Mazatlan is situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, almost directly across from the tip of the Baja peninsula. Set at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains on a peninsula that extends into the Pacific Ocean, Mazatlan is one of the Mexican Rivera’s premier resort areas. Its remarkable scenic beauty is complemented by a delightful festive atmosphere and a wealth of exciting activities. Mazatlan on the other hand is a city that discovered it had a beach out front and became a resort almost as an afterthought. The City is concentrated in two areas: In the north, there is the Zone Dorada (Golden Zone) where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located. In the south there is El Centro (downtown) where the heart of the city is. These two centres are linked by Avenue Del Mar, also known as the Malecón, which is a scenic beach-front avenue that bridges the gap between the two areas.