Mazatlán, Mexico: travel guide
Pacific port city of long beaches, seafood and a restored old town
A classic Pacific port city with 21 km of golden beaches, a beautifully restored historic center, fresh seafood, and legendary carnival celebrations.
About Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a port city on Mexico's Pacific coast, with a long run of golden beaches, a working waterfront and a restored historic centre. It feels more like a living Mexican city than a purpose-built resort, which is a large part of its appeal.
The Malecón follows the shore for kilometres, with El Faro lighthouse on a hill above the harbour. In the Old Town you can wander Plazuela Machado and the Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción, then eat fresh seafood nearby, especially shrimp. Stone Island offers a quieter beach, and the city's carnival is among the best-known in the country.
Mazatlán suits couples, families and travellers who like seafood and a relaxed beach town. Winters are warm and dry, and the months from November to May are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Mazatlan
- Nearest airport
- MZT
Last updated
Top places to visit in Mazatlán
Mazatlán Old Town
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Beautifully restored 19th-century historic centre with the Teatro Ángela Peralta opera house, vibrant Plazuela Machado plaza, street art, and some of Mexico's best seafood.
Malecón de Mazatlán
promenade · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the world's longest seafront boardwalks, lined with monuments and cliff divers.
El Faro Lighthouse
viewpoint · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop lighthouse, one of the highest natural lighthouses, with a glass skybridge and sea views.
Plazuela Machado
plaza · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Heart of the historic centre, a 19th-century plaza ringed by cafés and colonial facades.
Playa Olas Altas
beach · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic crescent beach where Mazatlán tourism began, backed by the old Malecón.
Teatro Ángela Peralta
theatre · about 1 h · entry $60 (≈ ₹310)
Restored 1874 opera house in Old Town hosting concerts and ballet.
Playa Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island)
beach · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Long palm-fringed beach across the harbour, reached by a short panga ferry.
Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción
cathedral · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Twin-towered 19th-century cathedral blending Gothic and Moorish styles.
Things to do
- Mazatlán Old Town Walking Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from MXN 500 per person
- Stone Island Beach Day Tour · 6 h · from MXN 700 per person
- Sierra Madre Tequila & Village Tour Tour · 8 h · from MXN 1,300 per person
- Deep-Sea Sport Fishing Water Sports · 6 h · from MXN 4,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Stone Island Beach Escape 6 h · from MXN 700
- Old Town & Malecón Cultural Tour 3 h · from MXN 500
Where to stay in Mazatlán
- Centro Histórico (Old Town) about MXN 1,800 per night
Restored old town around Plazuela Machado, best for culture and dining.
- Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) about MXN 2,400 per night
Beachfront resort strip with hotels, bars and easy beach access.
Hotels
- Casa Lucila Hotel Boutique 4-star
- Hotel Playa Mazatlán 3-star · MXN 1,500 to MXN 3,000 per night
- Funky Monkey Hostel Mazatlán 2-star
- El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel 4-star
Where to eat
- Pedro & Lola seafood, sinaloan · about MXN 450 per person
- El Presidio Mexican, Seafood · about MXN 800 per person
- La Tramoya Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 350 per person
- Mariscos El Toro Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 200 per person
- Topolo Mexican, International · about MXN 450 per person
- Panamá Restaurante y Pastelería Mexican, Cafe, Bakery · about MXN 150 per person
Getting to Mazatlán
Airport: Mazatlan (MZT)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Mazatlán
- What are the main places to visit in Mazatlán?
- Places covered in our Mazatlán guide include Mazatlán Old Town, Malecón de Mazatlán, El Faro Lighthouse, Plazuela Machado, Playa Olas Altas.
- Where should I stay in Mazatlán?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Mazatlán: Centro Histórico (Old Town), Zona Dorada (Golden Zone).
- How do I get around Mazatlán?
- Ways to get around Mazatlán covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Mazatlán?
- The nearest airport to Mazatlán has the code MZT.