Acapulco, the iconic Mexican resort city, is making a strong comeback after Hurricane Otis. For families considering their next vacation, Acapulco is once again positioning itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination. With international flights returning and major events being hosted, now is the time to rediscover the charm of this classic getaway.
A significant sign of Acapulco’s resurgence is the resumption of international flights. United Airlines has restarted its service between Acapulco and Houston, a key hub, offering weekly round-trip flights. This reconnection to international travel networks is a major boost for Acapulco’s tourism sector, signaling renewed confidence in the destination. This positive development comes after the city faced considerable challenges in the wake of Hurricane Otis last October, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a determined path to recovery.
Large-scale events are also playing a crucial role in Acapulco’s revival. The city successfully hosted the Mexican Open in March, a prominent tennis tournament held at the Arena GNP Seguros. This state-of-the-art venue, part of the Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality group, was quickly back in operation, showcasing Acapulco’s ability to host world-class events even after the storm. Furthermore, Acapulco was the proud host of Tianguis Turistico, Mexico’s annual tourism conference, in April. This event brought together hundreds of tourism professionals, providing a platform to highlight Acapulco’s impressive recovery efforts and its readiness to welcome tourists once again.
Aida Perez, operations director for the Tourism Promotion Trust of Acapulco, emphasized the city’s rapid progress and the spirit of its residents. “It was impressive to see how life changed for all Acapulquenos from one day to the next,” she noted, praising the community’s unity and strength in rebuilding. She confidently predicts a strong winter season for Acapulco, anticipating a surge in visitors. “We’re very excited and confident because our expectations for the end of this year are high,” Perez stated, highlighting the successful hosting of major events shortly after the hurricane as proof of Acapulco’s swift recovery. The reopening of hotels, restaurants, and attractions further fuels optimism for a tourism boom in the coming months.
Experiencing Acapulco Today: What Families Can Expect
Having recently visited Acapulco, I can share firsthand insights into the current travel experience. Arriving at Acapulco’s modern international airport, which was updated in 2018, the airport is fully functional and welcoming. While some upper-level gates are still being brought back online, the spacious lower level efficiently handles arriving and departing passengers.
Traveling through Acapulco, signs of the hurricane are still visible, with some buildings undergoing repairs. However, these are largely cosmetic, and they do not detract from the overall visitor experience. Families will find that Acapulco is very much open for business, with a wide array of dining and entertainment options readily available.
Family fun and dining options abound in Acapulco.
Family fun and dining options abound in Acapulco. Explore diverse culinary experiences and family-friendly entertainment venues.
During my stay, I experienced the renowned Las Brisas Acapulco, a hotel famous for its stunning beauty and celebrity clientele. It remains as captivating as ever, with breathtaking views from its private pool terraces. Other journalists also stayed at the Emporio Acapulco, conveniently located in the heart of Acapulco Bay’s beach area, offering another excellent lodging option.
Families seeking diverse hotel experiences will find several appealing choices. Encanto Acapulco, a contemporary luxury hotel perched on a hilltop, offers dramatic views and a unique ambiance. Mundo Imperial Entertainment & Hospitality boasts a range of properties including Palacio Mundo Imperial and Pierre Mundo Imperial, both reopened in February, providing extensive amenities and family-oriented services. Looking ahead, Mundo Imperial is expanding its presence with The Pierre & Diamonds, a luxury real estate project set to open in 2026, indicating long-term investment and growth in Acapulco.
Acapulco’s culinary scene is thriving. My dining experiences included Wahoo, a popular seafood restaurant, and numerous open-air seafood eateries along Bonfil Beach, perfect for casual family meals. Tres Vidas golf club also offers beachfront dining options and hosted a memorable party during Tianguis Turistico. For evening entertainment, families can enjoy the iconic cliff divers at Mirador Acapulco’s La Perla Restaurant, offering a spectacular show with dining. Forum Mundo Imperial, a large theater with a 4,000-seat capacity, presents a full schedule of live performances suitable for various tastes.
Enjoy live shows and family entertainment at Forum Mundo Imperial during your Acapulco travel.
Enjoy live shows and family entertainment at Forum Mundo Imperial during your Acapulco travel. This 4,000-seat theater offers a diverse program for all ages.
What’s Still to Come: Reopenings and Future Family Attractions
While Acapulco is largely recovered, some attractions are still in the process of reopening, promising even more for families in the near future. La Isla, a popular upscale shopping and entertainment complex, is scheduled to reopen in October, offering a wide range of retail and leisure options. Xtasea, the thrilling zipline across the bay, is also planned to reopen, though a specific date is yet to be announced, adding to the adventure activities families can enjoy.
Many hotels are also preparing to welcome guests again. Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas and Princess Mundo Imperial are both targeting October for their reopenings, significantly increasing the availability of family-friendly accommodations. In 2025, Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Camino Real Acapulco Diamante, and Quinta Real Acapulco are set to reopen, further enhancing the luxury hotel offerings. Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa is anticipated to reopen in 2026, adding another all-inclusive option for families.
Addressing Safety Concerns for Family Travel in Acapulco
Safety is a primary concern for families when choosing a vacation destination. It’s important to acknowledge that the U.S. State Department advises against travel to the state of Guerrero due to crime rates. However, the Mexican government is actively working to improve safety and security in Acapulco, with increased police presence and security measures in tourist areas.
FIDETUR, Acapulco’s tourism organization, emphasizes the positive experiences of visitors as evidence of the destination’s safety and recovery. Their official statement highlights visitor satisfaction and the peaceful environment in popular tourist areas. Visitor surveys indicate that many families are having memorable and enjoyable vacations in Acapulco, feeling safe and eager to return.
For families seeking added reassurance, choosing hotels with robust security measures, such as Las Brisas Acapulco, can enhance the sense of safety. Focusing on well-known tourist zones like the Zocalo, La Quebrada, and the Costera is also advisable, particularly for those less familiar with Acapulco. In the Diamante area, taxis are recommended due to greater distances between locations.
Travel experts who have recently visited Acapulco report feeling safe and comfortable. Ethel Hansen Davey, a travel consultant with extensive experience in Acapulco, stated that she had no safety concerns during her recent visits and felt comfortable exploring tourist areas. While acknowledging that services may still be recovering in some areas, she expresses confidence in Acapulco as a destination and has no reservations about returning.
Conclusion:
Acapulco is on a strong path to recovery and is actively welcoming families. The return of international flights, successful hosting of major events, and reopening of hotels and attractions demonstrate the city’s resilience and commitment to tourism. While being mindful of safety recommendations and focusing on established tourist areas and reputable accommodations, families can confidently plan a memorable and enjoyable Acapulco vacation. With its beautiful beaches, diverse dining, family-friendly entertainment, and warm hospitality, Acapulco is ready to once again be a top choice for family travel.
