Sandy beaches, vibrant arts, and more in Mazatlan
With over 12 miles of sandy beaches along Mexico's Pacific Coast, the city of Mazatlan was one of the country's most stylish and beloved vacation destinations in the 1950s. Over the years, Mazatlan traded exclusive luxury for a bustling vacation industry; today, its historic center has been restored to its former glory, with a "tropical neoclassical" vibe that's ruled by the local arts scene. Consider Mazatlan vacation rentals close to the sea, and enjoy a vibrant slice of Mexican life nestled to the south of the Gulf of California.
Sightseeing in and around Mazatlán
Do you want to discover things to do during your stay? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and experience everything that Mazatlán has to offer. Here are some of the major attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Mazatlán Aquarium (1.8 mi / 2.9 km)
- El Cid Country Club Golf Course (2.1 mi / 3.4 km)
- Mazagua Aquatic Park (5.9 mi / 9.4 km)
- Estrella de Mar Golf Course (11.4 mi / 18.4 km)
- Mazagua (1.7 mi / 2.8 km)
- Mazatlan Golf Club (2.1 mi / 3.3 km)
Magical Mazatlan—from northern hotspots to southern gems
If you're traveling from the north, Mazatlan is one of the first major resort towns set along Mexico's Pacific coastline. At the north end, in the Zona Dorada, you'll find high-priced hotels, nightclubs, and souvenir shops catering the cruise ship crowd. Further south along the malecon (pro tip: it's a seaside promenade), you'll find Viejo Mazatlan. The old city offers a laid-back vibe, full of pastels and postcolonial architecture, plus hip restaurants, trendy galleries, and boutique shops. All along the malecon you'll find white, sandy beaches, tailor-made for swimming in the Mexican sun.
Wait until spring Bandini—make the most of seasonal Mazatlan
Mazatlan is best enjoyed in the shoulder seasons—those periods between the big crowds and the slower, off-season months. Look for Mazatlan vacation rentals in the fall, especially October and November, or the spring, from April through May. The summer in this part of Mexico is the rainy season, bringing tropical downpours that make it difficult to enjoy the most of what this Pacific Coast city has to offer. Mazatlan's a dreamy choice for winter sun, but you may find that everyone else has the same thought—December through March are generally busier and more expensive throughout the region.
Bucket list complete: from sportfishing to whale watching
Mazatlan is situated in the southern part of Mexico's State of Sinaloa, serving as one of the first resort cities on the Pacific Coast as you travel down the coast. It's also directly across the Sea of Cortez from Baja California Sur, another popular Mexican destination. The city's location at the southern tip of the Gulf of California gives Mazatlan prime positioning for whale watching season, which lasts from December through March. Throughout the year, travelers flock to the sandy beaches and stunning marinas to hop aboard sportfishing boats.
How to get to and around Mazatlán
The nearest airport is in General Rafael Buelna Intl. Airport (MZT), located 10.6 mi (17.1 km) from the city center.
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