Along with the nightlife, the beautiful beaches are one of the most popular attractions of this Mexican resort city. Begin with the Playa Gloria, with white sand beaches, crystal clear water and lined with tropical plantations and palm groves. This is directly on the open sea and the constant waves are magnificent. Three of Acapulco's golf courses are located in this area and there are also many different activities available: wave runners, ultra light airplanes, and horseback riding to name a few. The waves along this long strand of beach are quite high so swimming is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers, however, this is a paradise for surfers. Because of the palm groves, fresh coconuts are the order of the day. Don't forget to look down while strolling along the sand or you'll miss the many colorful seashells.

Hornos and Tamarindos Beaches are the center for fishermen and during the early morning hours you can sit and watch the fishermen pull in their catch. Afterward take a long walk along the sand and stop at one of the many small restaurants specializing in local cuisine featuring fresh seafood. Caletilla and Caleta Beaches are two of the smaller beaches in the area, located far from much of the tourist traffic. These beaches combine calm waters, beachfront restaurants and terrific atmosphere. Large trees, lending a different feel to the beachfront atmosphere, shade many of these restaurants. In between these two beaches lies the Mundo Marino Aquarium and Fun Center, which makes this a great place to take the family. While relaxing in the sand, many of the locals will come to you with offerings of beverages, food and souvenirs.

Playa Icacos is one of Acapulco's finest beaches with excellent swimming conditions, particularly in the early morning hours. Water sport rentals are available in front of the Hyatt Hotel. Playa Icacos is a calm beach, toward the southern end of the bay, lined with high-rise hotels and condominiums. This beach has all of the local water sports available directly from shore. This area also is the home of the giant CiCi water park and very close too much many of the discos. Pichilingue Beach is located on one of the beautiful bays, where yachts come and anchor for the day. It is unique due to its beauty and calmness. Fresh baby clams are served on the beach when in season. Pichilingue Beach is part of Puerto Marques bay, and is one of the only beaches available to private homes in all of Acapulco.

Isla La Roqueta is a great place for sun bathing, swimming or snorkeling. A walk to the top of the island will give you the most incomparable panoramic view of Acapulco Bay. To get to the island take a glass bottom boat and enjoy the breathtaking tropical marine life along the way. It is a 10-minute boat ride from Caleta Beach. On the island is a unique zoo with lions, alligators, leopards, giraffes, zebras, as well as an aviary and a serpentarium. The island is also great for hiking and has beaches with gentle waters and good snorkeling. The glass-bottom boats depart from both Playa Caleta and the docks in front of the Zocalo. Most tours include a ride over a submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe while enroute to the Roqueta Island.