Mazatlan Area Attractions

Mazatlan was originally settled by the Spaniards in 1531. It became a major commercial seaport in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily to export silver and gold. The Old Historic District is dominated by the colorful Angela Peralta Theater, the Plaza Machado and the lively restaurants around the Plaza. On weekends traffic is re-routed so that bands can play there and everyone can enjoy dining al fresco. Our favorite restaurant, Topolos, is 2 blocks away. Mazatlan is famous for its beautiful 13 mile long boardwalk, known as the Malecon. You can walk, bike, or rollerblade down it.--just check the calendar and don't try the faster stuff during Carnaval, Day of the Dead, the motorcycle convention, or any other major festival that may be going on. The second photo is the beloved Plaza Machado. This plaza is in the heart of Mazatlan's historic district. On Fridays and Saturdays the city shuts down the streets around the plaza and it becomes a beautiful site with many vendors offering handmade treasures at tables around the square, many people enjoying walking around the square and then trying one of the excellent restaurants located on the block surrounding the square. You will love going to Plaza Machado on a Friday or Saturday afternoon to shop in the area, then touring the Plaza Machado and finishing off by dining either on the square of at one of the fine dining options within a few block. After dinner it is memorable to take the foot ferry across the bay under the moonlight on your way back to Stone Island and a quiet drive (or taxi ride) to Estrella Del Mar. Kids and adults will also love Mazatlan's fun-filled water park and its beautiful aquarium. Or they might want to go surfing at Playa Bruja (the season for this is our summer). And fishing is excellent any time of year. Speaking of which, did you know Mazatlan is the shrimp capital of the world?