The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built in the 1890s and is a mixture of several architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, Moorish, and Neo-classical. The church has beautiful interior features and it highly recommended for visiting.
The Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum is a must-see if you are interested in old cultures of Mexico. The museum has fine collections of artifacts, historical nature and other archeological remaining from the Totorames, who lived in the area of Mazatlan before the Spaniards invasion.
The Art Museum
Located a few doors away from the Archeological Museum in the Old Town, the Arts Museum hosts a permanent collection of works of famous Sinaloan artists. Occasionally, the museum hosts also temporary exhibitions.
Ice Box Hill
Ice Box Hill is located off the Malecon, north of the Old Town and it has historically served a few purposes. In the Spaniard times, it was an observation and defense point used to keep the pirates away from the coast. In 1800s the caves located inside the hill were used for storing ice, which was shipped from San Francisco. Ice was a very important commodity as Mazatlecos used it to preserve seafood for export. Later on, the caves were also used for storing military products. Nowadays, the hill is a home to a housing community and it is often frequented by walkers searching for photo and lookout opportunities.
The Lighthoue - 'El Faro'
Mazatlan's lighthouse was constructed in 1879. It is a great observation point, which gives you a 360 degree view of Mazatlan and its surroundings. If you are in a fairly good condition, it is highly recommended that you hike up to the top of the lighthouse. The views are breathtaking and will more than reward your 20-minute workout.
Olas Altas
Olas Altas is a charming stretch of restaurants and hotels located across from the beach in the historic part of Mazatlan. The area is a home to the first Mazatlan hotel - Hotel Bellmar and therefore it is often referred to as a cradle of Mazatlan tourism, which boomed here in the 1950s. Nowadays, Olas Altas is a great place to have a meal, listen to life music as well as enjoy a stroll and a beautiful sunset on Olas Altas Beach.
The Market - 'Mercado Pino Suárez'
The Mercado was built in 1899. True to its origins, the Mercado sill offers meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and sweets. The Mercado also offers a wide selection of clothing and pottery products as well as tourist souvenirs. The Mercado is a very unique experience for first-time visitors, who can explore numerous shopping stalls while enjoying true Mexican culture.
The Malecon
The Malecon is an esplanade stretching along Mazatlan’s stunning and uninterrupted beaches. The Malecon is thriving in activity all days and nights. Many people use it for daily exercises; however, it is also a location of all major celebrations like the Carnaval, the Semana Santa and the Motorcycle Week to name a few.
Beaches
Mazatlan
is an oceanfront city with miles of beautiful, uninterrupted beaches.
Some of the most stunning playas that the city has include Stone Island
located in the south, Playa Norte stretching along the northern part of
the Malecon, and the Cerritos Beach, which extends from the Marina to
the Brujas point (brujas means “witches” in Spanish). If you decide to
take a walk along Cerritos Beach, make sure that you visit Las Brujas
restaurant located in the furthest northern point you can walk to along
the beach.
The Clavadista (Cliffdiver's Point)
Although not as famous as their counterparts in Acapulco, Mazatlan too has it's cliffdivers. At the 'Clavadista' just outside Old Town, the local cliffdivers perform their potentially deadly stunts to please the onlookers. You might have to wait a while the cliffdivers study the waves to pick the right one. Timing is crucial as they need to hit the water just as the wave passes the cliff.
Stone Island
The Stone Island, called in Spanish Isla de la Piedra, is really a peninsula. It is located south of Mazatlan and it can be accessed via a short boat ride across the Navigation Channel, which is a part of the Old Mazatlan Port. Stone Island has Mexico’s third largest coconut grove and its endless beach is perfect for long oceanfront walks, relaxation, and day trips. Along the beach, there are endearing palapa restaurants that serve mouth-watering seafood. As most of the restaurants rent catamarans, banana boats, boogie boards and horses, Stone Island is a perfect destination for families and people of all ages.
The Three islands
There are three “sister islands” located off the coast of Mazatlan: The Island of the Birds, Island of the Deer and Island of the Wolves. They all have tranquil, crowd-free environment and sandy beaches tempting visitors to stay all day. You can get to the three islands by pangas, or small boats. If you are a water sports enthusiast, chose Island of the Deer and/or Island of the Wolves as they are quiet and undisturbed. Island of the Birds is popular for bird watching.
The Aquarium
Mazatlan’s Aquarium makes it possible for visitors to view more than 300 species from various parts of the world. You can observe marine life ranging from intimidating sharks and scary piranhas to harmless seahorses. Next to the aquarium is the Botanical Garden, where you can learn about the regional flora and fauna. Inside the garden is a small zoo.
The Golden Zone
The Golden Zone, called in Spanish La Zona Dorada, is the hotel zone of Mazatlan. It offers prime dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. The Golden Zone is rich in various entertainment venues, where people of all ages can find fun and relaxation.
