Mexico has no scarcity of seashore cities so that you can select from for a sun-drenched trip. There are countless enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan, which is affectionately generally known as the Pearl of the Pacific. This coastal metropolis is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Mexico, and for good purpose.
Lengthy a favourite of surfers and expats, Mazatlan has loads to supply vacationers!
Right here you may discover the historic Outdated City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many largest events on the planet, and a lot extra. In case you’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, we’ve you lined.
My journey to Mazatlan was full of surprises and on this put up, I’ll share my suggestions with you.
Learn on to plan your journey to this stunning Mexican metropolis as we share the 21 finest issues to do in Mazatlan.
1. Stroll the Malecon
The primary merchandise in your checklist of issues to do in Mazatlan ought to positively be a stroll alongside the oceanfront Malecon. This promenade stretches for a number of kilometers up the coast, making for a fantastic place to stroll, jog, or cycle.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll see a number of distinctive statues and monuments, together with the long-lasting Fishermen Monument. Be sure you deliver your digital camera, as a result of it is a critically photogenic place.
Must you want some refreshments in your stroll, there are many road meals distributors, eating places, cafes, and bars to select from. You may simply spend the complete day having fun with all that the Malecon has to supply and never get bored.
One other nice choice to see the highlights of Mazatlan is to hitch this tour in a “Pulmonia” open-air automotive. The climate could be highly regarded in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot will not be the most suitable choice. Click on right here to be taught extra about this enjoyable journey.
*In case you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t overlook to take a look at the Malecon there as nicely – it’s among the best issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll need to you should definitely discover the town’s historic middle as nicely. The Centro Historico (generally known as “Outdated City” in English) is stuffed with gorgeous structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A superb approach to cowl some critical floor in Outdated City is by becoming a member of this half-day journey, which incorporates visiting probably the most historic buildings within the metropolis, optionally available purchasing, seashore visits, tasty lunch by the ocean, and an air-conditioned car to get round. Click on right here for particulars.
One other enjoyable choice to discover the outdated city of Mazatlan is by Segway! On this tour, you’ll effortlessly cruise by means of the outdated city and waterfront together with your information whereas studying concerning the sights alongside the way in which. Small group excursions or non-public excursions can be found. Discover out extra right here.
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3. Go to the Basilica
Irrespective of which method you resolve to discover the Outdated City, you should definitely embody a go to to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It was completed again in 1899 within the Baroque-Revival fashion. Admiring the attractive church is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Mazatlan.
One attention-grabbing facet of the basilica’s design is that it options the Star of David on stained glass home windows inside. This was added as a present of because of a Jewish household who helped to fund the development of the church. Click on right here for instructions.
**Don’t miss our epic Mexico Journey Information which has all the knowledge you’ll want for visiting this nation, together with particulars on Mazatlan.
4. Hike to the Lighthouse
For among the finest views in Mazatlan, take a hike as much as El Faro (The Lighthouse). There’s a path main up the hill to the lighthouse that takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Enjoyable reality — that is truly the highest pure lighthouse within the Americas, at round 160 metres above sea stage.
Make sure you put on some good sneakers and convey loads of water for this hike. You’ll positively need your digital camera for this one as nicely to snap some photographs of the unimaginable views. Click on right here for instructions to the lighthouse. Entrance to the lighthouse is free.
5. Hit the Seashore
What higher approach to quiet down after a superb hike than chilling out on the seashore? There are a number of seashores in Mazatlan to select from, together with Playa Olas Altas proper downtown. Simply be warned that this seashore (with a reputation that means Excessive Waves) isn’t the most effective for swimming.
Up within the Zona Dorada (Gold Zone), you’ll discover the bustling Playa las Gaviotas. This seashore is at all times full of life, so don’t count on peace and quiet right here. It’s enjoyable to take a look at for some time in the event you’re ready to cope with the numerous distributors.
Surfers specifically love the seashores in Mazatlan, nevertheless, in the event you’re seeking to swim in calm waters, you’ll need to take a look at Playa Sabalo.
*Be aware: In case you’re on the lookout for powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll need to take a look at the Yucatan space of Mexico. Chilling on the most effective is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Cozumel!
6. A Day on the Water Park
One of many prime issues to do in Mazatlan for households is spending a day on the Mazagua Water Park. There are a number of totally different water slides right here, in addition to a wave pool, a synthetic seashore, volleyball courts and extra.
