Discover Playa Larga: Zihuatanejo's Best-Kept Beach Secret

Team StayPV
Jul 17
3 min read

If you're craving a destination that combines untouched natural beauty with peaceful seclusion, look no further than Playa Larga—a stunning stretch of beach just 20 minutes south of downtown Zihuatanejo, Mexico. This is not a tourist trap. Playa Larga is where the jungle meets the sea, where time slows down, and where barefoot luxury feels more like barefoot freedom.

This is the beach locals love. It’s where families go on weekends, where fishermen pull in their morning catch, and where local eateries serve up fresh seafood at prices that won’t make you blink. Forget resort prices—Playa Larga is all about authenticity. Most restaurants are open-air palapas with sand under your feet, handwritten menus, and the kind of hospitality that feels more like visiting a neighbor than ordering from staff.

Because it's not heavily commercialized, you won't find souvenir stalls or beach vendors hounding you. What you will find is real life: kids flying kites, couples walking dogs, and locals gathered under palm trees enjoying cold beers and homemade ceviche. As a visitor, you’re welcomed—but gently invited into their rhythm, not a fabricated one.

Come curious, come respectful, and come hungry—Playa Larga rewards those looking for the real Zihuatanejo.

“Larga” means long in Spanish, and this beach lives up to its name. Playa Larga spans over 10 kilometers of golden sand, backed by swaying palm trees and whispering waves. Unlike the busier beaches in Ixtapa or central Zihua, this one feels nearly deserted—especially on weekdays. It’s a place where you can walk for miles and not see another soul.

The wide beach and rolling Pacific surf make Playa Larga ideal for beachcombing, horseback riding, and sunrise runs. While swimming isn't recommended due to strong currents, the mesmerizing sound of the waves and endless ocean views make it the ultimate place to relax, reflect, or reconnect.

Top Things to Do at Playa Larga

Horseback Riding on the Beach: Ride along the shoreline at sunset—a popular and romantic way to experience the landscape.
Dine at a Beach Palapa: Try Popeye’s or Punta Potosí for authentic local fare with a view.
Watch for Wildlife: Bring binoculars! You might see pelicans diving, sea turtles nesting, or dolphins dancing offshore.
Take a Scenic Drive: The road from Zihuatanejo to Playa Larga is dotted with jungle views, ocean lookouts, and small hidden spots to explore.

Insider Tips

Cash is king: Most local eateries don’t accept cards, so bring pesos.
Weekday mornings are magic: If you want the beach to yourself, go early in the day and avoid weekends.
No crowds, no chaos: This is the opposite of a cruise ship port—it’s Zihua’s hidden gem for those who’ve been everywhere else.
Lifeguard Hours: A dedicated team watches over the beach daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., ready to respond if the surf turns rough.
Real-Life Rescues: Tourists have already been aided and rescued by these lifesavers during periods of high wave action.

Still No Swim Paradise

The ocean remains unpredictable—strong swells and currents are still in play.
Lifeguards patrol just during posted hours; swimming outside of 10 a.m.–5 p.m. is at your own risk.
Even during lifeguard hours, it's safer to enjoy Playa Larga from the shore—long walks, wildlife spotting, sunsets—not risky swims.

Final Thoughts

Playa Larga is for the traveler who wants to slow down and savor the moment. It’s not about poolside service or souvenir shops. It’s about long walks, quiet conversations, fresh ceviche, and feeling like you’ve discovered something most people miss.

📍Ready to explore Playa Larga?Make it part of your itinerary when staying at Pacific Vacation | StayPV, your home base for authentic, luxury travel in Zihuatanejo. For those who believe the best beaches are the ones no one talks about, Playa Larga is calling.