Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Decades ago, Acapulco was the place to go if you were on a cruise or if you wanted to take a vacation on the Mexican coast.
Unfortunately, in the 2000s, the city fell victim to a rapidly growing crime rate and drug war that propelled it to the second spot on the list of most dangerous Mexican cities.
It’s no longer in second place, but the city and the state of Guerrero were given a Level 4 travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State.
That’s the advisory that says not to travel to the area, and U.S. government employees aren’t allowed to go anywhere in the state, not even Acapulco.
But for tourists, the city and its beaches and bay still hold promise.
The city still has a tourist industry, and the government and police are trying to get a handle on things.
The tourist areas usually have better policing.
Physical destruction from two hurricanes and a strong quake in the past three years have made some areas look bad, but much of the tourist zone is up and running.
Warnings & Dangers in Acapulco
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
The problem with traveling to Acapulco now is that it's hard to tell what might really happen. The risks for most dangers are high. However, staying within the tourist zone and playing it safe for your entire trip could reduce the amount of risk you face. This is by no means guaranteed. There is always a risk of cartel or gang activity flaring up and affecting the tourist zones. But the city is also working with police to make those zones safer, and the tourism industry in Mexico hasn't given up on Acapulco. You take a risk traveling here, but you may be able to mitigate that risk greatly by staying in populated tourist zones and doing everything by the book.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Always agree on a final price with the driver before you get into the taxi. The classic Acapulco taxi is blue and white, but you'll also see yellow and white taxis called colectivos. These are shared taxis that act like little minibuses. Before you take any taxis, however, speak with your hotel's concierge about what transportation they suggest for safety. Many hotels also have taxis, although these can be more expensive. Uber doesn't have services in Acapulco.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Watch your bags and valuables, especially in crowded markets and other areas where people can stand very close to you. Also watch out for petty theft, break-ins, and so on.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
In 2023, Acapulco was hit head on by Hurricane Otis, a storm that strengthened to a category 5 within only 12 hours, which meant the city had little time to prepare. Much of the infrastructure was devastated. Then, in 2024, Hurricane John brought floods and heavy rain to Guerrero, and rebuilding from both disasters is an ongoing process. While more of the city is open now than back in 2024, you have to be prepared for some areas to still be unrepaired. Acapulco is also in a very active seismic zone, and while the building code is meant to protect against damage, the city has still suffered terrible damage. In Jauary 2026, a 6.5-magnitude quake hit near the city, and there have been stronger quakes in the past. Water off the coast can also be rough, so if you go to a beach, make sure it's one that's well-patrolled and near the main street, Costera Miguel Aleman.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Acapulco has a very high mugging and armed-robbery rate. This is why it's so important that travelers stay within tourist zones; they should have a much stronger police presence.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
The state of Guerrero has a lot of violent cartel and gang activity. Never wander away from your resort or from tourist zones because you could end up wandering right into the middle of a dangerous situation.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
The risk of financial fraud and impersonation are great, and tourists need to stick to resort areas, authorized taxis, and so on.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
There's not a lot of recent advice about women traveling to Acapulco. Some advice and reports from a few years ago noted it was not really safe for a female solo traveler, but others claimed that as long as you weren't trying to do anything shady and you stayed in tourist zones, it would be OK. If you're female and want to travel to Acapulco regardless, stay at hotels with extremely good security, and stay within tourist areas.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Acapulco's tap water is not safe to drink and not safe to use for things like brushing your teeth. Use bottled water. The tap water carries risks of bacteria and parasites. You may hear that the water is actually treated, but the contamination often happens between the treatment plant and the faucet.
Safest Places to Visit in Acapulco
The tourist zone is your best bet for safety.
Places to Avoid in Acapulco
Anything outside the tourist zones, especially highways, is off-limits.
Of course, you could go into a business district and not have anything bad happen, but the chances of something happening in the non-tourist areas is much greater than in the tourist areas.
Also, beaches other than the ones in front of hotels with lifeguards often have water that’s too rough for safe swimming.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Acapulco
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program from the U.S. State Department. You’ll get new advisories and warnings, and it may be easier for the U.S. embassy to get in touch with you if there’s a problem.
