Chapala
With nearly 50,000 inhabitants, Chapala is the largest town along the lake, and a quintessential Mexican locale which is fast growing into an attractive, less expensive alternative to the towns that lie west.

The open mall on both sides of the street coming into Chapala from Guadalajara, all the way to the shores of the lake, is paved with tile and has a lovely center island with tropical trees, shrubs and flowers. There are several restaurant and sidewalk cafes near the center of town serving as focal points for socializing and they also offer good breakfasts and afternoon snacks.

The villa where British author D. H. Lawrence wrote his widely read “Plumed Serpent,” is on Zaragoza Street. The Cazadores Restaurant, a converted mansion on the lakefront, was once the home of the Braniff family of aviation fame. Local and Guadalajara sailors dock their sailboats and speedboats at the Chapala Yacht Club east of the pier. Across the street is a public park, horses for hire and the Chapala Handicrafts Market. There are several large Mexican and seafood restaurants along the lake, offering terrific meals and cocktails with a fantastic view.