By David Harris
Mazatlan is a city in
Mexico, located in the state of Sinaloa. Mazatlan has a population of about 350,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the state. It is based on the Mexican Gold Coast and serves as a popular
resort town for people coming from the
United States. Mazatlan is nicknamed the "Pearl of the Pacific."
Golden Zone
Mazatlan sports more than 15 miles of beaches, making it a popular destination for people who want to be near the water. The most popular tourist area is called the Golden Zone, which is where most of the resorts and restaurants are located. Within the Golden Zone is Fiesta Land, an entertainment complex that is home to many restaurants and clubs, among them Bora-Bora and Valentino's. Another popular attraction is the Malecon, which is a walkway along the beach. Many people come out at sunset to walk along the Malecon and watch the sun go down.
Water Sports
Since Mazatlan fronts on the ocean, water activities are quite popular. You can rent wave runners or sea kayaks, or take a banana boat ride. Mazatlan is also a popular destination for big-game fishers. Many of the city's harbors have party boats that take daily excursions out on the ocean for fishing. The most popular locations for fishing boats are near the old lighthouse, Marina El Cid, or Marina Mazatlan.
Other Attractions
Old Mazatlan offers historic architecture, and there you can either take a casual stroll or join a tour about the city's history. The Mazatlan Aquarium is the largest of its kind in Mexico. It features a shark tank, botanical garden and a live seal show.
Golf and Tennis
There are two championship golf courses in Mazatlan: El Cid and Estrella del Mar. El Cid also has a tennis court on its grounds. El Cid is open to the public during the off-season, and Estrella del Mar is open to the public year-round.
Shopping
Mazatlan is home to numerous shopping malls and open-air markets. Leather goods are popular purchases for travelers. One of the most popular shopping attractions is the Sea Shell Supermarket, which features all sorts of shells and shell art. In the center of the city is the central market, a good place to experience a taste of authentic Mazatlan.
About the Author:
David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.
