Acapulco Bay has a string of beaches running along its inner curve, each with a different character. All the main beaches are safe for swimming — the bay is sheltered from the open Pacific swell, keeping the water calm and warm year-round.
Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla in the old town are the most local and characterful. These two small coves are separated by a rocky point, and they fill with Mexican families on weekends. The glass-bottom boats to Isla La Roqueta depart from here.
Playa Condesa is the most developed beach — long, lively, backed by hotels, with parasailing and jet ski rentals. Good for people-watching.
Playa Hornos and Playa Hornitos sit between Condesa and the old town and attract a mostly local crowd. Less organised than Condesa, more relaxed.
Beyond the bay, Playa Pie de la Cuesta to the west is a wild Pacific beach with thundering surf — not for swimming, but spectacular for a walk at sunset.