Zona Dorada Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Zona Dorada showing mountains, general coastal views and a beach
Mazatlan
Zona Dorada showing a sunset
Zona Dorada featuring waves, a beach and general coastal views
Zona Dorada featuring a sunset

Island hopping, wildlife spotting, beaches and nightclubs are among the biggest draws to Mazatlán's lively and eclectic district of fun and entertainment.

Zona Dorada, the Golden Zone, is where Mazatlán’s residents and visitors come to party, play and relax. This attractive coastal strip encompasses beaches, golf courses, hotels, bars and nightclubs. Make your time here as laid-back or as active and adventurous as you wish.

Take your pick of the local beaches, such as Playa Camaron, Playa Gaviotas and Playa Cerritos. Swim, sunbathe and try out some watersports, including kayaking and windsurfing. Thrill to a seagull's view of the zone by trying parasailing. If you are a golfer, tackle the greens and fairways of the championship 27-hole course.

Rent a pilot and a panga boat and make the short journey to some of the islands off Mazatlán’s coast. Visit Deer Island, Bird Island and Wolf Island within one day to enjoy their beaches and wildlife spotting. Among the animals you may see on the fringes of Bird Island are seals, swallows and pelicans. You’ll also find good snorkeling in the waters around the islands, with clear water and lots of tropical fish. If you’re a novice, take snorkeling lessons from local operators. For some exercise, kayak to the islands from the mainland.

For your evening's entertainment back in Zona Dorada, head to the Fiesta Land complex at its southern end. This is the area’s party headquarters, but it also satisfies those who like a more relaxed night out. Within the walls of this castle-like building are bars, restaurants and some of the most popular nightclubs in the city. The music here caters to a variety of tastes, including rock, pop and disco. Some of the venues feature live performers.

Zona Dorada is located about 5 miles (8 kilometres) north of downtown Mazatlán. While many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other, a fun way to get around is in pulmonias, open-air taxis that look like large golf carts.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Zona Dorada Hotel Deals

DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan

DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan

4 out of 5
Av. Camaron Sabalo 905, Zona Costera, Mazatlán, SIN
The price is AU$135 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$135
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,453 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Mazatlan
Hotel Playa Mazatlan

Hotel Playa Mazatlan

3 out of 5
Av. Playa Gaviotas 202, Mazatlán, SIN
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location near the Malecón and on the beach. Fantastic staff, very clean, great pool area with many options. We did all inclusive which was nice, however only one main restaurant is open each night, as well as the buffet. No option to choose to eat at whichever restaurant you want, and you must ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Hotel Playa Mazatlan
Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan - All Inclusive

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Camaron Sabalo 2121, Fracc. Sabalo Country, Mazatlán, SIN
The price is AU$405 per night from 2 Oct to 3 Oct
AU$405
2 Oct - 3 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"Loved the beach access. Paloma restaurant was amazing! Staff are amazing! Our room was perfect with an excellent balcony and view of the ocean!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan - All Inclusive
Costa De Oro Beach Hotel

Costa De Oro Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Av. Camaron Sabalo No. 710, Zona Dorada, Mazatlán, SIN
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,441 reviews)
"Lovely quiet and peaceful place."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Costa De Oro Beach Hotel
Viaggio Resort Mazatlán

Viaggio Resort Mazatlán

2.5 out of 5
Avenida Camaron Sabalo, Zona Dorada, Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Book a stay at this beach resort in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,884 reviews)
"Excellent staff. Great rooms"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Viaggio Resort Mazatlán
Courtyard By Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort

Courtyard By Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Av. Playa Gaviotas 214, Mazatlán, Sinaloa
The price is AU$162 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$162
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Mazatlán. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,126 reviews)
"Keep the good work"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Courtyard By Marriott Mazatlan Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Zona Dorada

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Las Gaviotas

While there might not be top attractions in Las Gaviotas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like El Cid Country Club Golf Course and Sea Shell City Museum.

Las Gaviotas
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Lomas de Mazatlán

While visiting Lomas de Mazatlán, you might make a stop by sights like MonteCarlo Casino and Caverna del Diablo.

Lomas de Mazatlán
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El Cid

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of El Cid. You might consider stopping by El Cid Country Club Golf Course while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Cid
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Marina el Cid

While there might not be top attractions in Marina el Cid, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cerritos Beach and Playa Brujas.

Marina el Cid
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Francisco Villa

When in Francisco Villa, you can plan a visit to El Cid Country Club Golf Course and Teodoro Mariscal Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Francisco Villa
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Marina Mazatlan

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Marina Mazatlan. You might want to make time for a stop at Cerritos Beach or Witches Beach.

Marina Mazatlan


Zona Dorada Travel Guide

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