Mexico has no scarcity of seaside cities so that you can select from for a sun-drenched trip. There are infinite enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan, which is affectionately referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific. This coastal metropolis is among the high places to visit in Mexico, and for good motive.
Lengthy a favourite of surfers and expats, Mazatlan has lots to supply vacationers!
Right here you possibly can discover the historic Outdated City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many greatest events on the planet, and a lot extra. In the event you’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, now we have you lined.
My journey to Mazatlan was full of surprises and on this submit, 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 record 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 good looking place to stroll, jog, or cycle.
Alongside the best way, you’ll see a number of distinctive statues and monuments, together with the long-lasting Fishermen Monument. Ensure you carry your digital camera, as a result of this can be a significantly photogenic place.
Must you want some refreshments in your stroll, there are many avenue meals distributors, eating places, cafes, and bars to select from. You possibly can simply spend the whole 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 extremely popular in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot will not be the best choice. Click here to learn more about this enjoyable journey.
*In the event you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t overlook to take a look at the Malecon there as effectively – it’s among the finest things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll wish to you should definitely discover the town’s historic middle as effectively. The Centro Historico (generally referred to as “Outdated City” in English) is stuffed with beautiful structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A wonderful technique to cowl some severe floor in Outdated City is by joining this half-day trip, which incorporates visiting essentially the most historic buildings within the metropolis, non-compulsory procuring, seaside visits, tasty lunch by the ocean, and an air-conditioned car to get round. Click here for details.
One other enjoyable choice to discover the outdated city of Mazatlan is by Segway! On this tour, you’ll effortlessly cruise by the outdated city and waterfront along with your information whereas studying concerning the sights alongside the best way. Small group excursions or personal excursions can be found. Find out more here.
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3. Go to the Basilica
Irrespective of which approach 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 model. Admiring the beautiful church is unquestionably one of many high 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 due to a Jewish household who helped to fund the development of the church. Click here for directions.
**Don’t miss our epic Mexico Travel Guide which has all the data you’ll want for visiting this nation, together with particulars on Mazatlan.
4. Hike to the Lighthouse
For a number of 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 truth — that is truly the highest pure lighthouse within the Americas, at round 160 metres above sea stage.
You’ll want to put on some good footwear and produce loads of water for this hike. You’ll positively need your digital camera for this one as effectively to snap some pictures of the unimaginable views. Click here for instructions to the lighthouse. Entrance to the lighthouse is free.
5. Hit the Seaside
What higher technique to quiet down after an excellent hike than chilling out on the seaside? There are a number of seashores in Mazatlan to select from, together with Playa Olas Altas proper downtown. Simply be warned that this seaside (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 seaside is all the time vigorous, so don’t count on peace and quiet right here. It’s enjoyable to take a look at for some time when you’re ready to cope with the numerous distributors.
Surfers particularly love the seashores in Mazatlan, nonetheless, when you’re trying to swim in calm waters, you’ll wish to take a look at Playa Sabalo.
*Observe: In the event you’re in search of powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll wish to take a look at the Yucatan space of Mexico. Chilling on the most effective is among the high things to do in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Cozumel!
6. A Day on the Water Park
One of many high issues to do in Mazatlan for households is spending a day on the Mazagua Water Park. There are a number of completely different water slides right here, in addition to a wave pool, a synthetic seaside, volleyball courts and extra.
The park is open every day from 10AM-6PM and prices round $8 to go to. You may even make a day of it and mix a go to to Mazagua with a visit to the close by Playa Cerritos. Click 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 fun boat trip 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 train you concerning the space, and when you’re fortunate, you’ll spot gulls, frigates, geese, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and extra.
On the morning tour, you possibly can snorkel and swim and sit back, whereas the afternoon journey affords a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in a bit escape from the town by joining this boat trip.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
One of the in style issues to do in Mazatlan is to see the superb 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 rigorously in order to not hit the rocks.
The cliff divers leap from a spot alongside the Malecon referred to 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 here for instructions.
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9. See a Present on the Theatre
When visiting Mazatlan, you gained’t wish to miss out on the beautiful Angela Peralta Theatre. It was opened approach 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 because of a yellow fever epidemic that struck the town.
If there’s not a present occurring on the theatre throughout your keep, you possibly can nonetheless take a tour of the constructing. Head 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 the event you’re a golfer, you’ll be comfortable to listen to that there are a couple of completely different programs to select from in Mazatlan. Right here you’ll discover the superb Estrella del Mar, which was constructed on the Pacific Ocean and is constantly ranked among the many high programs in all of Mexico.
For 18 holes within the excessive season, the fee is $130, together with cart rental, balls, bottle of water and a scorecard. Click here for extra particulars about Estrella del Mar.
