MattMazatlan – the shrimp capital of Mexico and renowned party place of spring break fame. Back in the late eighties I spent some time here on group vacations with the same friends that lead us down the path of sin in Thailand. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves spending the winter in this lovely city. The climate is perfect for a winter getaway with a high of 28 C (80 F) in the day and a low of 16 C (61F) at night.
Mazatlan is very different from what I remember 20+ years ago when we last visited
Senor Frogs was a mainstay of Mazatlan back then. Â The fresh seafood was to die for, and carnivores were not left wanting. This restaurant is where the fish bowl sized margaritas outdid me on more than one occasion. I remember dancing on the tables, and writing on the walls. They also served limes in the margaritas that damn near killed me.
The restaurant is gone now, but the brand appeal is still flourishing. There are 3 to 4 official senor frogs souvenir stores littered throughout the tourist area and not one ounce of tequila or lime is served at them. Probably a good thing – my liver might not be able to handle that abuse!
My memories of Mazatlan back then include the black smoke belching forth from the blue school busses that whizzed up and down the main road (Camaron Sabalo.) I recall taking my life in my hands and leaping aboard as the bus hurtled to a stop near my outstretched hand. The groaning from the chassis always left me wondering if the bus would die while I was on my journey. Always a fun adventure.
The familiar bus titles such as ‘Cerritos’ and ‘Centro-Juarez’ beckon me and remind me of the good old days. The vile stench is gone, and the main route: Sabalo-Centro is a wonderful air conditioned bus. I never wonder if it is going is going to fall apart under my seat.
Mazatlan back then was sleeping until 10 (ish), getting up for huevos rancheros at the El Cid Clubhouse, then planning the day. The plan was usually finding the best 3 for 1 beers/margaritas/caesars so that the funds could be stretched into the evening. An afternoon siesta (after the beers) was mandatory, after which we would wander the Malecon or the Golden Zone in search of a restaurant that looked fun and jumping, often ending up at Senor Frogs. The usual out of control evening ensued. At some point we would pour ourselves into bed after bargaining an increased price for the pulmonia (souped up golf carts for hire), instead of agreeing on the first price the driver set!
Our evenings are a little more subdued now as we are here for more than just one week of liver abuse. We still look for the 2 X 1 deals when we are out and about but usually stop after only 2. The cervezas still flow regularly at home, but now they are lite and often purchased from the supermarket! In fact, it is a common statement heard from the kitchen: My GOD! We are out of beer again.
Back in the day, I remember going to a great little taco stand way up north on the beach, at the estuary of a swamp in the middle of nowhere. This was the place where I perfected ‘dos cervezas, mucho frio’ because if you did not know how to order in Spanish then a grunt and glazed eyes ensued.
The swamp is now Marina Mazatlan where million dollar yachts are parked awaiting the next adventure for some glamorous yachty’s! My taco stand has been replaced by a monstrous rock breakwater to protect the inlet. Sigh.
Overall Mazatlan seems to have matured and includes more upscale places to eat and drink. The beach is as lovely as I remember it, and the crowds of visitors and the expats we have met seem to be keen to share their wonderful city with us. Gone are the crowds of crazed spring break 20 somethings, and there are a lot more people that look like me walking around (50 is the new 20).Â
Maybe if we were at Joe’s Oyster Bar every night until 2 am we would have a different view of this place.Â
What if it’s just me that grew up? Couldn’t possibly be. Lime margarita anyone?
Sometimes it’s an adventure to go back to a place you have been before. You expect it to be like you remember, but it is often different. Have you experienced this? Let us know in the comments below.
Practical Tips for a winter break in Mazatlan
- Mazatlan is a great vacation spot for those folks in Western Canada or the US. You can usually find a reasonable flights and Westjet flies direct from Calgary.
- You can choose to stay at a hostel right up to an all inclusive resort right on the beach.
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- The first time I came to Mazatlan I stayed at a house on the golf course.
- Another time I stayed at .
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- The seafood continues to be amazing and the town is really known for it’s shrimp.
- I have enjoyed shrimp at Chili’s Pepper
- We have heard great things about Water’s EdgeÂ
- I really enjoyed the fish at F.I.S.H.
- Maz info has lots of great info on what to do once you are here
- The solo snowbird blog has lots of great advice for living in Mexico and the author lives right here in Mazatlan.
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