What to Do in Mazatlán: 12 Local ‘Musts’ Worth Your Time

Located on Mexico’s northwestern coast lies the vibrant Sinaloan city of Mazatlán: a destination that wasn’t on my radar until I had the privilege of visiting earlier this year. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, this city has long been a destination beloved by domestic tourists, but more recently it has come to international attention, primarily attracting visitors from neighbors in the United States and Canada.

Mazatlán offers the sun-soaked charm and buzzing nightlife that you’re looking for in a destination like Cancún, along with a distinct cultural flavor, at a fraction of the cost, and without all of the pretentiousness. This is a city where you can eat fresh ceviche by the seaside for a few euros while listening to Banda music, watch cliff divers risk their necks for a handful of pesos, and end the night at a beach club with a Michelada or a Margarita. Get ready to dive into a side of Mexico you probably haven’t experienced before… I certainly hadn’t.

Read on to learn all of the spots, flavors, and experiences that make Mazatlán the rising star that it is.

1. Take a Stroll along the Malecón de Maztalán

Mazatlán’s Malecón is the longest beachfront boardwalk in Mexico, and one of the longest in the world, stretching roughly 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Mazatlán’s historic downtown into the north of the city. With ocean views, street performers playing Banda music (traditional Sinaloan music similar to Mariachi), and street vendors selling fresh fruit and micheladas peppered along the way, walking the Malecón (or renting a bike and cycling it) is one of the joys of visiting Mazatlán. Whether you’re looking for a way to start your day off strong before breakfast or a post-dinner stroll, this is your best bet. There are also various statues and monuments along the way, but more on them later in the article…

Pro tip: If you visit at sunset, bring some cash for snacks. As well as vendors selling Micheladas (imagine a spicy, sour, beer-based Bloody Mary), there are lovely hot dog stands along the Malecón in the evening.

2. Explore Mazatlán’s Historic Center

One of the aspects of Mazatlán that makes it feel truly unique when compared to other beach resorts is its rich history, which dates all the way back to 1531. Wandering in the streets of its Historic Center (Centro Histórico), you get a real taste for the city’s heritage. Here, you’ll find colonial architecture that points back to the city’s legacy as a major port town in the 1800s.

If you’re short on time and want to see the highlights of the historic center accompanied by an expert guide, check out our tour of Mazatlán, which includes a ticket to the Mazatlán Aquarium!

Angela Peralta Theater

Definitely check out the Angela Peralta Theater, which dates back to 1869, and was restored in 1988, after years of decline, and a hurricane left it nearly in ruin. Thankfully, today the theater is in wonderful condition and is the cultural heart of the city, hosting a variety of concerts, opera, ballet, and even the city’s annual jazz festival.

Machado Square

The historic center also features various historic squares, none of which capture the vibe of the city more than Machado Square, the heart of the old city. I’d recommend coming to Machado Square in the evening (ideally on a Friday or Saturday), sitting at one of its bars or restaurants, and ordering a cold beer or indulging in the city’s famous fresh seafood. This is the best time and place for people watching: you’ll hear street musicians performing, couples dancing in the square, and families sitting down for food. Life is good!

Curado Art Gallery

A few steps away from the plaza, art lovers will find the Curado Art Gallery, which is located in the Medrano Building, a gorgeous, bright red colonial building. This independent gallery showcases contemporary works by both local and international artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia pieces. I’m told that exhibitions are constantly updated, so there’s always something new to see, and the staff are happy to chat about the artists and the stories behind each piece.

Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción

You should also visit the city’s Cathedral, the Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepción known for its lovely organ, built in Paris in the 19th century. The cathedral is a short walk from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, home to Mazatlán’s historic Town Hall. Here, you’ll find a line of shoe-shining stalls, which can be an interesting way to engage in everyday culture.

Main Market, José María Pino Suarez Market

Also located in the historic center, this historic market dates back to 1899. It was named after the former vice-president of the same name, who was shot in 1913. The market now features over 250 stalls featuring fresh meats, fish, and produce, as well as snacks, traditional sweets, and cheeses. You’ll also find souvenirs and affordable clothing, perfect for gifts to bring home to friends and family.

The real highlight of the José María Pino Suarez Market is upstairs. Here, you’ll find small restaurants with lovely street views, selling ceviche made with catches of the day, tacos de carne asada, agua frescas of every variety, and whatever else your heart desires!

