Mazatlán is a city in the Sinaloa state of Mexico. Most people visit Mazatlán for the beaches, coastline attractions, and its leisurely vibe. People come here to enjoy the beaches, go birdwatching, walk around in nature, take boat trips to the sea, and more. There are also quite a few fun things to do in Mazatlán city as well. It is home to history, entertainment venues, and party destinations. While we explore all the amazing possibilities of activities and wonderful things to see in Mazatlán, let’s start with its story.
The city has a long and storied history of Hispanic tribes with varied cultures. Many of these civilizations no longer exist, but their influence can be seen in parts of the overall regional culture. The archeological museum is among the best places to visit in Mazatlán to learn about these tribes. You will also get to know about the colonization of the region and how it shaped the city you see today. This period also saw the development of many structures that are now historical Mazatlán attractions.
Later on, the city developed as a resort town owing to its coastline and the islands close by. When people plan trips to Mazatlán, they think about lying by the beach, playing sports on golden sands, snorkelling underwater, and so on. Some of the top Mazatlán attractions sit along the coastline. This includes shopping, entertainment, and nightlife destinations too. And if you find the coastline too crowded, you can take a boat ride to the islands. Here you can enjoy all the best things to do in Mazatlán with fewer people around and more beautiful sights.
Speaking of going towards the sea, the most popular activities to do in Mazatlán also include surfing and deep-sea fishing. The waters are populated with an abundance of marine life. During certain months (mentioned below); you can also catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins during Mazatlán travel.
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Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Mazatlán, Mexico
1. Old Mazatlán
The old town is home to some of the most wonderful things to see in Mazatlán. The area has old buildings and historical sites. It is also to popular old establishments among restaurants and cafes. It is a great place to just keep roaming around and trying for street food and exploring shopping streets. You can easily spend a couple of hours in the old town when you visit Mazatlán.
I suggest you should book your Segway Tour of Mazatlán Old Town in advance.
2. Malecon
This beachfront walkway is among the most happening places to visit in Mazatlán. It is known for high-end hotels, resorts, beaches, and entertainment venues. It is also home to some of the top nightlife spots in the city. People also come to this stretch for strolls and cycling. You can spend an hour or so enjoying this coastal walkway.
3. Playa Olas Altas
This beach is a preferred leisure destination for tourists and residents. People come here for fun things to do in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. This beach is particularly popular for surfing and swimming.
The beach is well facilitated for these activities and you can also enjoy a variety of sports in the golden sands. The coastline also has several popular cafes, restaurants, and clubs where you can relax while enjoying sea views. People can dedicate an evening to this beach.
4. Whale Watching Tour
Between December and April, humpback whales migrate across the Pacific, close to the shores of Mazatlán. You can see these majestic creatures on a whale-watching tour. It is one of the best things to do in Mazatlán for families.
It is an adventurous journey going towards the unbound sea to catch a glimpse of the water giants. These whales are 17 meters in length and the way they jump out of the water is a sight to behold. You will have a guide along for the ride who will tell incredible facts about whales as well as the waters you are floating on. You will need to book these tours in advance when you plan trips to Mazatlán. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours.
I suggest you should book your Whale Watching Tour in advance.
5. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Built in the 19th century, this basilica is one of the most beautiful structures in the city. The church is best known for its yellow canary coloured spires. It is one of the most important Mazatlán attractions.
The church features beautiful architecture that hails from the colonial period. The interiors are also gorgeous in a simple and elegant way. You can also attend a service as they are held several times a day. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
6. Swimming with Dolphins
It’s not just whales, even dolphins come around for Mazatlán travel and tourists can also see these mischievous fishes. You should head to the marine wildlife park. It is home to three types of dolphins: bottlenose, spotted, and spinner. The tour takes you to see dolphins and many other aquatic creatures.
You can also swim alongside the dolphins during the tour. This includes a scuba diving experience to see what dolphins do underwater. These creatures are quite friendly and they even approach the divers. It is one of the best activities to do in Mazatlán, Mexico. You will need about 2 hours for this experience.
7. Playa Brujas
The name literally translates to beach of witches. It is said that the beach was used by witches to perform rituals. However, now is a popular Mazatlán tourist attraction for watersports and surfing.