- Don’t go off with strangers who claim to be taxi drivers at the airport who can give you a better deal on tickets. Buy taxi tickets only from official booths and kiosks in the airport.
- Stay within tourist zones. Don’t wander outside of those. The city gets much rougher once you leave the tourist areas.
- Don’t swim at isolated beaches. Surf at the coast can be very rough. You need to be at a beach that’s by the hotels and that has lifeguards.
- Secure all valuables. Don’t leave anything in your car, if you rented one. Keep valuables safe, especially in crowded situations.
- Go to a bank to use an ATM.
- Stay alert! Don’t zone out with earbuds in and music up, so that you can’t hear anyone around you.
- Do not bring flashy jewelry with you, and be careful when handling cash.
- Do get travel insurance, especially medical coverage.
- Pay attention to weather warnings.
So... How Safe Is Acapulco Really?
If you still decide to go to Acapulco, or you have to for work or whatever reason, then this will be a trip where you don’t want to cut corners.
Stay at the better hotel with great security.
Eat at restaurants within the tourist areas and not outside.
Maybe consider the more expensive hotel taxi that the concierge can call for you.
Your trip doesn’t have to be expensive.
You just want to ensure that you’re in spaces where the people around you are looking out for you.
Acapulco used to be Mexico’s second most-dangerous city, and it’s still among the top 50 most dangerous in the world.
At the same time, the city and police have worked together to try to make the tourist areas more secure.
And the people who work in the tourist areas don’t want to drive away tourists.
You’ll find many, many comments and reviews online that state that Acapulco is totally fine if you stay in the tourist zones, which is encouraging.
However, you don’t know how many of those comments are real.
A number of bloggers report feeling OK in the city and never being warned away from places they wanted to see, which sounds like a very good development.
The best thing you can do, if you’re determined to go or have to go, is to plan well.
Play it very, very safe on this trip, and don’t think you’re invincible.
It’s better to have a good, safe trip with extra security measures you ended up not needing than to have a trip ruined because you didn’t think you needed that much security.
Acapulco is in a marvelous geographical area with lovely beaches and charming sights, and with good planning, you could spend your trip enjoying the city instead of dealing with complaints.
How Does Acapulco Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Acapulco |
45 |
| Isla Mujeres |
82 |
| Sayulita |
80 |
| Los Cabos |
78 |
| Manzanillo |
65 |
| Aguascalientes |
75 |
| Juarez |
28 |
 Berlin | 80 |
 Almaty | 29 |
 Fall River | 48 |
 Sana’a | 36 |
| Bethel | 88 |
 Mississauga | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
You get six months visa-free in Mexico if you're a U.S. citizen. However, a visa is different from an entry permit, which U.S. citizens do need to get. There are slightly different requirements for those who enter Mexico at a land border than at a seaport or airport, but in general, anyone entering Mexico needs to get a form called the FMM. The acronym comes from the Spanish for Multiple Immigration Form. Most people will need this form and need to pay a fee; you can apply online ahead of time if you want. For people staying in Mexico for six or fewer days and who enter by sea or air, the FMM is required, but the fee isn't. For people staying six or fewer days and who enter by land, neither the FMM nor the fee are required. Keep that in mind if you're planning to walk over to Mexico via a border bridge and then fly down to Acapulco.
Currency
Acapulco uses Mexican pesos (1 peso equals 100 centavos), which use the $ sign like U.S. dollars do. Most places that list prices using "$" are using pesos. But if you're in a tourist area, especially at a high-end establishment, there is the off-chance you might see a US$ price. You can always verify that this or that price is pesos. As of the end of January 2026, US$1 = MEX$17.33. The fastest way to exchange dollars for pesos is through an ATM. You may see limits on withdrawals, so double-check with your bank or credit card company about how much they'll approve per withdrawal per day and week. Use ATMs in banks. You can also go to casas de cambio, or exchange houses, but stick to those in the tourist zones. Ask your hotel's concierge or front desk about the best ones to go to. Don't ever exchange dollars or another currency for pesos with someone on the street. Those exchange offers claim to give you great rates, but you're likely to end up with a worse rate or even fake money.
