Cruising to Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan is located on a peninsula surrounded by cliffs and beaches, and tourists flock here to enjoy the fine shopping, beaches and fishing. The views are spectacular, the locals friendly, and the eclectic sights are sure to fill your day at port.

The best shops, beaches and upscale resorts are all located in an area called the Golden Zone, or Zona Dorado, so head there for some serious sunning and shopping.  The hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops of the Zona Dorada are world famous, so be sure to check out this four block center of activity. The six mile long seawall which runs from north to south along the coast is a perfect place for a scenic stroll. The malecon – the sidewalk on top of the seawall – connects the Zona Dorada at the northern end to the downtown area at the southern end. While strolling along, you will pass many interesting and unique monuments along the way, from a bronzed pulmonia, or open-air taxi, to a vat from the Pacific Brewery. The most famous monument is the Monumento Pescador, or Fisherman’s Monument, which looks like a fisherman about to throw a net over a sleeping woman. There is also a lovely aquarium with a small zoo and aviary called the Acuario Mazatlan located about half way down the malecon at Avenida De los Deportes. Next to the aquarium is a lovely park with shaded playgrounds, trails and a train ride, so if you are traveling with children, A visit to the aquarium and park might make a nice afternoon excursion.

Further downtown, visit the Catedral de Mazatlan, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, whose bright yellow spires have towered over Mazatlan for well over a century. It includes quite an assortment of architectural styles, including Moorish, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical. Nearby, sit and enjoy a snack at the Plaza Revolucion, a shaded square at the center of downtown. Whether you spend your day at Mazatlan with the tourists at Zona Dorado or with the locals downtown, Mazatlan is a vibrant, colorful port worth exploring. Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.Cruise-to-Mexico.net, as well as http://www.WaltDisneyCruise.net and other cruise websites. She and her family are avid cruisers - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on their pillows at night!