What to do in Ixtapa

Activities, attractions and tours

Boat at Playa las Gatas in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.; Shutterstock ID 144512618
Boat at Playa las Gatas in Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.; Shutterstock ID 144512618
El Palmar Beach which includes general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and a sandy beach
A picture of La Ropa beach at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, mexico - 2 may 2023
#lifeatexpedia #weloveourmarkets #latam #mexico #ixtapa #beaches #BVSBlue Enjoy a magical sunset on the terrace of your room, pool or lobby bar. The best calm time of my life!!! 😄🌅

Ixtapa Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Ixtapa has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Ixtapa, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Ixtapa with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Ixtapa

Ixtapa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Ixtapa, and make it a breeze to explore Ixtapa and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Ixtapa to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Ixtapa, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Ixtapa.

Ixtapa attractions

Ixtapa has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Ixtapa to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Ixtapa.

Looking for things to do in Ixtapa can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Ixtapa or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Ixtapa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. El Palmar Beach

Ixtapa’s famous El Palmar Beach is a picture-perfect mix of seemingly endless yellow sand, clear blue water and luxury resorts. Head to El Palmar Beach to play on the sand, skim across the waves on a Jet Ski or enjoy a massage from a trained masseuse. If the crowds on the beach become too much, escape to the condos, resorts and restaurants that line the sand.
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El Palmar Beach featuring a sunset, a beach and general coastal views

2. Linda Beach

Playa Linda is a picturesque slice of Mexico’s southern coast. From the moment you arrive at this coconut palm-lined beach, you’ll be swept away by its allure. Young local families play in the sand, old men drink beer under the straw canopies of beach huts and white horses gallop in the shallow water. Cycle along the waterfront trail, visit the crocodile pit to see reptiles or board the local ferry to reach Ixtapa Island.
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Linda Beach which includes landscape views and a sandy beach

3. Marina Ixtapa

Visit Marina Ixtapa and spend some time admiring the mix of catamarans, sailboats and yachts. Stroll around the wooden boardwalks and watch as boats arrive via an estuary of sparkling turquoise water. Enjoy views of the surrounding green hills and check out the modern lighthouse. Marina Ixtapa probably won’t take up too much of your time but it’s a good starting point for discovering Ixtapa’s natural and sporting attractions.
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Marina Ixtapa featuring a marina and a sunset

4. Ixtapa Island

Venture to Ixtapa Island, off Mexico’s majestic south coast, for a day of snorkeling, kayaking and sightseeing. With its sheltered bays and coves, the island is a popular place for those seeking a quieter beach experience. Join a guided boat tour or rent a panga, a small motorized boat and make your way to the island. Follow scenic hiking trails, swim with dolphins and snorkel in clear waters.
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Ixtapa Island which includes a beach

5. Quieta Beach

Quieta Beach is a tranquil, sun-drenched cove with scenic views of Ixtapa Island and gentle surf. As its name suggest, it attracts a quieter crowd than the beaches surrounding it. Head to Quieta Beach to eat local seafood on the beach, relax with a massage and enjoy some of the safest swimming conditions in the Ixtapa area.
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Quieta Beach which includes sailing, a sandy beach and general coastal views

What to do in Ixtapa

Popular places to visit

Havana beaches

Varadero Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Varadero Beach during your travels in Ixtapa? Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Varadero Beach
El Palmar Beach featuring a beach, a luxury hotel or resort and a sunset

El Palmar Beach

Swim, Jet Ski and dance barefoot at one of the most popular beaches in Ixtapa, which was once the site of a mango and coconut plantation.

El Palmar Beach
Linda Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a couple

Linda Beach

This beach is a favorite among locals and is the perfect spot to take long walks, watch beautiful sunsets and relax with a cold beer.

Linda Beach
Marina Ixtapa featuring a marina and a sunset

Marina Ixtapa

This laidback marina filled with luxury water craft is a gateway to the beaches, golf courses and islands of Ixtapa.

Marina Ixtapa
Ixtapa Island which includes a beach

Ixtapa Island

Take a boat to this small tropical island to experience peace and quiet, enjoy sweeping coastal views and take scenic hikes.

Ixtapa Island
Quieta Beach which includes sailing, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Quieta Beach

Head to this quiet stretch of coast for a family-friendly day on the beach. Try local delicacies, swim in the shallow water and enjoy a relaxing massage.

Quieta Beach

Coral Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Coral Beach during your travels in Ixtapa? Wander the seaside in this relaxing area.

Coral Beach

Magic World Aquatic Park

Bring the children to Magic World Aquatic Park and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Ixtapa. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.

Magic World Aquatic Park

Marina Ixtapa Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Ixtapa at Marina Ixtapa Golf Club. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Marina Ixtapa Golf Club

Explore areas of Ixtapa

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Villas Alondras

When in Villas Alondras, you can plan a visit to El Palmar Beach and Marina Ixtapa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Villas Alondras

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ixtapa

Beautiful beach walk The Paseo del Pescador follows the beach and is a beautiful stroll from near Prinicpal to La Madera beach. Beautiful at night.

Zihuatanejo

Frequently asked questions

Is Ixtapa worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of great things to do in Ixtapa. Don't forget to enjoy the area's blend of unmissable sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Ixtapa?
After you've visited major attractions like La Ropa Beach and Varadero Beach, spend some time exploring Ixtapa's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ixtapa?
The top tourist attraction in Ixtapa is La Ropa Beach, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Ixtapa?
Three days in Ixtapa is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travellers book for four days on average. La Ropa Beach, Varadero Beach and Las Gatas Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots such as Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo.
Is Ixtapa a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Ixtapa. Several key sights, like El Palmar Beach and Quieta Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Ixtapa's best neighbourhoods, Almacen is 5 kms (3 miles) away from downtown, while Lázaro Cárdenas is 5 kms (3 miles) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ixtapa with kids?
If you're looking for attractions and activities for all the family, have a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Ixtapa with kids.

What to do in Ixtapa for adults?
Fisherman's Walk is one of the best things to do in Ixtapa. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Ixtapa?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Ixtapa is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without getting your cash out. La Ropa Beach is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.