Mazatlán

Mazatlán’s fascinating history is just as impressive as its beaches. Once a sleepy fishing village, Mazatlán transformed into Mexico’s busiest international port, making it a hub for trade and commerce. As the port’s fortunes waned, tourism took over, and now the city attracts visitors from the U.S. and beyond. Thanks to its proximity to other popular Pacific Coast destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, Mazatlán has become a must-visit stop for tourists traveling between the three destinations.

Although Mazatlán stretches for miles along the coast, getting around is easy thanks to the frequent “Sábalo-Centro” buses and taxis that serve most neighborhoods along the coast. The Centro Histórico and the Zona Dorada are the hotspots for attractions, but the city offers so much more! The southern part of the city, consisting of a peninsula sticking out into the sea, is occupied mainly by the Centro Histórico, Mazatlán’s historical heart. This walkable and easy-to-navigate grid of narrow streets offers a good mix of restaurants, food markets, craft stores, and two worthwhile museums.

If you’re looking for seafront restaurants and bars, head to Olas Altas, which encompasses the most popular and busiest part of the malecón (seafront walk). Loma Linda and Los Pinos, two compact neighborhoods fringed by the malecón, are largely residential but offer some boutique hotel options. With so much to see and do in Mazatlán, this city is an experience you don’t want to miss!