Mexico has no scarcity of seaside cities so that you can select from for a sun-drenched trip. There are countless enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan, which is affectionately referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific. This coastal metropolis is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Mexico, and for good cause.
Lengthy a favourite of surfers and expats, Mazatlan has quite a bit to supply vacationers!
Right here you may discover the historic Outdated City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many greatest events on the earth, and a lot extra. When you’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, we have now you coated.
My journey to Mazatlan was full of surprises and on this publish, I’ll share my suggestions with you.
Learn on to plan your journey to this lovely 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 gorgeous 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 carry your digicam, as a result of it is a severely photogenic place.
Do you have to 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 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 automobile. The climate could be very popular 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.
*When you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t neglect to take a look at the Malecon there as nicely – it’s among the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll need to make sure you discover town’s historic heart as nicely. The Centro Historico (generally referred to as “Outdated City” in English) is filled with gorgeous structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A wonderful approach to cowl some critical floor in Outdated City is by becoming a member of this half-day journey, which incorporates visiting probably the most historic buildings within the metropolis, non-compulsory procuring, seaside visits, tasty lunch by the ocean, and an air-conditioned automobile 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 in regards to 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, make sure you embrace a go to to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It was completed again in 1899 within the Baroque-Revival type. Admiring the beautiful church is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Mazatlan.
One fascinating 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 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 reality — that is truly the highest pure lighthouse within the Americas, at round 160 metres above sea degree.
Make sure to put on some good footwear and convey loads of water for this hike. You’ll positively need your digicam for this one as nicely to snap some images of the unbelievable views. Click on right here for instructions to the lighthouse. Entrance to the lighthouse is free.
5. Hit the Seaside
What higher approach to calm down after a great 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 which means Excessive Waves) isn’t the perfect for swimming.
Up within the Zona Dorada (Gold Zone), you’ll discover the bustling Playa las Gaviotas. This seaside is at all times energetic, 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 seeking to swim in calm waters, you’ll need to try Playa Sabalo.
*Notice: When you’re searching for powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll need to try the Yucatan space of Mexico. Chilling on the perfect is likely 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 completely different water slides right here, in addition to a wave pool, a synthetic seaside, volleyball courts and extra.
The park is open each 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 on right here for instructions to the water park.
7. Chill Out the Islands
If the hustle and bustle of town heart 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 unbelievable 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 in regards to the space, and when 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 presents a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in slightly escape from town by becoming a member of this boat journey.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
One of the vital common issues to do in Mazatlan is to see the wonderful cliff divers. Often called 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 observe, 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 Nineteen 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 town.
If there’s not a present happening 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 supply free entrance.
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10. Go {Golfing}
When you’re a golfer, you’ll be completely happy to listen to that there are a couple of completely 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 when 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.
*Notice: Taking part in a spherical of golf can also be one of many prime issues to do in San Pancho, simply exterior of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
For sure, some of the 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 social gathering 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. Be taught extra in regards to 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 perfect 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 assemble.
There are various eating places, cafes, and bars across the sq. the place you may sit and watch town go by. When you’re searching for a great a part of city to remain in, discovering a lodge or hostel round Machado is very really useful.
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13. Experience the Waves
When you’re searching for extra pleasure than simply seaside bumming, there are a couple of locations in Mazatlan to log on. The most well-liked is Playa Brujas within the north of town, the place yow will discover distributors renting surfboards when you don’t have your individual.
This uncovered seaside break is nice any time of yr. 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 preferred sport in Mexico, however baseball is king right here in Mazatlan. The town is dwelling to the Venados de Mazatlan (the Mazatlan Deer), who play within the Mexican Pacific League.
There’s quite a bit 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 understood particularly for its tasty shrimp dishes. Strive some shrimp pate, which is constituted of 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 isn’t any exception. Whether or not it’s a easy beachside restaurant grilling up contemporary fish or a flowery restaurant in Outdated City, your style buds are in for a deal with once 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 damage 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.
When you’d like to assist out with the efforts, you may be 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 may 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, relax, and catch a gorgeous sundown on the seaside.
There are many easy seaside bars the place you should utilize 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 likely 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 rise up shut to those majestic creatures is bound to be one in all your favorite issues to do in Mazatlan.
Along with whale-watching adventures, it’s additionally attainable 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 useful.
*Notice: Seeing whales within the wild can also be one of many prime issues to do in Cabo San Lucas!
19. Watersports Galore
Browsing isn’t the one water sport on supply in Mazatlan. You may as well take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the checklist goes on and on.
When you’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be completely happy to know that in the course of 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. Be taught extra about sports activities fishing in Mazatlan right here.
With so many choices, you may spend nearly all of your journey in Mazatlan out within the water and do one thing completely different day-after-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 easy methods to social gathering, plain and easy. Whereas Carnaval is unquestionably the wildest time of the yr right here, the social gathering’s at all times going on this common seaside city.
You’ll find bars and golf equipment of all sizes and styles right here. Whether or not you’re searching for a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, yow will discover it right here in Mazatlan. One of many quintessential locations to social gathering is Bora Bora, an enormous membership the place dancing on the desk is the norm.
21. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Positive, most of the finest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its lovely seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s an important expertise you may be part of!
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 in regards to 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 an important keep in Mazatlan, Mexico.
- Tramonto Resort: with a seafront location, infinity pool, and delightful rooms, a keep right here is bound to impress. Click on right here for particulars.
- The Xperience: this adults-only property presents a Neoclassical type 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 heart and presents 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 presents 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 — you could 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 publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
