Finding a tropical beach getaway vacation in Mexico isn't exactly difficult. While tourists flock to the most well-known destinations for a reason, you may be seeking an experience where you can really immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine and history. That's what makes Mazatlan day trips so appealing to travelers.
From feeling the breeze on the iconic Malecón sea wall to drinking in the vibrant colors of Plaza Machado and indulging in street food as flavorful as it is aromatically rich, there are plenty of things to do in Mazatlan with a day to enjoy these vacation ideas.
When you cruise to Mazatlan, you'll likely notice three offshore islands, and you may feel the urge to explore them. Deer Island is a popular site just a short ferry ride away. It's famous for its white-sand beach and calm waters perfect for kayaking, swimming and paddleboarding — all of which are among the best things to do in Mazatlan. The island also has an unobstructed view of the city skyline.
Stone Island is another of the city's islands and ideal for Mazatlan day trips. It's technically a peninsula, not an island, but you'll forget the geographical particulars once you immerse yourself in its otherworldly dark-sand beaches and forest of palm trees. Reachable via ferry or water taxi, the island is known for ATV excursions, banana boat tours, snorkeling and horseback riding. There are also beach huts and restaurants that rent out lounge chairs.