Weather
Acapulco has pretty consistent highs throughout the year, and they're all hot. Between January and December, the average highs (numbers here are listed in Fahrenheit, even though Acapulco uses Celsius) range from 90 to 94. Lows show a little more variation, with winter lows in the upper 60s and summer lows in the mid-70s. Humidity is generally high all year. Appropriate clothing is layered and light. Bring hats and sunglasses, along with lightweight shawls, wraps, or very lightweight jackets to keep the sun off you. The combination of heat and humidity can be difficult, so clothes that give you shade and allow leisurely movement are necessary.
Airports
If you fly to Acapulco, you'll land at Acapulco International Airport, also called Juan N. Alvarez General International Airport. This is located southeast of the main city of Acapulco on an isthmus that separates the Pacific from Laguna de Tres Palos. The airport has car rental desks; always get insurance unless you have a travel auto insurance policy that's legal to use in Mexico, and that doesn't require you to pay repair costs up front before asking for the insurance to reimburse you. If you don't want to rent a car, there are a few authorized taxi services that you can arrange for; buy tickets at the official booths or kiosks. Do NOT buy a ticket from anywhere or anyone else. Your hotel may also have airport shuttles.
Travel Insurance
You aren't required to have any travel insurance to enter Mexico, and you're required to have only Mexican auto insurance if you plan to drive (either your own car or a rental). However, given Acapulco is still on the slow road to recovery after Hurricane Otis hit in 2023, and stories about safety vary from person to person, travel insurance is highly, highly recommended if you go. Even if you plan to camp out at the pool at the nicest, most secure hotel in town, get travel insurance. Have policies that cover all types of loss, from canceled tickets to petty theft. Also get medical insurance because your normal U.S. insurance won't be any good. If you get injured or sick and need to be moved to a hospital in another city, for example, you aren't going to want to deal with transport costs plus transferring lodging from Acapulco to wherever you end up. Be fully covered if you travel to Acapulco.
Acapulco Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C |
21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| High °F |
86 | 86 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F |
70 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 75 | 72 | 70 |
My experience at the border
Went to Juarez for a few hours in the morning had fun they never even asked me for my ID. I had issues on the U.S side I was accused by ICE of transportating drugs and crimes that I did not do. I have no criminal history. Not advisable to go unless you have a week or so to go through customs.
Bull, went many years ago and never had any problems getting through customs or any
y borders
Acapulco review
I have traveled here multiple times I have family who lives in Acapulco and have been all over the city and have never once ran in to any issues. When traveling ANY were just travel smart. I live in Oregon, even when you go out of state you have to be cautious. If you aren’t looking for trouble, acting respectfully, and paying attention to your surroundings you will have a safe and relaxing trip. 🙂 highly recommend imperial Mundo hotel and Acasol! Don’t forget to watch the cliff divers at La Quebrada 👍🏼
My daughter n I want to visit Acapulco but I’m wondering is it safe to go, we were thinking of going in March or april. Is old Acapulco safe?
Acapulco
I have been going every year since 1999 in February or March. I recommend staying at Las Brisas
Great Question....Not an Easy Answer
I grew up going to Acapulco because I had family members living their in the winters. The weather is great. The views are incredible. It is not what it used to be. I have been there 3 or 4 times over the last couple of years and I have had a number of uncomfortable experiences. It comes with the territory. I suggest staying in Costa Azul, near Las Brisas or Diamante. La Isla Mall is great and the restaurants are very good in the Diamante area. Going further downtown brings more risk at night. The Acapulco Princess still is a great hotel. I like Hotel Elcano or Dreams Acapulco which used to be the Hyatt. Dreams is an all inclusive packaged rate. It is very helpful if you speak Spanish. Almost a necessity. Here are some of my experiences.
1. I was pulled once for taking a left hand turn in the wrong lane. It was my fault because of a strange extra turning lane that is on the right of the main road in Diamante. The motorcycle police officer was nice and let me go but later changed his mind. He wanted to take my license and give me a ticket. I gave him about $75 ($1,500 pesos) to get rid of him.
