Baja California SUR’s Capital
La Paz is Mexico’s free and easy coastal gem. It is located on the Sea of Cortez Bay and offers everything from crystal-clear and aqua-blue beaches that still remember the old-time atmosphere of Mexico yesterday. La Paz is the largest city in Baja California Sur, the state capital, which is basically what you would consider a full-fledged typical city – unlike the bustling tourism chaos of Cabo San Lucas. La Paz has it all whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. It’s a place where the desert landscape of Baja meets the amazing ocean waters of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a slice of paradise on a peninsula with little of something for everyone.
Where to stay in La Paz
La Paz has a range of accommodations ranging from 5-star $5k per night to a $29 Hostel room, catering to every traveler’s preference. You can sleep and stay just however you want to. Many websites are also available to help you determine what stay is best for you. TripAdvisor is a behemoth that has everything from hotels and room rentals to car deals and activities. With millions of reviews and ratings from travelers worldwide, TripAdvisor is a great resource for finding the best option that suits your budget and preferences. Google is a good place to do a deeper dive into some select options. Google collects data from various websites like TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, allowing you to compare options. Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo all streamline the booking process by often bundling flights, hotels, and activities into convenient vacation packages.
Malecon Area
Where to stay? First, consider the Malecon area, also known as the downtown area. It’s lively but not overwhelming and has everything from private rentals to beautiful hotels. La Paz’s Malecón is a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) waterfront stroll that runs from the laid-back Marina de la Paz up to sunny Playa Coromuel—perfect for walking, people-watching, and soaking in those epic sea views. The Malecon area is a favorable spot to stay as everything, like beaches, bike rentals, restaurants, and convenient stores, is all in walking distance from one another.
The Malecon is appealing to a wide range of travelers. It transitions seamlessly from a family-friendly evening destination, where kids and families are out until almost 10 pm, to a vibrant nightlife hotspot after midnight, to finally a calm and quiet town when the sun rises.
El Centro or Zona Central
Another popular spot in La Paz to stay is El Centro or Zona Central. In El Centro, you’ll find charming guesthouses and opulent boutique hotels. Certain parts of El Centro are more locally dense, and some spots are catered to tourists. Staying in El Centro places you within walking distance of museums, bustling markets, and a diverse range of restaurants, allowing you to experience the heart of the city. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Malecon.
Consider Airbnb rentals. They offer a local touch; you can find some of the most architecturally beautiful homes with that local touch. Or, if you’re set on staying at a hotel, staying at a hotel with a rooftop pool won’t be a choice you’ll regret, especially with those sunset views. However, it’s worth noting that some areas of El Centro can be quite dense, with uneven sidewalks and chaotic local activity, which might not be ideal for those with physical limitations or those seeking peace and quiet.
Puerta Cortes
Finally, if you’re looking for a more upscale, resort-style stay, consider staying somewhere in Puerta Cortes. Puerta Cortes is a niche and calm community situated just outside of the city center. This area boasts exclusive and luxurious accommodations like Hotel La Concha or Hotel Indigo, all centered around a world-class marina and golf course. While it’s slightly removed from the downtown action, it provides a calming atmosphere ideal for those looking to indulge in relaxation. Here, you’ll find fine dining, luxurious amenities like yachting and golfing, and opportunities for other water activities. Unlike the Malecon and El Centro area, Puerta Cortes leans to a more refined, curated experience.
Exclusivity in Puerta Cortes comes at a price; dining and activities within Puerta Cortes can be significantly more expensive than in other parts of La Paz, and the need for transportation to reach the downtown area might be a drawback for those wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture and region.
What to eat in La Paz
When it comes to visiting La Paz (and, of course, learning about all the cool things to do and see), it boasts a diverse culinary scene bound with something you’ll enjoy. First, anyone who’s been to La Paz will tell you that you must try the seafood. Being a coastal town, every single morning, fishermen go out and bring back the fresh catch right in time for local restaurants and stands to have it dished up by noon. You can head to a more upscale seafood restaurant, but I’d recommend at least going to a local “marisquería” once during your trip to try true Mexican seafood.
