Playa Olas Altos - Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 23° 11.920 W 106° 25.669
13Q E 353879 N 2566230
Jack Kerouac used to hang out at this beach.
Waymark Code: WMFJPF
Location: Sinaloa, Mexico
Date Posted: 10/27/2012
Views: 2
Playa Olas Altos is a small crescent shaped beach in Mazatlan's old historic center. The La Siesta Hotel, which sits right across the street from this beach has a plaque on its entrance recognizing the time American beat author Jack Kerouac spent in the area. (Photo of the plaque included with submission of this Waymark.)
This protected website (
visit link) has additional information and photos of the beach.
Although there are no lifeguard stands, the poster of this Waymark did see a lifeguard come out of nowhere one day to warn swimmers of a rip tide. Red flags occasionally and mysteriously appear as well. A lifeguard would be advised however. The poster of this Waymark did experience the riptide...and the waves here are erratic. A long set of small lolling waves are followed by huge waves...some breaking in the far distance and some breaking near the shore line...and then back to a calm pleasant surf.
This website (
visit link) adds:
"Its name means "high waves beach," but the only waves suitable for bodysurfing, boogie boarding, or, occasionally, surfing small waves are near the Cuale River, at the north end of this small beach. Although Olas Altas more often refers to the neighborhood of bars and businesses near the ocean south of the Río Cuale, it is also the name of a few blocks of sand between Daiquiri Dick's restaurant and the Río Cuale. It attracts fewer sunbathers than Los Muertos but is otherwise an extension of that beach and gets lively during holidays with sunbathers and impromptu snack stands and shaded tables on the sand. Facing Olas Altas Beach near Lázaro Cárdenas plaza are open-air stands selling beach accessories, small grocery stores, and beach-facing bar-restaurants. Facilities: Food concessions, parking (at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas)."
Visit Instructions:Give the date and description of your visit, adding any additional information that you may have about the beach. Additional photos of the beach are highly encouraged. We want to hear about your experience!