Mazatlan is one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations but there are many reasons why so many come to this beautiful hotspot. There are beaches for you relax on and waves for you to surf. There are shops and boutiques that showcase the latest designs and roadside stands that offer handmade crafts. The dining is fantastic, as are the resort and hotel accommodations. Small wonder why Mazatlan is a great choice for a Mexican destination.
There are roughly two sections that make up the city of Mazatlan. The north is considered the Golden Zone and it is filled with hotels, resorts, stores, restaurants and beautiful sandy beaches. South of this lies downtown Mazatlan, including the beautiful Old Mazatlan. The downtown is where you will find the pulse of the city. Running between these two areas is the Malecón, also known as Avenue Del Mar. This route follows the coast the entire way so you are never too far away from the ocean. It is lined with fantastic restaurants, clubs and hotels. One of the benefits of visiting Mazatlan is that it continues to provide great places to rest your head and prices that won't send your wallet into cardiac arrest. Yes, there are impressive resorts here as well but there are also many reasonably priced options for you to choose from.
If you are interested in breaking away from the crowds, Mazatlan has a few island excursions you can take part in. Of course, the surrounding waters also make it a great place to go fishing. Even if you have had no luck in the past, you are pretty much guaranteed to reel something in while here. There are many wonderful sites found on land as well. There is the Mercado Central, which is quite simply a must for anyone who likes to shop. This open-air market allows you to enjoy the sun's rays as you make your way from vendor to vendor. Acuario Mazatlan is the largest aquarium in the country. Although you could see many wonderful fish up close and personal in the ocean, the shark and eel tanks are about as close as you would want to get to these impressive creatures. One of the most popular sites is El Faro. This beautiful lighthouse is reason enough to come but if you need another, it is also the location of the infamous divers. Watching them fly off the edge with no fear is absolutely amazing and definitely worth tipping for the show.
The beaches of Mazatlan provide something for everyone. Interested in simply lying on a towel? Make your way to Playa Norte or Playa Los Cerritos. The latter is only now becoming a favorite among tourists so you just might be able to avoid the crowds. The northern tip of Cerritos is also a great place for surfing. Other areas good for boarders include Olas Altas, Playa Los Pinos, Punta Camaron and Playa Sabalo.
As the sun begins to set, the nightlife in Mazatlan is just getting warmed up. There are clubs offering the hits of today, lounges for you to enjoy your drink and stages that showcase talented performers. One of the most popular places is Fiesta Land. How can you go wrong at a place called Fiesta Land? Its impressive building is easy to find and is definitely a Mazatlan hotspot. Interestingly enough, the Mardi Gras celebration in Mazatlan is one of the largest in the world and its Carnival is also quite spectacular.
Mazatlan has fewer crowds than some of the other vacation destinations. It offers you great activities, interesting sites and perhaps more importantly, beautiful beaches. Mazatlan is a fantastic choice for those looking to relax in Mexico.