The word ‘beach’ invokes in all of us a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. It is then, really no wonder that coastal towns and cities tend to be flocked by tourists every summer. However, as the popularity of a beach town increases, it brings with it problems like commercialism, skyrocketing prices for accommodations and meals, crowds and a sense of inauthenticity as the inherent culture and ambiance of the city gets diluted. Away from all the popular beach spots lies the quaint city of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. With a sense of realness that is palpable in every unique tradition that forms a part of the culture, fresh warmth in every interaction you have with a local, and a total lack of the jaded and worn-out attractions that typify most vacations, we bring you an amazing list of singular experiences and things to do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. So start planning your next vacation now!
1. Enjoy kayaking and snorkeling in Zihuatanejo Bay (from USD 92.0)
What use is a beach vacation without an exciting snorkeling and kayaking experience? Check out this awesome five-hour trip that takes you to Las Gatas Beach on Zihuatanejo Bay where you can learn how to kayak, or go snorkeling and explore the fascinating and colorful underwater marine life. This tour includes hotel pickups and dropoffs as well as a hearty lunch including grilled fish or chicken, fajitas, shrimp, quesadillas, and more. While snorkeling, if you are adventurous enough, you might even find a beautiful statue hidden underwater, which is made from melted keys!
Las Gatas Beach Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour Including Lunch
Duration: 5 hours
2. Discover the diverse pleasures of Zihuatanejo on this private tour (from USD 55.0)
What better way to explore the fascinating city life of Zihuatanejo than by taking this exciting private city tour with your friends or family? You will have a professional and friendly tour guide accompanying you on a customizable schedule as you explore everything the city has to offer. You will be taken along unique routes exploring the glittering downtown area, the scenic flora, and fauna at the Playa Linda park, various markets where you can shop for handicrafts and souvenirs to take home, and finally, La Madera Beach. The tour will last for four hours and includes hotel pickup and dropoff in an air-conditioned car.
Private Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo City Tour
Duration: 4 hours
3. Go swimming at Playa la Ropa
Another incredible place to go snorkeling and swimming with your family or friends is the Playa La Ropa, which is considered as one of the cleanest beaches with the clearest water you will find in the area. Take a trip to this beach with your family, and turn it into a beach day, complete with activities like building sandcastles and playing beachside sports. The beach is lined with palm and coconut trees, lending a very secluded and private ambiance, and the waves are not as aggressive as the ones at other beaches, which is perfect if you have children with you.
Playa la Ropa
Address: Playa la Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Spend an evening in the buzzing Paseo del Pescador
This beautiful waterfront promenade is a great way to spend a quality afternoon alone or with your loved ones. This gorgeous walkway lined with cobblestones is the perfect setting if you are on a romantic getaway and you plan to propose to your partner. Try to visit during the evening, so that you can catch the sunset and the lovely ambiance along the walkway. There are also eateries and bars to snack on street food along the way, so you can have a light dinner here too.
Paseo del Pescador
Address: Paseo del Pescador, Zihuatanejo, Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Check out interesting exhibits at Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande
If you are traveling with kids, this is an educational and special experience you must give them. The Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande features a wide variety of historical exhibits and artifacts on display, spanning over six halls. It comprises of historical exhibits from early humans, Native Americans, and the Spanish era, and you can opt for an English-speaking guide who will explain the different artifacts and their significance to you.
Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande
Address: Paseo del Pescador s/n, Centro, 40890 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Archaeological Museum of the Costa Grande
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
6. Plan a picnic with family at La Ropa Beach
A family picnic is always a treasured event in every child’s life. If you have little ones, settle in with a whole lot of snacks, a thick blanket, and some cool beverages and you are sure to make their day. Let the beautiful La Ropa Beach lend its happy mood to your family picnic as you settle in to enjoy the sunset followed by a private family bonfire. Your kids can even roast marshmallows on a stick. Every beach vacation is truly incomplete without a cozy picnic day right by the waves.
La Ropa Beach
Address: Escénica La Ropa, Playa la Ropa, 40895 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Watch stunning sunset views aboard Picante Catamaran
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Magical Sunset Cruise sets sail today!! Sunsets, Picante & Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, They just go together, right?! Contact...
Posted by Picante Catamaran Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on Friday, July 2, 2021
Spend an evening watching the sun go down right in the middle of the ocean, removed from all the stress and worries of your life, aboard the Picante. Their Magical Sunset Cruise allows you a breathtaking panoramic view of the beautiful beach in the distance on one side, and the setting sun on the other. This tour is two-and-a-half-hour long and includes an open bar, a light dinner, and hotel pickup and dropoff.
Picante Catamaran Excursions
Address: Apdo. Postal 310, 40880 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Picante Catamaran Excursions
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily, based on bookings)
8. Spend some time in Partenón del Negro Durazo
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This is one of the spooky urban legends we discover about a certain city, which eventually becomes a popular tourist destination. Filled with mystery and terror at every turn, this creepy mansion originally belonged to an infamous and corrupt Chief of Police, who built it off drug money and extortion crimes. Partenón del Negro Durazo was later confiscated by the government and is now a fascinating tourist place to visit. Don’t miss it for the world!
