Searching for a fresh Mexican address to explore? Consider Mazatlán
, a sunny Mexican town set upon miles of sparkling Pacific oceanfront, featuring Latin America’s longest boardwalk. Known as the Malecon, this lighted, 13-mile-long walkway and adjacent waterfront takes in the city’s Golden Zone and continues to the far end of Cerritos Beach.
Cycling paths add to the boardwalk area, part of Mazatlán’s recent tourism renaissance, with renewed attention falling on its sites, lodging, dining and annual events. This year, Día de los Muertos — the popular Day of the Dead celebration — will take place Nov. 1 and 2. Centered in the Plaza Machado, the lively event will fill the streets of the Centro Histórico district, where a fascinating blend of French, Italian and German architectural influences can be seen, with some elements traceable to the district’s establishment in 1571.
Plaza Machado is flanked on one side by the towering Immaculate Conception Basilica. Noteworthy for its gold ornamentation and beautiful stained glass, this Catholic church also features a Star of David in the uppermost window — a tribute to a Jewish family who contributed funds to the church’s original construction in the 1880s.
Old City, Mazatlan Streets. Photo: Elovkoff | Dreamstime.com
Other towering sites to visit include El Faro, one of the highest working natural lighthouses in Latin America. Steep hiking paths lead to its spot 515 above the port. Once there, enjoy spectacular views from the new glass sky bridge. At port level, and located next to the Parque de la Ciudad and Parque Infantil, the Aquario Mazatlan is a great family diversion, with a variety of shows starring birds and seals. Visitors can also take in the spectacle of local cliff divers leaping into the sea from high, craggy outcrops at Parque Glorieta Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada.
Newly renovated, the fabulously ornate Ángela Peralta Theater and Cultural Center is the setting for theater and musical productions featuring world-renowned performers. It’s also the only theater to survive a collection of mid-1800s structures, including Teatro El Recreo, Teatro Principal and the Teatro Alegria. The Ángela Peralta Theater narrowly escaped destruction. It was once scheduled for demolition, having fallen into serious ruin for a host of reasons, including flood damage during 1975’s Hurricane Olivia. Today, visitors can see the space fully restored to its former glory.
For nightlife, popular clubs and restaurants can be found in the district of Zona Dorada. When it’s time to say goodnight, head to The Inn at Centro Histórico close to the theater, where rooms overlook the historic Old Town. A modern, swish resort vibe can be enjoyed at El Cid Marina Beach’s waterfront suites, or at El Cid El Moro Beach Hotel in the Golden Zone district.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
ShareThis