Mazatlán

Travel Guide

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

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(761 area reviews)

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

Zona Dorada
Mazatlan which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a beach

Centro Historico

While visiting Centro Historico, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza Machado and Olas Altas Beach.

Centro Historico
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El Cid

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

El Cid
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Marina Mazatlan

4/5(22 area reviews)

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 rugged coastline

Downtown Mazatlan

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Downtown Mazatlan is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Downtown Mazatlan
Mazatlan featuring waves and a beach

Cerritos

4/5(71 area reviews)

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

Cerritos

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