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  • Guerrero
  • Zihuatanejo
  • Beach

La Ropa Beach

La Ropa Beach is a renowned, kilometer-long golden sand beach located in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, celebrated for its warm waters, gentle waves, and relaxed atmosphere.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 596 reviews.
Water
Fair
Crowds
Low
Location
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Open map
La Ropa Beach: Playa La Ropa at Thompson Zihuatanejo (48068220587)Photo: Nan Palmero · CC BY 2.0

What to know

Overview

It’s a cherished destination known for its natural beauty and a rich history, contributing to its status as a "best-kept secret" among travelers seeking an authentic and tranquil Mexican experience. The beach’s name, "La Ropa" (The Clothes), originates from a legend surrounding a shipwreck of Manila galleons in the late 17th century. The wreckage deposited silks and fine clothing along the shore, which the local fishermen discovered, giving the beach its distinctive moniker. Situated in Zihuatanejo Bay, protected by peninsulas that mitigate the force of Pacific swells, the beach offers soft, golden sand and warm, gentle waves suitable for swimming and body surfing. A wide array of restaurants offering fresh seafood, beach bars, and fine dining experiences are available, including Ceniza and HAO. The beach is directly accessible from luxury hotels such as Thompson Zihuatanejo, offering a preserved experience with unchanged menus and familiar staff. It’s also famously associated with the film *The Shawshank Redemption*, offering visitors a connection to a beloved cinematic classic. La Ropa Beach holds a special place in the history of the Thompson Zihuatanejo, having hosted a wedding ceremony in 2003 where a dramatic wave surge unexpectedly impacted the reception. Overall, La Ropa Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious amenities, making it a truly special destination for travelers seeking a tranquil and memorable escape in Mexico.

Gallery

Photos

About this listing

Compiled from Google Places and verified listing. Ratings and review counts come from Google Places; beach conditions and facilities can change. Last updated September 2026. Send a correction

The details

At a glance

Practical details for La Ropa Beach in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Good for familiesGood
Food nearbyGood
Water sportsYes
AccessibilityNo
Nearest airportIxtapa-Zihuatanejo (ZIH), about 10 km as the crow flies

Guides · Guerrero

On these lists

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Before you go

Common questions

Is La Ropa Beach good for families?

Our listing data rates La Ropa Beach "good" for families. A reasonable pick with kids, but the sea changes day to day: check the flags and the lifeguard post when you arrive.

How is the water quality at La Ropa Beach?

Our listing data rates the water at La Ropa Beach as fair. Visibility and conditions shift with weather, swell and sargassum, so check locally before you swim.

How crowded is La Ropa Beach?

Our listing data puts crowds at La Ropa Beach as low. Usually a quiet one, though weekends and holidays fill most beaches.

Are there restaurants near La Ropa Beach?

Our listing data rates food options at La Ropa Beach as good. A few places to eat close by.

Getting there

Zihuatanejo, Guerrero

17.6304° N, 101.5463° W

Nearby

Beaches within 20 km

Bahia de Zihuatanejo: Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo - panoramioPhoto: eurimaco · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bahia de Zihuatanejo

1 km awayRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 163 reviews.

Playa Las Gatas: Playa las Gatas Zihuatanejo - panoramioPhoto: jc_castaneda · CC BY-SA 3.0

Playa Las Gatas

1 km awayRated 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 4,504 reviews.

Pacífico · 17.63° N · 101.56° W

Playa Contramar

2 km awayRated 4.5 out of 5 on Google from 236 reviews.

Pacífico · 17.62° N · 101.51° W

Playa Larga Zihuatanejo

4 km awayRated 4.7 out of 5 on Google from 506 reviews.

Playa Larga: Atardecer en Playa Larga, Guerrero. - panoramioPhoto: Wiper México · CC BY-SA 3.0

Playa Larga

5 km away

Hotel occupancy · Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo

When it's busy

DataTur hotel occupancy for Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo (Guerrero). DataTur reports by tourism destination: these are the figures for Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo as a whole, not for Zihuatanejo alone.

Busiest, on average
July, December

Occupancy averages about 70% in December. Book ahead.

Quietest, on average
September, October

Occupancy averages about 44% in September, so rooms are easier to find.

In 2024: busiest December (70.9%) · quietest September (44.3%)

January 2024 to December 2024, 0–100% occupancy scale.

Source: Official hotel occupancy statistics from DataTur (SECTUR Mexico). Aggregated across registered lodging categories.

Close by

Eat, drink and do near La Ropa Beach

Where to stay

Hotels near La Ropa Beach

All hotels
  • Under 1 km away

    Partenon Zihuatanejo

    Zihuatanejo, GuerreroRated 4.4 out of 5 on Google from 2,048 reviews.