Acapulco
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Acapulco, in the southern Pacific state of Guerrero, has grown significantly over the last four years. Thanks to the superhighway from Mexico City, it is readily accessible as a weekend destination to residents of the capital. New condominiums tower over Revolcadero Beach in the Diamante area near the airport, there are boat trips on the Tres Palos Lagoon, and a botanical garden has opened, as well as an attractive mask museum. The yacht club has been spruced up and authorities have renovated the fine history museum inside the old Fort of San Diego, as well as remodeled the cliffside roads that look on to the world-famous cliff divers of La Quebrada.

Nightlife and discos remain spectacular, and fun activities for children and young people, from swimming with dolphins to bungee jumping, complete the picture. As one of the few beach destinations in the country to offer accommodation for all budgets, Acapulco continues to attract visitors, despite fluctuations in its economy and reputation.

The resort has drawn some negative international attention because of street violence caused by a drug turf war. Those concerned should remember that Acapulco has decades of experience in assuring the safety of its guests–over five million annually–keeping crime far removed from the glitzy sunbathing, dining, and partying zones.

Lifeguards are visible on most tourist beaches. Watch the beach flags as signs of safety for swimming: green flags indicate that it is safe to swim, while yellows urge caution, and reds warn of possibly dangerous weather, currents and jellyfish.

Finally, since 2003, there have been legitimate concerns about water pollution (see Mexico Beach Water Advisory) in the bay, including Hornos, Papagayo, and Icacos beaches. Visitors might like to check with environmental or tourism authorities before taking to the waves and, if you have any doubts, limit your swimming to the hotel pool.