Mazatlán is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the tip of the Baja peninsula. It has its own airport, as well as a ferry service to La Paz.

Located at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula which extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlán is one of the Mexican Riviera’s premier resort areas. Its remarkable scenic beauty is complemented by a delightfully festive atmosphere and a host of exciting activities.

Since it was a city before it became a beach resort.  Mazatlan is less touristy than some of its neighbors located on what is known as "The Mexican Riviera". Places like Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos (which like Mazatlan are ports of call on the cruise ship circuit), were custom-designed as resort developments.

Mazatlan on the other hand is a city that discovered it had a beach and then became a resort almost as an afterthought.