Father Miguel de Bolonio who converted the Talticas Indians to Christianity founded Chapala in 1538. Their chief was Chapalah, from which the name Chapala came,
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.

Chapala is proud of its charming plaza on Madero Street with its graceful and interesting bandstand. The market behind the plaza blends with the municipal presidency building on the corner of Madero and Hidalgo streets, located at the traffic signal. In Chapala there's a different tempo, so just sit back and relax or stroll the streets.

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.

Perhaps the best known landmark on the waterfront is the Beer Garden, the largest restaurant-bar along the lake. It celebrated its' 70th birthday in 1999. On afternoons you can see colorful mariachis, guitar, violin, and trumpet musicians dressed like charros (Mexican cowboys).

Behind the Beer Garden is Helados Bing, one of the chain of ice cream outlets founded by a retired United States Consul General living in Guadalajara, Adolf Horn. It was named after his wife whose maiden name was Bingham. All their many fruit-flavored ice creams are made with natural ingredients, with large delicious chunks of fruit in the ice cream.

On Calle Madero is the Nido, Chapala's oldest and most central hotel. If serves good meals at reasonable prices, including a traditional four-course Mexican midday meal.

There are several sidewalk cafes near the center of town serving as focal points for socializing as well as offering good breakfasts and a variety of tasty snacks.

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. You'll find excellent gifts. The stalls offer everything from leather goods to hand-embroidered dresses and blouses, carved wooden items, toys, jewelry, and a bewildering range of souvenirs. Be sure to bargain if you want the best price.

On Hidalgo Street, just before the post office, is the pleasant new shopping plaza Las Palmas. Strolling along this area one discovers many interesting retail establishments.

A few blocks further west is the Villa Montecarlo, a hotel/restaurant with one of the finest views in the area. Its facilities include beautiful gardens overlooking the lake, natural thermal-spa pools, a charming restaurant, and meeting rooms and facilities for large groups.