It was to Zihuatanejo's bright shores that wrongly convicted prisoner Andy Dufresne dreamed of escape in the 1994 movie "The Shawshank Redemption." As I floated, suspended in the turquoise surf in the bay of Playa la Ropa, a flock of pelicans drifting overhead, I could understand why. 

Zihuatanejo, with its 120,000 residents, laid-back style and cobbled streets is  just a three-hour flight from L.A. located in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, about 145 miles north of Acapulco. 

The cool early mornings are for exploring Zihuatanejo Bay, walking its cobbled streets or taking the winding path by the sea called Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman's Path). Beside the municipal pier is Playa Principal, which turned into a lively market as the sun rose. Fishermen, who had been out at night, brought in their boats loaded with snapper, bonita, tuna, barracuda, sierra, wahoo and mahi-mahi. Fishing is the lifeblood of Zihua, and for many, it’s a tradition passed down for generations. 

Afternoons had a different pace during the heat of the day. Relaxing with a book on the Playa la Ropa in Zihuatanejo Bay, and floating in the Pacific were followed by backgammon, paddle ball and half-price drinks at the swim-up bar. As the sun dropped in the sky, and the magical light appeared, that was the time to stroll into town, enjoy the cool ocean breeze, sample delicious fresh fish, and take in the local music scene.

https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-d-zihuatanejo-main-20150913-story.html

Story & Photography by Gail Fisher for the Los Angeles Times