Zihuatanejo offers a variety of activities like relaxing on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, along with exploring its quaint town.
Zihuatanejo doesn’t usually make the list of famous Mexican beaches, and that’s a good thing. This laid-back fishing village on the Pacific coast doesn’t get as much attention as Cancun, Acapulco, or Puerto Vallarta. As a result, it has a more relaxed and off-the-beaten-path vibe.
There are beautiful beaches, delicious food, friendly locals, and good weather year-round in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, making it one of Mexico’s top destinations.
Often paired with neighboring Ixtapa in travel promotions, visiting one doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see both. The two are about 10 kilometers apart and quite different: Ixtapa is more modern with tall hotels and big resorts, while Zihuatanejo’s beaches are in a sheltered bay.
I’ve been to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo many times, primarily for scuba diving, and I was consistently impressed by what I found above and below the water.
To make the most of your trip to this Mexican paradise, check out these top 15 things to do in Zihuatanejo.
Zihuatanejo Bay, protected from Pacific Ocean waves, has several beaches, including Playa Principal right next to the town and the secluded Playa Las Gatas on the opposite side. Between these two is Playa la Ropa, the largest and nicest beach. Great for swimming and snorkeling, it’s also a fantastic sunset spot.
Playa la Ropa is a 30-minute walk from the village, so consider staying at a hotel nearby if the beach is your priority.
Fishing is the village’s main activity besides tourism. At the east end of Playa Principal, fishing boats line the sand, and anglers return before sunset with fresh catches to sell to restaurants or directly on the beach. Though Playa Principal has beautiful scenery, its water can be murky. For better swimming, try Playa la Ropa.
Exploring the town is a must if you’re not in the mood for swimming. The main tourist area is just a few blocks behind the beach, with narrow pedestrian streets, busy restaurants, quirky cafes, and lively bars. Look for the stage near the beach, which often has live music, especially during Mexican holidays.
For the best food, find restaurants that are busier with Mexican tourists and locals instead of international visitors. At night, the bars get noisy, and the streets fill up, making it an excellent area for nighttime activities. If you prefer a quieter setting, choose a hotel outside this central area. The area across Benito Juarez Street is calmer and more authentically local.
The municipal market on Benito Juarez Street is great for souvenirs, fresh produce, and affordable Mexican meals.
Between Playa Principal and Playa Madera, the Paseo del Pescador walkway offers stunning views of Zihuatanejo Bay. This path also has cozy shops, seafood restaurants, and international eateries. Walking the Paseo del Pescador, especially at sunset, is one of the best activities in Zihuatanejo.
The Costa Grande Archaeological Museum, located on Paseo del Pescador, is a fascinating place to visit when you need a break from the beach. With six exhibition halls of artifacts from various indigenous cultures, it’s open every day except Monday.
While Playa la Ropa is more popular, Playa Las Gatas offers a more secluded experience and some of the best snorkeling. The beach features coral, marine life, and a four-meter bronze underwater statue of Jesus Christ. You can reach Playa las Gatas by boat or a scenic walk from Playa la Ropa.
For diving, Los Morros de Potosi, about an hour south by boat, has some of the best dive sites on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The shallow waters are full of coral reefs, fish, sea turtles, and more. Zihuatanejo also has several other great dive sites.
From late December to late March, whale watching is a thrilling activity, as around 20,000 humpback whales pass through the area, along with other marine life like dolphins and sea turtles. Whale watching tours, often guided by marine biologists, offer a great chance to see these incredible creatures.
Eating seafood in Zihuatanejo is a must, with many outstanding restaurants to discover. For the best local food, try places outside the downtown core. One such restaurant is Mariscos El Tiburón de la Costa.
You can also try ‘crazy potatoes,’ a local specialty. The best place for these is Papa Loca Zihua, which also serves excellent tacos and other Mexican dishes.
For an all-inclusive vacation experience, head to Playa Palmar in Ixtapa. This area is entirely devoted to tourism, with restaurants, bars, and shops behind the beachfront hotels. Centro Mercado is a prime shopping spot, especially at night.
Ixtapa’s northern beaches, like Playa Quieta and Playa Linda, are less developed but still have many amenities. The Ixtapa Bicycle Path, starting at the Vaso de Miraflores neighborhood and going through Playa Palmar to Playa Linda, is great for exploring and passes through the Parque Aztlán ecological reserve.
Another notable attraction is the cocodrilario near Playa Linda, where you can see crocodiles, turtles, and other wildlife. Nearby, there’s a market with local handicrafts and a few restaurants.
For golfers, Ixtapa has two courses: Palma Real Golf Club and Ixtapa Marina Golf Club, both with ocean views and native wildlife.
History enthusiasts should visit the Xihuacan Archaeological Site, which includes a mud-brick pyramid and an ancient ball court. The site also has a museum and can be explored through guided tours.
In conclusion, Zihuatanejo offers more than just beaches. Whether it’s snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, golfing, biking, or exploring history, there’s something for everyone. The village’s charm, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere make it a great base for your adventures. And each visit promises a unique experience, leaving you eager to return for more.