3. Enjoy Mazatlán’s Famous Fresh Seafood

I’ve already mentioned it a few times, a little indicator of how central important seafood is in the comings and goings of this coastal city. Don’t worry, if seafood isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. If you do love it… Mazatlán is going to be like paradise.

Sampling local dishes like aguachile (spicy shrimp ceviche), pescado zarandeado (grilled fish), and fresh ceviche is essential. These dishes are to be found everywhere, from beachside stalls to high-end restaurants. Either way, seafood is caught the same morning, with bright, fresh flavors. 
Pro tip: When you’re eating raw seafood, always stick to reputable restaurants/stalls. If a place has lots of turnover, that’s usually a good sign. To be extra cautious, go for cooked fish options like tacos al gobernador (cooked shrimp with melted cheese), camarones a la diabla (spicy shrimp cooked in red sauce).

4. Discover Sinaloan Sushi

Mazatlán (and the state of Sinaloa) is also known for its twist on sushi. Sinaloan sushi is a product of Japanese migration to the Pacific coast, originating in Culiacán. Sinaloan sushi takes the subtle, minimalism of traditional Japanese sushi and reimagines it according to local tastes. This often involves breading and frying the sushi and pairing it with spicy, smoky sauces.

5. Take a Pulmonía Tour

One of the most iconic experiences in Mazatlán is riding in a pulmonía: an adapted Volkswagen Beetle unique to Mazatlán, created as an alternative to the rickety, 3-wheeled tuk-tuks that dominate the streets of many Latin American cities. Today, these vehicles are somewhat a symbol of the city, and a fun way to explore it, too.

Many drivers offer informal “tour” routes, pointing out monuments, beaches, and local history as they go. Taking a ride on a pulmonía is on the more expensive side. It’s not an everyday form of transportation, but a bucket list experience in the city. For a fixed time, route, and price, you can book a private Pulmonía tour of Mazatlán with Civitatis.

Why are they called ‘Pulmonías’ in Mazatlán?

If you speak Spanish, you might be bewildered by the term ‘Pulmonía’, which translates to ‘pneumonia’ in English. When these new vehicles were released onto the city’s streets, public transportation operators sought to demonize them and started a campaign that purported that riding on these open-top vehicles would give riders pneumonia. Of course, there’s no truth to this rumour, and riding in a Pulmonía is perfectly safe and fun!

6. Visit the Golden Zone or Zona Dorada

Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) is Mazatlán’s main tourist area, home to many of the city’s more popular hotels and apartment rentals, right along the beachfront. I stayed in the Golden Zone, and I would highly recommend others visiting to do the same. Staying in this area puts you within a short walk from the Malecón and the ocean. You’ll also be able to enjoy various buzzy restaurants, bars, and beach clubs nearby. Notably, the most famous beach club in the city is located in this area: Valentino’s. Famous for its architecture alone, this icon of the city also serves good food during the day and buzzing tunes at night!

During the day, you can walk over to beaches like Playa Gaviotas and Playa Camarón to take a swim in calm waters and rent jet skis. At night, the area comes alive with music, open-air bars, and clubs.

7. Eat like a Local at Panamá

Panamá is one of Sinaloa’s most beloved restaurants and bakery restaurants, popular with locals and visitors alike. Panamá, which has locations across the state, is a great place for hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

If you decide to go for breakfast, I’d highly recommend the chilaquiles. If you haven’t tried them before, they’re a traditional Mexican breakfast usually made with day-old tortillas, fried eggs, onions, cilantro, and salsa. I usually ask for both salsa roja and verde, instead of one or the other… absolutely sensational!

For lunch, I tried the quesabirria de Res, tortilla dipped lightly in birria broth, filled with shredded slow-cooked beef and melted cheese, then folded and grilled until crispy. For dessert, you should try one of the bakery’s pastries or cakes, which are prepared in-house. Try tres leches or milhojas!

8. Take a Photo at El Faro

Perched at the top of Cerro del Crestón, El Faro is another icon of Mazatlán, dating back to 1879. Standing 515 feet (157 meters) above sea level, this lighthouse is considered one of the highest operating natural lighthouses in the world.

A must-do morning plan in Mazatlán, we spent one morning hiking up to the lighthouse. The trail is fairly short at under half a mile, and at the top, you’re rewarded with expansive views of the Pacific and the city’s skyline, best enjoyed from the Puente de Cristal, a glass lookout platform suspended over the cliff.

