Shopping

Mazatlán shopping runs the gamut from precious stones to seashells -- with plenty of T-shirts in between. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 or 10am to 6 or 8pm. Very few close for lunch, and many stores are open on Sunday afternoon.

La Zona Dorada (the Golden Zone) is the best area for shopping. For a huge selection of handicrafts from all over Mexico, visit the Mazatlán Arts and Crafts Center, Calle Gaviotas and Avenida Rodolfo T. Loaiza. It accepts cash only. Nearby Sea Shell City, Av. Playa Gaviotas 407 (tel. 669/913-1301), is exactly what the name implies -- more shell-covered decorative items than you ever dreamed could exist, from the tacky to the sublime. It's open daily 9am to 8pm. Michael Gallery, Av. Las Garzas 18, off Avenida Camarón Sábalo (tel. 669/916-7816 -5511; www.michaelgallerymexico.com), has an excellent selection of Tlaquepaque crafts and fine silver jewelry. Open from 9am to 6pm, it's near the Dairy Queen and does not accept credit cards. Señor Frog's, located next to El Cid resort at Camaron Sabalo s/n (tel. 669/985-1110; www.senorfrogs.com), is the most popular souvenir store in town, selling a wide variety of Señor Frog's signature shirts, hats, handbags, and beachwear.

For fine jewelry, seek out Rubio Jewellers, in the Costa de Oro Hotel, Av. Camarón Sábalo 710 (tel. 669/914-3167; www.rubiojewellers.com). Shops throughout the Zona Dorada carry a good selection of clothing, fabrics, silver jewelry, leather, art, and crafts. It's open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Sunday from 10am to 1:30pm.

The Centro Mercado in Old Mazatlán is another kind of shopping experience. Here you'll find women selling fresh shrimp under colorful umbrellas; open-air food stalls; and indoor shops stacked with pottery, clothing, and crafts (mostly of lesser quality). Small galleries and shops are beginning to appear in Old Mazatlán; one of the nicest is NidArt Galería, Av. Libertad 45 and Carnaval (tel. 669/981-0002, or 985-5991 for after-hours appointments; www.nidart.com), next to the Angela Peralta Theater. It features changing exhibits of contemporary art. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm or after hours by appointment.