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 often called the Pearl of the Pacific. This coastal metropolis is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Mexico, and for good motive.
Lengthy a favourite of surfers and expats, Mazatlan has rather a lot to supply vacationers!
Right here you may discover the historic Previous City, participate in all kinds of water sports activities, attend one of many greatest events on the earth, and a lot extra. Should you’re questioning what to do in Mazatlan throughout your vacation, we’ve got 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 stunning 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 good looking 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. Ensure you convey your digital camera, 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 would simply spend your 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 affix this tour in a “Pulmonia” open-air automobile. The climate could be extremely popular in Mazatlan, so getting round on foot is probably not the most suitable choice. Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable journey.
*Should you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, don’t neglect to take a look at the Malecon there as properly – it’s the most effective issues to do in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Strolling Tour of the Historic Centre
Whereas the coast of Mazatlan is picturesque, you’ll need to be sure you discover the town’s historic middle as properly. The Centro Historico (generally known as “Previous 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 Previous City is by becoming a member of this half-day journey, which incorporates visiting probably the most historic buildings within the metropolis, optionally available buying, seashore 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 previous city of Mazatlan is by Segway! On this tour, you’ll effortlessly cruise by the previous city and waterfront together with your information whereas studying in regards to the sights alongside the way in which. Small group excursions or personal excursions can be found. Discover out extra right here.
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3. Go to the Basilica
Irrespective of which means you determine to discover the Previous City, be 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 certainly one of many high 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 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 knowledge 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 really the highest pure lighthouse within the Americas, at round 160 metres above sea degree.
Make sure you put on some good footwear and produce loads of water for this hike. You’ll undoubtedly need your digital camera for this one as properly to snap some pictures 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 method to quiet down after 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 the most effective for swimming.
Up within the Zona Dorada (Gold Zone), you’ll discover the bustling Playa las Gaviotas. This seashore is at all times full of life, so don’t anticipate peace and quiet right here. It’s enjoyable to take a look at for some time for those who’re ready to cope with the numerous distributors.
Surfers particularly love the seashores in Mazatlan, nevertheless, for those who’re seeking to swim in calm waters, you’ll need to take a look at Playa Sabalo.
*Be aware: Should you’re in search of powdery white sands and turquoise Caribbean waters, you’ll need to take a look at the Yucatan space of Mexico. Chilling on the most effective is without doubt 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 totally 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 the town middle 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 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 train you in regards to the space, and for those who’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 affords a spectacular sundown on the water. Take pleasure in 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 wonderful cliff divers. Generally known as clavadistas, these daring males leap off a small platform excessive above the crashing waves. They need to time their dive very fastidiously in order to not hit the rocks.
The cliff divers soar 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 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 gained’t need to miss out on the gorgeous Angela Peralta Theatre. It was opened means 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 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}
Should you’re a golfer, you’ll be blissful to listen to that there are a number of totally 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 associated fee 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 for those who’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.
*Be aware: Taking part in a spherical of golf can also be one of many high issues to do in San Pancho, simply exterior of Puerto Vallarta.
11. Have a good time Carnival
Indisputably, 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 the most effective 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 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 a giant 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 beneath.
See what Carnaval in Mazatlan seems to be like in our quick 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 assemble.
There are lots of eating places, cafes, and bars across the sq. the place you may sit and watch the town go by. Should you’re in search of 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
Should you’re in search of extra pleasure than simply seashore bumming, there are a number of locations in Mazatlan to go online. The preferred is Playa Brujas within the north of the town, the place you could find distributors renting surfboards for those who 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 most well-liked 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 rather a lot to cheer about right here, because the staff gained 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 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 understood particularly for its tasty shrimp dishes. Attempt some shrimp pate, which is produced 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 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 recent fish or a elaborate restaurant in Previous 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 homeland to put eggs. Sadly, the continued growth of coastal areas in Mexico has harm 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.
Should 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 Seaside
As you may see, there are many enjoyable actions in Mazatlan. Nonetheless you select to spend your days right here, be sure you take a while to decelerate, relax, and catch a good looking 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 together 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, big pods of humpback whales make their well past 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 a number of tour operators working each forms of journeys, with Onca Explorations coming extremely beneficial.
*Be aware: 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 supply in Mazatlan. You may as well take pleasure in scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, fishing – the record goes on and on.
Should you’re into sports activities fishing, you’ll be blissful to know that throughout 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 totally 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 find out how to get together, plain and easy. Whereas Carnaval is certainly the wildest time of the yr right here, the get together’s at all times going on this widespread seashore city.
Yow will discover bars and golf equipment of all sizes and styles right here. Whether or not you’re in search of a laidback dive bar or a bumping nightclub, you could 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
Certain, most of the greatest issues to do in Mazatlan revolve round its stunning seashores and water, however for foodies, there’s an awesome expertise you may be a part of!
Meet up together with your native information and hop within the typical taxi of Mazatlan. You’ll go to a few of the greatest family-run avenue meals stalls within the metropolis. Pattern 7 totally different meals and drinks and study 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 below are a number of high selections for an awesome 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 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 positioned within the historic middle and affords 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 affords excess of 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 — 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 photos on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.