9. Visit the Observatorio Mazatlán 1873

Built originally as a military observation post, the Observatorio Mazatlán 1873 is another fantastic viewpoint of the city, located 246 feet (75 meters) above sea level. As well as a fantastic viewpoint, this former military building has been repurposed as a museum.

You reach the observatory via a funicular, which takes you up the hillside to its panoramic terraces, where you can see the city and the sea. Inside, you’ll find exhibits covering Mazatlán’s history, plus a small bird sanctuary, a mezcal tasting, and a botanical garden. It’s a great mix of culture, nature, and views.

With Civitatis, you can get a combo ticket with the Obersvatorio Mazatlán 1873 and the Whale Museum, home to a fantastic selection of skeletons of Whales from Mexico and around the world!

10. Stone Island – Isla de Piedra

Stone Island is technically a peninsula, but it made me feel like I was suddenly on a remote island paradise. To get there, you take a short boat ride from the harbor, which brings you to wide sandy beaches. Here, you can go horseback riding, rent banana boats, enjoy food at a beach bar, or take in the sun under the palm trees. It’s quieter and more laid-back than the city’s beaches, making it a great spot if you want to get away from the noise of the city.

The best way to visit is on this day trip to Stone Island with Civitatis, which includes a boat ride along the coast, an exploration of Stone Island’s mangroves, and around 90 minutes of time to enjoy the peninsula’s stunning beaches.

11. See the Cliff Divers at El Clavadista

Near the beginning of the Malecón, you can watch the cliff divers of Mazatlán leap from rocky platforms into the waves below. The height isn’t quite as extreme as Acapulco’s divers, but the show is just as thrilling and entirely free. However, it is nice to tip the local divers, so do bring some cash if you plan on enjoying the performance. The best time to watch is late afternoon or sunset, when the waves are higher and the light is perfect for photos (like this one below!)

12. Take a Photo with the Beatles on Callejón Liverpool

Mazatlán is full of surprises. One such surprise is Callejón Liverpool, an entire street dedicated to Liverpool’s most famous rock band, the Beatles. I would love to be able to tell a story about the Beatles’ little-known trip to Mazatlán, but… there’s no such story to tell! The reality is, Callejón Liverpool, it’s a replica of the Cavern Club, and the Abbey Road statues were all added in an effort to attract international visitors.

It’s a fun place to take some silly photos to remember your adventure in Sinaloa!

FAQs – Things to Keep in Mind Visiting Mazatlán in 2026

Read on to see if any questions you may have about Mazatlán are covered in our FAQ section.

1. Is Mazatlán safe to visit?

While Sinaloa has been issued a Level 4 travel advisory, the city of Mazatlán specifically is generally considered to be safe for visitors, especially in the main tourist zones such as the Malecón, Centro Histórico, Zona Dorada, and Stone Island. These areas have a strong police presence, well-kept infrastructure, and a constant flow of tourists from the US and Canada. As with many cities in Mexico, crime exists, but it rarely affects travellers who stick to the main tourist areas and don’t get involved in illegal activities. Always stay up to date on travel advisories before you visit.

2. How long to stay in Mazatlán?

A 3-4 day stay is enough to see Mazatlán’s main landmarks and areas without rushing:

• Day 1: Malecón + Historic Center
• Day 2: Zona Dorada + beaches
• Day 3: El Faro + Observatorio 1873
• Optional Day 4: Day trip to Stone Island

With more days, you can tackle the city at a slower pace. It really depends on how you want to enjoy the city!

3. When is the best time to visit Mazatlán?

Mazatlán is warm and pleasant year-round. For me, the best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortable. Between June and October, you’ll have the rainy season to contend with, which also comes with higher humidity and the occasional tropical storm. If you want quieter beaches and lower prices, late April and early May are ideal shoulder months.

4. Is it expensive to eat out in Mazatlán?

Nope. Especially when compared to other resort cities like Cancún, Mazatlán is very affordable. However, if you are looking for a more upmarket experience, the city also offers high-end restaurants and hotel experiences, with a bit more bang for your buck.

There you have it, a guide to what to do in Mazatlán written based on my first-hand experience travelling there. If you’re visiting and you’re still looking for ways to get the most out of your travels, check out more tours & experiences in Mazatlán with Civitatis!