✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are an array of things to do in Mexico, with Tepic sharing quite a few of those!
Tepic, a city nestled in the heart of Mexico, offers a colorful canvas of experiences for travelers to explore.
From discovering hidden gems in the bustling streets to indulging in the rich cultural flavors, Tepic is a destination that captivates the soul and invites you to unleash your sense of adventure.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Tepic:
1. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is a historic and stunning cathedral located in the heart of Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful facade of the cathedral, featuring two bell towers and intricate architectural details. Step inside to see the impressive altarpiece, stained glass windows, and paintings.
Attend a mass or religious service, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the nearby Chapel of the Third Order, which houses impressive religious art and artifacts.
Take a stroll through the picturesque Plaza Principal to admire the colonial architecture and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafes.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and get a better view of the interior of the cathedral. Additionally, be sure to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the cathedral, as it is a place of worship.
2. Juan Escutia Museum
The Juan Escutia Museum is a historical museum in Tepic, Mexico, dedicated to the life and legacy of Juan Escutia, a hero of the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts and displays related to Escutia’s life and the events of the Battle of Chapultepec.
There are also educational resources available for students and researchers.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is a replica of the famous banner carried by Juan Escutia during the battle, as well as other historical objects related to the Mexican-American War.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.
3. Government Palace of the State of Nayarit
The Government Palace of the State of Nayarit is a historic building located in Tepic, the capital of the state of Nayarit in Mexico.
It serves as the official seat of the state government.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and explore the various rooms and spaces, including the governor’s office, the legislative chamber, and the ceremonial hall.
Additionally, the palace houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Nayarit.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the palace is the stunning mural by renowned Mexican artist, Rafael Coronel.
The mural, which covers the entire ceiling of the ceremonial hall, depicts the history of Nayarit from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era.
Insider travel tips: – Tours of the palace are available in Spanish and English.
4. Parque La Loma
Parque La Loma is a hilltop park located in the city of Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: The park offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, with walking trails that lead to the top of the hill. You can also enjoy a picnic and relax in the gardens.
Don’t miss: The view of the sunset from the top of the hill is a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes for the walk uphill, and bring a jacket or sweater as it can be cooler at the top of the hill.
The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, so bring your binoculars if you’re a bird lover.
5. Mercado Juan Escutia
A bustling local market in the heart of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse through a wide variety of goods including fresh produce, seafood, meats, spices, artisanal crafts, and clothing.
The market is also a great place to sample traditional Mexican street food, with various vendors selling tacos, tamales, ceviche, churros, and more.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try the famous “bichis”, a traditional Tepic snack made from a mix of flour, cheese, and butter.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning for the freshest produce and seafood. Don’t be afraid to haggle with vendors, but always do so respectfully.
Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
6. Plaza de la Revolución
A large public square in the center of Tepic, Nayarit.
What to see or do: The square offers a beautiful view of the Cathedral of Tepic, the Government Palace, and the National Palace. Take a stroll through the gardens, take pictures, and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
Don’t miss: The iconic bronze sculpture ‘El Ángel de la Independencia’ (The Angel of Independence) which stands tall in the middle of the square.
It is a symbol of Mexican freedom and independence.
Insider travel tips: Visit the square during the early hours of the morning when it’s peaceful and quiet. It can get quite busy during the day, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.
7. Nayar University Cultural Center
The Nayar University Cultural Center is a vibrant hub of arts and culture located in Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various galleries, theaters, and classrooms that make up the center.
The galleries display contemporary and traditional artwork from local and national artists, while the theaters showcase performances ranging from dance and music to theater and film.
Don’t miss: The on-site bookstore is a great place to pick up a souvenir or two, with a selection of books, CDs, and artwork available for purchase.
Visitors should also be sure to check out the center’s schedule of events and performances, as there is always something new and exciting happening.
Insider travel tips: – The center is located on the campus of Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
8. Tepic Municipal Palace
Tepic Municipal Palace is a grand building that serves as the seat of government for the city of Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can take guided tours of the palace, including the municipal council chambers, the archive halls, and the governor’s office. The onsite museum also houses a collection of regional historical artifacts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss a chance to see the enormous mural by renowned Mexican artist Francisco Eppens titled “The History of Nayarit”. The vibrant colors and intricate details are truly awe-inspiring.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should come early to avoid long lines during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, bring a jacket as some parts of the palace can be quite chilly due to the air conditioning.
9. Tepic Central Park
Tepic Central Park is a vibrant green space located in the heart of Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the picturesque garden paths and relax on the lush lawns. Admire the stunning fountains and sculptures that decorate the park, and check out the variety of colorful flowers and trees.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the central kiosk, which is the perfect spot to soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy live music performances.
Take a ride on the charming train that takes you around the park and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch in the shade of the trees. Visit the park early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes!
10. Tepic Zoo
Tepic Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary located in Tepic, Nayarit.
What to see or do: Explore over 300 species of animals from around the world, including jaguars, lions, giraffes, monkeys, and many more.
Take a guided tour to learn interesting facts about the animals, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park on your own.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the white tigers, a rare and majestic species that is only found in captivity.
Make sure to also check out the reptile house and the aviary, where you can see exotic birds from all over the world.
Insider travel tips: -Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the zoo is quite large and requires a lot of walking.
11. Los Fresnos Water Park
Los Fresnos Water Park is a popular family-friendly attraction located in Tepic, Mexico.
What to see or do: The park features a variety of water slides including a towering multi-lane slide, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the pools, lounging in the sun on the grassy areas, and grabbing a snack from the on-site food vendors.
Don’t miss: Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the Kamikaze slide, which provides a fast and steep ride down. Families with younger children will enjoy the kiddie pool area, complete with smaller slides and water features.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the grassy areas or near the pools.
12. Plaza Forum Tepic
A shopping center located in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Plaza Forum Tepic offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Visitors can shop for clothes, electronics, and souvenirs, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or catch a movie at the cinema.
There is also a kids’ play area and a fitness center for those looking to stay active while traveling.
Don’t miss: Check out the cultural events that are often held at the plaza, such as dance performances or live music. The LED light show on the building’s exterior at night is also worth seeing.
Insider travel tips: If possible, avoid visiting on weekends, as the plaza can get quite crowded. There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the shopping center.
Additionally, there are several banks and ATMs located within the plaza for convenience.
13. Huajicori Canyon
Huajicori Canyon is a scenic natural attraction located near Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a boat ride down the Santiago River and through the canyon, marveling at the towering cliffs and lush vegetation comprising the canyon walls.
Don’t miss: The impressive vegetation and wildlife present throughout the canyon is a must-see.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the beauty of the canyon, it is recommended to take the boat ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is at its most striking.
Visitors should also bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the stunning sights.
14. Sierra de San Juan Parque Nacional
Sierra de San Juan Parque Nacional is a national park located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
What to see or do: – Go on a hiking adventure through the park’s rugged mountains and valleys.
Don’t miss: – The park’s impressive waterfall, Cascada El Salto, which is a popular spot for swimming and relaxation.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as the park can get extremely sunny and buggy.