If you've searched for "Things to do in Mazatlán" you know that it's always the same list: See the lighthouse, visit the aquarium, take a picture in front of the colorful Mazatlán sign, take a walk on the Malecon, and visit centro historico.
There's nothing wrong with these things and I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun doing them, but I'm not here to give you another list that's just like all the rest. So without further ado...
Enjoy the world's best mojitos at Carlos and Lucia's
Everyone vacationing in Mazatlán wants to grab a drink and a bite to eat on the beach. Go ahead an enjoy that once, but then I urge you to head across the street to Carlos and Lucia's. You probably won't return to the over-priced and relatively less-than-flavorful food and drinks that you got at the restaurant next to the beach.
It's a Cuban/Mexican restaurant a short walk from El Cid or a $1.18 Uber from Costa De Oro. Carlos, the owner, will probably be the one serving you. He speaks excellent English, so no need to worry if you lack Spanish skills.
Everything and I mean everything, is made fresh there. If you order a margarita or a mojito, you're not going to find them using any mixes. Carlos is going to squeeze your limes fresh into your drink. If ordering a mojito, he's going to take your fresh mint leaves and laboriously muddle them by hand until the entire restaurant is filled with a mint aroma.
Also try the tacos Lucia, shrimp fajitas, or Cuban sandwich for a meal to remember. I guarantee you'll want to return.
Visit Mercado Municipal José María Pino Suárez
The name is a mouthful, and you can certainly fill your mouth with food at this expansive market.
Don't expect anyone to be able to communicate with you in English here, but do expect tons of fresh produce and excellent prices. This is where the locals shop. Even if you look like a gringo, you're not going to be paying gringo prices like you will in the tourist areas.
This market is located just a few blocks from Centro Historico and the famous church, so if you're in that area, take a stroll over to this wonderful mercado!
Take exactly one ride in a pulmonia
Pulmonias are Mazatlan's golf-cart-like taxis. Uber is going to be much cheaper for you, but you need to experience a pulmonia.
If you look like you're not from Mexico, they're going to quote you 80 pesos to go most places. If you look really out of place, they may even quote you up to 200 pesos. The locals pay 30 pesos, so always negotiate a better price before you get in.
Have the open-air experience of a pulmonia once and only once. You'll save a lot of money by taking Uber during the rest of your visit, which you can put toward more mojitos!
If you want to see more of our adventures as we travel through Mexico, you can find us at 
Until next time, Amigos!