Now a city of almost 500,000, Mazatlán and its beaches have attracted tourists since the 1930s. Before Spanish settlers arrived, the Totorames people farmed, fished and hunted in the area, which was known as "place of the deer." The historic old town was established in the 19th century, and visitors today can admire fine examples of colonial-era architecture. Major restoration began in the 1990s, and since then, the downtown area, including its main plaza, and the boardwalk along the Playa Olas Altas have been improved and preserved.
Mazatlán's hotels provide accommodations for tourists with a full range of budgets. Travelers can choose from inexpensive options, such as the Hotel La Siesta, a small beachfront hotel offering basic rooms and services, as well as five-star luxury hotels, like the Santa Fe Oceansuites at Costa de Oro, which offer upscale accommodations and a wide range of service and amenities. Tourists looking for a hub of activity should stay in the Golden Zone, or Zona Dorada, whereas those seeking a more tranquil environment would do best in Old Mazatlán.
Beach sport enthusiasts can spend their days in Mazatlán fishing, kayaking, parasailing and surfing. Museum buffs should not miss the Museo Arqueológico de Mazatlán or the Museo de Arte de Mazatlán. Families will enjoy the Mazagua Aquatic Park and the Acuario Mazatlán, an aquarium home to 200 species of fish, and the adjacent botanical garden, which features a playground for children and animal-feeding demonstrations. A visit to El Faro, the second-highest lighthouse in the world, provides wonderful views of the area.
Not surprisingly, there is no shortage of fine Mexican restaurants in Mazatlán. Along the waterfront is the inexpensive Copa de Leche, which serves seafood soup, shrimp in tamarind sauce and traditional barbecue. Seafood lovers enjoy La Costa Marinera, featuring slow-roasted fish dishes. Pura Vida I is a vegetarian and health food restaurant offering fresh juices and smoothies, whole wheat pancakes, veggie burgers, omelets and salads. Tourists seeking the familiar can head to Burger King, KFC or Applebee's.
Mazatlán's rich and vibrant nightlife offers tourists many entertainment options. If you're looking for a traditional Mexican cantina, visit Cafe Pacifico, which serves simple food and hosts live music on weekends. Fiesta Land is another popular evening destination. Its disco, Valentino's, hosts two separate nightclubs and karaoke. The on-site Sheik restaurant is known for its ocean views and early-morning, post-clubbing breakfasts. Edgar's Bar in Old Mazatlán has been open since 1949 and is the perfect place to down a shot of tequila and eat buckets of shrimp.
