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If you have done the things to do in Mexico, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Mazatlán.
As the sun sets over the turquoise waters of the Pacific, the vibrant city of Mazatlán comes alive.
From exploring its charming cobblestone streets to indulging in mouth-watering street food, wandering through world-class art galleries to dancing the night away under the stars, Mazatlán offers a feast for the senses and a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
Get ready to discover the magic of Mazatlán!
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Mazatlán:
1. El Malecón
A scenic promenade that stretches along the coastline of Mazatlán, Mexico, for 13 miles.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the boardwalk and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Admire the iconic monuments and sculptures, enjoy live music, street performances, and food vendors.
Try parasailing, banana boating, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach.
Don’t miss: The El Venadito monument, a symbol of Mazatlán that features a bronze deer. Also, check out the Acuario Mazatlán, one of the largest aquariums in Mexico, which boasts over 250 marine species.
Insider travel tips: Visit El Malecón early in the morning for a peaceful walk or bike ride. Sunset is the best time to enjoy stunning views of the ocean and capturing beautiful photos.
Befriend the locals and try some authentic Mexican street food. Avoid visiting El Malecón on weekends or holidays as it can be crowded.
2. Plaza Machado
A charming and historic town square located in the heart of Old Mazatlán.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the park-like setting and admire the colonial architecture surrounding the plaza. Stop at one of its many restaurants or cafes for a meal or drink.
Enjoy live music or a performance by street musicians and artists.
Don’t miss: The Angela Peralta Theater, a stunning neoclassical building that hosts live performances throughout the year. The nearby Mercado Pino Suarez, a bustling local market, is also worth a visit for its unique selection of goods.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the late afternoon or evening when the plaza comes to life with music and entertainment. Stop at one of the street food stalls for a taste of Mazatlán’s famous “aguachile”.
Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can sometimes occur in crowded areas.
3. Isla de la Piedra
A beautiful beach located on a small island off the coast of Mazatlán, Mexico.
What to see or do: Relax on the pristine white sand beach, swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, go surfing or boogie boarding, or take a boat tour around the island to see wildlife and explore hidden coves.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, and the delicious fresh seafood served at the local restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be intense. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays rather than weekends.
Also, negotiate prices for boat tours and seafood meals, as they can be inflated for tourists.
4. Mazatlán Aquarium
Mazatlán Aquarium is a popular attraction featuring a large range of marine species and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
What to see or do: – Admire the diverse collection of marine life, including sharks, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish.
Don’t miss: – The opportunity to swim with dolphins or sea lions, which requires an additional fee and reservation.
Insider travel tips: – Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have plenty of time to explore all of the exhibits.
5. Angela Peralta Theater
The Angela Peralta Theater is a historic theater located in the heart of Mazatlán, Mexico. It was built in 1869 and is named after the famous Mexican opera singer Angela Peralta.
What to see or do: Visitors can experience a variety of cultural events such as operas, plays, ballets, concerts and other performances. The neoclassical architecture and beautiful interior decorations, including murals and detailed frescos, make it a must-visit site in Mazatlán.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see a performance at the theater or take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. Also, make sure to visit the onsite museum which houses fascinating relics from the theater’s past.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit accordingly as there are often a limited number of performances available. Consider booking in advance to ensure availability.
If you’re interested in attending a specific event, check the theater’s website for the performance schedule.
6. Playa Olas Altas
A popular beach located in the historic district of Mazatlán, Mexico.
What to see or do: Relax on the golden sand, swim in the warm Pacific waters, surf the waves, or take a stroll along the Malecón boardwalk that runs along the beach.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunset views from the beach.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to try some of the fresh seafood at the nearby restaurants, and if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a beach cruiser to explore the area further.
Also, keep an eye out for the famous cliff divers who perform at nearby El Clavadista.
7. Faro de Mazatlán
A lighthouse located in Mazatlán, Mexico that guides ships along the Pacific coast.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb up to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the city.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunset views from the top of the lighthouse are a must-see.
It is also interesting to learn about the history of the lighthouse and its role in guiding ships safely to shore.
Insider travel tips: Be prepared to climb a lot of stairs to get to the top of the lighthouse, so wear comfortable shoes. It is recommended to visit during the cooler parts of the day to avoid the heat.
Additionally, the lighthouse is located in a picturesque neighborhood filled with colorful houses, perfect for a stroll before or after visiting.
8. Mazatlán Historic Center
a beautifully preserved historic center in Mazatlán, Mexico.
What to see or do: stroll around the picturesque streets and admire the splendid architecture of colonial buildings, visit the iconic Angela Peralta Theater, explore the world-class museums like the Archaeological Museum, and enjoy local dishes at the market or traditional restaurants.
