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Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
The Faro Mazatlán is a lighthouse located on top of Crestón Island in Mazatlán. It is one of the most iconic sites in the city and is very visited.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
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.
Numerous art exhibitions, both temporary and permanent.
Ángela Peralta Theater
Built in the 1800s, a beautifully restored building (1987 to 1992) which regularly offers many types of drama and music.
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.
in the southern part of the city
Not a phenomenal beach but a nice break from the bustle of Mazatlán proper. To get to the island there are two docks from which you can catch a ferry: Embarcadero Isla de Piedra and Embarcadero Playa Sur.