Think of Mazatlan as a hidden gem in Mexico–a place that not too many people know about. Mazatlan is a resort town with sandy beaches all along. Talk about a beautiful hidden gem! In fact, Mazatlan is also very famous for fishing so get those fishing rods ready. If you love the ocean or just love a fun day at the beach, then a vacation to Mazatlan is long overdue. Don’t worry if you’re clueless about where to stay as you find lots of options here. But the best way to really enjoy everything that the town has to offer is by living like the locals! And for that, a stay in an Airbnb vacation rental sounds ideal. And to further help you achieve an immersive experience, here is a list of all the best non-touristy things to do in Mazatlan, Mexico.
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1. Go for a whale watching expedition (from USD 111.4)
Enjoy watching the whales? Then why not go for a fun whale watching expedition? I definitely recommend this whale watching tour if you’re in Mazatlan with your family. The kids will love it. This four-hour tour is a great way to get out of the city and enjoy the vast expanse of endless oceans, all while spotting for whales. There will be marine biologists on board who will tell you everything you need to know about these whales.
Mazatlán: Whale Watching Tour
Duration: 4.0 hour
2. Discover the best views of Mazatlan at Cerro de la Neveria
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Embark on a scenic adventure and uncover the best views of Mazatlan at Cerro de la Neveria. This elevated vantage point offers breathtaking panoramas of the city’s stunning coastline, picturesque islands, and charming neighborhoods. Capture the perfect Instagram-worthy photos against the backdrop of the azure sea, golden beaches, and vibrant cityscape.
Take a moment to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. The peaceful ambiance of Cerro de la Neveria provides a serene escape from the bustling city below. Whether you visit during sunrise or sunset, the colors and light transform the scenery into a breathtaking spectacle. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat to enjoy the beauty of Mazatlan.
3. Watch live lucha libre matches at Cancha German Evers
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Experience the thrilling world of lucha libre at Cancha German Evers. Watch live matches of this high-energy Mexican wrestling style, filled with acrobatic moves and colorful characters. As you enter Cancha German Evers, you’ll be captivated by the enthusiastic crowd’s electric atmosphere and roar. Prepare for an evening of adrenaline-pumping action and entertainment when you choose to embark on this unusual thing to do in Mazatlan.
Marvel at the athleticism and skill of the luchadors as they engage in high-flying maneuvers, grapple with opponents, and showcase their signature moves. The vibrant costumes, masks, and theatrical performances add to the spectacle, creating an immersive experience.
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4. Enjoy a wild ride on an ATV (from USD 75.0)
How do you explore Mazatlan if your car doesn’t take you everywhere? Simple, you take an ATV! This four-hour guided tour is perfect for people who love the outdoors, love some off-roading, and absolutely love riding an ATV! During this tour, you get to drive through all the mountainous regions and even stop at La Noria town (where you’ll enjoy some free shots of tequila).
Half-Day ATV Tour in Mazatlán
Duration: 5 hours
5. Enjoy the vast expanse of coconuts and beaches at Stone Island (from USD 66.0)
This is what you’ll get at Stone Island – nothing but beaches, all the palm trees that you can dream of, fresh salty ocean air, a lot of coconut trees and some open-air restaurants which serve delicious seafood. Basically, Stone Island is where the locals go to relax and let loose. So yes, I definitely recommend going to Stone Island – you can relax by the beach, enjoy the view, and eat some amazing food! This is my favourite recommendation for non-touristy things to do in Mazatlan. And it’s just a ferry away.
Stone Island Beach and Old Town Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 6 hours
6. Go for a hike to visit El Faro de Mazatlán
El Faro de Mazatlán is one of the highest lighthouses in the world – second highest to be precise! It was originally built in 1879, which makes it all the more interesting to visit. To get to this beautiful lighthouse, you have to endure a 30-minute hike which can be slightly strenuous to the top of the Cerro del Creston. From the top, you can also see the beautiful coastline and take in all the views Mazatlan has to offer.
El Faro de Mazatlán
Address: El Faro
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free admission
7. Enjoy a performance at the Ángela Peralta Theater
The Ángela Peralta Theater is one of the most famous theatres in Mazatlan having been there since the 1800s. It is one of the most famous performing theatres in Mexico! There are various performances which take place here so you will be lucky if you get to catch one! Even if going to the theatre is not really your thing, I definitely recommend visiting the Ángela Peralta Theater.
Ángela Peralta Theater
Address: Carnaval S/N, Centro, 82000 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 2pm, 4pm - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Varies
8. Get a kiss from a sea lion at the Mazatlan Aquarium
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Go to the Mazatlan Aquarium, a popular tourist attraction in Mazatlan, if you want an in-depth experience of the world of sea lions, sharks, flamingos, and more. You can go watch the dive show and look at how professional divers interact with sharks or you can go meet Toby – the star sea lion!
There is also a botanical garden with over 75 species of trees and a sea museum for you to enjoy watching different marine species. Don’t forget to check the schedules to make sure you go in time for feeding time!
Mazatlan Aquarium
Address: Av. de los Deportes 111, Tellería, 82017 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico
Website: Mazatlan Aquarium
Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 6.25 USD
9. Try to get a hole-in-one at the Estrella del Mar resort
Estrella del Mar is a golf and beach resort which is located very close to the city. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a day of relaxing luxury! I would recommend staying here for a night – how else will you get to relax by the beach and play a round of golf? This resort is the very definition of relaxing, which is why you should visit when in Mazatlan.
Estrella del Mar
Address: KM. 10 Camino Isla de la Piedra, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82267
Website: Estrella del Mar
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free admission
10. Shake a leg at the carnival parties
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Some of the reasons for the thriving tourism in Mazatlan are the carnivals and parades that grace the streets, and you must attend at least one of them! You can check the parade schedule online, so that way you can plan your vacation around those dates. You’ll see floats, costumes, parades, music, and dancing in the streets. It’s basically a party on the street – a party that never stops. I highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Carnaval parties
Address: Depends on carnival
11. Watch a baseball game at the Mazatlan stadium
Venados de Mazatlán is the name of the Mexican baseball team of the area and the home ground is called Estadio Teodoro Mariscal. So if you’re a baseball fan then why not go watch a game? It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and maybe you’ll even make a new friend or two. Plus, going for baseball games is what the locals do, which makes it a perfect non-touristy thing to do in Mazatlan!
Estadio Teodoro Mariscal
Address: Justo Sierra S/N, Estadio, 82140 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico
Opening hours: Depends on game
Price: From 40 USD
12. Dance the night away at Bora Bora
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bora Bora in Mazatlan is one of the most famous bars in the city! And if you haven’t been to Bora Bora, then your Mazatlan vacation isn’t really complete! This is where all the locals and tourists go to have a good time, enjoy a few drinks, and shake a leg. This nightclub is also a brewery, which means the beer here is great!
Bora Bora
Address: Av Camarón Sábalo S/N, Zona Dorada, 82110 Mazatlán, Sin., Mexico
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9pm - 4am; Sun: 8pm - 6am (closed on Mon and Tue)
Price: Free entry
Be a non-tourist in Mazatlam
So, don’t these unique activities and hidden gems in Mazatlan sound like fun? Beaches, breweries, whale watching, and carnival parties–it already sounds like a blast. Does a vacation get any better than this?
Frequently asked questions about the non-touristy things to do in Mazatlan, Mexico
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