Ixtapa is a Pacific Coast beach resort in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Curving El Palmar Beach is lined with high-rise hotels, bars and restaurants. Fishing boats leave from Ixtapa Marina, adjacent to a golf course. The granite rocks of Los Morros de Potosí are a popular dive site, while the Delfiniti dolphinarium offers the chance to swim with dolphins. The laid-back resort city of Zihuatanejo lies just southeast. Here is our guide to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.

STAY

CALA DEL MAR On a rocky hill alongside the Pacific Ocean, this upscale hotel overlooks Playa Quieta beach near the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club. Amenities include 3 restaurants and a bar with a terrace, as well as 2 outdoor infinity pools, a spa and a gym. Cooking and margarita classes are offered. Paseo, Punta Ixtapa S/N, Zona Hotelera II; calademar.com

LAS BRISAS Set along a private beach on the Pacific Ocean, this relaxed hotel is near the Delfiniti Ixtapa aquarium. There are 3 bars, 4 restaurants (some open-air) and an Italian eatery. P.º Playa Hermosa s/n; lasbrisashotels.com.mx/es/ixtapa

THOMPSON ZIHUATANEJO On La Ropa Beach along the Pacific Ocean, this chic hotel has a restaurant with ocean views, shaded by a thatched roof. Other amenities consist of 3 outdoor pools and a poolside cafe/bar, as well as a spa, a gym and tennis courts. Activities include water sports, cooking classes and yoga. Carretera Escenica S/N, Playa la Ropa, 4; hyatt.com/thompson-hotels

LO SERENO CASA DE LA PLAYA A member of Design Hotels, Lo Sereno is nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean in Troncones. Av. de la Playa MZ 20 LT 12; losereno.com

DINE | DRINK

BECCOFINO A long-standing local Italian restaurant on the marina. 40883 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

EMILIO’S PIZZA Order from this local spot when you’ve had your fill of Mexican food and are craving a pizza! Paseo de las Garzas s/n Ixtapa, P.º de las Garzas s/n

FISHER’S A Mexican chain of seafood restaurants, located in Ixtapa marina. Veleros Lote 5 L-3; fishers.com.mx

ACTIVITIES

CICLOPISTA An 8k shaded biking and running path between the marina and the Club de Golf.

COCODRILARIO PLAYA LINDA A wildlife reserve with crocodiles, iguanas, and parrots. Located at the entrance of Playa Linda in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico. 40880 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

MARINA Mexico’s largest marina. Rent a boat to snorkel, fish, or scuba dive. Muelle I, Canal 14, local 3 Marina