European immigrants brought their traditions, in particular a kind of music that became the trademark of Sinaloa (the Mexican state where Mazatlan is located). You might find yourself dancing to Banda, a form of music that injects Latin energy into German oompah music. Mazatlecos are justifiably proud of the gentrification and restoration of the 19th century mansions in the once-crumbling downtown area. Imagine an architectural combination of the pastel palette of Miami Beach and the wrought iron balconies and languid patios of New Orleans. The Mazatlecos call it Tropical Neoclassical.

Mazatlan meaning "land of the deer" is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Set in a beautiful cove of the Pacific, Mazatlan lies at about the same latitude as Hawaii. The temperature fluctuates from mid-60's to mid-90's depending on the time of the year. Situated just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan enjoys temperate semi-tropical weather year-round. The average temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). With an average of 300 sunny days per year, it's always beach weather here.

Mazatlan's sport fishing fleet is huge and experienced; you'll find it near the Pacifica Brewery, which emits hops-flavored steam from its large facility. From this area, catch an inexpensive water taxi to cross the channel to Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island), for 18 holes of golf at Club de Golf Estrella del Mar. This seemingly endless stretch of sand, with informal eateries right on the sand selling hot food and cold drinks, invites jogging and horseback riding as well as long walks on the beach.

Mazatlan offers 10 miles of inviting sandy beaches. It's no wonder it plays host to more than one million visitors per year.These visitors will find plenty to keep them busy in Mazatlan, whether it be world class fishing to two championship golf courses and an aging 9 hole course that is located pretty close to town but almost impossible to find, or near perfect surfing, hunting, sunbathing or shopping, Mazatlan offers an excellent destination for all types of vacationers.

Many downtown building were extensively restored and rejuvenated in 2005 and 2006. It's more pleasant than ever to cruise its wide streets in search of open-air cafes and a small but growing number shops selling gifts and handcrafts. Besides a charming downtown area, Mazatlan competes well with other vacation meccas because of its prices. Airfare to Mazatlan may be more expensive than to busier destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, but once you reach this pretty Pacific city of about 700,000 residents, you'll spend less than in mass-tourism resorts where an $8 fish plate is a thing of the past.

Nightlife in Mazatlan should live up to your expectations. In Mazatlan it is only acceptable to party like a rock star! The nightlife in Mazatlan starts late, many of the nightclubs and discos do not even open until 9 or 10 PM, and winds down early in the morning. Most of the discos in Mazatlan close around 3 or 4 AM. Mazatlan is home to one of the world's greatest parties, Carnival. Mazatlan during Carnival is an unforgettable experience. Carnival, usually the last week in February or the first part of March, is a 100-year-old Mazatlan tradition. The expertise that goes into the planning of this event is evident everywhere during Carnival. This is truly one of the great celebrations in the world. If you wish to visit Mazatlan during Carnival you should make your reservations well in advance, as this giant party is no secret among the Mexicans and savvy travelers.

The 10-km-long (6 mi) boardwalk stretches all the way from downtown to the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), home to highrise hotels and boisterous, tourist-oriented bars and restaurants. Many of Mazatlan's aquatic activities take place or depart from the Zona Dorada beaches. Playa Gaviotas (Seagull Beach) offers bumpy banana boat rides, parasailing, JetSkis, and other toys. Offshore, Isla de los Venados (Deer Island) has several nice beaches of its own, and restaurants right on the sand rent snorkeling equipment and dispense cold limeade and grilled fish. Access the small island, about 15 minutes offshore, on a package tour or come aboard El Tiburon, an aquatic war relic that departs from the El Cid hotel. Spend a day on Stone Island, for sure. Lots of great places to eat, drink and spend the day in the sun. Alot of beach activities as well, horseback and ATV riding, banana boats, etc. I haven't done the new zipline tour at the tequila factory yet, but it is getting good reviews. Sailing on the Patricia Belle is a great way to spend a few hours. Lots of good clubs in Mazatlan, hop away until you find what you want! Probably the most popular is the Valentinos complex and Joes Oyster bar. One off the beaten path you need to hit is Mambo Cafe at La Gran Plaza. Thursday is always busy there. Speaking of hopping, pool hopping is fun. Hotels don't charge you to use the pools here when you come off the beach like some places (Cabo).