Mazatlan is home to a beautifully restored historic center, wide beaches and some of the nation’s best seafood, making it one of Mexico’s most captivating coastal destinations. If you’re wondering what is there to do in Mazatlan, you’ll discover a city that blends colonial charm with Pacific coast beauty, offering everything from cultural landmarks to thrilling outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re planning flights to Mazatlan or already dreaming of your next escape, this vibrant port city delivers experiences that go far beyond typical beach vacations.
Explore the historic center and its colonial treasures
Mazatlán’s restored old town is a picturesque compendium of noble 19th-century buildings and pretty plazas, set back from Playa Olas Altas, a small cove beach where the waterfront road strongly evokes the 1950s. The Centro Histórico represents the cultural heart of the city, where cobblestone streets wind past colorful facades and architectural gems.
Plazuela Machado, established in 1837, beats as the cultural heart of the city. This charming square comes alive during weekend evenings with live music performances, outdoor cafés, and the historic Angela Peralta Theater nearby. The plaza serves as an ideal starting point for discovering what to do in Mazatlan’s old town, surrounded by restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialties.
Climb to El Faro lighthouse for panoramic views
El Faro sits 157 meters above sea level and is considered one of the world’s highest natural lighthouses. The hike to the summit takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on your fitness level, but the reward is spectacular.
Located on top of Cerro el Creston at 574 ft high, the lighthouse provides stunning views of the bay, port, and sea to those who climb its 336 steps, with a highlight since 2018 being the ‘glass bridge,’ an observation deck with a clear floor. For thrill-seekers, there’s even a zipline that sends you soaring off the cliff back to the mainland. Remember to bring water and sunscreen, as the hike takes place mostly in full sun.
Visit Observatorio 1873 for culture and cocktails
Observatorio 1873 is a tourism park that opened in 2021 at the hilltop site of a historic former military observation post and observatory that dates to 1873. This attraction offers stunning views of the city and ocean, along with cultural exhibits and one of the best rooftop bars in Mazatlan.
Experience Gran Acuario Mazatlan
Gran Acuario Mazatlan opened in 2023 and is billed as the largest aquarium in Mexico, focused primarily on marine life in the Sea of Cortez with multiple large tanks and habitats for jellyfish, sea turtles, rays, sharks and dozens of other fish species. The facility is especially popular with families, offering educational activities including ray feedings and outdoor areas for land animals and bird species.
Relax on pristine beaches and coastal escapes
When considering things to do Mazatlan offers, the beaches deserve special attention. Mazatlán is blessed with over 20 miles of beautiful beaches, and Mazatlán’s beaches stack up well against other Mexican beach resorts.
- Playa Gaviotas: The main resort beach in the Golden Zone with calm, swimmable waters.
- Playa Cerritos: Mazatlán’s surf beach with consistent beach breaks suitable for beginners to intermediate surfers, where several surf schools operate offering 90-minute lessons.
- Playa Olas Altas: Mazatlán’s original tourist beach from the 1930s and 1940s, facing south and catching more Pacific swell, not recommended for swimming but excellent for watching surf and the famous cliff divers.
- Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra): A water taxi from either of two docks in Playa Sur gets you there for $1.50 round-trip, where you’ll find the beach stretching ahead for miles with simple restaurants lining the beach, calm ocean great for swimming, and fresh seafood.
Discover unique activities and adventures
Beyond beaches and historic sites, there are plenty of distinctive things to do in Mazatlan that showcase the city’s personality. Mazatlán’s signature taxis are pulmonillas, sort of souped-up golf carts often with huge sound systems, that happily transport you anywhere you want to go, and a city tour is a great option with most drivers speaking English.
For fishing enthusiasts, Mazatlán is known for its world-class golf courses and deep-sea fishing opportunities, where you can charter a boat and try your luck at catching marlin, sailfish, or dorado. The city serves as one of Mexico’s premier fishing destinations.
Marine safaris and island tours offer opportunities to spot sea lions, tropical birds, and colorful fish. Three small islands dot the horizon offshore – the environmentally protected Deer, Wolf and Bird islands are blessedly undeveloped with natural flora and fauna, where you can relax on the beach, swim in calm clear water or hike the hills.
Food lovers shouldn’t miss gastronomic tours that sample everything from shrimp tacos and ceviche to local specialties. Mazatlán is known as the “Shrimp Capital of Mexico,” so you’ll find shrimp dishes everywhere, including the regional aguachile and pescado zarandeado.
Experience vibrant cultural events and festivals
The Mazatlán Carnival, celebrated since 1898, is one of Mexico’s most authentic, taking place annually in February. This festival features colorful parades, live concerts, royal coronations, and the traditional Burning of Bad Humor ceremony.
Day of the Dead on Nov. 1 includes a parade and other activities, and it transforms the city with altars, decorations, and celebrations honoring loved ones who have passed away.
Throughout the year, the Angela Peralta Theater hosts performances ranging from opera and orchestral recitals to modern dance and pop concerts, making it a cultural cornerstone for both residents and visitors.
Enjoy the best of this Pacific paradise
From historic plazas and world-class seafood to adventure sports and cultural festivals, what is there to do in Mazatlan encompasses an incredible range of experiences. The city’s unique blend of authentic Mexican culture, colonial architecture, and Pacific coast beauty creates a destination that appeals to history buffs, beach lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
