Deep blue seas, golden sand beaches, an infinite wealth of marine and natural fauna await you in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, the only beach destination in Mexico that has historical and cultural wealth reflected in buildings and monuments. Here we leave you the 10 unmissable activities that you cannot miss when you visit “The Pearl of the Pacific”.
The brilliant facades and cobblestone streets of the Historic Center will steal your heart, this magnificent space, which over the years has been endorsing its historical, architectural and cultural value, gives a unique charm to this beautiful tourist destination. In its surroundings you can find restaurants with delicious cuisine, bars, cafes, live music, craft stalls and more.
Located in the center of the city, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, which since 1899 was established as the first religious temple in Mazatlán. This beautiful attraction welcomes visitors who love art with a strong neo-Gothic accent, its splendid towers and the majesty of its design contrasts with its surroundings. Be sure to visit the church during the day, when sunlight enters through the beautiful stained glass windows and illuminates the entire building, as well as walking around the church to perceive its large size and observe the Gothic and Arabic details.
Built in 1837 in what we know today as Old Mazatlán, Plazuela Machado is a magical place that sees the years go by only to increase the cultural heritage of the destination. This Plazuela has hosted the celebrations of the Mazatlán International Carnival and year with Every year in this place a gastronomic exhibition is held in which the best and most representative restaurants in the town participate, offering their best dishes and becoming the perfect entrance at night to start the celebration in Olas Altas.
With a romantic-style architectural design and an Italian-style room, this theater built in 1874 has three levels of balconies, a lunette and has been considered one of the best historic theaters in the country. It owes its name to the great Mexican diva of the 19th century and today you can enjoy high-level stage shows.
With a length of 7 kilometers, the Mazatlán Malecón is considered one of the longest in the world. In this place you can appreciate many of the attractions of the considered Pearl of the Pacific, such as its beaches, the Three Islands and the sea. Some of the activities we recommend are taking a walk or bike ride, or you can get on the so-called “pulmonía”, a Mazatlan taxi, where you can admire the Malecón's beautiful sculptures and spectacular sunsets.
The 20 kilometers of famous beaches that surround Mazatlán are distinguished by their spectacular natural beauty and soft sand.
Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas and Playa El Camarón, due to their tranquility and gentle waves, are ideal for taking a pleasant walk along the seashore.
But, if you like doing water sports and feeling the adrenaline of the waves, we recommend you enjoy Playa Olas Altas, Playa Pinitos and Playa Brujas, a favorite choice for surfers thanks to their excellent waves.
Remember that during your visit there will always be a surfer willing to give you a lesson, or if you prefer you can admire the spectacle from the sand!
On the other hand, Stone Island is ideal if you want to enjoy a virgin beach, where the captivating landscape will allow you to read a good book or simply relax while observing the wonders of nature.
Just in front of the tourist area of Mazatlán are the majestic Three Islands (Wolves, Deer and Birds), which have become ecological reserves, thanks to the fact that they are home to a great variety of flora and fauna.
On these beaches you can practice different water and hiking activities such as windsurfing, diving, sailing, exploratory walks and camping.
To get to them it is necessary to travel by rowboat, kayak, jet ski or sailboat.
Considered one of the most complete and best of its kind in Latin America, the Mazatlán Aquarium has 34 saltwater fish tanks and 17 freshwater fish tanks with displays of different species.
It also has a museum, an auditorium, a botanical garden and offers spectacular live shows showing the original habitat of each species. You can also enjoy the fascinating Tiburonario, where you can observe and learn about different species of sharks.
Recognized as one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world, this attraction is located at the top of Cerro del Crestón, an impressive natural formation made up of a series of cliffs, 157 meters above sea level.
Going up to this place will take you approximately 30 minutes, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Bay of Mazatlán, in addition to being ideal for people who like to exercise.
World famous for its fresh flavors that please the most demanding palate with a variety of dishes ranging from grilled mahi-mahi, octopus with garlic and oysters in their shell.
Without a doubt, Mazatlan cuisine abounds in ingredients from the sea of the highest quality, creating exquisite and authentic dishes such as shrimp aguachile and the famous zarandeado fish.
Other main dishes that we recommend you try are those originating from the region that include chilorio, machaca, pork beans, pozole sinaloense, stuffed chiles and shrimp tamales, among many other delicacies.
These are just some of the attractions to see in Mazatlán, a destination on the Sinaloa coast that travelers must definitely visit on their next vacation.
About us
Welcome to Hotel Santa Bárbara, your perfect accommodation destination in Mazatlán. Discover authentic Mexican hospitality in the heart of the city, where charm and comfort are found in every corner. Strategically located in the center of Mazatlán, Hotel Santa Bárbara offers you a privileged position to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer. Just steps away, you'll find major points of interest, from captivating cultural attractions to exciting entertainment options. Our hotel is distinguished by its comfortable and cozy rooms, designed to provide the perfect rest after a day full of experiences. The modern and elegant decoration is combined with high quality services to ensure you an unforgettable stay.