On the shores of Mexico’s southern Baja peninsula is La Paz, an authentic and colorful Mexican city whose name translates as “the Peace.” For travelers interested in Mexican culture, but want to be away from the hustle of touristy Cabo, La Paz is the perfect.
Boasting 340 days of sunshine a year, beaches as beautiful as the Caribbean and a desert climate that keeps the days warm and dry and the nights cool, you are spoiled for choice of what to do in La Paz.
La Paz at a Glance
- Location: Baja California South
- Population: 250,141 (2020)
- Elevation: 89’
- Founded: 3 May 1535
- Named La Paz: 1596
12 Historic Downtown
For an afternoon away from the beach, take a stroll throughout downtown, visiting La Paz’s central plaza and garden, the historic Catedral de Neustra Senora de La Paz, the aquarium, and plenty of shops along the way. Stop and get a copy of the Baja Citizen, La Paz’s English newspaper and Allende Bookstore which has a large supply of English books.
11 Nightlife
After a day of snorkeling, sailing, swimming, or exploring, you’ll want to chill out at one of the many bars and restaurants near the malecón. Some bars offer views as the sun dips into the sea, and some offer life entertainment. I had a blast when the band invited me to go up and jam with them!
10 Pamper Yourself
Located right on the Sea of Cortez, CostaBaja Resort and Spa enjoys the distinction of being the only 5-star resort in La Paz. The resort property encompasses a beach club, marina, spa, Gary Player golf course, palapas-strewn beach, infinity pool and a selection of restaurants. CostaBaja does a fine job of tempting its guests to never leave the premises.
9 Water Sports
If you like being in the water, then you’ll be in heaven in La Paz. The coral banks off Isla Espiritu Santo for great for snorkeling and diving. La Paz is one of the best locations for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding because of the shallow, crystal clear inlets. Hop on a boat to try some game fishing, whale-watching, or to simply relax.
8 Playa El Coromuel
Playa El Coromuel is the closest beach to downtown La Paz. It’s more commercialized than most of the other nearby beaches and the most popular all year round, especially with families because of the facilities available. There’s a pier, waterpark, palapas, restrooms, tables, and snacks. Recently it was certified with the coveted Blue Flag badge.
7 Whale Watching
La Paz is lucky enough to be one of the spots where whales migrate each year. Whales transiting the Sea of Cortez stop to deliver their calves in the shallow lagoons.
Whale watching season is usually from January through April, with Humpback whale season from February to June. Blue Whale season from March to July, and Pilot whale season from October to February.
The best way to see them is to take a boat trip, getting you up much closer than sightings from the shore.
6 The Malécon
The boardwalk hugging the shoreline, called the malécon, is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Mexico. People stroll along the malécon safety any time of day or night, but especially to view the stunning sunsets. The malécon bustles daily with both tourists and residents enjoying the variety of restaurants and small shops, viewing the sculptures along the way or simply enjoy an afternoon of rollerblading along the paved pathway.
5 Chocolate Clams
Clams dipped in chocolate? Hardly! These mollusks are so named for their brown outer shell. They are served open with fresh lime which you are instructed to squeeze onto the live meat and watch the clam move. Then… you eat it — while still moving! Be sure to wash it down with a margarita or a Michelada – a local cerveza of beer, lime juice, tomato juice, and optional sauces served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Some other things to try include octopus and chapulines (grasshoppers) fried and chopped up to eat with guacamole and chips.
4 Hike El Morito
Sail to El Morito, a small deserted island near Isla Espiritu Santo, off the coast of La Paz with a crystal aqua bay framed by craggy cliffs. Our boat’s captain doubled as our guide as we hiked to the top of the cliffs. There isn’t a path, so there is a bit of tricky, hand-over-hand climbing, but the panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez from the top are worth the effort.
3 Whale Sharks
Among popular La Paz Mexico attractions, snorkeling with the whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez (aka “the Aquarium of the World”) is a must-do between November and March.
While these are the largest fish in the ocean the, se gentle filter feeders pose no harm. Swimming next to these majestic gentle giants is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for life.
2 Balandra Beach
Balandra Beach is one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, rivaling those on the Caribbean coast. The idyllic crystal turquoise waters are juxtaposed exquisitely against sun-kissed golden sands and rocky landscape. The calm bay is great for kayaking.
One of the beaches unique features is “El Hongo,” a mushroom-shaped rock formed by the sea and wind that has become an iconic La Paz Instagram sensation.
Be sure to climb the small trails that lead to a rocky overview point for the best views of the bay.
1 Snorkel with Sea Lions
photo courtesy of La Paz Tourism
Resting lazily on the brilliant blue-green waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz was deemed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau because of the abundance and variety of sea life cushioned within its depths. Take a short boat to the protected waters of Isla Epiritu Santo Island where you’ll find a rocky outcrop hosting a colony of wild sea lions. Don your wet suit and snorkel gear and slip into the chilly water and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a baby sea lion, ready for play.
Click here to read my adventure “La Paz Snorkeling: Wild Baby Sea Lion Encounter”
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First version published as 10 Reasons to Visit La Paz Mexico in Wave Journey, October 10, 2012.
Disclosure: The author was honored to be the guest of La Paz Tourism during her stay, but as always, the opinions, reviews, and experiences are her own.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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