Regional Flavors
Second, don’t forget to try the amazing regional dishes of La Paz, like chocolate clams or Mantarraya. Chocolate clams are harvested from the waters of the Sea of Cortez and are known for their sweet, briny taste and firm texture, they’re often served fresh with a squeeze of lime or incorporated into ceviches. This distinct taste and texture are a direct result of the ecosystem that they thrive in, making them a true taste of La Paz. Mantarraya (manta ray) is a dish featuring sting ray, a local seafood staple. The stingray’s flesh, when cooked, has a firm, white texture similar to scallops, a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and it’s not fishy like many other types of seafood in La Paz. Mantaraya is prepared in various ways, from grilled with local herbs and spices to simmered in rich, tasty stews. Overall, both chocolate clams and mantarraya are less common ingredients in other parts of Mexico and highlight La Paz’s distinct heritage and culture.
If you’re staying at an Airbnb and considering cooking at home, don’t miss out on the local markets that offer some of the freshest seafood and produce you can find. Finally, if work never stops for you, stop and grab a coffee and pastry at a local cafe; there’s plenty in La Paz.
Traditional Flavors
Additionally, explore the street food scene. You’ll find local stands on the Malecon, but you’ll truly find a lot in El Centro, right by Baja’s Art Museum. Tacos are practically mandatory, and you wrote regretting having a bite of a gordita. You’ve heard of them, and you must experience one. A gordita is a traditional Mexican dish made from thick masa dough, cooked in a skillet, then split and filled with meats, cheese, beans, or veggies. The name means “little fat one,” describing its round, stuffed shape. Common Fillings are beans, cheese, chicken, beef, guacamole, salsa, and nopal cactus.
La Paz Style Gorditas
In La Paz, Baja California Sur, gorditas are especially popular and often filled with pork, chicken, beef, or seafood, reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
How They Differ
- Gordita: Thick, skillet-cooked masa shell.
- Chalupa: Deep-fried and crisp.
- Torta: Mexican sandwich on a roll with meats and veggies.
Northern Mexico uses wheat flour; central and southern areas stick to corn masa. Similar international dishes include arepas (South America) and roujiamo (China).
When to Eat a Gordita? Gorditas are flexible—they can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or full meal if you eat a few. Though not a traditional breakfast item, they can be enjoyed at any time.
Best Activities & Attractions
La Paz is perfect for everyone since it has an activity that will pique anyone’s interest. While weather conditions can influence certain activities—like windy days affecting boat tours or summer heat making midday exploration tougher—planning accordingly ensures you can fully enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Water Activities
To continue, if you’re up for an adventure, go snorkeling or diving. The Sea of Cortez is home to the world’s largest fish, and getting up close and personal with one of these gentle giants is something you won’t forget. If you prefer adventure on land, Isla Espiritu Santo is a must-see. Hop on a boat and explore this protected wildlife reserve, home to sea lions, pristine beaches, and hiking trails. If you’re looking for an activity that’s somewhat in between those, go paddleboarding or kayaking! La Paz’s beaches are perfect for it, and you can explore hidden coves. While the water activities in La Paz are undeniably breathtaking, some travelers note that tours can be pricey, especially during peak season, and weather conditions, specifically during the summer hurricane season, may occasionally impact excursions. On the other hand, many visitors rave about the uncrowded beaches and the chance to experience marine life in its natural habitat, making it a more peaceful and authentic alternative to busier tourist hotspots like Cabo.
Land Activities
First, you must take a stroll down the Malecon. During the summer, the heat will be overwhelming, but from November to April, watching the sunrise or sunset on the Malecon is a core memory. Or, if you’re looking for something more culturally insightful, visit the Museum of Anthropology and History. Additionally, if you’re looking for something more luxurious, go golfing or take a private yacht trip. Finally, La Paz has a nightlife scene, but it is nowhere near comparable to Cabo’s. Once again, some visitors mention that the summer heat can make outdoor exploration exhausting, especially in the afternoons. Despite this, many visitors love La Paz for its relaxed vibe, saying the Malecon’s ocean views and historical sites feel more genuine and less touristy than other spots in Baja.
The Beaches & Wildlife of La Paz
The beaches in La Paz are stunning. Playa Balandra has been named Mexico’s best beach on multiple occasions, it’s truly iconic and for good reason. A more local beach is Tecolote. Perfect for swimming and jet skiing, and there are a couple of seafood restaurants there that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Now, if you’re traveling with family, Pichilingue is the perfect beach for you
Whale Shark Season
As for wildlife, it’s hard to beat in La Paz. From October to April, whale sharks migrate to the warm, plankton-rich bay of La Paz, making it one of the best places in the world to see them up close. Swimming with these creatures is a carefully regulated and carried out experience to protect both the animals and visitors, with small groups heading out on guided boat tours daily. Once you’re in the water, you snorkel alongside them, watching as they glide beneath the service completely unbithered by you and your group’s presence. Almost all travelers describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it truly is. Even if you’re not an experienced swimmer, floating near a creature the size of a school bus is breathtaking, making this an unforgettable highlight of any trip to La Paz. Besides whale shark season in the winter, the waters around La Paz are packed with marine life. You’ll spot dolphins and manta rays jumping out of the water. Sea turtles and sea lions are always seen while snorkeling and diving. The ocean in La Paz is like an underwater zoo.
