Mazatlan Attractions, Sightseeing Tours & Coupons

Mazatlan Beach will surely be on your list!  Relaxing in the sun and splashing in the warm sparkling waters is by far the main attraction for most.  The beach is just across the street and is most readily accessed through the breezeway of the Hotel Playa Mazatlan or by Joe’s Oyster Bar.  All beaches in Mexico are federal property up to high tide lines, and thus, public, so feel free to stroll along the sandy beaches as far as you want.

Mazatlan Sightseeing Tours and Top Attractions

While there are plenty of things to do in Mazatlan, there are some must-see attractions.  A tour package greatly reduces the time to take it all in and gives you the history of the sights as an added bonus.  Of course you can hop off if you want to spend more time at a particular area if you prefer to break up your sightseeing with other activities.  In the condo you will find a map and a coupon book to save some moolah!  Be sure to check out the monthly “Pacific Pearl”  which has articles on Dining Out, Beaches, Sights, Activities and Tourist Tips.

Downtown (El Centro) is a bit of authentic Mazatlan with colonial architecture and provides an enjoyable day/evening.  There are many great eateries in which to relax and enjoy a variety of cuisines al fresco at outdoor cafes, under the trees European/Old World style, or inside the restaurants.  The Central Market (Mercado) is a lot of fun with all the sights, sounds, colors, flavors and smells!  Go early for fresh fruits, veggies, pastries, shrimp, fish, meats, cheeses and for a little of everything.  It is possible upstairs at the Market to eat for $2 to $3.

A sightseeing tour may be just the ticket for getting around to see all that Mazatlan has to offer.

Sightseeing Walking Tours - the Historic Center Walking Tour is an organized tour of Old Mazatlan.  Sightseeing along the tour route includes the Central Market, the Cathedral, Plaza Revolucion, Plaza Machado, the Angela Peralta Theatre and the

Archeological Museum which characterizes the cultures that thrived and developed during the pre-Hispanic era.  The artifacts and history are directly related to Mazatlan.

See the El Faro Lighthouse - on the tallest hill, it is the second highest natural elevation lighthouse in the world.  Your trek to the lighthouse begins near the sport fishing fleets and climbs up Cerro del Creston, affording an awe-inspiring view of the entire Mazatlan area.

Mazatlan Nightlife - Valentino's club provides an outstanding world-class night out!  On the beach, it is just a couple of blocks away, a 10 minute walk.

Frommer's Review of Valentino's club - "If you're going out at night, chances are, you'll be headed here, because the popularity of the Valentino's club has resulted in its expansion to a whole array of nocturnal options.  The centerpiece remains Valentino's, dramatically perched on a rocky outcropping overlooking the sea, in an all-white, Moorish-looking building, and featuring a good high-tech light show complete with green laser beams.  For a break from the pulsating dance floor, there are pool tables in another room, and some (relatively) quiet areas for talking.  Foam parties are the feature every Thursday night.  Part of the complex is the Bora Bora, a pub-style bar complete with volleyball court and surfing simulator, the Mikonos piano bar, and Canta Bar, which features karaoke.  Looking for televised sports?  Bali Hai is your spot, while Pepe's and Joe offers a brew and pub ambience.  Open daily from 9pm to 4am."

Deep sea fishing - day cruises and outings.  We use Angel who tries harder than many vendors and gives good discounts.  He will often arrange to provide door-to-door service even with the discount.  Contact us if interested.

Malecon - Going on walks in Mazatlan, most tourists will head for the 10 kms of the Malecon which stretches from Valentino’s to Olas Altas.  The golden sandy beaches seem to run forever along the Malecon.  Placed every so often is a beautiful statue or monument, as if the beach itself was not beautiful enough.  Jewelry, silver, and Mexican articles are for sale along the way.

Mazatlan Attractions via Sightseeing Tours – hop on a city bus, trolley, or pulmonia (golf-cart style, open-air taxi) for a scenic drive or info-filled tour to many sights in this colorful city, including "Historic Old Town Mazatlán", the cliff divers, and the Dolphin Monument.

Mazatlan Day or ½ Day Trips:
Stone Island Tour - Experience the beautiful isolated beaches of Stone Island.
Copala Tour - Copala is a delightful little town, founded in 1565, built into the slopes of a small valley.
Blue Agave Tour - Visit the only agave distillery in the state and La Noria, a typical rural small town.
El Quelite Tour - The rugged Mexico of a bygone era.  Considered the most beautiful town in the region.
Onca Eco Tour - Dolphin & Whale exposure.  Give nature a break and help to preserve our ocean species.
Mexcaltitan Aztec Tour - Legend has it that the man-made island city of Mexcaltitan, was Aztlan, the ancient home of the Aztecs.

Other fun stuff to do in Mazatlan:  Kayaking, Sailing, Boating, Waterskiing, Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Sea Shelling, Snorkeling/Diving, Surfing, Windsurfing, Biking, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding.

Another sightseeing Mazatlan main attraction is the new aquarium with lots of new stuff added in 2008.  There are two Golf Courses within 15 minutes.

Celebrations / Holidays - Mazatlán hosts one of the largest celebrations of Carnaval in the world.  Culminating on Fat Tuesday, this weeklong event attracts visitors from all over the world with its parades, cultural events and partying in February.

Restaurants - authentic Mexican fare is not prepared like fast food; expect heaping helpings and bring your leftovers back for a midnight snack or the next day's lunch.

Poncho's Restaurant is one of our favorites, and is about three blocks away, across from the Seashell Store….easy to find, it’s right on the beach.  When you sit down ask for a white lightning, a power-packed drink and the first one is free to locals, you’re a local now right?

Playa Mazatlan across the street from the condo and on the beach has a terrific all you can eat breakfast and great evening events!

Joe’s Oyster Bar across the street is good and just what it says it is. Good music, nice bar and great fresh oysters and fish!
PuraVida just around the corner to the right has great healthy food and fresh fruit drinks, they are so gooood!

Grab your discount coupons book/map, talk to the locals (and Raymundo at Villa Serena), get off the beaten path and have fun discovering great places to eat.

Mazatlán Mexico’s Pacific coast, aka Pearl of the Pacific, lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  The destination appeals to families because it offers golden sand beaches and a renovated historical area.  Mazatlán is a bustling town! Ready to make your reservations?