The beach receives significantly high waves, creating perfect conditions for adrenaline-pumping surfing experiences. The waters here also carry a strong undertow, so you should only swim in secure areas when lifeguards are on duty. You can enjoy a good hour or more of surfing or watching surfers sour the waves.
8. Golden Zone (Zona Dorada)
The Golden Zone is a posh neighbourhood with high-end hotels, shopping venues, nightclubs, restaurants, and so on. This is a place where you go to blow off steam after Mazatlán sightseeing.
It is a high-end area with a Marina as well as two popular beaches: Sabalo and Gaviotas. These beaches have some amazing beach-view lounges where you can enjoy partying and dining. You should spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this area.
I suggest you should book your Trip to Golden Zone in advance.
9. Deep Sea Fishing
Mazatlán is among the finest deep-sea fishing destinations in the world. The waters are populated by 7 of the 9 most popular sport fishing species. It is one of the top things to do in Mazatlán, Mexico for those who enjoy adventures in the sea.
The most sought-after games include the Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Red Snappers, Tuna, and Striped Merlins. You can catch the former three in summer and the latter three in winter.
Even if you are not an expert, you can enjoy the journey with trainers and take home pride of a good catch. This became one of the top activities to do in Mazatlán for tourists. So much so, that you will see a blue marlin in many of the city’s logos. You will need about 3 to 4 hours for this experience.
I suggest you should book your Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in advance.
10. El Faro
The lighthouse is one of the most picturesque things to see in Mazatlán, Mexico. It is also the spot with the most amazing views of the ocean and coastline. You will need to embark on a 45-minute hike to reach El Faro. All along the route, you will see wallpaper-worthy sights.
If you are planning trips to Mazatlán, reserve a spot for this attraction either in the morning or evening. The afternoon sun will not give you the best lighting. You can climb the lighthouse for an uninterrupted sea view all the way to the horizon. The trip will take 2 to 3 hours.
I suggest you should book your Trip to El Faro Lighthouse in advance.
11. Gran Acuario Mazatlán
This is one of the best aquariums in Mexico. With 50 tanks, the aquarium houses numerous species from waters around Mazatlán as well as a few animals from other oceans as well.
The Acquario is divided into three parts – land, coast, and sea. You will see jellyfish, sea lions, surgeonfish, goupers, snapper, eels, sea horses, turtles, star fish, sharks, stingrays, and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Mazatlán for families. The aquarium also has a garden and an aviary to explore. You will need about 2 hours to tour the place.
I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to the Gran Acuario Mazatlán in advance.
12. Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra)
Also known as the Stone Island, this place is one of the top spots for outdoor activities to do in Mazatlán. People come here for snorkelling, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, cycling, and more.
Isla de la Piedra is one of the most popular Mazatlán attractions as a leisure getaway. The island is also popular for its beaches and coastal clubs and bars. The island is also home to a mangrove forest which is popular for hiking and boat trips. You can take a day from your trips to Mazatlán to enjoy this island.
I suggest you should book your Tour to Stone Island in advance.
13. Mazagua Aquatic Water Park
While you have the majesty of the Pacific, people still want to enjoy some time on slides and jumping into pools. Hence this water park. The park has a variety of rides for people of all ages. If you are looking to enjoy some splashy time during your trip, the park will refresh you. People can easily spend a couple of hours here enjoying the rides.
14. Teatro Angela Peralta
Built during the 19th century, this theatre is named after a famed opera singer. If you are looking for a cultural experience, this place is the place to explore. The theatre hosts a variety of shows and performances. It is also known for its classic architecture and lush interiors. You will need about an hour or so to tour this theatre.
15. El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sanctuary
This sanctuary is home to Olive Ridley Turtles and has been protecting the species for several years. You can plan your trip to Mazatlán between July and November to see the hatchings.
You can see thousands of baby turtles hatch from the eggs and make their way to the ocean. People also get to hold cute little baby turtles in their hands and release them into the ocean.
The sanctuary also includes a mangrove forest by the coast. You can enjoy a boat trip through the forest to learn about the habitat. It is one of the best Mazatlán tourist attractions for nature lovers. You will need 3 to 4 hours for this tour.