The park is open every day from 10AM-6PM and prices round $8 to go to. You possibly can even make a day of it and mix a go to to Mazagua with a visit to the close by Playa Cerritos. Click on right here for instructions to the water park.
7. Chill Out the Islands
If the hustle and bustle of the town middle will get to be an excessive amount of, you may make a fast escape to the islands and islets offshore. This enjoyable boat journey takes in 10 unimaginable islands, together with the well-known Deer Island.
Take a look at this high-speed, semi-rigid boat! Really feel the wind in your hair as you cruise round and benefit from the sights. Your information and captain will educate you concerning the space, and in the event you’re fortunate, you’ll spot gulls, frigates, geese, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and extra.
On the morning tour, you may snorkel and swim and relax, whereas the afternoon journey provides a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in a bit escape from the town by becoming a member of this boat journey.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
One of the widespread issues to do in Mazatlan is to see the wonderful cliff divers. Often known as clavadistas, these daring males leap off a small platform excessive above the crashing waves. They should time their dive very fastidiously in order to not hit the rocks.
The cliff divers soar from a spot alongside the Malecon known as El Clavadista. They normally dive within the afternoon, with Sunday being the busiest day. The divers work for ideas from vacationers who cease to look at, so be ready to chip in a buck or two. Click on right here for instructions.
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9. See a Present on the Theatre
When visiting Mazatlan, you received’t need to miss out on the gorgeous Angela Peralta Theatre. It was opened method again in 1874 and restored within the Eighties to as soon as once more host performances.
The theatre was named after a well-known Mexican opera singer who tragically died on account of a yellow fever epidemic that struck the town.
If there’s not a present occurring on the theatre throughout your keep, you may nonetheless take a tour of the constructing. Head right here for a information to the upcoming cultural performances in Mazatlan, most of which occur on the theatre, and plenty of of which provide free entrance.
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10. Go {Golfing}
In case you’re a golfer, you’ll be joyful to listen to that there are a couple of totally different programs to select from in Mazatlan. Right here you’ll discover the wonderful Estrella del Mar, which was constructed on the Pacific Ocean and is persistently ranked among the many prime programs in all of Mexico.
For 18 holes within the excessive season, the price is $130, together with cart rental, balls, bottle of water and a scorecard. Click on right here for extra particulars about Estrella del Mar.
Even in the event you’re not up for enjoying a full spherical, you may head to the Pacific Meals Truck Park & Golf to hit some balls on their driving vary.
*Be aware: Enjoying a spherical of golf can be one of many prime issues to do in San Pancho, simply outdoors of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
Indisputably, some of the enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan is celebrating Carnival! Whereas Rio and New Orleans might get all of the hype, Mazatlan throws among the best Carnaval events on the market.
Throughout Carnaval (which occurs in February), the Malecon is packed stuffed with revelers. There are a number of phases with reside bands and tons of distributors promoting costumes, meals, and drinks to maintain the occasion going. We had such a good time throughout Carnival!
There’s additionally a large fireworks show and an enormous parade to wind down the festivities. Study extra concerning the festivities right here, and take a look at the video I made beneath.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan seems to be like in our quick video.
12. Machado Sq.
Maybe the most effective space of Outdated City to hang around in is Machado Sq.. This tree-lined plaza may be very picturesque and is a well-liked place for each locals and vacationers to collect.
There are lots of eating places, cafes, and bars across the sq. the place you may sit and watch the town go by. In case you’re on the lookout for a superb a part of city to remain in, discovering a resort or hostel round Machado is extremely advisable.
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13. Trip the Waves
In case you’re on the lookout for extra pleasure than simply seashore bumming, there are a couple of locations in Mazatlan to log on. The preferred is Playa Brujas within the north of the town, the place you will discover distributors renting surfboards in the event you don’t have your personal.
This uncovered seashore break is sweet any time of 12 months. Even higher, this distant seashore is normally fairly empty and is devoid of the touts that plague the bustling Gaviotas seashore.
14. Catch a Ballgame
Soccer is for positive the most well-liked sport in Mexico, however baseball is king right here in Mazatlan. Town is house to the Venados de Mazatlan (the Mazatlan Deer), who play within the Mexican Pacific League.
There’s loads to cheer about right here, because the workforce received the league championship as not too long ago as 2016.
As well as, main renovations simply wrapped up on the stadium, which hopes to host MLB exhibition video games someday quickly. Catching a ballgame is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Mazatlan.
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15. Feast on Seafood
On this coastal metropolis, it ought to come as no shock that there’s an abundance of scrumptious seafood!
