Things To Do
in Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a sun-drenched port town on Mexico’s Pacific coast known for its broad beaches and active fishing scene. The city blends a working harbor with a growing tourist footprint, offering seafood-focused cuisine and laid-back coastal vibes. Visitors can enjoy palm-lined shorelines, colorful markets, and outdoor adventures in a warm tropical climate.
Expect friendly locals, stunning sunsets over the bay, and plenty of opportunities to savor fresh seafood by the water.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza de las Armas, where you can admire the beautiful colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast at a nearby café, sampling dishes like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. As the sun rises higher, stroll through the local market, soaking in the fresh produce and handmade crafts.
After lunch, make your way to the iconic Tempio de la Virgen de Guadalupe, a beautiful church that showcases the city's history and culture. Spend some time wandering through the charming streets, where you can find local artisans selling handmade jewelry and crafts. As the afternoon progresses, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and views of the bay.
As the sun sets, head to a seaside restaurant for dinner, where you can savor fresh seafood while listening to the gentle sounds of the waves. After your meal, explore the nightlife at one of the local bars, where live music often fills the air. End your evening with a peaceful walk along the beach, taking in the moonlight and the sound of the ocean.
Kick off your day at Playa La Audiencia, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Rent some snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs. After a refreshing swim, relax on the beach with a good book and soak up the sun.
For lunch, enjoy beachside tacos de pescado at a local food stand, savoring the flavors of fresh, grilled fish. In the afternoon, try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking, taking in the stunning coastal views from the water. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for playful seals and exotic birds that inhabit the area.
As the day winds down, find a cozy beach bar where you can sip on a tropical cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Enjoy a casual dinner featuring local specialties like ceviche and grilled shrimp. Afterward, take a moonlit stroll along the shore, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer at local bar | $2-4 |
| 🚖Taxi ride (short trip) | $3-8 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic items) | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and warm Pacific weather
- Fresh seafood and affordable dining
- Friendly locals and a relaxed vibe
- Accessible marina and nearby nature options
- Occasional hurricane risk in late summer and fall
- Limited English in some markets and rural areas
- Traffic can be heavy near the marina and market areas
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Manzanillo
Visit one of these nice places.
A working pier with boats coming and going, offering dramatic silhouettes against the water, especially at dawn or dusk.
The waterfront promenade provides colorful skies, palm silhouettes, and lively street life for wide-angle sunset shots.
Accessible vantage points along La Audiencia Beach ideal for capturing turquoise water, rocky outcrops, and reef edges.
Narrow lanes, vibrant tiles, and local vendors create candid street photography opportunities.
Food in Manzanillo
Manzanillo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Two split fish fillets marinated with a smoky chile paste and grilled over charcoal, typically served with rice, beans, tortillas, and lime.
Must-Try!
Whole fish marinated with spices and herbs, grilled over open fire and finished with a zesty sauce; a staple at beachfront palapas.
Chilled shrimp in a citrusy, chile-rich sauce with onions and cilantro; bright, zippy, and best with crisp tostadas.
Fresh fish cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chili; commonly found at seafood stalls and casual restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample ceviche, grilled seafood, tostadas, elotes, aguas frescas, and other local snacks.
Casual stands offering quick bites like fried fish, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit cups with local spices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings (hello: hola, good day: buenos días). Use a respectful tone and greet people when entering small shops. Bargaining is common but done with friendliness and patience.
Safety
Tipping in Manzanillo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is customary if service is not included. Small tips for hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides are appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants; many small eateries prefer cash (MXN). ATMs are common in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong sun; bring sunscreen, hat, and water. Coastal storms and the early part of hurricane season (Aug–Oct) are possible; plan outdoor time for mornings.
Warm days with cooler evenings; comfortable beach weather and lower humidity. Excellent time for outdoor activities and photography without peak heat.
June through October sees regular afternoon showers and occasional storms; mornings are typically drier and good for outdoor exploration before rain starts.
Manzanillo at Night
Hiking in Manzanillo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-covered foothills with hiking trails, biodiversity, and scenic viewpoints, reachable as a day trip from Manzanillo.
Gentle coastal hikes with opportunities for birdwatching and sea vistas, suitable for beginners.
Airports
How to reach Manzanillo by plane.
Located about 20–40 minutes from central Manzanillo; offers domestic flights and some international connections, with taxi or shuttle options into town.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Mestizo with strong fishing and maritime heritage; warm, family-oriented communities.
Visitors from across Mexico and abroad, drawn to seafood, beaches, and lower-cost accommodations.
A visible and integral part of daily life, particularly around the harbor and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular activity and pastime among locals; watch matches or join informal games on beaches and town fields.
A staple coastal sport with charter boats operating from the marina during the season.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are common along the coastline and marina.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Manzanillo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist at many spots (salads, rice and beans, veggie tostadas). Ask for grilled vegetables or veggie tacos, and avoid heavy crema-based sauces; consider ordering plain sides (frijoles, rice, guacamole) with fresh salsas.