Where to stay

By far the best neighborhood to choose for a beach-focused break is the Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone. From here, one of the longest waterfront promenades in the world, the Malecón, stretches along Mazatlan's palm-fringed coast. This area is also the most developed in the city for tourism, with bars, restaurants, and clubs as well as accommodations to suit every budget. Marina Mazatlan, as its name suggests, is set around a marina to the north. Developed more recently, it's further from the beach, but an ideal place to stay for those who'd rather admire the coast via an idyllic boat trip. It's possible to stay (almost) offshore on Isla de Piedra (Stone Island) as well. Technically a promontory rather than a true island, it's a popular day-trip known for its wide and sheltered beaches.

One of the best times to visit Mazatlan is in February, when one of Mexico's oldest carnivals takes over the city with parades, plenty of live music, and street parties. Central accomodations get booked up early, so along with rooms in the coveted beachfront hotels in the Zona Dorada, carnival-goers should consider options slightly further away from the coast, like the larger but still central district of Nuevo Mazatlan. The neighborhood of La Florida is further to the north, but there are some great bargains to be had here for travelers on a budget, including some all-inclusive resorts.

Colorful streets and restored 19th-century buildings make the Centro Histórico on the edge of Downtown Mazatlan the most historically interesting part of the city. Booking a room here could mean staying in a charming B&B steps from Mazatlán's magnificent cathedral, built in 1899, or the laidback Plaza Machado. While they've previously been renowned more for their proximity to surf culture and sunbathing spots, the Zona Dorada's hotels are also worth exploring. New art walks are being set up here to offer an alternative to bar hopping, and the Malecón is a piece of Mazatlan's cultural history in its own right.