Featuring a charming historic colonial center and a string of modern resorts that line its golden sand beaches, Mazatlan has long been one of Mexico's prime Pacific coast tourist destinations. Besides the plentiful water-sport and beach-bum activities, Mazatlan also is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, fine art, souvenirs and high-end products.
 
 
Step 1
 
Visit the Mazatlan Arts and Crafts Center. Located in the Zona Dorada, Mazatlan's modern resort district, the center features an immense selection of handmade artisan products from all over Mexico, including textiles, pottery and woodcarvings. Prices are considerably lower here than in some of the surrounding boutiques and tourists shops, especially if you are willing to bargain.
 
Step 2
 
Browse the wares at Gallery Michael. Offering high-quality handicrafts from local ethnic groups, like the pottery and blown glass from Tlaquepaque, Gallery Michael is one of Mazatlan's premier boutique shopping experiences. The shop also features finely-made silver jewelry from Tasco and other silver cities in the interior of Mexico. Gallery Michael is located in the center of the old historic core of Mazatlan.
 
Step 3
Get lost in the Mercado del Centro. Located in the old historic center of town, the Mercado del Centro is where the locals shop, and besides the numerous stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat and spices, a variety of vendors also sell crafts, souvenirs and clothing at rock-bottom prices. Bring cash and be prepared to bargain heavily.
 
Step 4
Escape the heat in La Gran Plaza. Mazatlan's central shopping mall, La Gran Plaza features department stores, a huge supermarket and a wide variety of specialty shops. The mall is three blocks from the beach, between Zona Dorada and Old Mazatlan.
 
Step 5
Buy jewelry in the Zona Dorada. Because diamonds are tax-free in Mexico, Mazatlan and other major tourist centers have a booming fine jewelry industry that caters to foreign customers. In Mazatlan, a variety of fine jewelry shops are clustered around the Zona Dorada that offer custom sizing, engraving and setting.
 
Step 6
Wander the streets of Old Mazatlan. Many of the old colonial mansions that line the streets of the historic core of Mazatlan have been recently renovated and turned into boutique shops that offer everything from handmade furnishings to fine art by local artists.