ACTIVITIES

Mazatlán is a fairly large city full of unique pockets, chaotic urban spaces, and serene places to catch your breath.

It's almost impossible not to be on a beach as soon as you arrive in Mazatlán. but, there is more than just beaches.

Rich with heritage dating back to the 1500s, at this beachfront city, you'll find plenty of 19th-century architecture clad in electric colors, a buzzy seaside promenade full of street performers, Parisian-style cobblestone plazas, cafe tables lining the street, and fresh ceviche served out of residents’ windows.

Here’s the rundown on Mexico’s lesser-known paradise for food lovers and beach-goers.

• Centro Historico (Historic Old Town)
• Malecón (Boardwalk)
• Playa Olas Altas
• Plaza Machado (park)
• Basilica of theImmaculate Conception
• Playa Brujas
• Zona Dorada (Golden Zone)
• El Faro ("the lighthouse")
• Acuario Mazatlán (aquarium)
• Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island)
• Parque Acuatico Mazagua
• Teatro Angela Peralta
• Playa las Gaviotas
• Huana Coa Adventure
• Deer Island Mazatlan (Isla de Vendados)
• Estrella del Mar Golf Club

SHOPPING

Mazatlán shopping runs the gamut from precious stones to seashells.

La Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone) may be the best area for shopping. There are a number of quality silver shops along Avenida Playa Gaviotas.

The Centro Mercado in Old Mazatlán is another kind of shopping experience. Here you'll find women selling fresh shrimp under colorful umbrellas; open-air food stalls; and indoor shops stacked with pottery, clothing, and crafts.

Small galleries and shops are beginning to appear in Old Mazatlán; one of the nicest is NidArt Galería, next to the Teatro Angela Peralta. It features changing exhibits of contemporary art.

Artwalk Mazatlan is a free self-guided walking tour of artist studios and galleries in Mazatlán’s

• Mercado Pino Suarez (market hall)
• The Gran Plaza (mall)
• Liverpool Galerias (mall)
• Soriana Hiper (formerly Mega) grocery
• Walmart
• Farmer's Market (Sat 8am-12pm November to April)
• Home Depot
• Steren (A/V and Computers)
• Mazatlan Book Company
• Jewelry Stores (silver)
• Pharmacia (Drug Stores)

DINING

Mazatlán boasts one of the largest shrimp fleets in the world, so it's no surprise that shrimp and seafood are the specialties. Most restaurants are very casual and moderately priced, offering good value.

A cheap-eats treat is to stop in one of the many loncherías (small establishments that are only for lunch) scattered throughout the downtown area. Here you can get a torta (a sandwich on a small French roll) stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses, tomatoes, and onions, for around $5.

Thanks to the fact that Sinaloa provides a full third of the entire nation’s produce, you’ll find dishes full of local flavors from family owned farms. Expect pure, fresh everything—vibes included—wherever you turn.

You could fill yourself from dawn till dusk toddling between street vendors, but step it up for dinner and visit some of Mazatlán’s top restaurants for a gussied-up meal.

• Casa 46
• El Presidio (reservations highly recommended)
• 50+ Best Restaurants in Mazatlan Mexico (2024)
• 6 Best Unique Dining Experiences In The Shrimp Capital Of The World