2. I was pulled over for supposedly going through a red light but that is not what I recall. The motorcycle police officer wanted to take my license and give me a ticket. He showed me a list of infractions and what they cost. I paid him the cost which was around $1,000 pesos). They are able to recognize rental car license plates. That is what I was told. They look for the Gringos.
3. At 2 AM near Diana Circle, there was a car chase with the second car shooting at the front car. The innocent drivers pulled over and let them do their business, take a right turn going toward the highway into the hills. Everyone got back on the road and drive away like nothing happened. Absolutely true.
4. I was sitting at an outside table at the Starbucks in Costa Azul on the Costera near Sanborns. Across the street, on the side going toward the hills, there were gun shots and two three cab drivers will killed. It was on the side street and the shooters must have run away from the Costera because there are Military Police in Jeeps driving around with machine guns consistently. They ran away. I did nothing. I wasn’t interested in letting them ruin my latte and I knew the shooters would not run into the Costera. People just went about this business after it happened.
The shootings occur but they are not seemingly related to tourists.
People on the street and also that work at hotels who will very possibly ask you for money. It is understandable why. DO NOT TAKE CABS WITH THE YELLOW STRIPES. Those are cabs that take multiple passengers and mainly for the locals. Take the ones that are white with the blue stripes. It is beautiful city. It really is. Unfortunately, it has its baggage. If you decide to go, stay in the areas that I mentioned and you should be fine. Enjoy!!
The most magical place in the world.
I feel sad for people who don’t go to Acapulco because of fear. They are missing out on the most magical place in the world.
You say you go to Tulum and Playa del Carmen because Acapulco is dangerous. I’ve been telling you for years that Tulum and Playa are now way more dangerous and that the media is paid by the tourism board of the state of Quintana Roo where Tulum, Cancun and playa are. There is a lot of investment there so they don’t tell you what happens.
Don’t forget how dangerous it is also in your home town. Just be safe no matter where you go!!!
wrong
Lived here for 20 years and only seen 1 shooting in person. Been there 2 weeks and seen two on the same weekend. I think the choice is clear. You can stay there and not try to convince ldiots to go there
You are not in control
Most crimes happen out of your control. You act like you have full control of what criminals do.
Best 30 year destination
I went there for over 30 years and am reluctant to go back. Always stayed at the Princess and it was like coming home for us, people knew our names and always went into the city to eat and have fun. Loved going to Paradise and pretending it was my birthday, haha. First trip was 1978, last was 2004
We own a Beachfront High rise Condo in Acapulco for 13 years now, I been traveling there for over 25 years,, I seen it in Good times and in their bad times, I never personally had any safety issues there, I love it there the People are hard working and Friendly The Bay there is Beautiful , the Beaches are Beautiful, they have many outstanding Restaurants , I personal feel we have just as much crime there as we do in the States , Yes there are areas you definitely show stay clear of just like here in the States ,, I take my Family and Friends there and share the Beauty with them, If I felt unsafe I surely wouldn’t take my loved ones there,,
👍
Do they offer English writing lessons there?
Best comment ever! ROTF
Can’t beat double commas
Please take me! I love Acapulco!
Superb destination
Had a wonderful trip until I was decapitated. Minor inconvenience. Best to ignore such trivialities. Looking forward to going again and due to my recent bodily modification, movie goers sitting behind me complain a whole lot less.
Seriously, go to Acapulco if you want to experience real Mexico where tourism doesn’t influence everything. Guadalajara is another example. The cliff divers of Quebrada are boring. Hard to believe athletes can be so chubby. Risking their lives for the amusement of tourists. Should be illegal. The women are gorgeous, family life thrives, the men and women are dedicated to their families, the children have much hope for the future thanks to ample parental support, the history of Mexico is deep and fascinating, the culture rich in complexity and irony…..all in all a swell place to go.
Hide your MOST of your money well though always have at least $20 for muggers, don’t display ANY signs of wealth like a camera or phone, practice sprinting, wear shoes good for walking/running in case of an emergency, don’t eat junk food, get lots of sleep….normal precautions when you travel anywhere so you’re full of energy and well rested.
