Mexico has no scarcity of seashore cities so that you can select from for a sun-drenched trip. There are limitless enjoyable issues to do in Mazatlan, which is affectionately generally known as the Pearl of the Pacific. This coastal metropolis is likely one of the high locations to go to in Mexico, and for good motive.
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Right here you may discover the historic Outdated City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many greatest events on the planet, and a lot extra. In case you’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, now we have you lined.
My journey to Mazatlan was crammed with surprises and on this put up, 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 record of issues to do in Mazatlan ought to undoubtedly be a stroll alongside the oceanfront Malecon. This promenade stretches for a number of kilometers up the coast, making for a wonderful 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. Be sure to deliver your digital camera, as a result of it is a significantly 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 automotive. The climate may be highly regarded in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot might not be the best choice. Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable journey.
*In case you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t overlook to take a look at the Malecon there as properly – 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 wish to you should definitely discover town’s historic heart as properly. The Centro Historico (generally known as “Outdated City” in English) is filled with beautiful structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A wonderful technique to cowl some critical floor in Outdated City is by becoming a member of this half-day journey, which incorporates visiting essentially the most historic buildings within the metropolis, non-obligatory procuring, 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 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
Regardless of which method you determine 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 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 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 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 reality — that is really 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 undoubtedly need your digital camera for this one as properly to snap some photographs of the unbelievable views. Click on right here for instructions to the lighthouse. Entrance to the lighthouse is free.
5. Hit the Seashore
What higher technique to calm down after a great 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 perfect 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 count on peace and quiet right here. It’s enjoyable to take a look at for some time if you happen to’re ready to take care of the numerous distributors.
Surfers specifically love the seashores in Mazatlan, nevertheless, if you happen to’re trying to swim in calm waters, you’ll wish to try Playa Sabalo.
*Word: In case you’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 perfect is likely one of the high issues 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 man-made seashore, 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 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.
Try 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 if you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll spot gulls, frigates, geese, dolphins, turtles, stingrays, and extra.
On the morning tour, you may snorkel and swim and sit back, whereas the afternoon journey presents a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in a bit of escape from town by becoming a member of this boat journey.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
One of the well-liked 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 rigorously in order to not hit the rocks.
The cliff divers bounce 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 wish to miss out on the beautiful 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 on account of a yellow fever epidemic that struck 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 happen on the theatre, and plenty of of which supply free entrance.
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10. Go {Golfing}
In case you’re a golfer, you’ll be blissful to listen to that there are just a few 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 constantly ranked among the many high 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 may head to the Pacific Meals Truck Park & Golf to hit some balls on their driving vary.
*Word: Taking part in a spherical of golf can also be one of many high issues to do in San Pancho, simply outdoors of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
Undoubtedly, one 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 stuffed 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 a large fireworks show and an enormous parade to wind down the festivities. Be taught extra concerning the festivities right here, and take a look at the video I made beneath.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan appears to be like 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. In case you’re on the lookout for a great a part of city to remain in, discovering a lodge or hostel round Machado is very really helpful.
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13. Experience the Waves
In case you’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 town, the place yow will discover distributors renting surfboards if you happen to don’t have your individual.
This uncovered seashore break is sweet any time of yr. 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 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 loads to cheer about right here, because the workforce received 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 certainly 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 specifically for its tasty shrimp dishes. Attempt 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 certainly one of many high issues to do in Mexico, and Mazatlan is not any exception. Whether or not it’s a easy beachside restaurant grilling up contemporary fish or a elaborate 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 tons of of miles to their homeland to put eggs. Sadly, the continued growth of coastal areas in Mexico has damage 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.
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 greatest 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, sit back, and catch a wonderful 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 likely one of the extra romantic issues to do in Mazatlan.
18. Get Up Shut with Whales and Dolphins
From December to April, big 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 doable to swim with dolphins within the wild. There are fairly just a few tour operators operating each varieties of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely really helpful.
*Word: Seeing whales within the wild can also be one of many high issues to do in Cabo San Lucas!
19. Watersports Galore
Browsing isn’t the one water sport on provide in Mazatlan. You too can get pleasure from scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the record goes on and on.
In case you’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be blissful 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 the vast majority of your journey in Mazatlan out within the water and do one thing completely 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 certainly the wildest time of the yr right here, the get together’s all the time going on this well-liked seashore city.
You will discover bars and golf equipment of all sizes and styles right here. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, yow will discover it right here in Mazatlan. One of many quintessential locations to get together is Bora Bora, a large 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 a fantastic expertise you may be a part of!
Meet up along with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to among the greatest family-run road meals stalls within the metropolis. Pattern 7 completely different meals and drinks and study 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 just a few high 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 presents 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 positioned 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 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 — chances are you’ll find yourself loving Mazatlan a lot that you simply determine to affix the scores of expats who’ve chosen to name this coastal metropolis dwelling. Take pleasure in your journey!
Some photographs on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
