Playa la Ropa
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.
last thoughts: There are many vendors who will pass by offering wares ranging from trinkets to souvenir t-shirts to stone necklaces and silver from Taxco. It is entirely up to you whether you wish to buy from these vendors and the majority will respect you if you politely say "no" and quickly pass on. If you have any problems, you can speak with the management at the restaurant/hotel you are at and they will take care of the matter.
Many people do walk to Playa la Ropa. In fact, you will run into your We Heart Zihua editors, Bev and Isahrai, several times a week. On a hot tropical day (and what day isn't?), it is a 20-30 minute sweaty walk to the beach. This includes going up and down several hills so it isn't for the weary and make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. You can also flag down a local micro bus to be taken to the beach (anywhere along Camino Escenico / Paseo de la Ropa) or take a taxi to any of the access points along the beach. To return, you can catch a taxi near several of the restaurants and especially at a taxi stand in front of the luxury hotel, Villa del Sol.