16. Playa las Gaviotas
This is perhaps the most popular beach in Mazatlán. The beach is always vibrant with people enjoying the sands and the waves. The beach has lounges, bars, clubs, swimming spots, and more.
It is also one of the fun Mazatlán attractions for shopping. You will see a lot of vendors selling clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. People can easily enjoy hours at length enjoying this beach when they visit Mazatlán, Mexico.
17. Deer Island (Isla de Venados)
This island is a natural paradise. It has the clearest waters around it, making it perfect for snorkelling and swimming. It also has a gorgeous forest with an abundance of wildlife including deer, iguanas, snakes, and colourful birds. The beaches are untainted by crowds and you can enjoy the beauty of blue and gold in tranquility. If you are planning to be here for leisure, take a day out from a trip to Mazatlán to enjoy it.
I suggest you should book your Trip to Deer Island in advance.
18. Pino Suarez Market
The history of this market goes back 120 years. This market is the perfect place to find local goods or authentic Mexican garments or souvenirs. You will find garments, jewelry, beverages, food products, street food, spices, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so browsing this market during Mazatlán sightseeing.
I suggest you should book a Food Tasting Tour at Pino Suarez Market in advance.
19. Isla de los Pajaros
This island is a sanctuary for a variety of birds and other wild animals. It is especially known for the several exotic bird species that nest here. The Island is home to more than 400 species of birds including Brown Heron, Red Billed Rabijunco, White Winged Pijije, Pelicans, Seagulls, and more.
You can take a boat trip to reach the island and take a tour around it. Then you get on the island and walk the trails to spot the birds within the forest. It is one of the best things to do in Mazatlán for nature lovers. You will need 3 to 4 hours for this adventurous trip.
20. Estero Del Yugo Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is spread over a vast area containing fresh-water and saltwater lagoons. These serve as home to an incredible variety of birds and animals. It is one of the few natural Mazatlán attractions that do not require a boat ride. The reserve has some amazing trails for birdwatching, parts of which include boardwalk routes.
Alongside over 200 species of birds, the preserve is also home to animals such as foxes, white-tailed deer, ocelots, and more. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the preserve.
21. Sea Shell City Museum (Museo de Conchas)
This is one of the most unique Mazatlán tourist attractions. The museum is entirely dedicated to seashells and ancient fossils. While people love picking up and collecting seashells, as well as to take home as souvenirs. This museum shows how these things come about and the story they tell. You will need about an hour or so to tour this two-storey museum.
22. Archaeological Museum of Mazatlán (Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán)
Although listed last, this is perhaps one of the best places to begin Mazatlán sightseeing. The museum tells you about the ancient Hispanic tribes of the region and their culture.
It showcases ancient artifacts and tells the story of civilizations. It is interesting to see their influence on modern culture and their connection with the land before colonization. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Mazatlán, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of places and activities to enjoy in the city and around it.
Things to do in Mazatlán, Mexico
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Cathedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion
- Observatorio Mazatlán 1873
- Mazatlán Lighthouse
- Monumento al Pescador
- Archeological Museum of Mazatlán
- Monumento a Pedro Infante
- Monumento a la Mujer Mazatleca
- Las Labradas
- Museo de Conchas
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Mazatlán, Mexico
- El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sanctuary
- Estero Del Yugo Nature Preserve
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Gran Acurio Mazatlán Mar de Cortes
- Angela Peralta Theatre
- Mazagua Water Park
- Teodoro Baseball Stadium
- Mazagua Aquatic Park
Shopping in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Pino Suarez Mazatlán Market
- Gran Plaza
- Galerias
- Camino al Mar
- Mazatlán Downtown
- Plazuela Zaragoza
- La Zona Dorada
- Centro Mercado
Beaches & Islands in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Playa las Brujas
- Stone Island
- Playa Cerritos
- Playa Olas Atlas
- Playas de Mazatlán
- Playa de Pinitos
- Playa Gaviotas
- Playa Norte
- Playa Isla de la Piedra
- Isla de Venados
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Whale watching Tour
- Cruise Tour
- Swimming with Dolphins
- Deep Sea Fishing
Sightseeing in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Malecon de Mazatlán
- Cerro del Creston – Faro Mazatlán
- Golden Zone
- Plazuela Machado
- Plaza Machado
- Del Malecon
- Old Mazatlán
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Mazatlán, Mexico
- Pizzeria de Barrio
- Atol Gastronomia
- El Bife Parilla
- Cerveceria Barrava
- Casa Lucila
- Maree
- Cafe Bar 500 Noches
- La Brasa Asador de Barrio
- Marquesitas
- Charros Fuego y Parilla
- El Montalayo
- Mahi Omakase
- Pedro y Lola
- La Mulata
- La Chilaca
- El G Del Gato
- Revisiting Diego’s Beach & Grill
- Mariscos Piquillas Centro
- La Molcajeteria
- Casa Hindie
- El Pargo & La Vaca Bistro Grill
Where to Stay in Mazatlan?
Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Mazatlan. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Mazatlan.
Luxurious Hotels
- El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
- Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
- Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort
- Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort
- Casa Lucila Boutique Hotel
- Emerald Estates Luxury Villas
- Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
- Torres Mazatlan Resort
- Hotel Playa Mazatlan
- El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels
- El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
- El Cid Granada Hotel
- Courtyard Mazatlan Beach Resort
- The Palms Resort Mazatlan
- Hotel Raices de Mar
- The Inn At Mazatlan Resort & Spa
- Las Villas Hotel & Golf By Estrella del Mar
- Casa de Leyendas
- Star Palace Beach Hotel
- Reina del Mar
Budget Hotels
- Costa de Oro Beach Hotel
- Emporio Mazatlan
- Park Inn by Radisson Mazatlan
- Olas Altas Inn Hotel & Spa
- Hotel Margaritas
- Hotel La Siesta
- Pacific Palace Beach Tower Hotel
- Park Royal Beach Mazatlán
- Villa Serena Apartments
- City Express by Marriott Mazatlán
Custom Tours Package in Mazatlan
How to Reach Mazatlán, Mexico?
By Air
Mazatlán International Airport sits quite close to the city. The airport receives direct flights from San Jose del Cabo, Mexico City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Chihuahua, Cabo San Lucas, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Regina, Toronto, Houston, Tijuana, and several other cities in North America. You can get buses and cabs from the airport to reach Mazatlán city.
By Road
You can direct trains to visit Mazatlán from several cities in Mexico. This includes Mexicali, Culiacan, Tepic, Manzanillo, Mexico City, and many more. You can also get buses from several towns and cities. The most popular ones for Mazatlán travel include buses from Nogales, Mexico City, Culiacan, and Guadalajara.
If you are planning to reach Mazatlán by road, you should head for routes 15, 15D, 503, or 5-06. All these routes will take you directly to the city.
By Water
You can get ferries to Mazatlán from La Pac in Baha California. You get this ferry 3 days a week and its an overnight trip. The route is very scenic and you get to enjoy sea views and coastal views during the journey.
Image Reference
- Old Mazatlán – Gzzz / Wikimedia Commons
- Malecon – cecilia rodriguez / Flickr
- Playa Olas Altas – Antonio peraza / Wikimedia Commons
- Whale Watching Tour – shadowfaxone / PixaBay
- Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception – Rob Lee / Flickr
- Swimming with Dolphins – PixaBay
- Playa Brujas – Ruben Narcio Salgado / Flickr
- Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) – Alejandro Castro / Flickr
- Deep Sea Fishing – 성열 박 / PixaBay
- El Faro – Jasperdo / Flickr
- Gran Acuario Mazatlán – David Stanley / Flickr
- Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra) – Ruben Narcio Salgado / Flickr
- Mazagua Aquatic Water Park – Christian Frausto Bernal / Flickr
- Teatro Angela Peralta – David Stanley / Flickr
- El Verde Camacho Sea Turtle Sanctuary –
- Playa las Gaviotas – Lagurion / mio / Wikimedia Commons
- IDeer Island (Isla de Venados) – David Stanley / Flickr
- Pino Suarez Market – David Stanley / Flickr
- Isla de los Pajaros – CGAphoto / Flickr
- Estero Del Yugo Nature Preserve – Laurel PARSHALL / Flickr
- Sea Shell City Museum (Museo de Conchas) –
- Archaeological Museum of Mazatlán (Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán) – wittenbergman / Wikimedia Commons
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