New Reasons to Visit Mazatlan

Mazatlan has always been one of my favorite Mexican Pacific coast destinations. Its winning combination of historic charm, fascinating culture, great seafood and natural beauty is hard to resist. And on my most recent visit, I found even more reasons to love this city. 

Known as the “pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlan is home to a beautifully restored historic center, wide beaches and some of the nation’s best seafood, thanks to the city’s role as one of the most important fishing ports. And now, there are more attractions that tie in with the city’s history as well as its natural attributes. 

While staying at Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort, I spent an entire day exploring some of the newest attractions and some old favorites.

What's New in Mazatlan

My first stop was Gran Acuario Mazatlan, which opened in 2023 and is billed as the largest aquarium in Mexico. I had visited the city’s original aquarium several years ago, but the newer facility is on a totally different level. Focused primarily on marine life in the Sea of Cortez, the focal point is a massive, Brutalist-style building with multiple large tanks and habitats for jellyfish, sea turtles, rays, sharks and dozens of other fish species. 

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Sea lions and penguins are additional residents at the facility, and there are also outdoor areas for land animals, including lizards and a variety of bird species. The facility is especially good for children, since it offers educational activities including ray feedings. At about $30 for an adult, admission isn’t cheap, but this is a place where families could easily spend several hours, and there are multiple food outlets for hungry visitors.  

Also among the city’s noteworthy newer attractions is Observatorio 1873, a tourism park that opened in 2021 at the hilltop site of a historic former military observation post and observatory that dates to — as you might guess from the name — 1873. Getting there is part of the fun; one option is to walk up a scenic hillside path, but I chose to ride the small, open-air funicular train, which provides a stunning view of the coast and ocean. Admission is priced similarly to the aquarium, so it’s not cheap, but the fee includes admission to multiple sites, and I was impressed by the number of activities for grown-ups and kids alike. 

The most fascinating part of Observatorio 1873, in my opinion, is Museo Nacional de la Ballena (National Whale Museum), which is set partially in a group of repurposed, dramatically angled shipping containers, complemented by life-size sculptures of whales and dolphins. Inside, guides provide insight about the genetic history of whales, the current threats to their existence and the role they play in the ecosystem. 

Also interesting at Observatorio 1873: the agave garden and the winding, open-air walkway through habitats of iguanas and birds, including macaws, parrots and parakeets. The oldest structure on the hilltop, the 19th-century observatory, houses a small but interesting history museum, with antique furnishings and photographs. On the roof is the appropriately named Skybar, a bar and restaurant that offers panoramic views (it’s open into the evening, after the other attractions have closed). 

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Also affiliated with Observatorio 1873 is Farolesa, a zipline that opened in 2024. The ride (which I’m too much of a wimp to actually try) sends participants flying more than half a mile over the water, departing from the hill where the city’s lighthouse is located and landing at the entrance to Observatorio 1873. This attraction has a separate cost, but package deals are available that include admissions to both attractions. 

Classic Mazatlan Activities

I also enjoyed several classic Mazatlan activities during my visit: I dined on fresh shrimp (a local specialty) at a sidewalk cafe on Plazuela Machado, a lovely plaza surrounded by historic buildings. I peeked into the city’s 19th-century cathedral, one of Mazatlan’s most recognizable landmarks. I rode aboard a pulmonia, a unique local alternative to taxis that resemble overgrown golf carts. I also strolled past the Angela Peralta theater, a 19th-century gem that has been meticulously maintained; it’s always worth checking the city’s cultural calendar to see if there’s a live performance scheduled. 

Visitor numbers in Mazatlan are in growth mode, according to tourism officials, who report that from January to August 2024, the city received a record 1,588,211 visitors by air and sea, which is a jump of more than 100,000 from the same period the year before. Arrivals are sure to surge during several upcoming events, including Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1 — which includes a parade and other activities — and Carnaval, one of Mexico’s largest pre-Lenten celebrations, which is slated for Feb. 12-17, 2026. Finalizing air and hotel reservations for travel around that time is crucial, since it attracts revelers from around Mexico and abroad.

Safety Tips for Mazatlan

While the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located, is currently on the U.S. State Department’s “do not travel” list, the advisory also states that U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea and are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, both of which are the most popular neighborhoods for tourism. It’s always a good idea to check travel advisories.