Things to do in Mazatlan

All about Mazatlan

When to visit

Mazatlan’s golden beaches fill up with sun-seeking crowds in the winter months, while a lineup of big events keeps the energy high through spring. Parades and puppets mark the start of Carnival in February, and Mazatlan becomes party central for spring break revelry, which hits a fever pitch in March. For sun-soaked relaxation without the crowds, October and November are a sweet spot after a steamy summer.

Getting around

You can navigate Old Mazatlan and its neighboring attractions on foot relatively easily, but to see other sites you’ll need to rent a car, hail a cab, or hop on a bus. Mazatlan’s bus system includes a route that runs back and forth from the marina down through the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) and into the Old Town. Although more expensive than a regular taxi, first-time visitors might want to take a ride in the popular pulmonías—tricked-out golf carts or modified VW Beetles that blast music.

Traveler tips

The primary tourist beaches—Playa las Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo—that line the Golden Zone are clean, convenient, and often crowded. Further north, you’ll find quieter options like Playa Cerritos and Playa Brujas, which are accessible by bus. For more excitement, visit the cliff divers in Mazatlan, who dive from a rock formation about 45-feet (13 meters) high into water only about 5-6 feet (2-3 meters) deep. The best time to see them is in the morning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mazatlan best known for?

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Mazatlan offers seemingly endless stretches of sand and a vibrant historic center. Originally a popular destination for sportfishing, drawing Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper, Mazatlan has experienced a rebirth thanks to an investment in its public parks and squares.

What is there to do in Mazatlan?

In Mazatlan’s Centro Historico, explore 19th-century landmarks such as the performance hall Angela Peralta Theater and Immaculate Conception Basilica. Watch divers plunge into the Pacific Ocean from dizzying heights at a cliff diving show. In the Golden Zone, visit Playa los Sabalos and Playa las Gaviotas to soak up the sunshine.

Is Mazatlan on the coast?

Yes. Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, directly east of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. It’s a port town found in the western part of the Sinaloa state, about a five-hour drive from Mexico City. It experiences almost perfect weather year-round and boasts many beautiful beaches.

Is Mazatlan worth visiting?

Yes. Although Mazatlan might not top the list of most popular Mexican beach towns, it offers plenty of things to do and see, plus fewer tourists. It’s a historic colonial town with thriving beach culture—offering the best of the coast combined with the sensibility of a city like San Miguel de Allende.

What activities do people do in Mazatlan?

From sightseeing to sunbathing to sportfishing, Mazatlan offers a range of activities. Popular options include strolling along the city’s Malecon, the longest boardwalk like it in Mexico; exploring Old Mazatlan with its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings; hiking to the El Faro summit; and spending a sunny day on Playa Sabalo.

Is Mazatlan dangerous for tourists?

No. Mazatlan is considered safe, but travelers are advised to stick to tourist-friendly areas such as the Golden Zone, Old Town, and Malecon where police have a presence. Mazatlan is located in the Sinaloa state of Mexico, which, due to an increase in violent crimes, some countries advise against visiting.

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