Several months ago, while inadvertently channel surfing, I happened upon one of those “look back” at Hollywood programs. There was Elizabeth Taylor, young, beautiful, suntanned, and frolicking on the pacific shores of Mexico with one of her many husbands. “Acapulco,” remarked the commentator, “was the St. Tropez of Mexico in the 1950s and 60s. A prominent destination for all the notable celebrities.”  They showed film clips of John Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and several other stars and starlets.  Like most, the glamour and the picture they painted of this elite Mexican beach town intrigued me. The portrait was so powerful, and the impression so lasting that I decided to take a trip and discover what life is like in the Acapulco of 90s. Little did I know that I would be so taken by this sparkling gem.
   Acapulco is still the queen of all the Mexican beach resorts.  It is the undisputed birthplace of Mexican tourism and everything that entails. Presenting the world with such specialties as tequila poppers, parasailing, swim -up bars and cliff diving, Acapulco is, and has always been, the standard by which all other beach destinations are measured.  Though the jet set crowd responsible for creating Acapulco’s dynamic reputation has long since gone, all the qualities that drew them to her shores still remain. In recent years, Acapulco has been reborn and is once again back in spotlight.
   From the moment I arrived, one thing was clear – this is indeed Mexico. It’s not that you will have trouble finding plenty of English speaking locals, but the language here is Spanish and the people here are determined to maintain their tradition and culture despite the influx of tourists. For travelers like me, that is one of the most appealing and poignant attractions to the destination. And, of course, the fabulous beaches, upscale hotels, endless activities, and nonstop nightlife don’t hurt either!
   I quickly discovered that most things in Acapulco happen in one of three areas: Playa Revolcadero/Diamante, Puerto Marqués, and the area surrounding Acapulco Bay. And simply enough, these areas are found simultaneously on the drive into town from the airport. The first is the Playa Revolcadero and Diamante area which represents the most modern part of Acapulco. Home to several world-class resorts, stretches of clean white beach and an enormous tropical lagoon, this area is best suited to those who don’t mind being a bit outside the action. The resorts welcome visitors and sipping tequila overlooking the beach at sunset will undoubtedly be one for the photo album.
   Just a bit further, I saw the first of Acapulco’s scenic bays. Though far smaller than its famous neighbor, the Puerto Marqués, is its own scenic wonder. Still quiet and tranquil, it is also growing and developing to keep pace with the demand for luxury properties and housing. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most enjoyable places near town to spend a day at the beach. Charming seaside restaurants offer the winning combination of fresh seafood, cold beer and a hammock or two. The waters are calm and warm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
   And then as the car reaches the crest of the hill, there it is the heart and soul of the city – the grandiose Acapulco Bay. I am quite sure I will never forget the first time I saw it. I was amazed not only at the size, but the seemingly endless view of a thriving metropolis. This is hardly a sleepy seaside resort; this is the bustling home for nearly two million people. And that is precisely what makes it special. Not only are there beaches and oceans, but also all of the electricity and excitement that comes with big city life.
   It is this very “city life” that polishes Acapulco to a brilliant shine. When the sun goes down and the lights come up, the queen is at her very best. The bay twinkles with lights reflecting on the calm waters and the panorama becomes even more unforgettable. It would be difficult to rival Acapulco’s nightlife, maybe Las Vegas, but maybe not! Here, restaurants of every kind serve until late hours, and disco is still king. Usually grouped in small clusters, it is easy to find yourself dancing until dawn. And, even if you prefer things slightly more relaxed, the cliffside cafes are the perfect alternative for whiling away evening hours.
   After making the rounds, I ended my visit in Acapulco with the one “must see” attraction -the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Since 1934, five times a day, divers have been plunging 136 feet from rocky cliffs into only 11 feet of crashing sea. It has become and enduring symbol of the city, and Mexico as well.  Personally, I enjoyed the evening show where the divers carry torches, but either way, it is an unforgettable spectacle.      To me, all of Acapulco is an unforgettable spectacle. I feel that it would take several trips here to really get acquainted with all the subtle nuances that give this queen her charm. But as a newcomer, I could really feel the magic and I now understand why it has withstood the test of time and still reigns as the best and brightest in Mexico’s resort kingdom.