is definitely not as well-connected as, nicely, Cancun, however it does have a few strategic flights, together with a pair which have relaunched simply final 12 months.
United affords flights from Houston (IAH) to Acapulco (ACA) each Saturday and from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) each Wednesday. Prices often begin at round $200 one-way.
Of course, that is dependent upon season and seat availability.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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