There are a lot of beaches to choose from when you come to Zihuatanejo. Just in our bay there’s Playa Principal, La Madera, La Ropa, and Las Gatas. Nearby, but not as easily accessible are Contramar, Majahua, and Manzanillo. Going south we have Playas Larga and Blanca. And Ixtapa has Playa El Palmar, Playa Linda, and the beaches of Ixtapa Island. And there’s the not-as-well-known Playa Quieta.
Playa Quieta is 14km from Zihuatanejo and located behind the Club Med. If you drive then there is a parking lot for the beach between the Club Med and Azul Ixtapa resorts. If you take the bus you’ll ride the bus that goes to Playa Linda and get off at Club Med. There’s one public access walkway located from the parking lot. As you walk down the pathway you’ll see a massage set-up, souvenirs for sale, bathrooms, and the Neptune Restaurant / Bar.
Along the beach there there is a turtle hatchery that will do baby turtle releases during the proper season. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and sign up for excursions such as Ixtapa Island. Club Med has an all-inclusive restaurant on the beach. We tried to stop in for a drink and quickly realized that a wristband was needed. We didn’t try to use their beach lounge chairs.
Club Med is the only hotel that appears to have direct access to this public beach, and this is an all-inclusive resort that charges an average of $300 to $400USD per couple per night. There are a lot of reasons to visit Playa Quieta. The beach is very clean and the waves are manageable. It’s not a very crowded beach, even on weekends. If you forget an umbrella you can still find pockets of shade among the trees on the beach. The Neptune Restaurant / Bar is a nice bonus where you can grab a beer and guacamole after a few hours in the sun and water.
If you are staying in Zihuatanejo and looking for a day excursion. I would recommend visiting Playa Quieta. There’s a great hike that starts at the Reserva Agua Fonatur and ends at the Cocodrilario at Playa Linda. The hike is easy and good for bird and animal spotting, and you will see birds, iguanas, crocodiles and more at the Cocodrilario. Playa Quieta is perhaps a 10minute walk from Playa Linda and the perfect way to end your Ixtapa day trip.