The Pacific Coast of Mexico offers a wide range of vacation experiences. The bustling beach town of Ixtapa boasts upscale resorts and stylish beach clubs, while the sleepy fishing village of Zihuatanejo beckons backpackers with cobblestone streets, quaint restaurants, and lively markets.
While many of the best beaches in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are within walking distance of the city center, it is still worth taking a taxi to explore some of the region’s most stunning coastal gems.
1. Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site
If you’re looking for something a little more cultural than your usual beach getaway, Zihuatanejo all inclusive is the place to be. It’s a laid back beach town that feels more like a Mexican hidden gem than its louder, resort-heavy neighbor to the north, Ixtapa.
For example, you can visit the Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site, which is an ancient site that was used by different cultures throughout Mexico. It features a number of artifacts from the Cuitlatecas, Tarascans, Mixtecas, Aztecs and other pre-Columbian tribes that gathered here for ceremonies.
Another great thing to do is walk along the Paseo del Pescador, a long concrete path that curls around the bay between Playa Principal and Playa Madera. It’s a lovely stroll that passes cozy artisanal shops, seafood restaurants with thatched roofs, and upscale international eateries.
2. Playa la Ropa Beach
If you’re a sucker for white sand, this mile-long stretch of Playa la Ropa is where you’ll want to be. It’s the place to go to get a good tan, as well as to enjoy some of the best food and drink on the coast.
It’s also the spot where you’ll find the most glitzy of all the Zihuatanejo all inclusive resorts. This one is the ilk of the aforementioned cliffside Casa que Canta, and it has a long list of amenities that include an impressive opulent beachfront infinity pool, a slew of dining options including a swanky steakhouse, and an extensive spa. But what really stands out here is the glitzy resort’s homage to the natural surroundings that includes a tree-covered grove of coconut, bamboo and rainbow-hued bougainvillea.
3. The Pier
If you’re looking for a beautiful bay front Zihuatanejo all inclusive property that provides a top notch experience, look no further than The Pier. Management is extremely friendly, fast paced, and family oriented.
The area around the pier is lively and full of restaurants, banks, pharmacies, etc. It has a typical small Mexico beach town feel with inexpensive shopping at the local mercados and great people watching.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Zihuatanejo, be sure to visit the Museo Arqueologico de la Costa Grande, located right on the pier. This museum showcases the Olmec, Cuitlateca, Mexica, Tarascan and Teotihuacan cultures that shaped this region of Mexico.
4. La Madera
Set on a hillside, La Madera is the perfect place to stay in Zihuatanejo all inclusive. With a relaxing pool and a beach right on site, this property is the ideal spot to rest your head.
If you’re looking for a home away from home in Playa la Madera, look no further than “Comfortable Studio On Ground Level With Full Kitchen Near Pool”. This one-bedroom apartment is just 0.1 miles to the west of the center and comes with convenient amenities like a fridge and coffee and tea making facilities.
“Beautiful Beachfront Property In Zihuatanejo Bay” is another top pick, around 0.1 miles to the north of Playa la Madera. This vacation rental sleeps up to 12 guests and is a great choice for a family getaway.
5. Playa Larga
Located halway between Zihuatanejo and the airport, Playa Larga is a long stretch of beach with palm trees, jungle, and a beautiful natural area. There are a few hotels and a handful of local restaurants, but this is an unspoiled natural space that’s worth exploring.
This beach is a great choice for sunbathing and swimming, as the sand is very soft and golden, with an impeccably clean surface and clear turquoise water. Comfortable sun loungers are provided, but there’s no natural shade, so be careful on a hot day.
