When approaching the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo airport by air, you can see a formation of rocks not far from shore, a lagoon and a large beach. This is Barra de Potosí. About a 45-minute drive from Zihuatanejo, Barra de Potosi is a relaxing beach that really gets you away from it all. The beach restaurants have hammocks and lots of cold beer, and the waves are gentle enough that even children can generally swim in the ocean. If the waves look a bit rough, the lagoon is a good way for the family to cool off.

just the facts, ma'am: Numerous different activities are available, including kayak rentals, boat rentals, swimming, boogie boarding, and sunbathing.

don't miss: Lying in a hammock in the shade while sipping a cold beer and watching the gorgeous view.

meet me @: To get to Barra de Potosí from Zihuatanejo, follow the signs for Highway 200 to Acapulco, and take a right about 20 minutes later at the sign for Barra de Potosí. Follow the extremely bumpy road until you find the restaurant of your choice. If you go all the way to the end of the road, you have many restaurants to choose from.

filed under: beaches by Bev (Nov 06)

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Of the four beaches that frame Zihuatanejo Bay, Las Gatas is the least accessible, only reachable by pangas (small water taxi boats) or by hiking along the path & rocks between Playa la Ropa and Las Gatas. It is the remote location that makes it my favorite in-town beach as it affords both vacationers and locals an escape from Zihua Centro, traffic, and hotels. An early morning hike or afternoon boat ride to Las Gatas feels like my own mini-vacation every time. The waters are often the clearest in the area and are protected by an ancient man-made reef making it fantastic for snorkeling along the coral and for wading in the shallow waters. The terrain is a mixture of sand and small rocks so wearing water shoes is highly recommended, even while swimming.

just the facts, ma'am: The beach is lined with restaurants that offer familiar beach seafood fare, cervesas, and cocktails. It can be hard to decide where to park your beach towel for the day because they all seem so similar; the good news is - they're all good so you can't really make a bad choice! If you continue all the way to the end of the beach, you'll find Owen Lee's Las Gatas Beach Club, a rustic ecological resort that is perfect for truly escaping any worries or the frustrations of modern civilization. Past Owen's, there is a walking path to the lighthouse where you will be blown away with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

meet me @: Round trip tickets for the pangas to Las Gatas on the far side of Zihua's Bay are available for 30 pesos from several vendors near the Municipal Pier in Zihua Centro where the water taxis dock to load and unload passengers. The pangas only run until about 5 pm so make sure to check with the operator when the last pickup is for the day and keep track of time - or at least ask your waiter to do so while you keep track of your piña coladas! You can also hike to Las Gatas from the far end of Playa la Ropa. The walk's difficulty ranges from medium to arduous as the waves and tide can overwhelm the rocky path. No matter what, you will have to climb over a few large boulders and should make sure to wear slip-proof and sturdy shoes. Also, make sure to reward yourself with a silly tropical cocktail upon your arrival for mastering the trek!

filed under: beaches by Isahrai (Jul 07)

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Playa Larga, translated as "Long Beach," is the one you see just as your plane is approaching the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo airport. It’s the longest beach (natch) in the area and less crowded than the local Zihua beaches.

just the facts, ma'am: Because the waves are strong and the riptide is intermittent, it can be dangerous to swim there but pretty much all of the beach restaurants have swimming pools to help you cool off. Horseback riding is also available.

don't miss: The dolphins swim by in the afternoons, and if the waves are mild enough, you can swim with them for free.

meet me @: To get to Playa Larga, follow the road to the airport, and take a right at the sign for Playa Larga. Continue along that road until you hit the beach. Turn right or left to find a restaurant and a hammock to hang out in, or go straight ahead and park in the parking lot.

filed under: beaches by Bev (Nov 06)

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Playa la Ropa is the most popular tourist beach in Zihuatanejo, chosen for its long stretch of beautiful white sand, the view of Zihua's Bay, Centro, and surrounding mountains, the abundance (and range) of restaurant options, and the luxury hotels, villas, and bungalows that line the beach. Local Mexican students flock here before and after school to swim - sometimes in their uniforms! - and Mexican families fill the beach for picnics, football (soccer) games, and sand castles most weekends and during Mexican holidays. It's always a delight to see young tourists who don't speak any Spanish joining in a rousing game of football with Mexican locals, communicating through gestures, laughter, and the international language of friendly competitive spirit.

just the facts, ma'am: You have many options for food, activities, and beach spots. Most hotels have their own restaurants (which non-hotel patrons can also eat at) and there are also stand-alone restaurants that offer standard beach fare, local seafood, hamburgers, and even a few international cuisine options. The umbrellas located at restaurants are for customers only and sometimes additionally charge a "seating fee" for prime locations. Make sure to ask about this before settling in. There are also unaffiliated umbrella options which also cost per person or per size of the umbrella (some can cover 6-8 people). At these locations, you can order food and drinks from vendors and restaurants or bring your own coolers. Of course, you can also bring your own beach umbrella and stake out your own spot. We don't advise passing much time on the beach without shade or you will be regretting it the next morning when you wake up with a raging sunburn!

meet me @: Playa la Ropa is located opposite the mouth of Zihuatanejo Bay, facing the ocean and running over 3/4 of a mile in length. You can access it via Paseo de la Ropa by turning at the 3rd bridge over the canal on Paseo de la Boquita at Plaza Kioto. (This bridge is the first one that cars can pass over as the first two are pedestrian only.) Follow the signs around the bend at the fountain of three women, up the hill, past Blue Mamou, Hotel Irma, Zihua Blue Club, the taxi stand, Kau Kan, and Puerta del Sol. You can access the beach by walking down the steep driveway of Casa Que Canta or continue on for easier access at The Tides (formerly Villa del Sol), the road near the restaurant, La Perla, or at the end of the beach with access to La Gaviota and Rossy's Restaurante.

filed under: beaches by Isahrai (Jul 07)

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Troncones beach is about 40 minutes’ drive north of Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. This gorgeous beach is spotted with restaurants, beach accommodations and an upscale yoga retreat. This beach is okay for swimming, but because the waves can be strong and unpredictable, swimming is not always safe – use care.

just the facts, ma'am: There are several places to rent equipment for water-related activities, or you can set up by the pool of one of the restaurants or hotels that line the beach. One of the best features about Troncones is that it’s not so heavily populated.

don't miss: cooling down under a palapa or umbrella and watching the gorgeous view. Just don't venture out into the sun-baked sand without grabbing your sandals first! The tropical sun turns the sand into a hot griddle!

meet me @: To get to Troncones, drive on highway 200 going north towards Lazaro/Cardenas. At the turnoff for Troncones (which is surprisingly well marked now) go left and continue down the road to the beach. When you intersect the frontage road, go left or right to find your favorite spot. If you take a bus, it only goes as far as the turnoff from the highway. You’ll have to walk or hitch a ride from there.

filed under: beaches by Bev (Dec 06)

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