Mazatlan Day Trips: 5 Must-Do Excursions

Mazatlan, which is like a real gem of the Mexican Riviera, often calls to people with its sandy beaches and its sunny vibe. But the thing is, there’s so much more to see just a little outside of this exciting city. We’re talking amazing adventures that can totally transform your vacation from ‘nice’ to ‘totally unforgettable’. So, pack a bag, slather on the sunblock, and come with us as we go over some fantastic day trips you can take from Mazatlan, alright?

1. Stone Island: A Beach Lover’s Dream

If you want to have some fun in the sun, then Stone Island, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Mazatlan, is very much calling your name, or so it seems! Okay, so don’t let the name fool you because it’s more like a peninsula than an island. Anyway, you can get there on a little water taxi from the Mazatlan harbor. When you set foot on the beach, get ready for rows and rows of palm trees, seriously yummy seafood shacks, and basically all the beachy bliss you could ask for.

We tried this banana boat ride during my visit to Stone Island, so I am telling you first hand, and nearly lost my sunglasses like your’s truly does in situations such as this. If crazy water rides don’t appeal, too it’s almost like you could just chill on a beach chair with a margarita, like many folks do, and call it a superb day. Pro tip: Haggle a bit with the vendors – they’re usually up for some friendly back-and-forth. Just saying.

2. El Quelite: A Culinary Adventure

Okay, foodies pay very close attention here, okay? El Quelite is one of those small towns, which is located a short jaunt from Mazatlan, which can really knock your socks off, that is if you’re even wearing socks on your trip! Anyway, this place? It is like a legendary location, and it’s known for having authentic Sinaloan cuisine that’ll seriously make your taste buds sing. Like for instance, you are going to discover restaurants here basically growing all of their produce in their own gardens, and you will know that, the moment you actually experience that first bite.

Don’t even leave, is that clear?, until you’ve sampled the local specialty, that is if it’s possible of course, being the “cocina de patio” (backyard kitchen) style of cooking. In El Quelite, it’s almost like, they use recipes that have been passed down for a very long time, like from one generation to another generation, and trust me, okay?, you can definitely tell the variance! It has that sort of “grandma’s cooking” type of vibe, that, you know?, feels warm and cozy and so, so delicious.

3. Copala: A Step Back in Time

Have you ever thought about traveling back in time? If that’s something you’re interested in, or think that’s right up your alley, then Copala, which is one of these very quaint village towns located in the hills outside Mazatlan, has your name on it. It was, at one time, like an important mining town that saw its peak of activity back in the days when silver was more valuable than bitcoin (kidding! A little bit anyway), and that, to be fair, that type of bygone brilliance is pretty noticeable as you stroll through those cobblestone streets. Cobblestone streets!, how unique!

Make the time for a visit to the church, and maybe grab a bite at one of the cafes. I would highly recommend you to check out the local bread, it’s really, really yummy. This town tends to get visitors so, to actually get the full feel for it, it might be a superb idea to go during the slower part of the week, that is unless you really love groups of tourist folks.

4. Concordia: Furniture and Culture

Concordia, very different from the rest of the towns listed above, gives folks the chance to see how locally crafted furniture items are like. This place is one of those well-known spots because they feature furniture making, so it can be fun to watch artisans work the wood, more or less turning normal pieces into excellent stuff, right before you view it with your own eyes. If your house needs something to be spiced up and has a boring sort of style to it, is that what your experiencing?, and that, buying directly from the local craftsmen might make it, is that even a choice, just the one!, or make your purchases so, too it’s almost possible to call it perfect? (and it’s totally supporting their livelihood too!).

Plus, while you are visiting you might discover the Parroquia de San Sebastián, which is just one of the many seriously marvelous pieces of architecture in the center area of Concordia. Basically, make sure you just stroll around, take in all of what is there and be on the look-out for the other great spots that are located everywhere in that lovely town.

5. Teacapan: For Nature Lovers

Hey all you outdoor adventurers! We are talking folks who actually care about Mother Nature, if you’re looking to spend some down time doing something that may involve checking things out then Teacapan, found not far from Mazatlan, can really be worth a look. You may find it is like this location is totally blessed because the beauty of the lagoon and the wildlife that flourishes in the environment may, almost literally, have you mesmerized. A number of people go there mainly to get into some great bird watching activities, as well as going for awesome kayak adventures across their waterways.

Anyway if you are in for experiencing this trip make sure to check out all of the opportunities involving fishing for shrimps because, seriously?, it actually rocks!, which of course if done so through a tour where you might witness how it goes on the area by basically meeting up with certain guides in the zone! You need to think in advance and take precautions just in case of high temps so you might appreciate this place!