"ZIH" has the distinction of a quaint village filled with vintage charm and traditional Mexican culture and food, arts and wares. 

 

The heart of Zihuatanejo is the waterfront brick-paved walkway, Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman’s Path), also called the Malecón. This tree-lined pedestrian walkway runs along the municipal beach between the archaeological museum and the fishing pier, where every morning, the local fishermen sell their catch.  The walkway is lined with restaurants offering fresh seafood and other local dishes. You will find a variety of stores selling Mexican pottery, fine silver, arts and crafts and souvenirs, as well as a delightful small shell market.  The nightlife is informal and appeals to those seeking an escape from the more mundane “party” towns.  ZIH is also home to some impressive resorts and decadent restaurants such as Tentaciones and Espuma Mediterraneo.

 

Zihuatanejo's bay is a favorite for boating and all types of water sports. Contained within the bay are 5 main beaches: La Playa Principal (located in front of the town "Centro" itself), Playa La Madera (great waves for bodysurfing), Playa La Ropa (perfect for swimming and water sports), Playa Las Gatas (great snorkeling), and Playa Contramar (beautiful underwater coral and rock formations).

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Zihuatanejo gained fame in the 90s in Steven King’s critically-acclaimed Shawshank Redemption, when Tim Robbins’ Andy Dufresne described Zihuatanejo as his personal paradise where “the Pacific has no memory.”