Even when you’re not up for enjoying a full spherical, you possibly can head to the Pacific Food Truck Park & Golf to hit some balls on their driving vary.
*Observe: Taking part in a spherical of golf can also be one of many high things to do in San Pancho, simply exterior of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
Undoubtedly, one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan is celebrating Carnival! Whereas Rio and New Orleans could get all of the hype, Mazatlan throws among the finest Carnaval events on the market.
Throughout Carnaval (which occurs in February), the Malecon is packed filled with revelers. There are a number of phases with dwell bands and tons of distributors promoting costumes, meals, and drinks to maintain the get together going. We had such a good time throughout Carnival!
There’s additionally an enormous fireworks show and an enormous parade to wind down the festivities. Study extra concerning the festivities here, and take a look at the video I made under.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan appears to be like like in our brief video.
12. Machado Sq.
Maybe the most effective space of Outdated City to hang around in is Machado Sq.. This tree-lined plaza could be very picturesque and is a well-liked place for each locals and vacationers to collect.
There are a lot of eating places, cafes, and bars across the sq. the place you possibly can sit and watch the town go by. In the event you’re in search of an excellent a part of city to remain in, finding a hotel or hostel round Machado is very really helpful.
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13. Trip the Waves
In the event you’re in search of extra pleasure than simply seaside 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 when you don’t have your personal.
This uncovered seaside break is sweet any time of 12 months. Even higher, this distant seaside is normally fairly empty and is devoid of the touts that plague the bustling Gaviotas seaside.
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 dwelling to the Venados de Mazatlan (the Mazatlan Deer), who play within the Mexican Pacific League.
There’s lots to cheer about right here, because the staff gained the league championship as lately 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 unquestionably one of many high 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 thought particularly for its tasty shrimp dishes. Attempt 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 traditional cuisine is unquestionably one of many high things 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 whenever you dine on seafood in Mazatlan.
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16. Go to the Turtle Sanctuary
Yearly, sea turtles journey a whole bunch of miles to their fatherland 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 the event you’d like to assist out with the efforts, you possibly can 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 Seaside
As you possibly can 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, sit back, and catch a good looking sundown on the seaside.
There are many easy seaside 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 along with your particular somebody is among the extra romantic issues to do in Mazatlan.
18. Get Up Shut with Whales and Dolphins
From December to April, large pods of humpback whales make their well beyond Mazatlan. Becoming a member of a tour to stand up shut to those majestic creatures is certain to be one in every of 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 varieties of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely really helpful.
*Observe: Seeing whales within the wild can also be one of many high things to do in Cabo San Lucas!
19. Watersports Galore
Browsing isn’t the one water sport on supply in Mazatlan. It’s also possible to take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the record goes on and on.
In the event you’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be comfortable to know that in the course of the winter months, you possibly can catch Pacific Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna, and Striped Marlin. In the summertime, you possibly can hook into Blue and Black Marlin. Study extra about sports activities fishing in Mazatlan here.
With so many choices, you possibly can spend the vast majority of your journey in Mazatlan out within the water and do one thing completely different each day. Don’t miss this fun kayaking trip (with tequila) or this all-inclusive boat trip with meals and booze!
20. Benefit from the Nightlife
Mazatlan is a metropolis that is aware of find out how to get together, plain and easy. Whereas Carnaval is unquestionably the wildest time of the 12 months right here, the get together’s all the time going on this in style seaside city.
You could find bars and golf equipment of all sizes and styles right here. Whether or not you’re in search of a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, you will discover it right here in Mazatlan. One of many quintessential locations to get together is Bora Bora, an enormous membership the place dancing on the desk is the norm.
21. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Positive, lots of the finest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its stunning seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s a fantastic experience you can join!
Meet up along with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to a number of the finest family-run avenue meals stalls within the metropolis. Pattern 7 completely different meals and drinks and be taught concerning the folks and meals of Mazatlan out of your information. Click here for details about this tasty tour.
The place to Keep in Mazatlan
Listed below are a couple of high decisions for a fantastic keep in Mazatlan, Mexico.
- Tramonto Resort: with a seafront location, infinity pool, and exquisite rooms, a keep right here is certain to impress. Click here for particulars.
- The Xperience: this adults-only property affords a Neoclassical model that meets Mazatlan, a pool, and a world-class restaurant and bar onsite. Click here for details.
- Gamma Mazatlan Inn: a extra budge-friendly property in Mazatlan. Gamma is positioned within the historic middle and affords cozy rooms and an onsite restaurant. Click here for details.
Now You Know What To Do in Mazatlan!
As you possibly can see, Mazatlan affords excess of your common seaside 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 — it’s possible you’ll find yourself loving Mazatlan a lot that you simply resolve to hitch the scores of expats who’ve chosen to name this coastal metropolis dwelling. Take pleasure in your journey!
Some pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
