Mazatlán

Travel Guide

Mazatlan which includes rugged coastline and a sandy beach as well as a family
Mazatlan showing landscape views, a city and rugged coastline
Mazatlan showing a luxury hotel or resort, rugged coastline and modern architecture
Mazatlan featuring a coastal town, a beach and a sunset
Mazatlan featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

With miles of coastline and a charming historic centre, this is one of the most inviting beach destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Known as “the pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán has ample sun, sea and sand. Blessed with blue skies and balmy temperatures, this resort is popular with everyone from families to honeymooners to holidaying college students. Discover its beaches, islands and pulsating nightlife.

This oceanfront town came to prominence in the mid-1900s after Hollywood celebrities such as Robert Mitchum and Tony Curtis visited. Today, the city remains a popular holiday spot.

Get a feel for Mazatlán’s colonial history by wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Centro Histórico). Dine at the open-air restaurants on Plaza MachadoOpens in a new window and attend concerts at Angela Peralta Theatre. Admire the opulent Immaculate Conception CathedralOpens in a new window and people-watch at the tree-shaded Plazuela República. Also worth exploring are the food stalls of José MariaPino Suárez Municipal MarketOpens in a new window.

Adjacent to the Old Town is Olas Altas BeachOpens in a new window, a much-loved surf spot. If you tyre of the beach, head for the Mazatlán Archaeological Museum and Mazatlan Art Museum. A short walk south leads to the Cerro del Creston hill. Hike to the El Faro LighthouseOpens in a new window at the top for panoramic views.

Winding around the coastline from Olas Atlas Beach is the Malecón, a buzzing beachfront esplanade lined with bars, food stands and shops. Stop to see the jaw-dropping stunts performed by locals at Divers PointOpens in a new window.

Continue on the Malecón to Playa Norte, an almost 3-mile (5-kilometre) long beach ideal for water sports. Spot colourful marine life at Mazatlán Aquarium and dine at restaurants with ocean views.

Find the bulk of Mazatlán’s hotels and nightlife options in the northern Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). Playa Gaviotas and Playa Sabalo offer safe swimming and water sports, while the nightclub complex Fiesta Land is perfect for dancing.

Reach Mazatlán by flying into Mazatlán International Airport. Rent bikes or use pulmonias (open-top golf cart-style cabs) to get around. Escape the crowds by taking daytrips to the unspoiled Bird Island, Deer Island and Goat Island.

Where to stay in Mazatlán

Zona Dorada which includes mountains, general coastal views and a beach

Zona Dorada

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers to Zona Dorada praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Punta Camaron Beach and Sea Shell City Museum.

Zona Dorada
Built during the late 1800s in the middle of the city
-2014

Centro Historico

If you're spending some time in Centro Historico, Plaza Machado and Olas Altas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Centro Historico
Faro de Mazatlán

El Cid

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of El Cid. You might consider stopping by El Cid Country Club Golf Course while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Cid
Mazatlan which includes a beach, general coastal views and waves

Marina Mazatlan

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Marina Mazatlan. You might want to make time for a stop at Cerritos Beach or Galerias Mazatlan.

Marina Mazatlan
Olas Altas Beach which includes a sunset, views and a gorge or canyon

Downtown Mazatlan

Downtown Mazatlan is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Plaza Machado or Olas Altas Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Mazatlan
Pastel sunsets in Mazatlan Mexico.
#GoldenHour
#waterlust

Cerritos

While visiting Cerritos, you might make a stop by sights like Witches Beach and Mazagua Aquatic Park.

Cerritos
Hotel Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Calzada Camaron Sabalo Mazatlán SIN
Stay at this beach resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,208 reviews)
The room we had was in the tower. Bed was a little harder than what I’m used to. However the room was still nice facing the ocean. I would go back to this property but I would ask for a room in the new building

Reviewed on 19 Mar, 2026

Hotel Riu Emerald Bay - All Inclusive
Varali Grand Hotel

Varali Grand Hotel

3 out of 5
2614 Av del Mar Tellería Mazatlán SIN
Stay at this hotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,372 reviews)
My 2nd time stay. The hotel is very clean, frindly staff. I have no complaints. I will stay there in the future.

Reviewed on 18 Mar, 2026

Varali Grand Hotel
Viaggio Resort Mazatlán

Viaggio Resort Mazatlán

4.5 out of 5
Avenida Camaron Sabalo Mazatlán Sinaloa
Stay at this luxury resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,988 reviews)
Beautiful newer hotel, get ocean view room as balcony is wonderful. Does not have fridge in room which we missed.

Reviewed on 19 Mar, 2026

Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Torres Mazatlan

Torres Mazatlan

3 out of 5
Av Sabalo Cerritos Mazatlán SIN
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (642 reviews)
Excellent and staff

Reviewed on 12 Mar, 2026

Torres Mazatlan
Zafiro Beach Boutique Resort

Zafiro Beach Boutique Resort

4 out of 5
Av Sabalo Cerritos sn Marina Mazatlan Mazatlán SIN
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (375 reviews)
This is not a resort. It’s a dump. No spa, no excercise room, no food, no bar, ice cold pool, battered up chairs&unbrellas, not maintained repairs and landscaping. Pathetic kitchen, bugs, leaky faucets. Empty. We were alone there. It’s false advertising and Expedia did not help to relocate us. Very ...

Reviewed on 15 Mar, 2026

Zafiro Beach Boutique Resort
Vive Stay

Vive Stay

3 out of 5
901 Av Cruz Lizarraga Palos Prietos Mazatlán SIN
Stay at this apartment in Mazatlán. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Mazatlan Malecón and Olas Altas Beach are ...
Vive Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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