Mazatlan

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

This lovely building was finished in 1899 and is being gently restored to its original beauty, although to a visitor it is already beautiful to behold. Its exterior displays a beauty that needs no extras or frills, its inner beauty is juxtaposed to its outside. With all interior light coming through stained glass, it takes on a lovely color, and its reflection off gold statues and other images is quite something. A unique detail is that, at the time of the construction, there was a Jewish family living in Mazatlan, and they donated money towards the construction. People were so happy that they decided to set the Star of David in the top windows of this cathedral. One of the only Catholic churches with this Jewish symbol.

Cliff divers

El Clavadista

These daredevils do something similar as in Acapulco, but it is lower and more shallow. The rock formation that they climb up is about 13 m (45 feet) high and it is only 2-3 m (5-6 ft) deep. They wait for the right wave to make the dive. They are there all day long, but the best time to see them is in the morning.

Lighthouse of Mazatlan

El Faro de Mazatlán

It is now the highest natural lighthouse in the world. (Gibraltar was the highest, but now not in operation.) The building itself is quite low, but sits on a cliff, so the light is 155 m (515 feet) above sea level. You will have the best view in Mazatlan if you hike up. Don't attempt the hike up unless you're in shape.

Open now · closes 5:45 pm·M$30

Miramar Condominium

Condominios Miramar

Although an otherwise unremarkable building, the beachfront condominium tower where infamous drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was arrested in 2014 (he later escaped) has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, or at least a mildly-popular photo opportunity. You cannot enter the building.

Museo Nacional de la Ballena

MUNBA, National Whale Museum

Beautiful modern museum and observatory with an imposing seaside location. Learn about a variety of marine animals but especially whales. Many interactive displays that cater to a younger audience.

Tue-Sun 10ː00 - 18ː00, closed Mon·M$500

Olas Altas Beach

This lovely curving beach with its popular Malecon and many restaurants serves the residents of the Centro Historico. Don't miss it. It's only four blocks west of the Plaza Machado.

Panteón Municipal No.2

cemetery

There is a cemetery on Barragan, a block north of Najera. Beautiful and interesting.

Plaza Machado

Machado Square

The jewel of the restored Centro Histórico. The west side of the square is flanked by the Teatro Ángela Peralta. Adjacent to the Teatro is a Spanish-language exhibit explaining the history of Mazatlán. The north side has Pedro y Lola's restaurant, a favorite among locals and tourists. On the south side is a hotel restored to its original beauty. A decent (Spanish-language) bookstore is only a couple of blocks away near the Universidad Politécnica de Sinaloa on Constitución. Keep your eyes open for shops with interesting (high-end) local art. The restaurants on the Plazuela have great food, some a little nicer and pricier than others. El Patio and Café Pacífico line the northeast corner of the plaza, and regularly have a fantastic acoustic guitarist playing at night for the diners and the square. Along the north side are three great spots for lunch or dinner. With offers of cheap, ice-cold beer all day, it isn't hard to be lured in to try a little of their food. All these restaurants have both indoor and outdoor, on the sidewalk, seating.

Teatro Ángela Peralta

Ángela Peralta Theater

Built in the 1800s, a beautifully restored building (1987 to 1992) which regularly offers many types of drama and music.

Gran Acuario Mazatlán

Great Mazatlan Aquarium

Has bird, seal, and diving shows.

Museo de Arte

Numerous art exhibitions, both temporary and permanent.

Mon-Sat 09:00-14:00, 16:00-18:00·Free