Mazatlan Travel Tips

Keep in Mind...

There's beer Mazatlán is known for Pacifico, a pilsner brewed right in town. You can order it in any area restaurant, or sample some on a brewery tour.
There's fishing According to legend, John Wayne liked to sport fish in the Sea of Cortez. Even today, this is a nice area for deep-sea catches like blue and black marlin, dorado and swordfish.
There's opera Mazatlán is the only coastal vacation spot in Mexico to boast an opera house. Check out the city's culture website for information on upcoming performances.

Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, Mazatlán is once again a coveted beach escape. The sidewalk cafés and scenic Malecón are just as busy as they were when film stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper used to come to town. Residents are thankful for the renaissance -- this "Pearl of the Pacific" definitely experienced a low point in the 1970s and 1980s. And they support and enjoy the revitalization efforts of the Centro Histórico and the refurbished museums and theaters just as much as the tourists. You should do the same.

Mazatlán may never be the celebrity playground that it once was (that distinction now belongs to Cabo San Lucas), and its beaches aren't quite as golden as Puerto Vallarta's gorgeous strip. But for that you can be thankful. Instead, this city has carved a niche for unpretentious travelers who want to enjoy the beach on a budget.