Mazatlán

Travel Guide
Mazatlan featuring rocky coastline, a city and landscape views
With miles of coastline and a charming historic center, this is one of the most inviting beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Known as “the pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán has ample sun, sea and sand. Blessed with blue skies and balmy temperatures, this resort is popular with everyone from families to honeymooners to vacationing college students. Discover its beaches, islands and pulsating nightlife.

This oceanfront town came to prominence in the mid-1900s after Hollywood celebrities such as Robert Mitchum and Tony Curtis visited. Today, the city remains a popular vacation spot.

Get a feel for Mazatlán’s colonial history by wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Centro Histórico). Dine at the open-air restaurants on Plaza Machado and attend concerts at Angela Peralta Theater. Admire the opulent Immaculate Conception Cathedral and people-watch at the tree-shaded Plazuela República. Also worth exploring are the food stalls of José MariaPino Suárez Municipal Market.

Adjacent to the Old Town is Olas Altas Beach, a much-loved surf spot. If you tire of the beach, head for the Mazatlán Archaeological Museum and Mazatlan Art Museum. A short walk south leads to the Cerro del Creston hill. Hike to the El Faro Lighthouse at the top for panoramic views.

Winding around the coastline from Olas Atlas Beach is the Malecón, a buzzing beachfront esplanade lined with bars, food stands and shops. Stop to see the jaw-dropping stunts performed by locals at Divers Point.

Continue on the Malecón to Playa Norte, an almost 3-mile (5-kilometer) long beach ideal for water sports. Spot colorful marine life at Mazatlán Aquarium and dine at restaurants with ocean views.

Find the bulk of Mazatlán’s hotels and nightlife options in the northern Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). Playa Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo offer safe swimming and water sports, while the nightclub complex Fiesta Land is perfect for dancing.

Reach Mazatlán by flying into Mazatlán International Airport. Rent bikes or use pulmonias (open-top golf cart-style cabs) to get around. Escape the crowds by taking daytrips to the unspoiled Bird Island, Deer Island and Goat Island.

Where to stay in Mazatlán

Zona Dorada featuring a sandy beach, mountains and general coastal views

Zona Dorada

4/5(761 area reviews)

Travelers to Zona Dorada praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Punta Camaron Beach and Playa Brujas.

Zona Dorada
Olas Altas Beach featuring a sunset, street scenes and rugged coastline

Downtown Mazatlan

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Downtown Mazatlan is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Plaza Machado or Jose Maria Pino Suarez Municipal Market while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Mazatlan
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El Cid

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of El Cid. You might consider a stop by El Cid Country Club Golf Course while you're exploring the neighborhood.

El Cid
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Marina Mazatlan

4/5(22 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Marina Mazatlan. You might want to make time for a stop at Cerritos Beach or Witches Beach.

Marina Mazatlan
Mazatlan which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a beach

Centro Historico

While visiting Centro Historico, you might make a stop by sights like Jose Maria Pino Suarez Municipal Market and Plaza Machado.

Centro Historico
Mazatlan featuring waves and a beach

Cerritos

4/5(71 area reviews)

While visiting Cerritos, you might make a stop by sights like Witches Beach and Mazagua Aquatic Park.

Cerritos
Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
3.5 out of 5
Calzada Camaron Sabalo, Zona Costera Cerritos 3404, Mazatlán, SIN
Stay at this 3.5-star beach property in Mazatlán. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,299 reviews)
"The staff was amazing"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan
DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan
4 out of 5
Av. Camaron Sabalo 905, Zona Costera, Mazatlán, SIN
The price is $117 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
$117
$139 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,193 reviews)
"The property is amazing. The view from the pool is spectacular! The staff is very attentive. Our only issues are, if you book a city view be prepared to be up all night. There are 2 clubs. One in front of the hotel and 1 next door. The music is extremely loud.Sometimes till 2am or 4am.Then the traffic ..."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan
Varali Grand Hotel
Varali Grand Hotel
3 out of 5
2614 Av del Mar Tellería, Mazatlán, SIN
The price is $92 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
$92
$110 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (468 reviews)
"Esta muy bueno el hotel. Recomiendo estar ahi por unas vacaciones excelentes"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Varali Grand Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Torres Mazatlan Condominiums
Torres Mazatlan Condominiums
3 out of 5
Av Sabalo Cerritos, Esq. Lopez Portillo, Mazatlán, SIN
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (480 reviews)
"I love this place"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

Torres Mazatlan Condominiums
Luxury Suites By Estrella del Mar
Luxury Suites By Estrella del Mar
4 out of 5
Carretera Estatal, Barron Isla de la Piedra km10, Mazatlán, SIN
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attraction Estrella de Mar Golf Course is located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (374 reviews)
"Loved how quiet it was... the staff is all super friendly and helpful.. would like more restaurants and more variety from the bar!"

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2024

Luxury Suites By Estrella del Mar
Casa Barros Vacation Condos
Casa Barros Vacation Condos
3 out of 5
114 Circunvalación Cerro del Vigía, Mazatlán, Sin.
Stay at this 3-star condo in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Monument of Fernando Valades and Monument ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (83 reviews)
"Great location, not quiet at nights lots of loud music and vehicles into the night. Bring your own everything all you get is a bath towel each and a bar of soap. We had to buys everything more towels and everything for the kitchen, tea towels, dish soap, sponge, spoons, paper towels. No cleaning ..."

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

Casa Barros Vacation Condos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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