If you like water snorkel at La Roqueta island (OK visibility), see crashing beach surf at Pie de la Cuesta, try body surfing at Playa Revolcadero, get food at the huge downtown market and above all else, if you feel sick do NOT take pills. Rather find a source of purified water and drink only that at room temperature for a of couple days until you feel better. Then you’ll build an immunity to the bacteria/virus that made you sick. Pills are useless.
If you have some time Zihuatanejo to the north and Puerto Escondido to the south and Huatulco south of that are relatively close and very different. All well worth seeing.
Be a traveller, not a toursit, talk in depth to the locals, learn a few popular Spanish slang words to break the ice and you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget instead of a mad dash of escapism to get a break from a dreaded job.
Questionnaire
Hi Bob,
Of all the comments, on all the ex pats in Mexico forums, yours is hands down the best! And most informative…
Could I possibly pick your brain?
Need to be pointed in the direction of a forum containing boots on the ground ex pats and good data including where to search (online) for affordable furnished 6 month accommodations?
I’m an older Canadian gringa. Unafraid of possible decapitation.
Would you known of a “locals Acapulco” site I can peruse for solid info? Cannot find ANY such board…
San Miguel has an “ex pat” (former yahoo groups) site, however terribly boring frightened elderly folks post nonsense, daily. Double or single vaccinated, driving to the border for booster shots, local mask, social distancing and Covid protocols, as well as announcements about the latest R.I.P.
There will be an ex pat celebration of “life”. Please wear your mask and kindly show your vax passport to our Covid Ambassador who’ll be stationed at the entrance?
I believe I would die quickly there too. Of boredom.
I have zero interest in relocating there.
Nothing about PV ever interested me either.
That leaves Puerto Escondido. (Wondering whether the main street is still dirt?)
Or Acapulco.
Now there’s a city which holds a lot of attraction for me.
Would Acapulco Bob, or anyone else, kindly reply to my query?
Muchas Gracias por su ayuda.
It’s safe!!!
Just got back home to Vancouver tonight.
I couldn’t sleep unless I voiced my opinion on the beautiful destination of Acapulco.
I’m happy to dispel ( in my opinion)any notion of this being a dangerous town( at least where the tourist areas are)
From what I hear, the new mayor has made a huge clean-up of the town’s
It’s a very clean city
I’m already planing on booking my return back there! Lols
Safe for everyone using common sense.
P.S. : Hotsson Smart is beautiful great hotel!
Go and enjoy / Book now
Be ahead of the masses, this town defiantly is on its way to making a comeback!
acapolco is safe
one of the most beautiful city in the world and a beautiful bay sunsets are the best in the world, just be sensible, we felt very safe at the beach walking around, food is great people are nice very nice, been all over Mexico Acapulco is the most beautiful city in Mexico don’t worry be happy.
Acapulco Beachfront Condo Fabulous View! Affordable Too!
A favourite place in the tropical sun is here at my Affordable Acapulco Beachfront Condo with fabulous views right on Acapulco Bay! The studio’s panoramic 270 degree view of Acapulco Bay, city lights and Sierra Madre mountains is candy to my eye. For the past 14 years, it has allowed me to write novels and paint local scenes in peace and total privacy. From my very private terraza, I watch the sun rise in the morning while having breakfast. Perhaps later, viewing a sailing regatta, a cruise ship arrival, fascinating marine life in the reef below. Take in a museum, an old historic fort and maybe some markets, mariachi bands with lunch at a beachside restaurant. Beach time or pool time might round out the afternoon. Then, as the city lights begin to sparkle, watching the very colorful sunset while having dinner on my terraza with the golden illumination of the navy’s sailing ship lit up and the dazzling displays of fireworks from weekend dinner celebrations ringing Acapulco Bay. I have other favorite places which are similar in lifestyle – an Aloha Beach Condo in Kona on the island of Hawaii and a mountaintop aerie overlooking a panorama from Vancouver’s snow-capped Coastal Mountains, towards Seattle and the Olympic Mountains, all from above Victoria harbor on Vancouver Island in Canada.
