Hey there, Baja travelers 🌮🌵🌶
If you’re thinking about hitting up La Paz because you’ve seen sick photos and videos all over the internet showing its gorgeous beaches and iconic hang-out spots, then this post is for you. The truth is that La Paz has gone from being a hidden vacation gem for Mexicans to a hot international travel spot in the making. In this article, we’ll spill the tea on what to do to make your stay epic—so take notes!
Why Visiting La Paz
La Paz is one of the most stunning yet underrated cities in Mexico; despite its charm, it’s been flying under the radar for years. But for adventure seekers, this place is the real deal, so much so that more and more Mexicans and foreigners are making it their new home.
One thing you should know is that this mini-city is fully committed to maintaining its relaxed vibe and harmony with nature, so mass tourism isn’t on the locals’ agenda. Instead of huge all-inclusive resorts and cruise ships, you’ll find expedition tours, a range of luscious restaurants, boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and beachy bars—pretty sweet, right?
For real, La Paz doesn’t need all that extra stuff to succeed as a tourist destination. This vacation gem already has it all: unmatched natural beauty, idyllic beaches, awesome marine life, and perfect warm winters. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, you’ll stumble upon amazing new experiences that are totally worth it.
18 Things to do in La Paz Mexico
1. Visit the Malecón
The Malecón is the most emblematic hangout spot in La Paz, and it is home to boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, beach bars, and coffee shops. Locals (like me) enjoy strolling along and watching the sailboats rest on the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez—it’s simply adorable. Travel hack: Sunsets here are unbeatable. 🌅
2. Explore the beach scene
La Paz has a fantastic landscape worthy of any travel magazine, and its main attraction is its beach scene—a slice of coastal heaven. With its pristine shores and tranquil crystal-clear waters mixing with rugged mountains and cacti fields, these magnificent waterfronts host one the most extensive marine life: angelfish, damsels, rays, yellowtails, and so on (perfect for swimming and snorkeling). Best beaches: Balandra, El Tecolote, El Saltito, El Caimancito, and El Coromuel.
3. Buy a local souvenir
While strolling along the Malecon, pass by Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano. This vibrant marketplace is a treasure trove of local artistry and cultural heritage. The incredible craftsmanship of artisans from Baja California Sur offers a diverse array of handmade goods, from beautifully crafted jewelry to unique woodwork; each piece reflects the rich traditions and creative spirit of the region.
4. Hike at Balandra
Besides being declared the most beautiful beach in Mexico, Balandra also offers six amazing hiking paths you can explore:
- 1) Valle de Balandra
- 2) Merito Sur – Manglar – El Merito
- 3) Mirador Bahía de Balandra – El Merito
- 4) Merito Norte – Punta Diablo
- 5) Manglar y Playas Sur de Balandra
- 6) Circuito Norte de Balandra
If you’ve never hiked before, no worries—all the trails are Level 1 (super easy); the slopes only hit around a 15% incline, and the paths are well-marked. Spoiler alert: the views are breathtaking, and the landscape deserves a good old selfie!
5. Take a boat tour
This is an epic way to explore the stunning waters of the Sea of Cortez (aka, the world’s aquarium). Booking a tour provides an up-close look at the region’s rich marine life, including playful dolphins, majestic whales, and friendly sea lions. Whether you go for a snorkeling adventure, a sunset cruise, or a day trip to nearby islands like Espiritu Santo, you’re in for a memorable experience—hands down!
6. Swing by a café
One thing we know down here in Baja is that we’re never short of trendy places to enjoy the so-called Mexican gold: coffee. La Paz is a city that’s been branching out in this area, and nowadays, it’s serving up some real good options with the most legit, fresh-brewed coffee ready to tickle our taste buds. Here are the ones we’re vibing with:
7. Swim with whale sharks
Every year, these gentle giants, the largest fish in the sea, gather in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, giving visitors a rare chance to swim right alongside them, so this is totally a top adventure in La Paz. Since this tour is in high demand, we suggest planning your expedition well in advance. The peak season (when you’re most likely to see them) runs from November to February.
