Top Instragramable Spots in Mazatlán

Feel at home on the sun-splashed Pacific coast when you stay at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán. A mere 10 minutes apart, both luxurious beachside accomodations bookend the romantic resort town of Mazatlán where we have an insider’s perspective on what makes this sandy bit of coastline so special. The only AAA Four-Diamond resort in Mazatlán, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay is an elegant jewel set on 20 acres overlooking the azure Pacific Ocean. Ranked among Travel + Leisure’s “Top Resort Hotels in Mexico” and “World’s Best 100 Hotels,” this magnificent resort features its own private beach, three swimming pools, koi ponds, lush mature gardens, a world-class spa, and graceful neoclassical architecture recalling Old Mazatlán. The new and improved Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán officially reopened in April 2021 after completing the final phase of a $26.5 million renovation. Ranked among Condé Nast Traveler’s "Top 50 Resorts of Mexico,” the complete transformation pays homage to the resort’s signature old-world charm while elevating all elements of the property with contemporary redesigns and brand-new additions including a restaurant, bar, and meeting space.

With so much to see and do, we’ve decided to share with you what we think are our top Instagramable spots in the city. Read on to learn where to point your camera! 

The Lighthouse Glass Platform

We begin with a clear-as-glass view from the top of El Faro. Many who visit the landmark will have started their day at the nearby Observatorio, an historic building that dates back to 1873. Originally designed to keep out enemy pirates, the fort-turned-museum now welcomes visitors from all over the world. Its panoramic views, accessible by a short funicular ride, offer spectacular photo opportunities, too, but we suggest setting your sights a little higher. See that lighthouse off in the distance? Make a plan to get a closer look! As soon as you’ve made your way back to the Observatorio’s ground level, take a half hour hike with mountain and seaside views to the base of El Faro and spiral its 347 steps to the top. Constructed in the late 1800s, the working lighthouse remains one of the highest in the world. Set 523 feet above sea level atop Cerro del Creston, the lighthouse dates back to 1879 and features a revolving lamp containing a 1000 watt bulb visible from 30 nautical miles away. Because of its unparalleled height, El Faro’s hilltop affords some of the best views of Mazatlán and the Pacific Ocean. And you can see it all by walking beyond the ledge on a glass-bottomed platform! Indeed, the only thing separating you from the sea below is glass! Defy gravity–or at least give the illusion you have– and you’re sure to make your followers look twice.

Casa 46 and Plaza Machado

Fine dining options abound in historic Mazatlán, but few can compare to Casa 46 and its view of life in Plaza Machado. Casa 46 is the new face of refined cuisine in Mazatlán. Inspired by its home in the heart of Mazatlán’s historic downtown, the restaurant’s menu offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican flavors. With Chef Marino Maganda guiding his talented staff, Casa 46 has won global favor, becoming a dining destination for world travelers with discerning palates. Given that Mazatlán is the shrimp capital of the world, the succulent crustaceans feature prominently in the locally sourced menu. But shrimp isn’t the restaurant’s only specialty; any number of fabulous soups, salads, sandwiches, and sizzling grilled steaks are prepared with a Mexican-inspired flair every night, each with an Insta-worthy presentation.

But it’s not only the food we’re highlighting; it’s the view! Casa 46 is located in the heart of Mazatlán’s Historical Center so diners can enjoy a front row seat to the bustling Machado Square, an area brimming with delectable restaurants and artisanal boutiques tucked into cobblestone streets. At once elegant and inviting, it is a cherished meeting place for Mazatlán locals and tourists alike. Want to dive deeper? Take a city tour! Whatever you do, don’t leave without posting your photos to IG!

Mazatlán's Malecón

Next on our list is Mazatlán’s malecón, its seaside promenade lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and installations by internationally renowned artists. Considered to be one of the longest of its kind in the world at 13 miles, the seawall runs the length of the main bay along the Avenida del Mar, around to Olas Altas, ending in Paseo Claussen. The promenade is wide enough to invite walkers, runners, and bikers at all hours of the day. And with lighted palm trees lining the way at night, you can stay out later to watch the sights and sounds sparkle after dark. 

Along the Avenida del Mar portion of the malecón, you can see the Monument to Family, the Pacific Brewery monument, Pulmonia taxi monument, the Fisherman's Monument, and others. On the Paseo Claussen portion of the promenade, there’s a string of monuments including the Continuation of Life and the Monument to Women. In the afternoon, you can watch cliff divers go to work at a spot called El Clavadista. All along the way, make sure to look seaward, too, so you don’t miss the beautiful high cliffs lining the Pacific. If you happen to be in the Golden Zone near the beach in the evening, enjoy a fabulous night view of the malecón with the lights of the Avenida del Mar in one direction and the rotating light from the El Faro lighthouse across the bay. Taken together, it’s one of the best bay views in the world and a prime time spot for your IG story!  

A Monument to Pulmonia

The pulmonia isn’t simply a monument to 1960s ingenuity (that’s when Miguel Ramírez Urquijo invented the jeep-style vehicle), it’s one of the best ways to get around! Considering its length, Mazatlán’s malecón can’t be covered in a day, so hire a set of wheels! Visit the areas we’ve described above in sections rather than walking through the heat, or, do a bit of both by riding through the Golden Zone before walking the rest of the way to Olas Atlas. The typical pulmonia varies greatly in appearance from a golf cart or jeep style vehicle to a closed vehicle with full doors and seatbelts. See one you like? Hail it before someone else does! Legend has it that the pulmonia, which translates to English as pneumonia, got its name from a rival taxi driver who rumored riding in one of the open-air contraptions would make you sick. But don’t worry–it was all a ruse to steal business! If you want a photo at the pulmonia monument, expect to wait in line. Take photos as you ride instead!

Watch the Sun Set Over Mazatlán

Whether your visit lasts two days or 12, you’re here to be married or engaged, to celebrate or retreat, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlán is the place to watch the sunset. And while you can watch mother nature paint the sky during your meal at Casa 46 or Le Cordeliere, nothing beats a beachfront view of this spectacular evening showcase. Enjoy a long walk on the beach, share a glass of wine, or simply recline in the powdery soft sand for a front-row seat. Wherever you are, make sure to capture the moment like we did here, in this video. Every sunset at the beach in Mazatlán is a sunset to remember.

The Infinity Pool at Emerald Bay

Celebrate your love for Mazatlán by taking in the views from the Infinity Pool at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. Not far from the shoreline, the blue infinity pool extends, well, for what feels like forever! Overlooking the beach and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll feel right at home wading in the serene waters while enjoying the sounds of the spectacular ocean surf beyond. Order a drink at the swim-up bar and pose for that selfie; your followers are invited, too!

Take a trip to Mazatlán or Emerald Bay today!