Mazatlan Mexico is such a fun cruise stop along the Mexican Riviera. It’s an old city known for it’s iconic historic district and long boardwalk- the Malecon. While we love the ziplining in Puerto Vallarta and the stunning beaches in Cabo San Lucas (other cruise ports on the Pacific Coast), we felt we got the best taste of Mexican culture in Mazatlan. Make sure you see our restaurant rec below- if you love shrimp tacos, you don’t want to miss it!!!

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Mazatlan, Mexico - Must Sees!

Centro Historico or Historic District - Follow the Blue Line

When you get off the cruise ship, you will find your self in a cargo container yard. Go through the containers until you see the port. Go through the port and as you emerge, you will see blue tile embedded in the cement on the sidewalks. This is called the blue line and will help you navigate the Centro Historico or Historic District without needing a taxi.

Plazuela Machado

As you walk the blue line, you will come upon Plazauela Machado. It’s a charming square, fantastic for pictures and know for it’s incredible restaurants. I would highly recommend eating at El Cielo for their shrimp tacos. The green sauce on the tacos was a little piece of heaven that we all dream and rave about years after eating it!!

Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Mazatlan Cathedral

In the heart of the Historic District, you will find the gorgeous Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Mazatlan Cathedral. This stunning cathedral is a must see in and out. The architecture was conceived in three different styles and is nearly 200 years old.

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Casas de colores - Colorful Street

As you walk from the cathedral to the Malecon (more about this below), make sure you walk along the Casas de Colores on Calle Angel Flores. The homes are all brightly colored with charming plants and architecture. It’s a happy little walk!

Malecon - Beachfront Walkway

The Malecon is 13 miles long and full of fun things to do! You can hit the beach, shop, watch cliff divers (do some cliff diving if you’re brave enough!), walk and bike. Look for the statues of the 4 Beatles, when you are there! *My only caveat- the sand in Mazatlan is very coarse- not like other sand in Mexico. It sticks to you in all the awkward, uncomfortable places- I was not a fan!

Take a Pick Up Taxi

It is just what it sounds like! You climb in the bed of a pick up truck where they have added benches and a canopy, and you cruise around town. It was quite the party for our kids and a fun way to see the Malecon!

El Faro Lighthouse

This is one place we didn’t make it to when we went, but we heard great things from our family who saw it. It was triple digit heat the day we were there and we didn’t want to hike up the long lighthouse slope with 5 kids when it was so hot. There are some beautiful views from the top. If you love a good city hike, this is a fun thing to see.