Basic Info
"Mazatlán, the first major resort town on the Pacific coastline, has a split personality. At the northern end of town is the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), where the hotels (and the prices) rise high and the pace is frenetic. The streets are jammed with tour buses shuttling cruise-ship passengers to dozens of jewelry shops. At the southern end of the malecón (the seaside promenade) is Viejo Mazatlán (Old Mazatlán), the city's historic center, a gorgeous and low-key area of colorful postcolonial buildings—some restored, some still idyllic piles of chipped stucco—where you'll find a few hip restaurants, art galleries, and shops, and a totally different scene from the touristy Golden Zone.
Mazatlán's beaches are golden and wide, though they're not nearly as handsome as those south of Puerto Vallarta. There are, however, tons of beach activities here—this is the place for parasailing—and several nearby islands provide alternatives to the crowded sands in town. Overall, the town is a good choice for a quick getaway: it's cheaper than Puerto Vallarta, the party scene is there for those who want to partake, and unlike in many resort towns, the city has some sights to explore beyond the surf and sand."
- www.fodors.com
"Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, Mazatlán is situated on Mexico’s northern Pacific coast in the state of Sinaloa. Visitors to Mazatlán appreciate the chance to experience a flourishing seaport, as well as authentic Mexican culture. Mazatlecos love the opportunity to share their heritage, traditions and pride in their jewel on the Mexican Gold Coast.
Mazatlán provides a wide range of options for visitors. Take a stroll around Old Mazatlán (Centro) with its colorful colonial-style architecture, stop at an outdoor café for a fresh limonada, or hike up to Cerro de Vigia (Lookout Hill) for an unforgettable view.
Just 745 miles south of the Arizona border, Mazatlán is the closest major Mexican resort to the United States. Mazatlán is an ideal, affordable vacation choice with endless possibilities: aquatic sports, kid activities, fishing, bird-watching, golf, tennis, horseback riding, fine dining, shopping and nightlife.
Come to Mazatlán and discover your passion. You’ll be here before you know it."
- www.gomazatlan.com