Partenón del Negro Durazo
Address: Playa la Ropa, 40895 Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat and Sun)
9. Light a candle at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Whether or not you are a religious person, spending some time meditating quietly in a church can be a very calming and relaxing experience. The quiet atmosphere, combined with the grandiosity of a church that is so beautiful, is a humbling and surreal experience, and you are sure to be affected by it. You simply cannot miss paying your respect at this beautiful Catholic church when you are in Zihuatanejo.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish
Address: Catalina González 42, Centro, 40890 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Try Mexican cuisine at Rufo's Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Rufo's Grill on Thursday, October 13, 2016
Why compromise on having to dine on Mexican dishes at a fast-food restaurant that serves tortillas that have been mass-produced? Rufo’s Grill is a fancy yet affordable option if you wish to have a relaxed meal in a cozy eatery. With warm lighting, live music and very welcoming service, you are sure to cherish your time here. Guests love the quality of food and attention to detail here, especially the mesquite-grilled seafood, guacamole, steaks, and quesadillas. You might even get to meet the friendly and warm owner, Rufo!
Rufo's Grill
Address: Calle Adelita 32-A, Playa la Madera, 40894 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Rufo’s Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 11:30pm (closed on Sun)
11. Quench your thirst with exquisite drinks at Barracuda Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the lesser-known attractions of Zihuatanejo is its vibrant and colorful nightlife. Every evening, bars, pubs, and clubs come alive with their glittering settings, amazing live music, and extraordinary cocktails. Don’t miss out on the Barracuda Bar on your bar-hopping spree, as it promises a wonderful time with world-class beverages and live rock music. This is the ultimate place to check out if you’re traveling with a big group of friends.
Barracuda Bar
Address: Avenida Cuauhtémoc 5, Centro, 40890 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Barracuda Bar
Opening hours: 2pm - 2am (daily)
12. Hit the dance floor at El Canto de Las Sirenas night club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
MONDAY MONDAY
Posted by El Canto de las Sirenas on Monday, January 4, 2021
Another fun activity that every traveler must experience is a night of dancing at a club as happening as the El Canto de Las Sirenas. Translated loosely as “the song of the sirens,” this nightclub has a truly addictive allure and you will never want to leave. Dance to tempting live music, or enjoy amazing flamenco and other dance performances by professionals. A good time is guaranteed!
El Canto de Las Sirenas
Address: Av. Paseo de Zihuatanejo Ote., Zona Industrial, 40880 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: El Canto de Las Sirenas
Opening hours: Mon: 6pm - 12 am; Tue - Sat: 10pm - 12am (closed on Sun)
13. Shop till your feet hurt at Merza Los Cocos
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you enjoy shopping, and wish to find cheap yet quality goods, the Merza Los Cocos is your ideal choice. With a wide assortment of convenience goods, toys and trinkets, and basic grocery needs, this small marketplace is great if you want to pick up some local packaged foods to take home. From unique candies and snacks to cheap household products, this is the perfect place to stock up on your home needs, whether it is kitchen tools or home decor.
Merza Los Cocos
Address: Tamarindos 3, Centro, 40880 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
14. Grab your seat at Cinema Paraíso
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
One of the most immersive experiences for a new culture or language is to explore the media in that language, whether it is books, music or movies. If you are learning Spanish, or if you are simply interested in Mexican culture, check out the Cinema Paraíso, a local movie theatre that screens Spanish movies, or English movies dubbed in Spanish. This is a great experience for any intermediate language learner out there to improve on their skills.
Cinema Paraíso
Address: Avenida Cuauhtémoc 20, Centro, 40890 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Cinema Paraíso
15. Enjoy a game at Marina Ixtapa Golf Course Boating
If you are a fan of golfing or have been interested in trying it out, why not give it a shot at this amazing golf course? With a variety of different terrains to practice your golf skills in and varying levels of difficulty for both experienced players and beginners, this golf course is perfect to spend a morning with your friends. It has a total of 18 holes, and you will be guided and helped by the friendly and professional staff.
Marina Ixtapa Golf Course Boating
Address: Paseo de la Darsena Interior Casa Club, Blvd. Paseo Ixtapa, 40880 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Website: Marina Ixtapa Golf Course Boating
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
Enjoy the serenity of a quiet coastal town
From enjoying delicious Mexican dishes including churros and tacos and exploring the restaurants and nightlife in the city, to strolling along the long stretches of beautiful white-sand beaches lined with palm trees taking in the sea breeze, to checking out cultural and artistic handicrafts that you will not get anywhere else, a trip to Zihuatanejo is full of promise and magic. Find your inner peace at the quiet villages full of rural activity or while listening to the rush of glittering waters wash up on the beaches, and you are sure to make memories for a lifetime.
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