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.