Things to do in Mazatlán

Viri

From Viri's guidebook

One of the highest lighthouses in the world with 360 panoramic views of Mazatlan. Note that you will need to complete a 30-minute hike up the mountain and use stairs.

Ana Elena

From Ana Elena's guidebook

Visiting the lighthouse is one of the outdoor activities that will connect you most with nature. The hike to the top takes 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your pace; it is challenging, but not too hard, I recommend wearing tennis shoes. When you reach the top you will have an incredible panoramic view of the city and you can buy something to drink to hydrate yourself. You can go really early to appreciate the sunrise; during the morning for a great workout; or at sunset to enjoy the sunset and watch the moon rise.

Conor

From Conor's guidebook

Idyllic and charming, El Faro is best known locally for the iconic lighthouse that gives it its name. Perched on a jutting peninsula, El Faro offers some of the finest Mediterranean views that can be found anywhere on the coast. The hike to the top on a well maintained trail, is a 500+ foot elevation gain with 336 stairs. Expect high traffic on Wednesdays as this is when the cruise ships dock and the tours make their way to El Faro for the spectacular views. The hike up is free, but if you would like to access the glass lookout at the top, the entrance fee is $1.50USD ($30 pesos).

Javier

From Javier's guidebook

Observatorio Mazatlán 1873 is a unique and historically significant attraction in Mazatlán. Perched atop Cerro del Vigía, it offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Mazatlán, its bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sierra Madre mountains, making it an ideal spot for photography, especially at sunset.

Kelsey

From Kelsey's guidebook

Perched atop Cerro del Vigía, this historic observatory offers panoramic views of Mazatlán, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic lighthouse. Visitors can explore a 19th-century house museum, stroll through agave gardens, and enjoy a mezcal tasting. Don't miss the Sky Bar for sunset cocktails with a 360° view.

Viri

From Viri's guidebook

Amazing panoramic views, historical location, botanical garden with local wildlife exhibitions. Restaurant located inside (recommend making reservations).

Sam L

From Sam L's guidebook

This place is located in the historic center and has a gourmet menu. The interior design transports you to a vintage place with ancient but imposing trees.

Arnulfo

From Arnulfo's guidebook

Beautiful restaurant in restored home, perfect for romantic dinner, great menu! Patio dining so no air conditioner but perfect during the cooler months.

Angelica Y Jorge

From Angelica Y Jorge's guidebook

Beautiful atmosphere and delicious food located in the Centro area. Best to call ahead of time and book a reservation as it is a very busy restaurant ask to sit in the garden for the best experience. Phone #+52 669 910 2615 El Presidio has Spanish and English menu's and staff.

Angelica Y Jorge

From Angelica Y Jorge's guidebook

Breakfast on the beach or a sunset dinner. Pancho's has great food and great views. Loved by locals and tourists. English menu's and English speaking staff.

Ricardo

From Ricardo's guidebook

This is a great locals place for breakfast or lunch, large menu, they have several locations and an amazing selection of panadería

Lizarraga Aguirre

From Lizarraga Aguirre's guidebook

Excellent Mexican food, ocean view Family restaurant Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

Conor

From Conor's guidebook

A 5 minute walk from Casa Palencia. Full of shops, restaurants, cafes and street stalls. Sit in a sidewalk street cafe and watch the people go by or grab an ice cream and watch street performers dance in traditional Aztec dress.

Sam L

From Sam L's guidebook

Plaza Machado is very beautiful and warm, colonial type. You will find many restaurants, live music, souvenirs, etc. Personally, I like to visit it at night to walk with my partner or sit on one of its benches.

Arnulfo

From Arnulfo's guidebook

Several indoor/outdoor restaurants with live music most nights all bordering a small plaza. Great place to have a meal, glass of wine and just hang out. Favorites for dinner are Pedro and Lola's and Gaia Bistrot.

Viri

From Viri's guidebook

The Plaza Machado (sometimes called Plazuela Machado) is a beautiful old square (zocalo) in the Historic Old Town of Mazatlán. It is rectangular in shape. The interior is primarily palm trees and gardens. There is also a large gazebo. The outside is a walkway lined with benches so you can walk around the entirety of the garden and sit when you want. The plaza is lined with outdoor and indoor Restaurants, a theatre, and a hotel. It is the most popular square in Mazatlán for dining and events and is considered the cultural center of Mazatlán! The Plaza Machado is very popular in the evenings and especially on weekend nights for dining and strolling. On the weekends there is usually live music in the square. You can also hire a mariachi band to play for you.

Javier

From Javier's guidebook

One of the most highly recommended destinations in the Mazatlan, the Plaza is the heart of the Mazatlan Centro Historico, and one of the loveliest plazas in all of Mexico. Plaza Machado has long been one of the most popular Pearl of The Pacific tourist attractions, and is a great place pause in Centro Historico, sit down and just people-watch! The Plazuela Machado that we know today was originally constructed in 1837 and is the oldest plaza in Mazatlan. Once referred to as Paseo de las Naranjas (Orange Tree Walk) because of the orange trees that surrounded the space, the plaza quickly became a focal point for the community, and a place where Mazatlecos of all social classes gathered. The beautiful iron gazebo in the center of the square was built in 1870, serving as a platform for performers and further cementing the plaza as a central public space. The restored Plaza Machado is at the heart of the culture-rich Mazatlan Centro Historico renewal, and the focal point of a massive revitalization that has taken place in recent years. The Pearl of The Pacific -- in creative partnership with private capital -- has restored and supported the restoration of the beautiful buildings surrounding the Plaza Machado, and upgrading the infrastructure that supports it. The Plaza Machado and surrounding Centro Historico feature architecture influenced by the French and Spanish, and the Plaza Machado brings back an era when Mazatlecos spent leisurely afternoons and evenings around these public spaces. Today the restored Plaza Machado and its' 19th century historic buildings are populated with sightseeing and tourist attractions like chic cafes; bars; art galleries; the Angela Peralta Theater; and other Mazatlan Centro Historico cultural attractions. The Plaza Machado is a Mazatlan City Guide favorite and a great place to relax, eat and drink after a day of walking tour sightseeing and shopping in the Centro Historico. Many of our most delightful Centro Historico restaurants -- like La Tramoya, Pedro y Lola, Casa Canobbio and El Presidio -- are immediately on the Plaza Machado, and many others are just minutes walk from it.

Hector

From Hector's guidebook

Plaza Machado was built in 1837 by Juan Nepomuceno Machado, a merchant of fabrics, silver & pearls. He donated the land to the city under the condition that it be used to establish a public plaza or Plazuela. Plaza Machado is one of the main squares in the heart of the old town Historic District of Mazatlan. It is surrounded by great restaurants & art galleries housed in Colonial Era Architecture homes & buildings. Plaza Machado hosts live music & is always displaying fun art, or festivals for the seasons! It is highly recommend to take a both at day time & in the evening so you get a chase to see the tapestry of colors & their transformation from night to day.