ACAPULCO ESTABLISHED ITSELF as Mexico’s first truly glamorous vacation destination in the middle of the 20th century when the first movie stars, politicians and globetrotters began frequenting this beachfront paradise. Today this Pacific Coast resort still serves up an intoxicating cocktail of scenery, excitement and activities — as well as several new reasons to visit.

Business travelers may already know Acapulco because of Mundo Imperial, the complex that includes convention and event space as well as hotels. But the most breathtaking new attraction, Xtasea, opened this year. Billed as the world’s longest overwater zipline, the ride sends thrill seekers soaring at speeds of up to 75 miles an hour over Puerto Marqués Bay.

Zipline © MARK CHESNUT/ LATINFLYER.COM

Xtasea is one of the first components of a $1 billion investment by Grupo Autofin, which plans to build new hotels, condominiums, shopping areas and a medical center for medical tourism. Also in the works is an eco-amusement park called Aventura Guerrero and a new tennis stadium. The entire array of projects is targeted for completion by 2022.

In addition to the hotels planned by Grupo Autofin, Mexican hotelier Posadas plans construction of the Grand Fiesta Americana Acapulco Diamante, a 428-room luxury property located next to the upscale La Isla shopping center. And extensive renovations are underway at both the Princess Mundo Imperial and Crowne Plaza Acapulco, with an $8.5 million budget for upgrades.

Acapulco is also gearing up to debut a brand-new, 194,000-square-foot airport terminal next year, making a smoother arrival and departure experience for a larger number of passengers. In short, there’s a lot happening in Acapulco today.

Of course, the destination offers myriad activities even without the new developments. Visitors find sun-drenched beaches, lots of fine dining and other diversions in each of the destination’s three main tourism districts: the Traditional Zone, where the city first took root as a tourist hot spot; the Golden Zone, a broad swath of beach-lined, high-rise hotels along Acapulco Bay; and the Diamante, or Diamond Zone, home to many of the newer hotels and attractions.

History buffs shouldn’t miss the 17th-century San Diego Fort, home to the Acapulco Historical Museum. And every first-time visitor must attend a performance of the famed Acapulco cliff divers. These daredevils plunge some 148 feet several times a day from the cliffs at La Quebrada. The show can be viewed from land or else from private yachts and scenic cruises.

Famous diving cliff of La Quebrada © LPRISING | DREAMSTIME

Also worth visiting is The Plumed Serpent, a giant mural by famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, stretching across a wall at La Casa de los Vientos — the House of the Winds.

With its multiple bays, wide beaches and dramatic hills, Acapulco provides a variety of picturesque settings for outdoor activities. The city offers more than 50 tennis courts as well as four golf courses — including the Turtle Dunes Country Club, designed by Tripp Davis, and the Princess Mundo Imperial Golf Course, designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. The 18-hole, par-72 Vidanta Golf Acapulco, meanwhile, features 49 sand traps and four lakes. And golfers who wish to score a tee time at the Tres Vidas Golf Course, an oceanfront course designed by Robert von Hagge, must be a guest at Hotel Tres Vidas.

Fans of water sports will never be bored in Acapulco. They can enjoy diving or snorkeling around Roqueta Island, where an ecological reserve assures lots of good viewing opportunities, or try their skills at parasailing, surfing and windsurfing at Revolcadero Beach.

Travelers interested in large-scale events will find lots to love here, too. Top sporting competitions include the Telcel Mexican Tennis Open and the Vans Surf Open, hosted by the World Surf League on Revolcadero Beach. Those looking for a more festive ambience should consider Corona SunSets, which takes place at Princess Mundo Imperial, and Trópico, a three-day festival in December that brings music, fashion shows and culinary demonstrations to the Pierre Mundo Imperial.

Interesting side trips just outside the city include Coyuca Lagoon, a nature lover’s paradise where boat rides through the mangroves showcase a diverse array of flora and fauna. Water skiing, fishing and dining on fresh seafood are additional reasons to visit. Hollywood film buffs take note: Scenes from multiple Tarzan movies as well as The African Queen and Rambo II were filmed here.

An especially rewarding destination for a longer daytrip — or an overnight excursion — is Taxco, a historic town tucked into the hills and mountains of inland Guerrero State. Designated a “Magical Town” by the Mexico Tourism Board, Taxco is laced with lovely cobblestone streets and dotted with stunning Baroque architecture. It’s a popular place for shoppers thanks to the high-quality jewelry and other items made with precious metals from the region’s centuries-old mines.

