Key Takeaways
- Mazatlán offers more than a resort stay. Its historic center, architecture, local traditions, and everyday city life give travelers a stronger sense of place beyond the beach.
- The destination is made for exploration. From snorkeling and island excursions to hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, Mazatlán offers plenty of ways to experience the outdoors.
- Food and culture are part of the draw. Fresh seafood, regional specialties, local transportation, baseball, and seasonal celebrations give visitors an authentic taste of Mazatlán.
Why visit Mazatlán?
One of the main reasons vacationers first visit Mazatlán is the same one that can be said of any of Mexico’s gorgeous coastal destinations: beach resorts.
They visit this Pacific Coast state for its golden sand and indigo waters, both of those signature features of the shores around the Sea of Cortez. They love the year-round warm but dry weather that comes with its location just across the Gulf of California from Los Cabos, where temperatures range from 61 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. And what traveler doesn’t adore having a range of all-inclusive resorts to choose from?
But Mazatlán isn’t just any Mexico beach resort destination.
Sure, it has a famous Malecon (boardwalk) and gorgeous shores, but it also has a distinct identity all its own that turns first-timers into repeat visitors. Its status as a living colonial city, with a history that dates back to 1571, lends it character you won’t find in a purposely developed resort town. And because it’s a place that’s been built for life as well as leisure, there’s a more authentic pace to days spent wandering the region, genuine Mexican flavor and regional influence in the cuisine, and—perhaps best of all—better value, boasting affordable luxury at an approachable scale.
Plus, there’s plenty to do in Mazatlán beyond those lovely properties designed for vacation indulgence. There are so many things to do in Mazatlán beyond the beach. We decided to Ask a (Destination) Pro or two what their favorite underrated Mazatlán attractions were – this is what they had to say.
Immerse yourself in the “Aquarium of the World”
This one is obvious, but it has to be said. Our source at the tourist board tells ALG Vacations®, “Our beaches are swimmable and ideal for many water activities and sports,” a worthy talking point since its neighbor destination just across the Sea of Cortez is known for its more rambunctious currents. Mazatlán experts list sportfishing, paddle board, kayaking, and snorkeling as favorite activities.
The latter, snorkeling, as well as scuba diving, are some of the best ways to enjoy the sea that Jacques Cousteau called the “Aquarium of the World” for its marine biodiversity. The Sea of Cortez (alternatively called the Gulf of California, a name it’s also held since the 16th century) and its hundreds of protected islands also have formal status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as over 900 different species of fish reside in its plentiful reefs. And not only is the Sea of Cortez the only habitat for the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, but it’s also a regular getaway spot for species like blue, humpback, and fin whales and sea lions.
Take an animal-themed island field trip
Of the uninhabited protected islands in the Sea of Cortez, there is a collection of three that are famous enough to be grouped as the Three Islands (Las Tres Islas): Isla de los Lobos, Isla de Pajaros, and Isla de Vendados.
The northernmost is Isla de Pajaros, which translates into Bird Island for its status as a protected ecological reserve and major seabird sanctuary, established in 1991. Isla de Pajaros is located just 2,000 feet off the coast of the Golden Zone and offers a visual bounty for avian enthusiasts, with over 400 species of migratory and endemic birds happily co-existing in a designated safe space.
The main wildlife attraction of Isla de los Lobos, the Island of the Wolves, is less immediately obvious. It’s actually named after the sea lions – also called sea wolves – that frolic in its waters. On the land itself, there are scenic trails that remain fairly secluded throughout the year.
On the other hand, Isla de Venados was named for its deer, but has found its popularity as a destination for water sports enthusiasts, with clear waters that attract snorkelers, divers, kayakers, and paddle boarders. Families often make the trip by boat to this undeveloped island to lounge on its golden sands or walk the nature trails for their elevated views.
Explore the history of Mazatlán
“We have so many historical buildings in Mazatlán, like the Angela Peralta Theater, the [Basilica] Cathedral [of Mazatlán, Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion], and others,” our Pro raves.
These two are iconic. The Teatro Angela Peralta, named after The Mexican Nightingale, a famous soprano, is still considered one of the most beautiful and important buildings of its kind in all of Mexico and continues to host performances, earning it National Historic Heritage designation in 1990. The Cathedral, however, is a master work of Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Moorish influences that took 43 years to complete. It’s also an important symbol of religious cooperation and tolerance. The Mazatlán cathedral has 28 stained glass windows that prominently feature the Star of David are in honor of the financial contributions made by the local Jewish community toward its construction.
Both are located in the entire Centro Historico, surrounded by 19th century French colonial and neoclassical architecture, brightly painted facades, gathering places like lively Plaza Machado, the historic market for snacks and crafts, Mercado Pino Suarez, and educational centers like the Mazatlán Archaeological Museum and Mazatlán Arts Center.
Farther afield, the Mazatlán lighthouse atop Cerro del Criston on the peninsula’s southern tip is also a key architectural attraction. El Faro is one of the highest active lighthouses in the world and offers excitement at the top of the 45-minute gravel trail hike up to the top. There, visitors can step out onto a glass-bottom overlook or take a downhill zipline ride for a few pesos and plenty of thrills.
Eat seafood at its best
We’re told, “In Mazatlán, there are [many] restaurants of every kind of cuisine, but the best is seafood. It’s fresh, there’s lots of it, and it’s affordable!” In fact, it’s so fresh and accessible that common snacks include oysters harvested from the city’s tidal lagoons and raw pen-shell clam scallops.
Some call Mazatlán the Shrimp Capital of Mexico, and dishes featuring this easy-to-eat crustacean are not hard to find across the city. They’re great in Tacos Gobernador with sauteed onions, tomato, and cheese. A great self-imposed challenge is to try it in every kind of aguachile, where the shrimp is marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, cucumber, and red onion. Pros say that the green is the go-to, but black aguachile, which features charred peppers or soy-based sauces, are a local favorite.
Along those lines, Ceviche de Sierra is another perfect boardwalk snack, with refreshing lime juice curing minced Spanish mackerel. Carrots, onions, and tomatoes add more flavor as you pile it onto saltines or tostada crackers.
Another famous preparation is Zarandeado, where cooks will butterfly a snook or red snapper, coat it in achiote-chili paste, and slow-grill it whole. This and layered Torre de Mariscos – a wealth of shrimp, scallops, and octopus in sauce – are surefire ways to find seafood filling.
Take part in local culture
Riding a pulmonia, an awning-covered golf cart, along the coastline may seem like a touristy thing to do, but the local secret is, everyone’s done it, including the Pros we asked! A private tour on one of these is a great way to get oriented with the historic center of the city and lets you stop and snack at your pace.
If visiting between October and December, our Pro recommends getting a ticket to a baseball game if you can. Their professional team, Venados de Mazatlán (the Mazatlán Deer) plays in Estadio Teodoro Mariscal in the city and evening games make for lively entertainment among 16,000 spectators.
And those lucky enough to visit at the beginning of November of any given year should absolutely participate in the Day of the Dead celebrations that take over the city November 1 and 2. The marching band music, dancers in skeleton costumes, and other performers of the Callejoneada Parade are an unforgettable spectacle that winds through the historic center of the city.
In the days before, keep an eye out for the beautiful ofrendas (altars) across town that lovingly remember those who are no longer here, particularly around Plaza Machado.
The Bottom Line
Mazatlán may draw travelers in with its beaches and resorts, but its history, culture, fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, and distinctly local character give them plenty of reasons to venture beyond the sand—and come back for more.
