Top things to see, eat and do Mazatlán
Nestled along the Pacific Coast of Mexico is the hidden gem of Mazatlán. This charming resort town known as the Pearl of the Pacific is the perfect spot for your next winter getaway or holiday vacation, with breathtaking beaches, exotic landscapes and popular resorts for every travel style. To help you start planning your trip to this Pacific Mexican oasis, we put together the ultimate Mazatlán travel guide.
Explore the historic streets of Old Town
Mazatlán is steeped in history, and Old Town is the perfect representation of the area’s fascinating and colourful past. Stroll along the historic neighbourhood’s cobblestone streets that are lined with beautifully restored buildings dating back to the 19th century and popular landmarks like the Gothic-style Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Archaeological Museum and the Ángela Peralta Theatre which opened its doors in the late 1800s. Plaza Machado is the hub of Old Town where you can listen to live music in the evenings and grab a drink at one of the numerous outdoor patios lining the square. Explore the area on an excursion or at your own pace on a self-guided tour.
Sample regional specialties and fresh seafood
You’ll definitely want to bring your appetite to Mazatlán, especially if you’re a seafood lover! The area is famous for its shrimp, with everything on the menu from whole-shrimp tamales to fried shrimp tacos and shrimp hash. Make sure to try aguachile, made of fresh shrimp marinated in spicy chili peppers, lime juice, cilantro and other fresh vegetables; and pescado zarandeado, grilled fish prepared with garlic, chiles and mayonnaise. Not in the mood for seafood? There are plenty of other regional specialties to enjoy like chilorio, a Sinaloan shredded pork dish that’s fried in a spicy chili sauce. Make sure to sample some of the region’s famous mezcal as well at a nearby distillery.
Walk along the Malecón at sunset
The city’s seaside boardwalk, known as the Malecón, is the longest boardwalk in Mexico and the second-longest in the world, stretching for more than seven kilometres along the scenic coast. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the bustling city with breathtaking views of the coast, there are plenty of attractions to explore along the way. You can walk, right a bike or hop on board a pulmonia, the city’s quaint open-air minicabs. The most popular time to visit the Malecón is at sunset, when locals and tourists gather along the boardwalk to socialize, listen to live music and watch the sunset over the breathtaking El Faro lighthouse.
Lounge on beautiful beaches in the Golden Zone
Soaking up the sun while the waves lap against the shore is a quintessential part of any Mexican getaway, and there are no shortage of options to choose from along Mazatlán’s golden-sand coast. Dine at seaside restaurants lining the shores of Playa Norte, learn to surf on the waves of Playa Los Pinos and watch the sunset from Playa Olas Altas. The destination’s most famous beaches can be found in the Golden Zone, which is made up of Playas Sábalo, Gaviotas and Camarón. Known locally as Zona Dorada, the Golden Zone is the city’s main tourist area that’s home to popular beachfront resorts like Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort, The Local Hotels Mazatlán and El Cid El Moro Beach.
Spend the day on Stone or Deer Island
Just off the coast of the Golden Zone is the breathtaking Stone Island (Isla de Pajaros) and Deer Island (Isla de Venados), both of which feature exotic landscapes and gorgeous views of the city. Deer Island is the larger of the two, with amazing conditions for water sports like snorkelling, kayaking and banana boat rides. Stone Island features a sprawling stretch of untouched beach with a tranquil ambiance that’s perfect for relaxing – but there are also plenty of opportunities for adventure. Try out activities like horseback rides, jet skiing and ATV excursions!
Want to leave the snow and sleet behind and spend the holidays somewhere warm? It’s not too late to book your holiday getaway to Mazatlán with vacation packages from across the country including Toronto and Montreal.
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