Playa la Ropa

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 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
last updated: July 07 by Isahrai