Mazatlan as seen from afar with a cliff line in the foreground, Sinaloa

Things to do in  Sinaloa

Jump on the banda wagon

The Mexican state of Sinaloa is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the entrance to the Gulf of California. Home to seaside Mazatlán with its 13-mile (21-kilometer) malecón (esplanade), the gardens and parklands of Culiacán, and the historic architecture of El Fuerte, Sinaloa is known for its beaches, culture, and excellent cuisine. Things to do in Sinaloa include fishing, listening to live banda music, and exploring the neoclassical architecture across the state’s towns and cities. Known as Mexico’s breadbasket, Sinaloa is sunny and vibrant.

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Top 10 attractions in Sinaloa

#1

Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra)

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With calmer, warmer waters than other popular beaches in Mazatlán, plenty of opportunity for snorkeling, and several open-air seafood restaurants, Stone Island is one of the most popular day trip destinations in Mazatlán. Palm-lined Isla de la Piedra—which is not technically an island—is also a hub of soft adventure activity, such as horseback riding and hiking, as well as relaxation.More
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#2

Mazatlan Lighthouse (El Faro)

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Thought to be the highest lighthouse in the Americas, El Faro in Mazatlán sits 523 feet above sea level and has been in operation since 1879. Now a Mazatlán landmark, visitors can walk along the glass lookout platform, admire panoramic views over the port city of Mazatlán, and catch some of the city’s best sunsets.More
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#3

Golden Zone (Zona Dorada)

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Once an unoccupied stretch of sand and swampland, the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is now the top tourist district in Mazatlán, dominated by hotels, resorts, and several popular beaches. A jumping-off point for further exploration of the region, travelers can visit the modern marina, lounge on Sábalo or Gaviotas Beach, and party all-night in the bars and clubs.More
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#4

Plazuela Machado

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One of the oldest squares in Mazatlán, leafy Plazuela Machado dates from 1837 and is a jumping-off point for further exploration of the Mazatlán Old Town. Surrounded by brightly colored restaurants, galleries, and the Ángela Peralta Theater, visitors can soak up the laid back, family-friendly atmosphere at Plazuela Machado by day, and enjoy live music performances by night.More
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#5

Old Mazatlan (Centro Historico)

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A few blocks away from the popular Olas Altas Beach, Mazatlán’s Old Town is a neighborhood filled with restored, French-style 19th and 20th century buildings. Centered around the leafy and laidback Plazuela Machado, visitors can explore art galleries, small museums, boutiques, and a range of bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as historically significant attractions such as the Ángela Peralta Theater.More
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#6

Olas Atlas Beach (Playa Olas Altas)

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Perhaps the best-known beach in Mazatlán, Playa Olas Altas was the center point of Mazatlán’s burgeoning tourist industry in the 1950s. Situated just blocks from the city’s historic Old Town, Olas Altas is a popular surfing spot where visitors can marvel over ocean sunsets, take a dip in the saltwater swimming pool, and escape the crowds of Golden Zone beaches.More
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#7

Mazatlan Cruise Port

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Mazatlan, the “Pearl of the Pacific”, has drawn people to its shores since pre-Columbian times thanks to its gorgeous beaches. Add an architecturally outstanding old town, the festive, hotel-lined Golden Zone, and top-notch shopping, dining, and nightlife, and it's no wonder that this is a heavily trafficked cruise stop.More
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#8

Angela Peralta Theater (Teatro Angela Peralta)

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Originally built in the late 19th century, the Angela Peralta Theater (Teatro Ángela Peralta) is a landmark of downtown Mazatlán with a tumultuous past. Over the years, it served as a boxing arena, movie theater, and opera house, before falling into decline, but visitors can now tour the neoclassical building, catch live performances at the intimate 841-seat venue, and visit the onsite art galleries.More
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#9
Mazatlan Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlán)

Mazatlan Aquarium (Acuario Mazatlán)

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Marvel at over 800 species of jellyfish at Mexico’s largest jellyfish exhibition and admire seahorses, octopuses, and clownfish in one of several saltwater tanks at Mazatlán Aquarium (Acuario de Mazatlán). Ideal for families and animal lovers alike, there are also daily live animal shows, an onsite marine museum, botanical garden, aviary, and more.More
#10
Estero Del Yugo Nature Preserve

Estero Del Yugo Nature Preserve

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Saltwater and freshwater lagoons, 1.5 miles of nature trails marked by wooden boardwalks, and tropical deciduous forests make up the 11 hectares (27 acres) of the Estero del Yugo Nature Preserve in Mazatlán. Excellent for nature lovers, look at for over 250 species of native and non-native aquatic and tropical birds, crocodiles, and mammals such as ocelots, and lynx.More

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Top activities in Sinaloa

Mazatlan 5-Hour Guided Tour

Mazatlan 5-Hour Guided Tour

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81
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$120.00
Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán

Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán

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98
From
$110.00
Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan

Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan

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143
From
$74.99
Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch

Mazatlan City Sightseeing Tour with Shopping Time and Lunch

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193
From
$39.99
Mazatlan Sightseeing and Beach All Inclusive

Mazatlan Sightseeing and Beach All Inclusive

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112
From
$69.00
Kayak by the river

Kayak by the river

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32
From
$90.00
Ziplines and mezcal tasting

Ziplines and mezcal tasting

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143
From
$99.00
Deer Island

Deer Island

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52
From
$68.97
Private Van and Bilingual Local Driver

Private Van and Bilingual Local Driver

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67
From
$315.00
per group
Hot Springs Pools
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Hot Springs Pools

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21
From
$92.00
Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone

Mazatlan Sightseeing and Golden Zone

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37
From
$26.67
Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise

Sensation Splash Party All Inclusive Mazatlan Bay Cruise

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28
From
$57.44
Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour

Old Town Mazatlan Segway Tour

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311
From
$67.00
Sierra Madre Villages Half-Day Cultural Tour

Sierra Madre Villages Half-Day Cultural Tour

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93
From
$75.00
Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour

Mazatlan Smart Bike Tour

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66
From
$40.00
Barrio Bites tour
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Barrio Bites tour

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100
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$78.00
Stone Island Beach Getaway

Stone Island Beach Getaway

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72
From
$75.00
Private Tour to El Quelite Village and Tequila Distillery from Mazatlan

Private Tour to El Quelite Village and Tequila Distillery from Mazatlan

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16
From
$383.08
per group
Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour

Mazatlan Sightseeing and Shopping Tour

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54
From
$40.00
Private Mazatlan City Tour

Private Mazatlan City Tour

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2
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$358.98
per group
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All about Sinaloa

When to visit

The temperatures in Sinaloa stay warm along the coastline and grow colder as you climb into the mountains. November is an ideal month to visit—you’ll skip the rainy summer season and avoid the height of the tourist season as the province starts to prepare for more visitors with markets, festivals, and concerts. In November, temperatures stay warm with highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C.)

Getting around

Buses run between Sinaloa's major towns and cities, but if you plan to explore smaller villages or attractions, you should either rent a car or join a guided tour. Sinaloa is also home to two stops on the gorgeous Copper Canyon railway, which is an attraction all of its own. Ride the Chepe Express train from the city of Los Mochis to El Fuerte for dramatic views and comfortable amenities, including an excellent restaurant car.

Traveler tips

Thanks to its access to the ocean, Sinaloa has fantastic seafood. For something unique, head to Ranch Roll Sushi in Mazatlán for Sinaloan sushi and a menu that makes you want to try everything. Reportedly originated in Culiacán, the style of sushi rolls here dispenses with wasabi in favor of chipotle, blistered chiles toreados, and jalapenos. Most rolls will also include cream cheese to cut the heat from the spices.

Local Currency
Mexican Peso (MX$)
Time Zone
MST (UTC -8)
Country Code
+52
Language(s)
Spanish
Attractions
10
Tours
80
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Sinaloa most known for?

Sinaloa is known for its agricultural industry and historic towns. It's also the birthplace of banda music; influenced by European big-band music and the traditional music of the Yoreme people, banda features wind and percussion instruments.

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What is the biggest city in Sinaloa?

Culiacán is the largest city in the state, located in a valley below the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. Its historic churches and buildings have begun to blend with modern development, and the city has worked to preserve green areas on the peaceful Orabá Island and at Culiacán Botanical Garden.

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Is it safe to go to Sinaloa?

Sinaloa has experienced high amounts of drug- and gang-based violence, and the Sinaloa Cartel is one of the largest in Mexico. Their home base is in Culiacán, but both Los Mochis and Mazatlán have seen decreasing crime rates in recent years. You should always check travel advisories and exercise caution in foreign countries.

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Is Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta better?

Both cities have their benefits and drawbacks. Mazatlán is more under the radar than Puerto Vallarta, so you’ll find fewer tourists and lower costs without the concentrated tourist center. With carefully swept streets and less air pollution, Mazatlán also tends to be a cleaner city.

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Is Mazatlan a walkable city?

Yes, as an older city, Mazatlán was designed for foot traffic. The historic center, located on a peninsula, is compact and easy to walk, but you’ll need to hop on a bus, rent a car, or join a guided tour if you want to explore the outskirts. The waterfront malecón also encourages walking; it’s lined with shops and restaurants, and in the evenings, families walk and enjoy the sunsets together.

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What’s a fun fact about Sinaloa?

Sinaloa is home to one of the oldest sports in the world. Played with a rubber ball, Ulama is the current form of a Mesoamerican ball game dating back to at least 1600 BC. The game is being revived in communities in Sinaloa, and you’ll often catch demonstrations at cultural festivals and events.

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