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Mazatlán, (mah-saht- LAHN), is truly a destination with a split personality!
Despite the importance of a large and growing tourist industry, Mazatlán remains very much its own city. It nicely balances its' double identity as Mexico’s largest West Coast port with being one of the country’s most popular beach resorts.
Mazatlán is Mexico’s second largest coastal city, (after Acapulco), with nearly 700,000 inhabitants. It has the largest port facility between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal, and is home to Latin America’s biggest fleet of commercial shrimp vessels, (over 500 boats). Nearly 40 thousand tons of shrimp are processed each year, making Mazatlán the shrimp capital of the world.
3 Distinct Zones
Mazatlán is divided into three distinct zones:
- The port and downtown area, ("Old Mazatlán”), are at the southern end of a peninsula that separates the Pacific from an enormous saltwater estuary.
- To the north is the Zona Dorada, (also called the "Golden Zone"), home to nearly all of Mazatlan’s tourist attractions.
- Between the two is a long curved stretch of mostly undeveloped beach that serves as a buffer between the port and resort zone.
This separation allows the resort community to coexist nicely with one of Mexico’s busiest commercial ports.
Since the 1950's, Mazatlán has been a major contributor to Mexico's economy. Mazatlán grew up hosting weary American motorists who found it a welcome oasis on their journey south. As air service improved, the resort became a mainstay of Mexico’s burgeoning tourism industry. Mazatlán has probably introduced more Americans and Canadians to Mexico than any other resort.
Things To Do...
One of the best things going for Mazatlán is its combination of affordable comfort and laid-back seaside charm. Its' long, wide, sandy beaches with rolling surf, (quite similar to the beaches of Southern California), are lined with fun, open-air bistros and bars.
Dining, (especially for seafood), and nightlife are excellent. Shopping is also first rate, with several fine art galleries and handicraft markets.
For the sports enthusiast, Mazatlán offers the usual assortment of water sports along with some of the world’s finest deep sea fishing.
Surfing is excellent, as is hunting for waterfowl.
The port really comes to life during the city's annual pre-Lenten Carnival celebration in late February or early March. Dating back to 1898, this Mexican-style Mardi Gras features parades, fireworks, and round-the-clock street dancing and festivities.
Mazatlán remains a favorite of many West Coast vacationers who return year after year for the flavor, fun, food and fishing.
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