Mazatlan Travelers Recommend

Mazatlan's phenomenal beaches are one of its main draws, and with miles of Pacific coastline on either side of the Golden Zone, you’ll have no shortage of golden sand to choose from. Here's a breakdown of some of best beaches in this Mexican resort town. 

Playa Bruja

Playa Burja, or Witch Beach, attracts surfers to the northern end of Mazatlan. The beach ranks among the area’s most appealing, one that’s perfect for beach bums and surfers of all levels alike. 

Stone Island

For a quieter escape, catch the 5-minute ferry to Stone Island, home to 4,000 residents. The beaches here aren’t lacking in amenities or equipment rentals, but crowds are still pleasantly sparse—it’s easy to spread out on the peninsula’s 10 miles (16 kilometers) of pristine sand.

Playa Los Gaviotas

For a lively scene complete with vendors, watersports kiosks, and plenty of food and drink options, head to Playa Los Gaviotas, the most popular beach in Mazatlan. While peace and quiet may be hard to come by, this is an excellent choice for people watching or partying.

Playa Sabalo

Quieter than Playa Los Gaviotas yet still lively, Playa Sabalo offers room to spread out and sunbathe, as well as protected waters ideal for swimming. Hotels and resorts backing the beach offer lounge chairs and umbrellas—if, that is, you’re willing to shell out for a bar tab. 

Playa Olas Altas

What Playa Olas Altas, or High Waves Beach, lacks in amenities—there are none—it makes up for in tranquility. While this largely empty stretch of sand appeals to surfers and boogie boarders, it’s also a good for walking and, of course, sunbathing in peace. 

Located on the west coast of Mexico, the city of Mazatlan, in the state of Sinaloa, was a glitzy hotspot for celebrities in the 1970s. Today the beach town is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to its historical and cultural attractions. Here are a few ways to make the most of a day in Mazatlan:

Morning: Explore Old Town

Start your day by getting a feel for the city in Mazatlan’s Old Town. Join a half-day guided tour, and you’ll be able to learn about the history and culture of this colonial city while also seeing the top attractions, like the cathedral and the Old Spanish Fort, and watching the Mazatlan’s famous cliff divers. If you want to cover ground more quickly and easily, you can also rent a Segway and explore on you own or book a bike tour. Ride down the boardwalk, known as the malecón, and enjoy views of the beach while shopping for souvenirs along the way. Lastly, make a stop for souvenirs at Pino Suarez Market, Mazatlan’s historic mercado, which is filled with anything and everything you could want to take home.

Afternoon: Head to the Beach

The Golden Zone is the most convenient beach area and is packed with high-rise hotels, shops, and eateries, and if you’re only in Mazatlan for the day, this is probably your best option for enjoying an afternoon by the sea. The most convenient way to access the area is to book a day pass (with lunch included) at a beachfront resort and enjoy amenities such as a pool, restrooms, towels, and Wi-Fi.

If you didn’t go sightseeing in the morning, you could also venture further afield and visit Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra). This peninsula can be reached via a short water taxi ride and offers activities like kayaking and horseback riding. Alternatively, you could head to Deer Island (Isla de Venados), which is about 20 minutes away by boat.

Night: Take a Sunset Cruise

End your day in Mazatlan aboard a catamaran, soaking in the last rays of the sun. Set sail from the marina in the evening with naturalist guides who can tell you about the local marine life, and look for dolphins, coastal birds, and sea lions (depending on the season). Guided cruises typically travel through the archipelago of Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos, which is a biodiverse ecological reserve. Or, if you want a more energetic night out, check out some of Mazatlan’s clubs and beach bars, which can have a loud, spring-break feel to them. If you want a drink but not a party, you can also visit the bars around Machado Plaza, in the city’s historical center.

The Mexican coastal city of Mazatlan is a bustling beach paradise rich in history and culture. On a 3-day stay, you can enjoy a range of activities in the city, then venture outside and spend a day exploring the Sierra Madre mountains and visiting colonial towns. Here are some things to do and see during your visit to Mazatlan:

Day 1: Mazatlan Sights

Get to know Mazatlan on your first full day by booking a guided sightseeing tour to explore the city by foot, Segway, bike, or bus. Most tours focus on the Old Town area and Machado Plaza, visiting major attractions such as the cathedral and the Old Spanish Fort. You can also stop to watch the city’s famous cliff divers, shop for souvenirs at Pino Suarez Market, and take a stroll down the boardwalk, known as the malecón.

