5 Ways to Maximize Mazatlán

Some of us remember Mazatlán as a stop for the Pacific Princess cruise ship on the 1970’s era TV show The Love Boat. I recently spent four days there as a guest of Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort and found so much to love both on and off the property, which opened in April 2024. 

Stay at Dreams Estrella del Mar

Dreams Estrella del Mar sits just 15 minutes from the international airport, which makes arrival (and departure) that much sweeter. The all-inclusive resort lies on a 3.5-mile stretch of unobstructed beachfront on the Pacific Ocean, and while the beach is not swimmable, it is incredibly walkable in both directions and is perfectly situated for nightly sunset strolls and taking in views of  Mazatlán’s coastal beauty and cityscape. The spacious rooms feel fresh, serene, and boast balconies with a view. They are packed with thoughtful, up-to-date amenities (like outdoor soaking tubs, bath salts, and incense) thanks to the hotel’s recent construction. 

With four sit-down restaurants offering excellent service and varied cuisine (Mexican, Italian, Med-Asian, and seafood-focused, which was my favorite, for the fresh tuna tostada and the passion fruit margarita), multiple bars, room service, plus a large international buffet with omelet, crepe, sushi, and fajita action stations where I enjoyed breakfast each morning, you won’t run out of delicious food and drink options. There’s even a 24-hour coffee bar for early bird espresso fiends and late-night snackers.

Bring the Kids

First and foremost, Dreams is a family-friendly resort with a huge selection of kid-oriented activities and amenities. The main pool and adjacent water park offer a snack bar, an old-fashioned ice cream shop, and a lazy river ride. The Explorer Club for ages 3-12 offers imaginative programming throughout the day and evening, and includes a video and game room, arts and crafts, and sandcastle competitions, while the Core Zone Teens Club will entertain the 13-17 set with sports, video games, and movie nights. 

Add the fact that none of the restaurants require reservations, and that there’s fun entertainment on-site nightly, like fire shows and mariachi bands, and seven swim-up suites with mini pools that are separate from the main pools, and you’ve got an awful lot of family fun ahead. 

Don’t Bring the Kids

The folks at Hyatt know that you might not be interested in all that family fun, especially if you intentionally left yours at home. That’s why they created an adults-only building that faces the grown-up pool, which also has its own swim-up bar–a guaranteed rug-rat free zone. A stunning 18-hole golf course studded with palm trees lies right on the beach past the hotel, and you can play pickleball, tennis, soccer, and paddleball too. 

Did I mention the spa? The standalone 22,000 square feet structure includes a unique Turkish Hammam-style tiled bath area, multiple treatment rooms and lounge areas awash with soothing art and natural light, and a gigantic, lush, heated outdoor guided hydrotherapy circuit with multiple waterbeds, spas, showers, sauna, steam room, and massage fountains. 

Read Meagan’s full review from her stay at Dreams Estrella del Mar.

Ride the Pulmonias

Young or old, a visit to town is a must for everyone, and the local culture and history seep from every colorful corner. Grab a pulmonia, the typical (and plentiful) open-air taxi, and ask for a tour of the city. Your driver will show you the incredible malecón, which stretches along 13 miles of sandy beaches, landmarks, new construction, and historic hotels along the stunning Sea of Cortez. You’ll see cliff divers, palapas, shrimp and oyster vendors, and incredible views as your driver winds his way through town to the colonial center, where you’ll find Pino Suarez Market, local restaurants, and the cathedral. Ask your driver if he’ll give you a taco tour, and make sure he stops for a bag of suaves, the melt-in-your-mouth locally made coconut marshmallows, and maybe a slice of guava pie! Mazatlán is the home of Pacífico Beer, and the crisp lager drinks especially well in its hometown. 

Art Walk

From November through early April, the self-guided Art Walk Mazatlán takes place in the historic downtown, when galleries, cafés, and boutiques throw open their doors in the early evening to welcome visitors, showing indigenous art, plus a unique bazaar, and live music on Liverpool Street.

Aquarium

Spend an hour or three at the Gran Acuario Mazatlán, the largest aquarium in Mexico, which contains over 25 habitats focusing on the biodiverse native species of the Sea of Cortez and Baja California. The massive Great Ocean Tank is a central highlight, plus interactive exhibits of penguins, sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles. Opened in 2023 and designed by Tatiana Bilbao, the aquarium’s architecture and contemporary technology offer a world-class experience for visitors.

Zipline

Brave souls can try the new Farolesa Zipline from Mazatlán lighthouse to the renovated 1873 Observatory. You’ll zoom across 4000 feet over the open water to the roof of the historic observatory. For history buffs who don’t feel the need to strap on a helmet, an old-fashioned funicular will take you up to the observatory from street level for a tour of the property.

Save the Turtles

On the beach just north of the hotel towards Playa Isla de Piedra, you’ll find Santuario Tortugero, a turtle sanctuary doing important work to save sea turtle adults and hatchlings from their natural predators. The nesting season runs from July through December, and from mid-September to November, you can observe their hatchling release program. All year, the sanctuary’s owner, biologist Eréndira González, welcomes guests from Dreams to visit, learn about their conservation efforts, and say hello to their special collection of baby sea turtles. Arrange a guided visit through Dreams, or visit the website to add this unique nature destination to your Mazatlán itinerary.

A visit to this traditional Tropic of Cancer shrimping port and cruise ship classic offers fresh seafood, a colorful art scene, nature sanctuaries and natural beauty, colonial Old City charm, and banda music bursting forth on beaches and in bars everywhere. Enjoy the Gulf of California coast and Pacific Ocean breezes on your trip to Mazatlán.