Mazatlan is understood specifically for its tasty shrimp dishes. Strive some shrimp pate, which is produced from floor shrimp, mayonnaise, queso crema, and chipotle chilies, or dig right into a plate of spicy aguachile — uncooked shrimp with chili peppers, lime juice, cilantro, and onion.
Consuming conventional delicacies is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Mexico, and Mazatlan isn’t any exception. Whether or not it’s a easy beachside restaurant grilling up recent fish or a flowery restaurant in Outdated City, your style buds are in for a deal with if you dine on seafood in Mazatlan.
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16. Go to the Turtle Sanctuary
Yearly, sea turtles journey a whole lot of miles to their homeland to put eggs. Sadly, the continuing growth of coastal areas in Mexico has harm the reproductive success of the turtles.
There’s excellent news, although, as there are a couple of locations in Mazatlan working to guard and preserve the turtles.
In case you’d like to assist out with the efforts, you may be a part of a tour to go to one of many sanctuaries in Mazatlan. Estrella del Mar and El Verde Camacho are your finest bets for serving to out with turtle conservation in Mazatlan.
17. Sundown on the Seashore
As you may see, there are many enjoyable actions in Mazatlan. Nonetheless you select to spend your days right here, you should definitely take a while to decelerate, relax, and catch a fantastic sundown on the seashore.
There are many easy seashore bars the place you need to use a lounger and even swing in a hammock as you watch the solar disappear on the horizon. Crack an ice-cold cervesa and benefit from the present! Watching the sundown together with your particular somebody is without doubt one of the extra romantic issues to do in Mazatlan.
18. Get Up Shut with Whales and Dolphins
From December to April, enormous pods of humpback whales make their well past Mazatlan. Becoming a member of a tour to stand up shut to those majestic creatures is certain to be one in all your favorite issues to do in Mazatlan.
Along with whale-watching adventures, it’s additionally potential to swim with dolphins within the wild. There are fairly a couple of tour operators operating each forms of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely advisable.
*Be aware: Seeing whales within the wild can be one of many prime issues to do in Cabo San Lucas!
19. Watersports Galore
Browsing isn’t the one water sport on provide in Mazatlan. You too can take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the checklist goes on and on.
In case you’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be joyful to know that through the winter months, you may catch Pacific Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna, and Striped Marlin. In the summertime, you may hook into Blue and Black Marlin. Study extra about sports activities fishing in Mazatlan right here.
With so many choices, you may spend the vast majority of your journey in Mazatlan out within the water and do one thing totally different every single day. Don’t miss this enjoyable kayaking journey (with tequila) or this all-inclusive boat journey with meals and booze!
20. Benefit from the Nightlife
Mazatlan is a metropolis that is aware of the right way to occasion, plain and easy. Whereas Carnaval is certainly the wildest time of the 12 months right here, the occasion’s at all times going on this widespread seashore city.
You will discover bars and golf equipment of all sizes and shapes right here. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, you will discover it right here in Mazatlan. One of many quintessential locations to occasion is Bora Bora, a large membership the place dancing on the desk is the norm.
21. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Certain, most of the finest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its stunning seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s a fantastic expertise you may be a part of!
Meet up together with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to among the finest family-run road meals stalls within the metropolis. Pattern 7 totally different meals and drinks and be taught concerning the individuals and meals of Mazatlan out of your information. Click on right here for particulars about this tasty tour.
The place to Keep in Mazatlan
Listed here are a couple of prime selections for a fantastic keep in Mazatlan, Mexico.
- Tramonto Resort: with a seafront location, infinity pool, and delightful rooms, a keep right here is certain to impress. Click on right here for particulars.
- The Xperience: this adults-only property provides a Neoclassical fashion that meets Mazatlan, a pool, and a world-class restaurant and bar onsite. Click on right here for particulars.
- Gamma Mazatlan Inn: a extra budge-friendly property in Mazatlan. Gamma is situated within the historic middle and provides cozy rooms and an onsite restaurant. Click on right here for particulars.
Now You Know What To Do in Mazatlan!
As you may see, Mazatlan provides way over your common seashore city. With its restored Outdated City, oceanfront promenade, vibrant tradition, and abundance of seashores, there are sufficient issues to see and do in Mazatlan to maintain you busy for some time.
Who is aware of — you might find yourself loving Mazatlan a lot that you just resolve to hitch the scores of expats who’ve chosen to name this coastal metropolis house. Take pleasure in your journey!
Some pictures on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
