Long before Cancun and Cabo, Acapulco was the place to be in Mexico. In the 1950s and '60s, the Pearl of the Pacific drew Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, along with John F. Kennedy, to its golden beaches and glamorous nightlife. Elvis starred in Fun in Acapulco, and The Love Boat brought its beauty into living rooms across America. Over the decades, though, overcrowding, pollution and crime took a toll on its reputation.

Today Acapulco remains a favorite weekend escape for Mexican families and draws European travelers too, giving it a more international feel than heavily Americanized Cancun. Listen to live music around the Zocalo, find some of Mexico's best ceviche downtown, or head to the sleek clubs of Punta Diamante, where hints of the old Hollywood glamour still linger. The city has also been rebuilding after powerful hurricanes in 2023 and 2024.

Before you plan a trip, know that the U.S. State Department has a travel advisory for the state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, due to crime and violence, and advises U.S. travelers against visiting. I'll always check the latest advisory with you and can suggest Pacific coast alternatives like Puerto Vallarta or Huatulco.