Mazatlán is a city in Sinaloa state, Mexico, known for its fine beaches. It is a popular vacation and retirement destination for Canadians and Americans. While many of Mexico's original Pacific coast resorts are showing their age, Mazatlán still has some spring in its step, along with a big carnival, lively arts scene and a beautiful historical center to boot.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word for "place of deer". The area was colonized by the Spanish in 1531. During the mid-19th century, a large group of immigrants arrived from Germany. Over time, Mazatlán developed into a commercial seaport, importing equipment for the nearby gold and silver mines, and it served as the capital of Sinaloa from 1859 to 1873. The German settlers influenced the local music, banda, with some genres being an alteration of Bavarian folk music. The settlers established the Pacifico Brewery in 1900. In the latter half of the 20th century, Mazatlán became a tourist destination.
In-town transportation is mainly motorized, except for the Centro Histórico, which is a very nice walking district. Besides normal taxis, the tourist areas (Zona Dorada and Centro Historico) always have many small white open-topped taxis called pulmonías that look like bumper cars, many of them old Volkswagens. These are unique to Mazatlan. Although you'll never have to wait long for one (they're always whizzing back and forth) ask the price before you get in and then bargain. The correct price will usually be about 30% less than the original quote. Don't overdo the haggling, though. It'll cost you less than US$4 to go between downtown and the tourist district.
1 Lighthouse of Mazatlan (El Faro de Mazatlán) (Look for the signs that say "Faro" around town). 06:00-17:45. It is now the highest natural lighthouse in the world. (Gibraltar was the highest, but now not in operation.) The building itself is quite low, but sits on a cliff, so the light is 155 m (515 feet) above sea level. You will have the best view in Mazatlan if you hike up. Don't attempt the hike up unless you're in shape. M$30. (updated Feb 2024) 2 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This lovely building was finished in 1899 and is being gently restored to its original beauty, although to a visitor it is already beautiful to behold.
The miles of beach have plenty to keep most people occupied. Jet skiing, waterskiing, and parascending are all available, but always haggle on price. 1 Playa Norte (just north of downtown). Along the boardwalk you'll find the Fishermen's Memorial, better known as monkeys bichis; a bronze replica of a pulmonia taxi and a monument to the Pacific Brewery. This is great swimming and has a number of palm-roofed fish restaurants right on the beach. The southern end of this beach is dedicated to fishermen and their boats. (updated Feb 2024) 2 Playa Sábalo (in the north of the city). This is tourist country! (updated Feb 2024) 3 Playa Cerritos (an extension of Playa Sábalo).
Coconuts - Try it with lime, salt, chili powder, various hot sauces. There's a restaurant to suit everyone's taste and budget. Mazatlecos are keen on seafood, especially prawns (camarones) and steak. 1 Mariscos Chon, Carnaval 1508, ☏ +52 669 981 0447. 11:00-19:00 daily. Crab, shrimp and marlin tacos, etc. 4 tacos for M$100-150. (updated Feb 2024) 2 Mi Platillo Express, Gral. Ángel Flores 912-A, ☏ +52 669 136 0642. A no-frills but tasty Mexican breakfast plus an instant coffee for M$90 straight up. (updated Feb 2024) 3 Tacos Borrachos Emlio (one block west of the fire station). 07:30-12:00 daily. Fish and shrimp tacos, always good. Outdoor, definitely Mexican. Open mornings only.
Mazatlán is known as a party city and has an exceptionally good nightlife. Some popular destinations include Joe's Oyster Bar and the bars around 1 Punto Valentino's. The city gets crazy around American Spring Break when all city is flooded with American students looking for fun. There are plenty of bars to choose from, depending upon taste, budget and comfort. Tourists occupy the seafront bars whereas locals head inland where the atmosphere can be excellent. You must try Pacífico, a beautiful locally brewed beer. Sold everywhere for M$15-20. M$10 for a can if you buy it at a deposito. 2 Casa Medrano, Carnaval 75. Coffee inside a small art gallery housed in a beautiful building.
Mazatlán has the problems that all large Mexican cities do. It's wise to walk in groups or with someone else in any city after dark. Some places in the Centro Histórico and Golden Zone are well lit and occasionally busy at night. Don't let this deceive you into believing it is safe to walk around after dark. Don't be afraid to walk around the Cathedral, Malecon or Plaza Machado during the day. In most areas of the city there's almost no activity at night, and it would be unsafe to be anywhere after dark.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Mazatlan typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 18 rainy days.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-26. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
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