Mexico has no scarcity of seashore cities so that you can select from for a sun-drenched trip. There are infinite 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 high places to visit 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Right here you’ll be able to discover the historic Outdated City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many largest events on this planet, and a lot extra. If you happen to’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, now we have 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 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 a fantastic 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 digicam, as a result of it is a critically 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 might be extremely popular in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot will not be the most suitable choice. Click here to learn more 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 the most effective things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll need to remember to discover the town’s historic middle as properly. The Centro Historico (generally referred to as “Outdated City” in English) is filled with gorgeous structure, tree-lined plazas, and a few nice museums.
A superb method to cowl some severe floor in Outdated City is by joining this half-day trip, which incorporates visiting essentially the most historic buildings within the metropolis, elective purchasing, seashore 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 previous city of Mazatlan is by Segway! On this tour, you’ll effortlessly cruise by the previous city and waterfront along with your information whereas studying in regards to the sights alongside the best way. Small group excursions or non-public excursions can be found. Find out more here.
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3. Go to the Basilica
Irrespective of which manner you resolve to discover the Outdated City, remember to embody 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 high issues to do in Mazatlan.
One fascinating side 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 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 among 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 stage.
You should definitely put on some good footwear and produce loads of water for this hike. You’ll positively need your digicam for this one as properly to snap some pictures of the unbelievable views. Click here for instructions to the lighthouse. Entrance to the lighthouse is free.
5. Hit the Seashore
What higher method 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 which means Excessive Waves) isn’t one of the best for swimming.
Up within the Zona Dorada (Gold Zone), you’ll discover the bustling Playa las Gaviotas. This seashore is all the time vigorous, so don’t anticipate 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, nevertheless, when you’re trying to swim in calm waters, you’ll need to try Playa Sabalo.
*Observe: If you happen to’re in search of powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll need to try the Yucatan space of Mexico. Chilling on one of the best is without doubt one of 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 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 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 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 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’ll be able to snorkel and swim and relax, whereas the afternoon journey provides a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in a bit of escape from the town by joining this boat trip.
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8. Watch the Cliff Divers
One of the crucial standard issues to do in Mazatlan is to see the superb cliff divers. Referred to as clavadistas, these daring males leap off a small platform excessive above the crashing waves. They need to time their dive very rigorously in order to not hit the rocks.
The cliff divers bounce 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 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 manner 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 on account of a yellow fever epidemic that struck the town.
If there’s not a present happening on the theatre throughout your keep, you’ll be able to nonetheless take a tour of the constructing. Head here for a information to the upcoming cultural performances in Mazatlan, most of which happen on the theatre, and lots of of which supply free entrance.
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10. Go {Golfing}
If you happen to’re a golfer, you’ll be completely happy to listen to that there are a number 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 persistently ranked among the many high programs in all of Mexico.
For 18 holes within the excessive season, the associated 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 taking part in a full spherical, you’ll be able to 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 be one of many high things to do in San Pancho, simply exterior of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Rejoice Carnival
Indisputably, 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 the most effective 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 stay 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. Be taught extra in regards to the festivities here, and take a look at the video I made beneath.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan seems like in our quick video.
12. Machado Sq.
Maybe one of the best 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 numerous 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 in search of an excellent a part of city to remain in, finding a hotel or hostel round Machado is extremely advisable.
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13. Trip the Waves
If you happen to’re in search of extra pleasure than simply seashore bumming, there are a number of locations in Mazatlan to log on. The preferred is Playa Brujas within the north of the town, the place you’ll find distributors renting surfboards when you don’t have your individual.
This uncovered seashore break is sweet 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 certain the most well-liked sport in Mexico, however baseball is king right here in Mazatlan. The town is house 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 staff received the league championship as not too long ago 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 comprised 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 traditional cuisine is unquestionably one of many high things 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 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 lot of miles to their hometown 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 a number of 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 finest 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, remember to take a while to decelerate, relax, and catch a fantastic sundown on the seashore.
There are many easy seashore 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 without doubt 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 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 number of tour operators working each forms of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely advisable.
*Observe: Seeing whales within the wild can be one of many high things to do in Cabo San Lucas!
19. Watersports Galore
Browsing isn’t the one water sport on provide in Mazatlan. You can even get pleasure from 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 completely happy 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. Be taught extra about sports activities fishing in Mazatlan 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 completely different every single 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 methods 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 standard seashore city.
You will discover bars and golf equipment of all styles and sizes right here. Whether or not you’re in search of a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, you’ll find 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 finest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its lovely seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s an incredible experience you can join!
Meet up along with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to among the finest family-run road meals stalls within the metropolis. Pattern 7 completely different meals and drinks and study in regards to the individuals and meals of Mazatlan out of your information. Click here for details about this tasty tour.
The place to Keep in Mazatlan
Listed here are a number of high decisions for an incredible 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 provides a Neoclassical type 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 situated within the historic middle and provides cozy rooms and an onsite restaurant. Click here for details.
Now You Know What To Do in Mazatlan!
As you’ll be able to see, Mazatlan provides 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 — you might find yourself loving Mazatlan a lot that you just resolve to affix the scores of expats who’ve chosen to name this coastal metropolis house. Take pleasure in your journey!
Some photos on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