Weather in La Paz
La Paz has a warm desert climate, so expect lots of sun; perfect for tanning! From November to April, temperatures range from 75–85°F (24–29°C), which is ideal and overall the best season to visit La Paz regardless of what you have planned for your trip. In summer (June-September), the weather heats up. Temperatures reach 95–100°F (35–38°C), and throughout the day, it’s extremely humid; even during the evening, there is zero breeze. The UV is almost always 10-12+, perfect to get that summer tan; just make sure to use SPF!!!! Although the weather might be unbearable, the Sea of Cortez becomes a warm, glassy dream for diving and snorkeling. Water temps in the summer are usually 82–86°F (28–30°C). It is good to know that August and September are peak hurricane seasons in Baja Sur. So, even though storms aren’t guaranteed, they’re possible. For the best balance of weather, marine life, and energy, late fall through early spring is La Paz’s prime.
Transportation Around La Paz
Getting to La Paz
La Paz is easily accessible from major cities in and outside of Mexico, but getting around once you’re there can get a bit tricky at first glance. Flights to La Paz Internation Airport (LAP) come from places like Mexico City and Tijuana a few times a week. Only about once a week from major cities in the U.S. Most travelers opt to fly into the San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) in Los Cabos and take a private car or public shuttle up to La Paz, which is about a 2-1/2 hour drive.
Getting Around Town
Renting a car or a motorcycle is a solid option if you want to explore beyond the city. Taxis are available, but they’re not always the most reliable, so you’ll want to confirm the fare before you hop in. Uber is also available and popular in La Paz, with locals and tourists alike. For a more sustainable choice, consider renting a bike—La Paz has some bike-friendly routes, especially along the Malecon.
Day Trips from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz
Many travelers in Los Cabos opt to take day trips to La Paz if their vacation is longer; even then, a La Paz day trip is still doable! The safest and most convenient option is booking round-trip private transportation round trip, as this ensures a stress-free journey without the risk of navigating unfamiliar roads. Many concierge companies offer comfortable, air-conditioned transport with the bonus of a knowledgeable bilingual guide who can provide insights about the region and answer any questions you have. Additionally, some companies offer La Paz day tours that include transport, visits to beautiful beaches and nearby towns, and meals along the way.
Towns near LA Paz worth visiting
While La Paz does serve as an amazing destination on its own, there are a few towns nearby that are worth checking out. Todo Santos, about an hour south, is a small, artsy town perfect for a day trip. Its colorful streets, historic buildings, and laid-back atmosphere are worth the visit. Also, in Todo Santos is Cerritos Surf town on Cerritos beach, which is a suffering hotspot. Now, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, head to La Ventana, just 45 minutes east of La Paz. Although La Ventana is still a developing town, it’s known for kiteboarding and windsurfing and is the perfect place to be if you’re a fan of water sports. Finally, don’t overlook El Triunfo, once a small mining town with a rich history and stunning views. It’s quiet, off the beaten path, and ideal if you’re looking for a perfect spot to hike.
Best Tips to Enjoy Your Stay in La Paz
- Learn Basic Spanish: People appreciate the effort, and it makes it much easier for you and whomever you’re talking to. Check out this list of basic phrases.
- Try the Local Seafood: It’s fresh, delicious, and a staple to the region. No trip would be enjoyable without it.
- Stay Hydrated: The desert climate is dry, and during the summer, it’s incredibly humid. You’ll need it.
- Respect the Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and pick up after yourself. Don’t do something in Mexico you wouldn’t do back in your hometown.
- Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect the delicate marine ecosystem and yourself from a potential rotisserie chicken burn.
- Bring Cash: Local vendors typically don’t take cards or digital payments. Most establishments do, but it’s not as common as cash.
- Enjoy the Sunsets: They are truly spectacular and will be a core memory for you once you witness them.
- Relax and Enjoy the Pace: La Paz is about unwinding and being calm; if you’re looking to party, then go to Cabo.
