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 so much to supply vacationers!
Right here you’ll be able to discover the historic Previous City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many largest events on the planet, and a lot extra. If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, we’ve you lined.
My journey to Mazatlan was crammed with surprises and on this submit, I’ll share my suggestions with you.
Learn on to plan your journey to this lovely Mexican metropolis as we share the 21 greatest issues to do in Mazatlan.
1. Stroll the Malecon
The primary merchandise in your listing 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 an exquisite 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 convey your digital camera, as a result of this can be a severely photogenic place.
Do you have to want some refreshments in your stroll, there are many road meals distributors, eating places, cafes, and bars to select from. You could possibly simply spend your entire 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 affix this tour in a “Pulmonia” open-air automobile. The climate could be highly regarded in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot is probably not the best choice. Click on right here to be taught extra about this enjoyable journey.
*If you happen to’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t overlook to take a look at the Malecon there as properly – it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll wish to make sure you discover the town’s historic heart as properly. The Centro Historico (generally referred to as “Previous City” in English) is stuffed with beautiful structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A superb approach to cowl some severe floor in Previous City is by becoming a member of this half-day journey, which incorporates visiting essentially the most historic buildings within the metropolis, non-obligatory buying, 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 via the outdated city and waterfront along with your information whereas studying concerning the sights alongside the best way. 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 approach you resolve to discover the Previous City, make sure you embrace a go to to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It was completed again in 1899 within the Baroque-Revival model. Admiring the attractive church is unquestionably 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 due to 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 data you’ll want for visiting this nation, together with particulars on Mazatlan.
4. Hike to the Lighthouse
For a few of the greatest 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 degree.
Remember to put on some good footwear and convey loads of water for this hike. You’ll positively need your digital camera for this one as properly to snap some pictures 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 an excellent 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 all the time energetic, so don’t anticipate peace and quiet right here. It’s enjoyable to take a look at for some time if you happen to’re ready to cope with the numerous distributors.
Surfers particularly love the seashores in Mazatlan, nonetheless, if you happen to’re trying to swim in calm waters, you’ll wish to try Playa Sabalo.
*Be aware: If you happen to’re on the lookout for powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll wish to try 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 day by 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 heart will get to be an excessive amount of, you can also 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 if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll spot gulls, frigates, geese, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and extra.
On the morning tour, you’ll be able to snorkel and swim and sit back, whereas the afternoon journey affords a spectacular sundown on the water. Get pleasure from a bit of escape from the town by becoming a member of this boat journey.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
Some of the widespread issues to do in Mazatlan is to see the superb cliff divers. Generally 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 soar from a spot alongside the Malecon referred to as El Clavadista. They often 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 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’ll be able to nonetheless take a tour of the constructing. Head right here for a information to the upcoming cultural performances in Mazatlan, most of which happen on the theatre, and lots of of which provide free entrance.
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10. Go {Golfing}
If you happen to’re a golfer, you’ll be pleased to listen to that there are just a few totally 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 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 if you happen to’re not up for taking part in a full spherical, you’ll be able to head to the Pacific Meals Truck Park & Golf to hit some balls on their driving vary.
*Be aware: Taking part in a spherical of golf can be one of many prime issues to do in San Pancho, simply exterior of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
Unquestionably, one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan is celebrating Carnival! Whereas Rio and New Orleans could get all of the hype, Mazatlan throws top-of-the-line Carnaval events on the market.
Throughout Carnaval (which occurs in February), the Malecon is packed stuffed with revelers. There are a number of levels with reside 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 a giant parade to wind down the festivities. Study extra concerning the festivities right here, and take a look at the video I made under.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan appears like in our brief video.
12. Machado Sq.
Maybe the most effective space of Previous 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 various eating places, cafes, and bars across the sq. the place you’ll be able to sit and watch the town go by. If you happen to’re on the lookout for an excellent a part of city to remain in, discovering a lodge or hostel round Machado is very beneficial.
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13. Experience the Waves
If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra pleasure than simply seashore bumming, there are just a few 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 if you happen to don’t have your individual.
This uncovered seashore break is nice any time of 12 months. Even higher, this distant seashore is often 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 dwelling to the Venados de Mazatlan (the Mazatlan Deer), who play within the Mexican Pacific League.
There’s so much to cheer about right here, because the group received the league championship as just 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 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 thought particularly for its tasty shrimp dishes. Attempt some shrimp pate, which is created 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 unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Mexico, and Mazatlan is not any exception. Whether or not it’s a easy beachside restaurant grilling up recent fish or a flowery restaurant in Previous City, your style buds are in for a deal with while 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 hometown to put eggs. Sadly, the continuing improvement of coastal areas in Mexico has harm the reproductive success of the turtles.
There’s excellent news, although, as there are just a few locations in Mazatlan working to guard and preserve the turtles.
If you happen to’d like to assist out with the efforts, you’ll be able to be a part of a tour to go to one of many sanctuaries in Mazatlan. Estrella del Mar and El Verde Camacho are your greatest bets for serving to out with turtle conservation in Mazatlan.
17. Sundown on the Seashore
As you’ll be able to see, there are many enjoyable actions in Mazatlan. Nonetheless you select to spend your days right here, make sure you take a while to decelerate, sit back, and catch an exquisite sundown on the seashore.
There are many easy seashore bars the place you should 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 without doubt one of 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 rise up shut to those majestic creatures is certain to be certainly one of your favorite issues to do in Mazatlan.
Along with whale-watching adventures, it’s additionally doable to swim with dolphins within the wild. There are fairly just a few tour operators working each forms of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely beneficial.
*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 can even take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the listing goes on and on.
If you happen to’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be pleased to know that in the course of the winter months, you’ll be able to catch Pacific Sailfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna, and Striped Marlin. In the summertime, you’ll be able to hook into Blue and Black Marlin. Study extra about sports activities fishing in Mazatlan right here.
With so many choices, you’ll be able to spend the vast majority of your journey in Mazatlan out within the water and do one thing totally different each 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 way 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 widespread seashore city.
Yow will discover bars and golf equipment of all styles and sizes 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 get together is Bora Bora, an enormous membership the place dancing on the desk is the norm.
21. Be part of a Meals Tour
Positive, most of the greatest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its lovely seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s an ideal expertise you’ll be able to be a part of!
Meet up along with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to a few of the greatest 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 below are just a few prime decisions for an ideal keep in Mazatlan, Mexico.
- Tramonto Resort: with a seafront location, infinity pool, and exquisite rooms, a keep right here is certain to impress. Click on right 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 on right here for particulars.
- Gamma Mazatlan Inn: a extra budge-friendly property in Mazatlan. Gamma is positioned within the historic heart and affords cozy rooms and an onsite restaurant. Click on right here for particulars.
Now You Know What To Do in Mazatlan!
As you’ll be able to see, Mazatlan affords way over your common seashore city. With its restored Previous 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 affix the scores of expats who’ve chosen to name this coastal metropolis dwelling. Get pleasure from your journey!
Some photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.