Playa la Ropa
Address:
Zihuatanejo, Mexico
NileGuide Expert tip:
Some restaurants charge a fee for a day's use of their umbrellas and lounge chairs. A few will apply that fee to the cost of food while others may not (and the policies may change based on season). Simply asking before you sit down will eliminate confusion when the bill comes 4 margaritas, 8 tacos and 2 plates of guacamole later.Description:
Playa la Ropa is the most popular swimming beach in Zihuatanejo for good reason; the .75 mile stretch of white sand is home to many popular beachfront restaurants that not only allow but encourage daylong lingering. The mild waves are perfect for wading, frolicking and body surfing. In late afternoon, you'll see kids jumping in the water straight from school and on Sundays, entire families bring coolers, umbrellas and a soccer ball for a day of fun in the sun.Playa la Ropa can be reached via taxi, bus or a 15 minute walk from downtown Zihua. There are access points at several places down the beach including a steep hike down the drive next to Casa Que Canta at the beginning of the beach or several road inlets further down. You can bring your own beach chairs or settle into one of the many restaurants with umbrellas and lounge chairs, most found on the southern end of the beach. There are restaurant options for any budget serving a broad range of seafood, Mexican specialties and ice cold drinks.
In addition to great swimming, there is plenty more to do in the water on Playa la Ropa. Several water sports business operate right from the beach and offer parasailing, banana boat rides, boogie board rentals and jet skis to use within the protected waters of Zihuatanejo Bay. You can also coordinate fishing charters and scuba excursions.
After a day in the sun, consider sticking around a little longer to watch the sunset framed by the bay. Challenge yourself to count how many different colors the sky can turn in one puesta del sol... or just order another cocktail and enjoy the glow.