Much better than it was.
“Going further downtown brings more risk at night.”
Nah, I disagree. I own a place at the end of the Costera by Playa Caleta. Pretty much anyplace along the Costera (main road along the bay) are equal in terms of safety. My area is just quieter at night, nothing to do for tourists. Most of the tourist action at night runs from the Naval Base to just before Park Papagayo, then dies out. Though the area by the Zocalo is picking up again in the evenings with locals.
Caleta
I love Caleta. I lived over there with my Mexican husband. I loved how quiet it was but if you wanted to hit the strip it wasn’t far. I really miss it!! I’m going for the month of February and will definitely take a trip over for old times sake. See if my favourite restaurant on tye beach is there.
I’ve been going to Acapulco for past 7 yrs. I LOVE. Have many friends there now. Did not go this yr. because of Covid .Miss being there. I’m SAD.
May I share that Acapulco keeps calling me; 2 visit again, and again, despite not being there, for 15 yrs. Wish me success; bc, I am planning 2 return.
I LOVE ACAPULCO!!❤️❤️
I LOVE Acapulco. I have been going since 1985. Yes it has changed immensely which is sad but it’s still my beautiful Acapulco. I lived there for six months from 1989 to 1990 and have been there 33 times. I was married to a man from there. Unfortunately that didn’t work out but through him I saw the real Acapulco and it’s amazing. The people are warm, good hearted, hard working and would give you the shirt off their sometimes very poor backs. Also very hospitable. You have to keep your wits about you but the main thing is to be respectful and kind to the locals. They will be a friend forever if you are. You have to see things from their side too. They see people coming on vacation from other countries like Canada, the US, Europe, etc. They see the money we have. My friends all work at bars and restaurants and they rely on tips so tipping them well goes a long way. It’s a beautiful, magical place and I doubt you’d be sorry you went. Stay at your resort and if you go on tours make sure they’re arranged through your hotel. If you go outside your resort or hotel just stick to the Costera (the main strip) and you will be fine. There is a strong military presence on the streets but that made me feel safer. They actually looked really bored so I asked to get a picture taken with them. Lol. That made their night. I feel nowhere is totally safe these days so honestly you should be fine there. I’m going for the month of February. I’m staying at the HS Hotsson which is a beautiful hotel, all inclusive, on the main strip and close to everything. I hope this helps anyone thinking about going. You will love it.
I live in Acapulco…and American widowed female …when my husband was alive we were here every winter…became pregnant with my oldest son here and he is 50!
I am from NYC.. apartment in Manhattan… so maybe is am used to being in a busy
city … like anywhere else in the world you don’t do stupid things… do I walk down the mountain myself at night … no … just the same way I am cautious in NYC!
The people of this city are lovely … do you come across idiots…yes … but duh NYC is loaded with them!
The weather is amazing … the vistas are sensational… great food..lovely people…much more courteous than most people from NYC!
Scariest Taxi Ride Ever
Had a very bad experience in a taxi in Acapulco in the late 90’s where the driver drove off the highway and proceeded to drive into the hills which was pitch black before he stopped at a derelict shack where he got out the car and approached 2 other men who were sitting on a bench. To say I was petrified was an understatement. The men came over to the car and looked in at me and said something to the driver who then got back in car accompanied by one of the men who sat in the front seat. Petrified I said ‘hotel, hotel’ and he said nothing. Luckily I saw the lights of the highway and beach approaching as he drove and further on he pulled into the gas station where the other man helped him fill the car with gas. He then took me back to my hotel. Scariest 30 mins ever.
You can’t beat the vibe of the beaches there, but it’s definitely wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
Did you find any hidden gems while exploring the nightlife there, or is it all about the popular spots?
Did you find the nightlife as intense as people say, or is it more relaxed than it used to be?
Those beaches are gorgeous, but I’d definitely keep an eye out if I were heading there!
I walked the main pier at sunset and laughed when a pelican nearly stole my taco, and I actually felt pretty safe in the tourist stretch.