News And Articles

The 53 Places to Go in 2008

53 Places Foto

From left: Kahyam Traditional Restaurant, Tehran; Detroit Institute of Arts; Sossusvlei Sand Dunes, Namibia

Compiled by DENNY LEE / New York Times / Published: December 9, 2007

24. MAZATLÁN

A faded spring-break haven on Mexico's Pacific coast, Mazatlán has been drawing American retirees and second-home buyers to its less-crowded beaches and cheap real estate. Few tourists show up, partly because there are few hotels. That's changing. A half-dozen resorts are now in the works, including Diamond Beach, a $1.2 billion development with high-rise hotels, a golf course and condominiums.

Frommers:  Mazatlán is comfortable, casual, value-packed Mexico at its best. More than any other beach resort in the country, it probably best represents the golden beaches, fresh seafood, and inexpensive accommodations that typified Mexico's appeal to travelers in the first place. Although some developments are edging Mazatlán into the golf-playing, manicured resort that typifies most of Mexico today, it is going there grudgingly -- most of Mazatlán remains refreshingly simple.

Mazatlán's lures continue to be its expansive beaches and renowned sportfishing. The evolving golf scene, luxury yacht harbor, and growing selection of accommodations have yet to catch the attention of enough tourists to drive prices to the levels of other Mexican resorts, and that's good news for travelers looking for economy in a beach resort.