Mazatlán Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mazatlan featuring a sandy beach and rugged coastline as well as a family
Mazatlan showing landscape views, rugged coastline and a city
Mazatlan showing modern architecture, a luxury hotel or resort and rugged coastline
Mazatlan showing a sunset, a beach and a coastal town
Mazatlan showing a square or plaza, religious elements and heritage architecture

With miles of coastline and a charming historic center, this is one of the most inviting beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Known as “the pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán has ample sun, sea and sand. Blessed with blue skies and balmy temperatures, this resort is popular with everyone from families to honeymooners to vacationing college students. Discover its beaches, islands and pulsating nightlife.

This oceanfront town came to prominence in the mid-1900s after Hollywood celebrities such as Robert Mitchum and Tony Curtis visited. Today, the city remains a popular vacation spot.

Get a feel for Mazatlán’s colonial history by wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Centro Histórico). Dine at the open-air restaurants on Plaza MachadoOpens in a new window and attend concerts at Angela Peralta Theater. Admire the opulent Immaculate Conception CathedralOpens in a new window and people-watch at the tree-shaded Plazuela República. Also worth exploring are the food stalls of José MariaPino Suárez Municipal MarketOpens in a new window.

Adjacent to the Old Town is Olas Altas BeachOpens in a new window, a much-loved surf spot. If you tire of the beach, head for the Mazatlán Archaeological Museum and Mazatlan Art Museum. A short walk south leads to the Cerro del Creston hill. Hike to the El Faro LighthouseOpens in a new window at the top for panoramic views.

Winding around the coastline from Olas Atlas Beach is the Malecón, a buzzing beachfront esplanade lined with bars, food stands and shops. Stop to see the jaw-dropping stunts performed by locals at Divers PointOpens in a new window.

Continue on the Malecón to Playa Norte, an almost 3-mile (5-kilometer) long beach ideal for water sports. Spot colorful marine life at Mazatlán Aquarium and dine at restaurants with ocean views.

Find the bulk of Mazatlán’s hotels and nightlife options in the northern Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). Playa Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo offer safe swimming and water sports, while the nightclub complex Fiesta Land is perfect for dancing.

Reach Mazatlán by flying into Mazatlán International Airport. Rent bikes or use pulmonias (open-top golf cart-style cabs) to get around. Escape the crowds by taking daytrips to the unspoiled Bird Island, Deer Island and Goat Island.

Where to stay in Mazatlán

Zona Dorada featuring a sandy beach, mountains and general coastal views

Zona Dorada

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers to Zona Dorada praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Punta Camaron Beach and Sea Shell City Museum.

Zona Dorada
Mazatlan showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a sunset

Centro Historico

If you're spending some time in Centro Historico, Plaza Machado and Olas Altas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Centro Historico
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El Cid

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of El Cid. You might consider stopping by El Cid Country Club Golf Course while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Cid
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Marina Mazatlan

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Marina Mazatlan. You might want to make time for a stop at Cerritos Beach or Witches Beach.

Marina Mazatlan
Olas Altas Beach featuring a sunset, street scenes and a gorge or canyon

Downtown Mazatlan

Downtown Mazatlan is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Plaza Machado or Olas Altas Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Mazatlan
Mazatlan which includes a sandy beach and waves

Cerritos

While visiting Cerritos, you might make a stop by sights like Mazagua Aquatic Park and Witches Beach.

Cerritos

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