Don’t miss: the stunning Plazuela Machado, a charming square surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants, the majestic Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the colorful market where you can taste fresh seafood, fruits, and desserts.
Insider travel tips: wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobblestoned, take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture behind the buildings, and stay until nighttime to witness the beautiful illumination of the buildings.
9. Cathedral Basilica of Mazatlán
The Cathedral Basilica of Mazatlán is a beautiful religious monument located in the heart of Mazatlán city, Sinaloa, Mexico.
What to see or do: The stunning architectural style of the cathedral is a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical designs, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists.
The interior of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful marble altars, exquisite frescoes, and intricate plasterwork that reflect the rich Spanish heritage.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the magnificent pipe organ in the cathedral that dates back to 1887 and is one of the largest in Mexico.
The grandiose and intricate design of the cathedral’s façade is also not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: -Entry to the cathedral is free, but donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks of Mazatlán, Mexico, and is located in the historic center of the city.
What to see or do: The cathedral’s stunning architecture features Gothic Revival style and a majestic interior adorned with intricate details and stunning stained glass windows.
Visitors can enjoy a guided tour that provides insight into the cathedral’s rich history and religious significance.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive pipe organ and the breathtaking view of the city from the cathedral’s bell tower.
Insider travel tips: Visit the cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds, and take some time to explore the surrounding plaza and nearby cafes for a taste of local culture and cuisine.
Additionally, attend a Sunday Mass to experience the cathedral’s vibrant community and immerse yourself in Mazatlán’s religious traditions.
11. Mazatlán Lighthouse
The Mazatlán Lighthouse, also known as the El Faro Lighthouse, is a historic lighthouse located in Mazatlán, Mexico.
What to see or do: The lighthouse is a popular attraction for visitors to Mazatlán. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this iconic Mazatlán landmark and take in the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse.
Insider travel tips: It’s recommended to visit the lighthouse at sunset for some truly unforgettable views. Additionally, wear comfortable shoes as the climb to the top can be challenging for some.
Also, bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
12. Playa Norte
Playa Norte is a stunning beach located in the classic Mexican tourist hub of Mazatlán.
What to see or do: The Playa Norte beach is perfect for swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and for soaking up the sun while lounging on the golden sand.
Don’t miss: The beach offers plenty of water activities for visitors including jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Stroll along the beachfront promenade to enjoy the stunning ocean views and sample some delicious local seafood at the many restaurants and bars.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit the beach during the weekdays to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and bring beach towels and umbrellas.
You can also rent deck chairs and parasols for a reasonable price.
13. La Gran Plaza
La Gran Plaza is an expansive outdoor shopping mall located in Mazatlán, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy shopping at a multitude of local and international stores, as well as dining at a variety of restaurants and cafes.
The mall also features a movie theater and a children’s play area, making it a fun destination for families.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the live entertainment, which often includes traditional Mexican music and dance performances.
Insider travel tips: – If you plan on shopping, haggling is a common practice and can often result in lower prices.
14. Mazatlán Municipal Market
The Mazatlán Municipal Market is a vibrant marketplace that offers an authentic Mexican shopping experience.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the colorful stalls and browse a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, seafood, meats, textiles, pottery, jewelry and souvenirs.
The lively atmosphere of the market is a feast for the senses, with vendors calling out their wares, aromas wafting through the air, and music filling the space.
Don’t miss: Be sure to sample some of the delicious local specialties and street food, such as fresh ceviche or a tasty taco.
The seafood here is particularly fresh and delicious, coming straight from the Pacific ocean that borders the city.
Insider travel tips: – The market is busiest in the early morning hours, when the fishermen arrive with their daily catch and locals do their daily shopping.
However, it can be worth visiting later in the day when there are fewer crowds.
15. Mazagua Water Park
Mazagua Water Park is an entertainment complex with a variety of water attractions suitable for all ages.
What to see or do: Expect to see thrilling slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and other fun water-based activities. Take a dip in the crystal-clear pools or relax on a secluded lounge chair surrounded by greenery and beautiful landscapes.
Don’t miss: The park’s highlight is undoubtedly the giant wave pool, where you can ride impressive waves, even if you’re not at the beach.
Additionally, the thrilling multi-lane slides offer fast-paced excitement, competing with family and friends to see who makes it to the end first.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets online to take advantage of special promotions and avoid the long lines. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable flip-flops.
Water shoes might also come in handy as the park’s surfaces can be slippery. If you want to save money on food, pack a picnic, or eat before visiting.
Finally, explore the park early in the morning to avoid crowds, or later in the afternoon to catch nightly shows with music and illumination.