Dance barefoot in the sand as a live band plays hits and classics in English and Spanish. Admire the sunset aboard a romantic bay cruise. Belly up to the cantina and sip a cold one while swapping stories of your catch of the day. “Dress to the nines” for the posh discotheques of Ixtapa’s hotel zone, or go casual at a bohemian joint on the shores of Zihuatanejo. Whatever type of nightlife you prefer, you’ll find your scene when the sun sinks into the Pacific in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.

Don’t be caught inside during one of the area’s spectacular sunsets! Head to Playa El Palmar or Zihuatanejo Bay, pull up a beach chair, order a cocktail or cappuccino and take in the nightly show in the sky. If you prefer your front row seat aboard a boat, book a tour, which takes you aboard a catamaran through Zihuatanejo bay and toward Ixtapa. Keep an eagle eye out for birds coming to roost on volcanic outcroppings and an ever-changing mural of Technicolor clouds reflected in the ocean. Full sunset cruise packages include an open bar and appetizers.

The party continues onshore. As evening turns to night, roving musicians or house bands entertain customers at the restaurants in Zihuatanejo. You’ll be treated to northern-style corrida music, tropical rhythms, salsa, pop or haunting melodies about broken hearts. By midnight the fiesta is just getting started. Locals and visitors pack the dance floors and bar areas. For an all-Latin soundtrack, head to Zihuatanejo’s smaller discotheques. You may just have to miss sunrise on the beach tomorrow.