MazatlanVisit.com - Everything you need to know about visiting and residing in Mazatlán Mexico!
This is a 2024-2025 guide for visitors to and residents of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Mazatlán is located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa on the west coast of Mexico on the Pacific Ocean. Mazatlán is known as the 'Pearl of the Pacific'!
Mazatlán is both a colonial city and a beach resort tourist town with tens of miles of fabulous Beaches and fantastic weather especially during the winter months!
Mazatlán is a popular year-round tourist destination for Mexican travellers. From the beginning of November to the end of April, tens of thousands of tourists and snowbirds come from the United States and Canada.
Mazatlán was founded on May 14, 1531 by 25 Castilians sent by Don Nuño de Guzmán, after founding Culiacán. So, Mazatlán is 491 years old in 2022!
Olas Altas (old town) in Mazatlán
Golden Zone in Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a medium-sized city with a large port which accomodates Mexico's largest shrimp fleet and many visits by cruise ships. This is a benefit to tourist because it keeps prices lower than other Mexican resorts because it is not just a tourist town. Also, because there are so many residents there are more Activities and Attractions than many other Mexican resorts so you won't be bored...unless you try to be!
Mazatlán is also known for it's culture, fabulous restaurants, and vibrant nightlife! There are nightclubs for the younger set and many bars/restaurants along the beach front. There is also live music and dancing nightly. Check out our 2024 Live Music Calendar. Also check out our 2024-2025 Mazatlán Events Calendar to see what's happening in Mazatlán.
Joe's Oyster Bar in Mazatlán
So, Mazatlán is the best of all worlds by allowing you to have the vacation that you want...anything from a lazy lay at the pool all-day at an all-inclusive resort to shopping to eating well to a full on partying...Mazatlán has it all!
We have been travelling to Mazatlán for almost 30 years for extended vacation and will attempt to tell you everything that you need to know to visit or reside in Mazatlán.
Check out all our Mazatlán pages (Attractions, Activities, Accommodations, Food and Drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Only in Mazatlán, Areas of Town, Events , Services, How Tos, and General) below to make your trip to Mazatlán better!
Enjoying a sunset on the beach in Mazatlán
Punto Valentno in Mazatlán
The Casa Marino building (near Los Pinos) is being converted into a museum and is planned to open in September 2024.
The Zip Line from El Faro to the Observatory is under construction.
The whale museum opened up at the Observatory.
This spring there was lots of disputes between the beach Banda bands and the condo owners/hotels regarding the music. Some hotels were trying to restrict the playing of Banda music on the beach There are now more condos right on the beach and not all the owners enjoy hearing Banda music so they also have been trying to restrict the music also. There were peaceful protests from the Banda community. Mazatlán has always been alive and therefore somewhat loud! It is what has made Mazatlán what it is. However, with all the development more people are living close to the beach and are looking for more quiet.
February 17, 2024: A 12 metre high deer scultpture has been donated by a local businessman and will be put in the Marina Mazatlan area the the roundabout at the intersection of Atlantico and Carlos Canseco.
January 14, 2024: It has just been announced that the Mazatlán International Motorcycle Week is now in May on May 2-4, 2024!
January 13, 2024: The first of the giant Monigotes (i.e. Puppets) for Carnival have started going up around town. This is a sign that Carnival is coming soon! Check out our Carnival page and 2024 Mazatlán Events Calendar for the latest Carnival events!
January 12, 2024: The Mayor announced that there will be public works done on Stone Island. There are plans for a boardwalk, park, market, water treatment plant, and road/lighting improvements.
January 10, 2024: The big entertainment acts for Carnival have been announced AND Tickets have gone on sale! Check out our Carnival page and 2024 Mazatlán Events Calendar for the latest Carnival events!
You will notice that now there are a bunch of Pulmonias that have been decorated with really bright, colorful LED lights with themes of super heros or video games.
October 14, 2023: People all over have their telescopes out to watch the eclipse. Next year in April is the total solar eclipse!
October 14, 2023: Work has started on the old Casa De Marino to turn it into a cultural centre. Bulldozers are working there now!
September 21, 2023: The Fiesta Inn and One Hotels were officially opened in the 3-Island (Tres Isla) Centre. They have a total of 282 hotel rooms.
Smoking was banned almost anywhere in Mexico. However, we have heard that there may be an exemption for outdoor restaurants and clubs because the smoking ban is impacting tourism.
There are some new hotels that will/have opened in Mazatlán in 2023: Fiesta Inn, Hotel One, and Courtyard by Marriot with more under construction and planned. Mazatlán is booming!
September, 2023: Six of the U-Turn spaces on the Avenida del Mar have been permanently closed. Previously, they had put planters in them to prevent U-turns. This was done to increase traffic flow and reduce accidents.
June 11, 2023: The mayor just announced that at least 8 beach accesses will be fixed up and washrooms will be installed.
June 2023: A landscape architect has been hired to do some improvements to Central Park such as adding more trees.
May 24, 2023: The director of the port says that they are awaiting one last permit before being able to build the zip line from El Faro Lighthouse to the Observatory 1873. They expect to have it soon and will start construction within a few weeks. If all goes well, the zip line may be operational by August 2023!
May 16, 2023: The bullfighting ring is being demolished to make way for the new World Trade Centre complex.
May 16, 2023: Work has not yet started on the new cruise ship terminal, but reports are that construction may start in 2024.
There is a new mayor in town and he is making his mark. He has cancelled the plans to make the Plaza de Banda near El Faro Lighthouse. He has ripped out the giant speed bumps on the main road through the Golden Zone(Avenida Camaron Sabalo). He has changed the rules at Central Park so you can bring in food and bring in your pets. We expect much more to come.
There is lots going on with the Cultura Mazatlan organization which runs all the Carnival, Day of the Dead, and other cultural activities. They fired the top guy for overspending the budget and there may be money missing!