This Gorgeous Beach City In Mexico Wants More Americans To Visit

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In an era where popular destinations are in fact raising barriers and imposing increasingly strict restrictions on visitors, in a desperate bid to protect themselves from overtourism, there’s one city in Mexico that’s doing the exact opposite.

Unlike Venice, which now charges day-trippers an entry fee on certain dates, or Barcelona, the tourism cesspit of Spain, which continues to increase its visitor tax year after year, Mazatlan, in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, is, in fact, calling on more Americans to visit.

Located on the Pacific Coast, it boasts warmer temps year-round, a beautiful colonial-era Historic Center, affordable prices, and, most importantly, it is surprisingly safe to visit:

The True Gem Of The Mexican Pacific

Straddling the Pacific shores of the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is a laid-back resort city that has historically been overshadowed by Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and the like, yet it’s been quickly catching up in recent years.

Not to beat around the bush too much, when it comes to beach getaways south of the border, it just ticks all the boxes, and then some:

It has sandy beaches running for a whopping 13 miles along an azure sea, the picture-perfect Centro Histórico, cut through with the cobblestone streets and dotted with colorful, colonial-style townhouses, and an entertainment zone (Zona Dorada) packed-full of beach bars and hotels.

If you’re a long-time Travel Off Path reader, you know we’re ride or die for Mazatlán—it’s no wonder part of the team is based there for half the year.

All of this to say, in an era of increasingly-strict, arbitrary travel rules, we’ve noted ‘Maz’ has kept it really straightforward with guests. No hidden fees, bureaucratic arrival forms, nor crazy, arbitrary anti-tourism rules (cheers, Spain).

Not only are Americans still welcome, they are encouraged to go:

Mazatlán Calls On Americans To Visit

As reported recently by Debate, a Mexico-based publication, there’s a massive, U.S.-wide tourism campaign with the sole purpose of promoting Mazatlán.

Now, don’t get us wrong: Mazatlán has sort of always been popular as a port of call for cruisers, but flying there and staying locally is a whole ‘nother ball game. That’s always been digital nomads keen on stretching their tourist dollars further, or retired expats craving some winter sun.

Casual tourists were arguably a minority, though this could soon chnage: the 8-million peso campaign, greenlit by Sinaloa’s Secretary of Tourism, is aimed at attracting more vacationers from key U.S. markets: Phoenix, Dallas, Houston and L.A.

That’s not to say Americans based elsewhere aren’t invited to the party—they sure are—but… you know… it’s faster and cheaper flying to Maz from the West Coast and Texas than it is from somewhere like Chicago or New York.

You Can Fly Nonstop To MAZ This Winter

This ties into our next point:

Usually the make-or-break moment for wannabe reputable resort destinations is the availability of flights from at least 4 or 5 U.S. hubs, and we’re glad to report that Maz makes the cut, with nonstop routes offered from:

• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)—1-2 flights per day
• Houston (IAH)—1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday
• Los Angeles (LAX)—1-2 flights per day
• Phoenix (PHX)—1 flight per day
• Minneapolis (MSP)—1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday

As you can see, with the exception of Minneapolis, these are precisely the targeted markets in the Sinaloa campaign.

Where To Stay: The New Star In Town

If you’re looking for that perfect base to explore the region, there is a new name on everyone’s lips: Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort. Opened just this year, this resort is a total game-changer. It is the first Hyatt Inclusive Collection property in Mazatlán, and frankly, it raises the bar for luxury in Sinaloa significantly. Located within the exclusive Estrella del Mar gated community, it is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone, offering a more secluded, upscale vibe that “Maz” was previously missing.

Here is why we love it:

• Unlimited-Luxury: It’s a true all-inclusive—no wristbands, reservation-free dining at four à la carte restaurants, and unlimited top-shelf spirits.
• Golf & Spa: It sits right on a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course (often rated among Mexico’s best) and features a massive spa with a Turkish bath, very unique for Mexico.
• Family Friendly: With a waterpark and a lazy river on-site, it’s got the kids covered while you sip a margarita by the adult-only pool.

It is the perfect spot if you want that high-end Cabo resort feel without the exorbitant Cabo price tag.

Affordable And Safe??

More than just the convenience of direct flights, however, Americans are looking for good deals when going abroad. Not everyone can afford to spend thousands upon thousands on an all-inclusive week in Cabo in this economy, after all.

Fortunately for them, Mazatlán is still way more affordable than its Mexican rivals.

According to Budget Your Trip estimates, a one-week stay there will set you back by $676 if you’re sojourning in mid-range hotels and eating ‘local’. Meanwhile, a luxurious week, potentially with an all-inclusive on the table, averages a still-acceptable $1,639.

That’s flights and expenses sorted, but what about safety?

This is where it gets a little murky. If we were to go by the official U.S. advice, which places Sinaloa as a whole under Level 4, thus strongly discouraging Americans from visiting, we wouldn’t go anywhere near the city.

There is always, of course, nuance, and even the overly conservative U.S. authorities acknowledge it: Sinaloa may have its long-standing issues with crime, but Mazatlán is in a safety bubble, much like Puerto Vallarta over in equally risky Jalisco.

Very few tourists are confronted with urban violence; the streets in and around the Historic Center are generally well-policed, and the waterfront is perfectly safe for beachgoers.

As long as you don’t let your guard down and venture into gang-dominated suburban zones, you’re good as gold.