Words by Perry and Cindy Mack
Swaying a little as we left Pancho’s with some friends, we followed the sound of live rock ‘n roll. What an inspiring discovery.
I feel the expression ‘hidden gem’ is used too often and is typically applied to locations that are closer to ‘common rock’ than gem. Avenida Playa Gaviotas is a hidden gem. It lies two blocks off the main ‘Golden Zone’ road of Avenida Camaron Sable. Looking down the street at either end, the view wouldn’t entice you to explore - that’s what makes it ‘hidden’.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Outdoor restaurants are lined by shops throughout Avenida Playa Gaviotas
The numerous jewelry stores definitely hold gems, but the true appeal is the diversity of attractions. Food lovers will love Pancho’s, which is right on the beach. The food is affordable and delicious, the staff speaks English, and they are very accommodating. Our group visited twice, ate eight different meals with no complaints from teenagers to grandparents. Spoiler alert, the final cocktail is on the house, we stayed so long after dinner we got two rounds.
Lucky B’s and Pin Up’s are around the corner on Boca del Mar and that’s where the band was playing. Mazatlan excels when it comes to live music, with plentiful mariachi bands and 70’s to 90’s rock cover bands playing publicly for tips.
It was late as we left Boca del Mar so we vowed to return during the daylight hours. We got off the bus at the north end of Av Playa Gaviotas. Your landmark is the money exchange at the corner of Avenida Playa Gaviotas and Avenida Camaron Sable.
Our view down the street ended in a construction zone with no shops or restaurants of interest. If we hadn’t known what to expect, we would have walked on by. As you turn the corner, the diversity of attractions opens up. Yes, there are jewelry stores and farmacias (pharmacies), and fair warning they are at cruise ship tourist prices (the highest), but we did find some unique pieces found nowhere else in Mazatlan, and at affordable prices.
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Perry and Cindy Mack
Take your pick - the array of large, small and unique shells at the Sea Shell City Museum.
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Perry and Cindy Mack
Take your pick - the array of large, small and unique shells at the Sea Shell City Museum.
Our favourite jewelry store is also an art gallery called Maya. The store lived up to the promise of the exterior design as it was filled with attractive precious metals and stones along with an inspired collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, from one-a-kind expensive treasures to the more affordable conversation starters that will remind you of your Mazatlan experience.
Pancho’s Shopping Center on the east side of the street is not a shopping center. It is a collection of a dozen small entrepreneurial shops with trinkets, souvenirs, clothing, sandals, and food. Narrow dark alleyways connect the shops to make it feel like a small-town market. On the west side, leading to Pancho’s is a bright open, airy pedestrian-only cobblestone walkway with more upscale shops. You can choose either or both to find your next great keepsake.
We spent everyday walking the beach searching for shells and found a collection of small Pacific mementos that we were satisfied to take home because, well, we found them. Then we entered the Seashell City Museum. Thousands of gorgeous shells from small to overwhelming lined the shelves at a fraction of the price we’ve seen around the world.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Of course, the real hidden gems can be found in the many shops including at Casa Maya Art and Jewelry.
If a single shell isn’t enough, artwork created from the shells or a shellacked puffer fish may pique your interest. Creative lights, dream catchers, and wind chimes hang everywhere – professionally and artistically done. Not the amateur craft fair kind. Perhaps you know someone who makes sea shell craft pieces. For us, it was our grandmother who spent her retirement winters in Florida. Our Oma glued shells included everything from Styrofoam balls and cardboard shapes, tables, chairs to virtually anything that wasn’t in motion. We call the objects ‘omified’.
Upstairs is the museum. When we arrived it did have a neglected feel but the price was right – free. Plus, many pieces were interesting if not down right unique. The US navy diving suit from the 20’s gave me a new appreciation of the bravery of men who donned these archaic (although at the time state of the art) suits. There were also rib bones from whales, jaws from sharks or other marine predators, several fish tanks and for the kids – life-size marine animals like hammerhead sharks, orcas, dolphins, even sail and swordfish.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Pancho's outdoor shopping center.
Onilikan is Mazatlan’s (perhaps Mexico’s) only mango distillery. It is an artisanal producer of liqueurs, spirits and food. Naturally, I was attracted to the spirits. The bar was set-up for sampling and I was too polite a guest to refuse such a generous offer. Taste is a matter personal palate, but I enjoyed each and every one. The mango gin and liqueurs are completely unique, and the coffee liqueur was exceptional. If I had to choose a favourite it would be the Mature Agave Agurdiente, which is a blue agave spirit aged in French oak barrels, which gave it a flavour reminiscent of a very smooth bourbon.
All this plus a rock shop, book store and more, in an experiential harmonious consonance with the restaurants, bar and grills, and live music on select nights. Come thirsty, come hungry for the food, souvenirs, sights, sounds and smells of this compact little street hidden away just off the beach.