Can anyone provide information on Mazatlan? We have been to other areas of Mexico and are wondering how it compares (beaches, water, environment…)

I LOVE Mazatlan! It’s smaller when compared to PVR, resorts in the main hotel area are 3.5-4 star rating, but it’s the absolute friendliest place! There are a LOT of Canadians that go here, so not the large American presence you would find in Cancun or PVR. Of course you need to be careful anywhere in Mexico when waking alone at night, sticking to the main lit areas is always best. The beaches are crowded, busy and small but you can walk the entire beach area from north to south no problem. There is an absolutely stunning beach that is quiet and only a cab and quick boat ride away and I typically spend all day there. It’s called Isla De Las Peidras and it’s an absolute must see. Here is the link!!!
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g150792...
TRIPADVISOR.CA
Stone Island (Isla de las Piedras) (Mazatlan) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Updated 2021 (Mazatlan, Mexico) - tripadvisor

I disliked everything about Mazatlan. Beach’s have bad riptides, food was mediocre, and I didn’t find it all that friendly. Our party of 3 all got sick too which is a first for me. Been to Mexico many times. There are nicer places than Mazatlan in Mexico

Love it in Mazatlan!!

Been twice. Long time ago but loved it both times. Friends of mine went early 2020 loved it.

It was ok. Had better vacations. Got drugged at a local bar - be very careful. But if you go, do go to Stone Island. That was a neat excursion day.

I loved Mazatlan and the history. I just didn’t like the ocean. Too cold for me.

Been to Mazatlan twice when I was younger.. now that I’ve gone to east side (Cancun south!), I will not go back! Little more expensive but i found it much more tropical on east side.

Diane Did you visit Tulum? I'm planning to go to Cancun this Fall or Winter and am wondering if I should go to Tulum or just stick to Cancun...

Peggy Polancec - I did! I stay in Playa del Carmen.. it’s my fav place! 12+ times now! Go to Tulum! It’s very cool! Chickēn Itza is a long ride (3 hours ride in Jungle & 3 hours back!) too long for me to sit on a bus! Tulum is perfect! Park in parking lot & short walk to Ruins, great restaurant with HUGE Margaritas & beautiful, fun beach! (A little wavy compared to rest of calm ocean!) but it’s soooo fun! You’ll enjoy it!

Loved it…smaller city and very authentic!

A few decades ago you used to have to bribe the front desk for a better room — hopefully that has changed now. Mazatlan was a cool place for all that.

Thank you everyone

Try Ixtapa instead. Perfect Mexican vacation destination.

Sharon I’ve heard it’s great there. Calm water and white sand like the Mayan side?

Agnes LeFrancois
Dirty….

I love Mazatlan and go every winter. Depends what you are looking for in a vacation. Mazatlan is a great longer stay place if you like historic areas, long walks on the malecon, are a foodie, enjoy free music and prefer cooler evenings/nights. It is less touristy and less expensive than Cancun, PV or Ixtapa. If you like a more 5 star, hang by the pool/beach or all inclusive vacation, Mazatlan won’t thrill you.