Mahmudabad is a coastal city near the Caspian Sea. The city was founded during the reign of Nasser al-Din Shah (1848 - 1896) and was most developed during the reign of Reza Shah (1925 - 1951). Mahmudabad used to be the port of Amol. Mahmudabad city has two towns called Mahmudabad and Sorkhrud. It has two important educational and recreational centers in its east and west: Bishe-Kola Airport which is affiliated to the Iranian Air Force, and Oil Recreational Complex which is affiliated to the Ministry of Oil 

Mahmudabad is located in the north of Iran. Mahmoudabad-Amol road also connects it with Haraz Road in the Alborz Mountain. The most important neighboring cities are Noor in the west, Amol in the south, and Fereydunkenar and Babolsar in the east.

• This city has a score of athletes who achieved world fame for instance Hossein Tavakoli, who won the gold medal in the Men's 105 kg weight class at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Mahmudabad market is very popular among the surrounding small towns and villages.

In addition to small and big stores and supermarkets throughout this coastal city, there are two large markets in the city: Al-Ghadir - on Moallem Street - a traditional market with many types of businesses and mostly local vendors, and Qaem - on Imam Street - with modern designing.The Friday Market on Azadi Street should not be neglected because - although held in one day a week only - it attracts a lot of customers and shoppers from all over the province.

Among the oldest neighborhoods of Mahmudabad are Toska-Mahalle, Surakh- Mazu, Ahu-Mahalla, and Taliksar. Old Mahmudabad was based on small industries, while today tourism, farming, and fishing form the basis of the city's economy. Many tourist complexes have been built around the city. Mahmudabad city has four parks named Mellat, Markazi, Laleh and Tahabaz. There are also many hotels and accommodation facilities for tourists in and around Mahmudabad. (by: Jamal Zakeri)