Mazatlán

Travel Guide

Mazatlan showing rugged coastline and a sandy beach as well as a family
Mazatlan featuring rocky coastline, landscape views and a city
Mazatlan featuring modern architecture, rugged coastline and a luxury hotel or resort
Mazatlan which includes a coastal town, a beach and a sunset
Mazatlan featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza
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 MachadoOpens in a new window and attend concerts at Angela Peralta Theater. Admire the opulent Immaculate Conception CathedralOpens in a new window and people-watch at the tree-shaded Plazuela República. Also worth exploring are the food stalls of José MariaPino Suárez Municipal MarketOpens in a new window.

Adjacent to the Old Town is Olas Altas BeachOpens in a new window, 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 LighthouseOpens in a new window 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 PointOpens in a new window.

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

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
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 Plaza Machado and Olas Altas Beach.

Centro Historico
Olas Altas Beach featuring a sunset, street scenes and rugged coastline

Downtown Mazatlan

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 Olas Altas Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Mazatlan
Default Image

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
Mazatlan featuring waves and a beach

Cerritos

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

Cerritos
Default Image

Marina Mazatlan

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
Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
4.5 out of 5
Avenida Camaron Sabalo, Zona Dorada, Mazatlán, Sinaloa
The price is P5,330 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
P5,330
P6,343 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 20 - Feb 21
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,293 reviews)
"The place and rooms were really clean, and the staff was always friendly and helpful. The view of the beach was amazing, and the atmosphere was very peaceful. Sometimes, a band would play on the beach, which was a nice touch and made the experience even better. Absolutely recommend staying at this ..."

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2025

Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
Hotel Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
Hotel 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,791 reviews)
"Beautiful resort and the staff are all friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Hotel Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Av Camaron Sabalo s/n, Mazatlán, SIN
The price is P5,791 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
P5,791
P7,767 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 19 - Feb 20
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy a full-service spa, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Cerritos Beach and Mazatlán ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Workers"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

El Cid Castilla Beach 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.
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. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (561 reviews)
"Quiet, close to golf and good restaurants on site , all the staff were very helpful excellent pools and hot tub facilities."

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2025

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 parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (149 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2025

Casa Barros Vacation Condos
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 full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (577 reviews)
"Friendly . Reasonable rates on restaurant"

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Torres Mazatlan Condominiums
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do