Stand on the Malecón at dusk and you will see the curve of Olas Altas Beach below, the lights of the Centro Histórico behind you, and the beam of El Faro de Mazatlán sweeping out over the Pacific from its cliff. That combination — a working port city, a restored old quarter, and a long stretch of beach — is what makes Mazatlán worth more than a single afternoon.
It suits travellers who want a city with a beach attached rather than a resort with a city attached. You can spend a morning climbing to a lighthouse, an afternoon in an art museum or a plaza, and an evening eating at a sidewalk table while a guitarist plays. This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, plus a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Mazatlán
1. Lighthouse of Mazatlán (El Faro de Mazatlán)
The lighthouse sits on a cliff, so the light itself is 155 m (515 feet) above sea level, and the hike up gives you the best view in Mazatlán. Look for the signs that say "Faro" around town to find your way.
Do not attempt the hike unless you are in shape. The site is open 06:00–17:45, and there is a M$30 charge.
2. Plaza Machado (Machado Square)
This is the jewel of the restored Centro Histórico. The west side is flanked by the Teatro Ángela Peralta, and next to the theatre there is a Spanish-language exhibit on the history of Mazatlán. The north side has Pedro y Lola's restaurant, popular with locals and visitors alike.
El Patio and Café Pacífico line the northeast corner and regularly have an acoustic guitarist playing at night for diners and the square. Restaurants on the Plazuela serve good food, some a little nicer and pricier than others, and many offer cheap, ice-cold beer all day with indoor and sidewalk seating.
3. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Finished in 1899, this building is being gently restored to its original beauty, though it is already beautiful to behold. The exterior needs no extras or frills, and the interior is a contrast to it: all the light comes through stained glass, taking on a lovely colour and reflecting off gold statues and other images.
A unique detail is that a Jewish family living in Mazatlán at the time of construction donated money towards it, and the Star of David was set in the top windows. It is one of the only Catholic churches with this Jewish symbol.
4. Teatro Ángela Peralta
Built in the 1800s and beautifully restored between 1987 and 1992, this theatre regularly offers many types of drama and music. It sits on the Plaza Machado, so you can pair a performance with dinner on the square.
For bookings and information, call +52 669 982 4446.
5. Olas Altas Beach
This lovely curving beach, with its popular Malecón and many restaurants, serves the residents of the Centro Histórico. It is only four blocks west of the Plaza Machado, which makes it an easy add-on to a morning in the old quarter.
6. Cliff divers (El Clavadista)
These daredevils do something similar to what you see in Acapulco, but lower and more shallow. The rock formation they climb is about 13 m (45 feet) high, and the water below is only 2–3 m (5–6 ft) deep, so they wait for the right wave before diving.
They are there all day long, but the best time to see them is in the morning.
7. Museo de Arte
This museum at Sixto Osuna 71 holds numerous art exhibitions, both temporary and permanent. It is free to enter, which makes it an easy stop while you are walking the Centro Histórico.
It is open Monday to Saturday 09:00–14:00 and 16:00–18:00. Contact +52 669 981 5592 or museoartemazatlan@culturasinaloa.gob.mx.
8. Gran Acuario Mazatlán
The Great Mazatlán Aquarium has bird, seal, and diving shows. It is on Av. de los Deportes Tellería, adjacent to the Parque de la Ciudad and Parque Infantil, between Del Mar and Internacional, north of Deportes.
9. Museo Nacional de la Ballena (MUNBA)
This beautiful modern museum and observatory has an imposing seaside location. You can learn about a variety of marine animals, especially whales, and there are many interactive displays that cater to a younger audience.
It is at Del Mirador 42, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00 and closed Monday, with a M$500 entry. Call +52 669 454 0031.
10. Playa Norte
Just north of downtown, this beach is great for swimming and has a number of palm-roofed fish restaurants right on the beach. The southern end is dedicated to fishermen and their boats.
Along the boardwalk you will find the Fishermen's Memorial, better known as monkeys bichis, a bronze replica of a pulmonia taxi, and a monument to the Pacific Brewery.
11. Playa Bruja
This is the most popular surfing spot in Mazatlán, north of the city. Waves easily reach 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft), and there is almost always a vendor from whom you can rent a surfboard.
It is a remote beach that is usually fairly empty, so the lack of vendors is part of the appeal. If you want a second option, there is another surfing location right next to Valentino's, the largest landmark in the city, where several places rent boards on the beach, though the waves are not nearly as good.
12. Playa Isla De La Piedra
In the southern part of the city, this is not a phenomenal beach but a nice break from the bustle of Mazatlán proper. To get to the island there are two docks from which you can catch a ferry: Embarcadero Isla de Piedra and Embarcadero Playa Sur.
13. Estrella Del Mar Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Established in 1998, this is the largest privately funded sea turtle preservation and adopt-a-sea-turtle programme in Mexico, created to protect and conserve olive ridley sea turtles. It is at KM 10 Camino Isla de la Piedra.
For information, call +1 877 629 2852.
14. Carnaval de Mazatlán
This five-day festival is held in February and a large portion of the street in Old Mazatlán is closed down, with live bands and vendors filling the streets. If your visit falls in February, plan around it rather than against it.
15. Estadio El Encanto
Catch a professional soccer game at this stadium on Av. Munich, Fraccionamiento Pradera Dorada, home field for the Mazatlán Futbol Club, a top-tier pro team playing in the Liga MX. They play two seasons, so a game could take place at almost any time of the year.
The stadium is a modern facility built in 2020.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start early at the Lighthouse of Mazatlán (El Faro de Mazatlán), which opens at 06:00, and make the hike up for the best view in the city while the air is still cool. Come down and head to the cliff divers (El Clavadista), since the morning is the best time to see them dive.
Afternoon. Walk into the Centro Histórico and spend the middle of the day around Plaza Machado, taking in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Museo de Arte, which is open until 14:00 and again from 16:00. If you would rather stay near the water, Olas Altas Beach is only four blocks west of the plaza.
Evening. Return to Plaza Machado for dinner at one of the restaurants on the Plazuela, with El Patio and Café Pacífico on the northeast corner, where an acoustic guitarist regularly plays at night. If there is a performance on, the Teatro Ángela Peralta is right on the square.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the cliff divers?
They are there all day long, but the best time to see them is in the morning.
Is the hike to the lighthouse difficult?
Do not attempt the hike up unless you are in shape. The building itself is quite low, but it sits on a cliff, so the light is 155 m (515 feet) above sea level.
Which beach should I choose for surfing?
The most popular spot is Playa Bruja to the north of the city, where waves easily reach 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft) and there is almost always a vendor renting surfboards. Another option is right next to Valentino's, though the waves there are not nearly as good.
What happens in Mazatlán during February?
Carnaval de Mazatlán is a five-day festival held in February. A large portion of the street in Old Mazatlán is closed down, and live bands and vendors fill the streets.
Decide which of these fits your dates, check the days and times that apply, and start building your days around the plaza, the lighthouse and the beach.