Mazatlan Two Centuries Of Entertaining Tourists
In the 1820s, Juan Nepomuceno from Philippines showed up in the docks. His work created something that has continued to be enjoyed by tourists from miners to movie stars. While he may have been drawn to the area by pearl diving or silver mining, he chose to build a European neo-classical plaza as a town square. Ringed by porticoed walks and shops that were tucked behind wrought iron lattice, the area was shaded by orange trees. It provided the perfect place for locals to take a walk, have a chat and enjoy a concert.
That plaza is said to have drawn many hard-working Germans to the area to help replenish the miners needed in the silver mines. Other Europeans also followed suit.
Just before 1850, other hopeful miners had heard of gold in California. Many would sail down the east coast to Panama cross the narrow land strip and take steamers up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco. Along the way, ships would often stop at Mazatlan to provide R&R from the difficult journey in the plaza.
In the 1920s, prohibition was enacted through a constitutional amendment in the US, but in mexico, alcohol still flowed freely. The city was an enjoyable trip by yachts from southern California. Upon arrival, tourist could enjoy the plaza as well as some of the early resort hotels located just a few blocks for a beach known as OlasAltas. Mazatlan became a popular hangout for the stars of Hollywood and their studio executives as well as oil barons and other moguls. Prohibition made a good excuse for a trip south of the border on a yacht to get a drink.
Today, some of these once grand hotels on the resort strip remain open today. La Siesta, while no longer considered grand, remains pleasant. Everything normally works, including air conditioning and cable television. There are 57 small rooms that offer many ocean views around a colonial courtyard.After many years of disrepair, the Belmar is in the process of restoration. This was once the grandest of the hotels in Mazatlan. First opened in 1920, the room featured opulent guest rooms, elegant ballrooms and lush gardens. It was a favorite of John Barrymore, Mae West and Rudolph Valentino. Later, guest registers might reveal visits by Gregory Peck, Rock Hudson, Tyrone Power or John Wayne.
The Plaza Machado still remains and has undergone a multi-million dollar facelift to become the crown jewel of the Historic District. It offers a tree-lined plaza with iron benches. There are numerous outdoor restaurants and is enjoyed by locals as well as tourists. The area around the plaza offers may blocks of cobbled lanes that are filled with sidewalk cafes, art galleries, jazz clubs, restored mansions and an opera house.
While many of today’s tourists choose the Golden Zone on the city, the Historic District is only about 20 minutes away. There are plenty of Plumonia cabs that allow tourists to enjoy the beautiful climate in an open-air ride between the two areas.Most tourists are unaware that the plaza was the favorite hangout of many classic movie giants as well as those hoping to find their fortune in California Gold. They may be unaware of the Europeans that came to work in the mines. However, they find a great place to enjoy a few days away from home.
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