Mazatlán – A Colonial City on the Beach

Looking for somewhere outside the typical hotspots? Consider Mazatlán, the Pearl of the Pacific. Across from the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez, Mazatlán is a true wonderland of nature, cultural arts, and gastronomic delights, and owns bragging rights as Mexico’s only colonial city on the beach.

Basking in sun, sea, and stunning sunsets, Mazatlán beckons visitors to its miles of beaches and offshore islands, where adventure abounds. Dive into a bevy of watersports on the spectacular sun-drenched beaches encircling Mazatlán. With three marinas, Mazatlán’s beautiful weather makes it ideal for boating. Sportfishing is an alluring hook due to waters teeming with billfish like marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. Gamefish favoring deeper waters include dorado or mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, mako shark, and wahoo.

Enjoy leisurely strolls or bike on the path along El Malecón— the longest oceanside boardwalk in Latin America at nearly five miles, where lively sidewalk cafes, bars, shops, and sculptures set the scene. This is an ideal place to view the breathtaking coastline, including the Three Islands and incredible sunsets across the bay. Next to this seaside promenade is the impressive and brand-new Sea of Cortez Aquarium, revered as the largest and most important in Latin America.

Built in the 1800s, tourists can explore Mazatlán’s Historic District on foot, or hop on a pulmonia for charming open-air transportation to the city’s many “can’t miss” sites. Visits to the many art galleries, boutiques, and latest exhibits at the Mazatlán Art Museum or Archaeological Museum will fill a day in itself, and the resplendent gardens of Plazuela Machado are a must-see. The adjacent Angela Peralta Theater hosts lively ballet, opera, symphony, and other cultural performances.

The people of Mazatlán welcome tourists with palpable pride in their traditions and ancestry with year-round cultural events. Proudly steeped in history and culture, the Mazatlán International Carnival and the Mazatlán Cultural Festival are widely acclaimed.

Mazatlán’s culinary arts are also a cause for celebration. Of course, seafood is the specialty, with a fresh catch always at hand, but visitors always find an extensive menu of authentic Mexican cuisine, and more. The city market, Mercado Pino Suárez (which opened in 1900)  offers an array of fresh food and local products.

Mazatlán offers three main areas for outstanding nightlife. The Golden Zone, the historical center, and Nuevo Mazatlán all offer a great variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Outside of Mazatlán, guided tours take visitors to the magical villages of El Rosario, Cosalá, Mocorito, San Ignacio and El Fuerte. Founded as far back as the 1500s, these villages were bestowed the Pueblos Magicos title by the Mexico Tourism Board due to their symbolic attributes, legends, history, and charm.

Mazatlán is not only great for a family vacation or romantic getaway, but an ideal group destination. Break away from the everyday and head to Mazatlán for a unique vacation experience with something for everyone.