Playa el Palmar in Ixtapa, Mexico

In addition to being the main beach in Ixtapa, Playa el Palmar in Ixtapa is also known as the area's "hotel zone." "This is the location in which most of the major hotels and resorts in the area are concentrated and heavily trafficked by tourists. Even the businesses in the immediate vicinity are often designed in order to accommodate the local tourism industry with many excellent restaurants, stores, craft, and souvenir shops located nearby.

This is an unprotected beach, which means it can bring some dangerous surf and a swift undertow. Be sure to pay attention to local warnings if you are planning to make a day of exploring the beach even though there are lifeguards on duty. If you happen to be staying in one of the many hotels that line the Playa el Palmar you will find that most offer safer alternatives for those who wish to swim in their huge and luxurious swimming pools.

Water sports that are commonly enjoyed in and around Playa el Palmar include swimming, body boarding, soccer, volleyball, and parasailing. There is even the Delfiniti Dolphinarium that offers visitors the opportunity to actually swim with dolphins if you are looking for something new and exciting to try when visiting Ixtapa. It is located next to the Carlos 'n' Charlies Restaurant. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a good book, and make plans to enjoy the day at Playa el Palmar. You will rarely find a reason to regret the many great things to do and see along this beach unless you bring home a painful sunburn as your souvenir.