Surprisingly, no tour operator has put together Hollywood-style star tours of Acapulco; after all, visitors do need a bit of guidance to fully appreciate the extent to which movie stars, politicians and other celebrities helped shape Acapulco’s image over the years. Without research, travelers may not realize today’s budget-priced hotels were once the playgrounds of the rich and famous — like the Hotel Caleta, which once welcomed Gregory Peck, and Los Flamingos, owned by a group of celebrities including John Wayne and Cary Grant.

Big-name globetrotters today are more likely to check into other properties including Las Brisas, which opened in 1954 but continues to collect the handprints of well-traveled guests, including performers ranging from Ricardo Montalbán to Liza Minnelli and Brad Pitt. And the Boca Chica — a vintage mid-century hotel that once hosted actress Rita Hayworth — has found a trendy new life and identity thanks to its rebirth under the auspices of Grupo Habita, the company responsible for making boutique chic a Mexican phenomenon. Several Mexican and Latin American pop stars, including Luis Miguel and Vicente and Alejandro Fernández, have chosen the casually elegant Quinta Real Acapulco for their seaside getaways, while Howard Hughes spent the last days of his life sequestered on the top two floors of the Princess Mundo Imperial.

Colorful sign © MARK CHESNUT/ LATINFLYER.COM

Some performers actually come to Acapulco to work — whether on movies and music videos (Jennifer Lopez joined Wisin and Yandel here for the video of “Follow the Leader’’) or to take the stage at the Forum. This high-tech, 4,000-seat venue is part of Mundo Imperial, a massive complex created as a Las Vegas-style convention and entertainment hub. It’s always worth checking out the schedule to see what’s playing.

In Acapulco, the celebrity aura has a way of insinuating itself into various aspects of the travel experience. During private yacht cruises around the bay — a must for visitors — the captain invariably will end up pointing out former vacation homes of people like Harding Lawrence, head of the once hip but long-defunct Braniff International Airways, and Esther Williams, the competitive swimmer and MGM movie star.

Decades may have passed since the first diver soared off the cliffs of La Quebrada and Elvis Presley crooned about surf and sand in his movie Fun in Acapulco. But legends live on.

Acapulco Info to Go

Acapulco International Airport, also known as General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport, lies about 16 miles from the main part of the city. Slated for expansion next year, it’s a small but efficient facility, with the most frequent connections available via Mexico City. The best way to travel from the airport to your hotel is through pre-arranged transportation or by taxi.

Where to Stay in Acapulco

BANYAN TREE CABO MARQUÉS Set dramatically on the hills overlooking a picturesque bay, this 45-room luxury property, removed from the hubbub of the city, fuses Mexican and Asian style and service, with lux villas, gourmet dining and extensive spa services. Blvd. Cabo Marqués Lte. 1, Punta Diamante $$$$

LAS BRISAS Pink and white Jeeps are the official mode of transportation at this legendary property where countless celebrities have checked into casitas with private pools and spectacular views. Bellavista Restaurant serves international cuisine against postcard-perfect views and midcentury design. 5255 Carreterra Escénica, Fraccionamiento Los Brisas, Diamante $$$

ENCANTO Clean and contemporary lines set the stage for this stylish hilltop choice featuring 44 rooms, two restaurants and bars and a spa. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in a music video; this scenic property has appeared in several. Jacques Cousteau 51, Fraccionamiento Brisas del Marqués $$$

Restaurants in Acapulco

BECCO AL MARE Contemporary style and inspiring views go together with the sophisticated Italian cuisine at this popular venue, set on a hillside overlooking Acapulco Bay. Sit outside for the best views. Av. Escénica 14, Fraccionamiento Playa Guitarrón $$$

KOOKABURRA RESTAURANTE Located at the upscale La Isla shopping complex, Kookaburra serves artfully presented international dishes with decidedly Mexican and French influence. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, and the private upstairs dining room is ideal for intimate group gatherings. La Isla Shopping Village $$$

TONY’S ASIAN BISTRO Scenic bay views are also a draw at this venue specializing in Asian/ French cuisine and boasting a 250- seat open-air dining area. Av. Escénica 51, Fraccionamiento Playa Guitarrón $$$