Posts tagged Personal Favorites

Mazatlan Mexico is also known by the name “The Pearl of the Pacific”, not because it has anything to do with the pearl industry but because it’s a graceful and welcoming resort on the Pacific coast.

It’s quite an interesting city where the tourist industry is extremely developed. However, Mazatlan is not just a beach resort as many would think.

Mazatlan has a brewery that produces Mazatlan Ale, one of the most popular beers in Mexico and one of my personal favorites. A little stronger than Corona and a more full bodied ale, this beer goes great with fish and shrimp, speaking of which…

Another industry that is extremely developed in Mazatlan is the shrimp and fish industry.

The city’s shrimp fleet is considered to be the largest one in Mexico. However, most tourists only stay in the Zona Dorada and never really learn much about the industrial side of the city.

Visiting Mazatlan could never be boring no matter what you’re into, beside the wonderful beaches, restaurants and nightlife the city also offers a variety of historical sights and beautiful monuments.

There are so many monuments and statues throughout the city that it could take you an entire day to see them all.

Still, the water activities seem to have a much greater impact on the tourists here than anything else. There are so many things to do on the beach that a lot of people who come here spend their entire vacations without ever going further form their hotels.

Whether you spend your time on the beach outside your hotel or or travel around visiting the historical monuments and statues, Mazatlan is a place you’ll remember.

Another thing Mazatlan is famous for and also goes great with Mazatlan Ale,  is the sport fishing. There’s great fishing here on the Pacific Coast and the variety of fish ranges from Rooster Fish, Sailfish and Mahi Mahi to bottom fish like Grouper and Snapper.

Oh,  and although I’m personally not a big fan, it’s worth a mention, there’s also freshwater fishing and even great hunting from what I hear. Both of which can be arranged right from your hotel concierge.

Another thing that makes Mazatlan very popular is the fact that it hosts one of the greatest parties in the world, the Carnaval de Mazatlan. You can actually feel the Carnaval excitement start as early as November and party it’s way right through to it’s climax and crowning of the Carnaval King of Happiness and the Carnaval Queen in February!

Zona Dorada – Golden Zone

Zona Dorada or the Golden Zone is the so called tourist area where most of the hotels and the top restaurants are located.

This area is usually crowded by people day and night and it’s the most expensive and luxurious part of the city.

In the southern part of the zona dorada there is a place called Punta Sabalo. This is considered to be one of the most popular tourist attractions for both children and adults because it hosts the Fiesta Land.

The night life here is extremely loud and the entire area has been nicknamed “the party headquarters”.

You can pretty much walk to anywhere you need to get in this area and it’s fairly safe, but if you really don’t feel like walking, I highly recommend you hop in a Pulmonia!

These are open air cabs that are “pulled or carried along” by natives and they’re unique to this area, very fun and a must take picture moment.

The Historic Center

The center of the city is quite a delightful area where you can enjoy a lot of architectural beauties and also a lot of monuments and statues.

It adds a very bohemian vibe to the city and worth spending a few hours exploring.

If you’re interested in learning a lot of things about the city’s history, you should definitely take one of the city tours that will point out all the highlights of the historical area.

However, I think the best way to soak in the rich culture of a Historic city like Mazatlan is to just walk along the busy streets and pay attention to the conversations,  check out what’s goin’ on in the shops, what the natives are doin’ and what they’re having for dinner… Only they know the real mysteries.

Plenty of Stuff for the Children in Mazatlan as well, so bring the kids!

Mazatlan is a city that offers a lot of activities for the little ones. The most popular places as far as the children are concerned are the baseball batting cages.

Did you know that Mazatlan also has it’s own Triple AAA rated baseball team, who knew?

There’s also a mini golf course and a huge water park that are always crowded with kids who never seem to get bored or run out of energy in these places.

Mazatlan is also home to the largest Aquarium in Mexico, obviously a great place to take the kids but one of my all time favorites as well!

If you do visit the aquarium, make sure to see the famous seal show and take a walk through the incredible botanical gardens.

The Beaches

The beaches in Mazatlan are simply breathtaking. There’s over 15 miles of coastline, most of which is easily accessible and ranges from the party beaches near the zona dorada, where most of the tourists end up, to the most remote and quiet beaches just to the north and south, which is what I prefer.

Overall, Mazatlan is a highly recommended Mexican destination, lots to do and relaxing as well.