About La Paz
La Paz is the capital city of the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It's located on the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula, overlooking the Sea of Cortez, and it offers some incredible natural experiences.
Unlike the busy tourist resorts of Los Cabos, La Paz offers a more genuine Mexican experience. It's a great place to see how people live in Baja California.
There are plenty of things to do in La Paz, both in the city and the surrounding area. If you had to pick just one place to visit in Baja California Sur, we'd recommend La Paz. It has fantastic food, a lovely atmosphere, beautiful beaches, desert mountains, and rich oceans – it's got it all!
Our Experience in La Paz
We absolutely loved our time in La Paz! Normally, we prefer smaller towns and natural settings, but La Paz surprised us. It's one of the best-placed cities in the world. We've never been to a city that's so close to untouched nature. There's even one of the world's best beaches just a short drive away.
La Paz is a small city that still feels local, and that's something we enjoyed. It gave us a glimpse into typical Mexican life, different from the touristy Los Cabos.
In La Paz, you'll see local families spending time together, teenagers skating or having rap battles on the Malecon, and people walking their dogs. The city focuses on its residents first and then its tourists, and we think that's how it should be!
Most of the best things to do in La Paz involve nature and wildlife, so it's crucial to choose a tour company that respects the environment and follows the rules. Whether you're swimming with whale sharks, paddleboarding in Balandra Bay, or diving with sea lions, make sure the company you choose prioritizes the environment over profits. Check their environmental policies, waste reduction efforts, and wildlife interaction restrictions to make an informed choice.
La Paz has its own international airport, LAP – La Paz International Airport, primarily serving domestic routes within Mexico. If you're coming from the eastern part of the country, you'll likely need to connect through Mexico City. American Airlines offers direct flights from some cities in the southern USA.
The airport is about a 20-minutes drive from the city center, and taking a taxi or Uber is the easiest and cheapest way. There's a taxi booth at the airport with fixed prices for different hotels, avoiding any haggling.
If you're driving around Baja California Sur, La Paz is easily accessible from various popular destinations via the highways, such as Loreto to the north (about 4 hours), Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (about 2.5 hours), and Todos Santos (about 1.5 hours).
5 Amazing Things to Do in La Paz
La Paz offers a perfect blend of city and nature. It has a lively center with plenty of local Mexican life, but you're just a short drive, bike ride, or boat trip away from some of Baja's most stunning natural attractions. Let's explore the best things to do in La Paz
Stroll, bike, skate, or rollerblade along the Malecon
La Paz boasts a scenic Malecon, a seaside boardwalk stretching over 5 kilometers from Marina de La Paz in the south to Playa El Coromuel in the north. It's a lively hub of local and tourist activity, especially in the evening just before sunset when it comes alive with people enjoying the outdoors
You can see runners, dog walkers, skateboarders, kids enjoying ice cream, and families playing on the beach.
Exploring the Malecon is a must, and you can rent bikes, rollerblades, or electric scooters to do so. We rented bikes from City Bike for 150 pesos each for the day and had a fantastic time cycling under the palm trees with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez.
Visit the world-famous Balandra Beach
Balandra Beach, often ranked as Mexico's best beach, is a most-visted. It's located about 30 minutes north of the city and offers a unique natural beauty.
The bay has shallow water, sandbanks at low tide, and is surrounded by cactus-covered mountains. It's a pristine, undeveloped area with opportunities for sunbathing, hiking, kayaking through mangroves, and relaxing in shallow waters.
Day tour to Espiritu Santo Island
Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a most-see in La Paz. This uninhabited island in the Sea of Cortez is home to unique flora and fauna and stunning desert landscapes.
Swim with whale sharks
One of the most popular activities in La Paz is swimming with whale sharks. From October to May, these gentle giants visit the Bay of La Paz to feed. These huge creatures are the largest fish in the sea and pose no threat to humans.
Swimming with them is a tightly regulated experience to ensure the safety of the animals. Do your research to choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes the welfare of whale sharks.
Go sandboarding at El Mogote Dunes
Sandboarding in the dunes of El Mogote is a fun activity to try in La Paz.
El Mogote is a peninsula with sand dunes that shelter the Bay of La Paz. Tours typically include transportation, equipment, and training to enjoy sandboarding. Sunset tours offer stunning views from the dunes.
Snorkel with sea lions
La Paz offers an interactive underwater experience where you can swim with California Sea Lions.
These playful creatures are a highlight of marine life in the Sea of Cortez. You can encounter them at San Rafaelito or Los Islotes, depending on your choice of tour.
San Rafaelito is a smaller island with fewer sea lions, while Los Islotes is home to over 600 of them. Tours often combine sea lion encounters with other activities like swimming with whale sharks or scuba diving.
Invest in La Paz real estate for affordable properties, a thriving tourism industry, and a growing economy.
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