Later in the day, set out for the beach. While many hotels boast their own beaches (or sit close to one), you can also opt for an excursion to Stone Island or the Estero Ecological Reserve. In the evening, swing by one of Mazatlan’s lively clubs or beach bars for a drink. Or, for a quieter evening, return to the cafes and bars around Machado Plaza. Either way, be sure to stop by the malecón to watch the sunset.

Day 2: On the Water

Pack your second day with activities and excursions in and on the water: Join a sailing tour to Deer Island to snorkel. Head out on a research expedition led by marine biologists and cruise the Mazatlan coastline to spot dolphins in their native environment, then jump in the water and swim alongside them. Take a guided sailing tour of the archipelago of Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos Islands where you can see dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and coastal birds. Book a whale-watching excursion, and learn about the humpback whales that travel to the waters of Mazatlan to mate and give birth in the winter.

If you weren’t able to visit the Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos Islands at the start of the day, embark on a sunset cruise to the archipelago in the evening and hear about the local marine life from naturalist guides. Be on the lookout for dolphins and more as you watch the sunset over the water.

Day 3: Countryside Culture

On your third day, venture out of Mazatlan and into the countryside to explore colonial towns such as Concordia and Copala. Nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains, these towns boast colorful architecture, and you can watch local artisans make specialties like bread and handmade tiles. Or, head to the villages of La Noria and El Quelite and the La Vinata distillery. You’ll travel through a blue agave plantation before reaching a tequila distillery where you will learn about the production process and sample some product. Alternatively, you can experience the countryside in a different way—by riding high across it on a zipline course that offers panoramic views of the landscape.

Back in Mazatlan, head to the historic Angela Peralta Theater to catch a concert; ticket prices are relatively inexpensive. For dinner, check out the city’s restaurants and try traditional Sinaloan foods and seafood dishes like aguachile, a spicy shrimp ceviche.

Mazatlan is a city with character, offering more to explore beyond the beach than most resort towns. Two days here allows you to book excursions like whale watching and tequila tours. Plus, you’ll be able to spend more time sightseeing and discovering the city’s historical attractions. Here are a few ways to enjoy two days in Mazatlan:

Day 1: Culture and the Countryside

**Morning:**Start your trip by exploring some of the colonial towns  in the Sierra Madre mountains that surround Mazatlan, such as Concordia and Copala. You’ll be able to admire the architecture and red-roofed houses in Copala and swing by a local bakery and tile shop. Or head to the villages of La Noria and El Quelite and La Vinata distillery, where you can learn about tequila production and try a sample.

**Afternoon:**After lunch, return to Mazatlan and explore its Old Town area. See attractions like the cathedral and the Old Spanish Fort, then stop to watch the town’s daring cliff divers. Plus, stop by Pino Suarez Market, Mazatlan’s historic mercado, to shop for souvenirs.

**Night:**In the evening, catch a show at the historic Angela Peralta Theater, located in the historical center. Built in the late 1800s, the landmark was renovated and restored in 1992, and ticket prices are usually inexpensive. (You can also take a guided tour of the building during the day.) Alternatively, grab drinks at one of Mazatlan’s many bars.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

**Morning:**An extra day in Mazatlan allows you to venture away from the Golden Zone of beachfront hotels. Get out on the water, and explore the bay of Mazatlan on an all-day guided tour to see dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and coastal birds and enjoy snorkeling in the always-temperate sea.

**Afternoon:**The waters of Mazatlan attract humpback whales, which mate and give birth here in the winter months. Book a whale-watching expedition with marine biologists to spot these creatures and learn about their behavior. Alternatively, spend the afternoon enjoying the beach near your hotel, and relax by the ocean while taking advantage of the amenities.

**Night:**Wrap up your day aboard a catamaran. Head out with naturalist guides to learn about the local marine life as you sail around the biodiverse archipelago of Pájaros, Venados, and Lobos on a sunset cruise. As the sun sets, be on the lookout for more dolphins and sea lions.