8. Ride the dunes at Mogote
If you’re up for some action, then hitting the dunes for some sandboarding at Mogote is a great way to spice up your visit to La Paz. As you glide over the soft, golden sands, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding desert landscape. These towering dunes are perfect for both beginners and seasoned sandboarders to carve down the slopes—a blast for all age groups!
9. Go for a water activity
Either kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding, these are family adventures you won’t want to miss when in La Paz. All these tours offer a singular way to explore the stunning marine environment and get up close to vibrant coral reefs and amazing sea life, from colorful fish to playful sea lions. What’s so special about these tours? The crystal-clear waters make for perfect visibility, turning the experience into a total joy. Simply a must-do.
10. Try authentic fish tacos
These tacos totally capture the vibe of this coastal city’s unique food scene, combining fresh, locally caught fish with tasty spices and traditional toppings. So, when in La Paz, don’t forget to try a crispy battered fish served on warm corn tortilla and topped with crunchy cabbage, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime; each bite is a burst of flavor! out best choices are: Tacos Albatros, Tacos El Estadio, and Taco Fish La Paz.
11. Visit the Cathedral
Visiting the Cathedral is a must-do during your visit. While it may not look anything like those grand European churches, it is rather a small but significant piece of this charming coastal town’s history and culture. Officially named Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, it’s been the place where locals have held their rites, celebrations, and traditions for generations.
12. Explore San Rafaelito & Isla Espíritu Santo
Believe it or not, swimming with these adorable creatures is something that you can do right here in La Paz. Since killer whales and other predators rarely visit this area, the sea lions don’t feel on edge and naturally get more curious and buddy-buddy. So, prepare your snorkeling gear and dive in with the friendliest sea lions ever! Just follow safety measures at all times.
13. Enjoy a pint at the Malecon
The warm sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and the lively atmosphere make this a quintessential La Paz experience: sipping a cold beer at the Malecon is the perfect way to chill and soak up Baja’s laid-back scene. This lovely waterfront showcases stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and sunsets are a blaze of colors over the horizon—simply magical! Plus, there’s no shortage of cool bars and restaurants serving up a great selection of local and international brews.
14. Go for a sportfishing adventure
Situated along the beautiful coastline of the Sea of Cortez, the Bay of La Paz hosts several gamefish species in the Baja Peninsula including dorado, yellowtail, marlin, and tuna. If you want to add something exciting to your bucket list, you can book a full-day or multi-day fishing adventure (preferably during summer or fall for wider gamefish variety).
15. Hike at El Cerro de la Calavera
Skull Hill, aka El Cerro de la Calavera, is a fascinating natural landmark in La Paz. This unique hill earned its spooky name from a skull-shaped rock at the top, giving the whole area a mysterious vibe. Hiking up here isn’t just an adventure—it also treats you to epic views of La Paz and the sparkling Sea of Cortez, therefore a must-do.
16. Book a scubadive expedition
It’s no secret that Baja is surrounded by an epic body of water, home to some of the most breathtaking dive spots you’ll ever hit. Each dive promises run-ins with colorful fish, graceful rays, and maybe even a friendly whale shark. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the crystal-clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems make La Paz a prime destination for underwater adventures. Main diving areas are:
17. Whale Watching at Magdalena Bay
Every year, from January to March, majestic gray whales migrate to the warm waters of Magdalena Bay to breed and nurture their young, so booking a whale-watching tour is the ultimate way to get up close to these gentle giants and be blown away by their size and grace. This unforgettable adventure, with the stunning Baja California Sur coastline as your backdrop, is a must-do for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
18. Join the Carnival
Every February, locals celebrate the famous Carnival, just like in other cities like Mazatlán (probably the oldest in Mexico), Veracruz, and Mérida. Each city has its own unique spin on the festival, showcasing great cultural diversity with concerts, fair rides, parades, and the crowning of the Carnival kings and queens. So, if you’re in Baja around this time, swing by La Paz and join the party!
Visit La Paz
Alright folks, now that we’ve spilled the deets on the best 18 Things to do in La Paz Mexico, it’s time for you to take the reins. Whether you’re itching to dive in with some sea lion snorkeling or chow down on legit fish tacos by the waterfront, this seaside paradise has it all. So, toss some essentials in your bag and don’t forget your top-notch sunscreen.
Happy travels! 🌵🌊☀️
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