La Paz is a city in Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of California or the Sea of Cortez on the southern end of the long peninsula.
Often overlooked by travelers by the more flashy nearby Los Cabos resorts, La Paz has a wonderful waterfront and world class beaches. The city is very clean, safe and attractive. The islands off the coast are a popular destination.
La Paz is home to various scenic beaches and boat docks. Playa El Tesoro is ideal for quiet, non-motorized watersports in a protected bay ringed with aquamarine shallow water that looked perfect for abundant fishing in the coves. Other popular public beaches a few miles outside of town (about 15 miles north of La Paz, no public transportation available) are: Pichilingue, Balandra and El Tecolote. As of September 2016, a bus ticket from Aguila Transport in La Paz is M$100 (pesos) round trip to the northern beaches. The first bus to the beach leaves at 10am and the last bus back to town leaves the beach at 6:45pm.
The islands in the Sea of Cortez (such as Isla Espiritu Santo) can be visited by boat tours and are well worth the time to check out. For example, a tour to Isla Espiritu Santo leaving from Playa El Tecolote takes about 4 hours. The marine wildlife and worldclass views are a huge draw. Think Arizona with the Caribbean!
There's an active night life on the Malecón of La Paz, the street that borders the harbor. You can walk around, go into a club, buy some drinks, etc.
Whale Watching Tours – Begin your adventure in the capital city of La Paz. Then on to Port San Carlos to meet the aquatic stars of this tour, the Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay. Snorkeling equipment is provided & a delicious seafood lunch is included in this adventure. On this tour you can go scuba diving with dolphins. They also provide bird watching tours as well.
Nightlife – Among popular waterfront night clubs are La Paz Lapa, La Casa De Villa, and Hookah. The most recent addition, completed in January 2007, is The Jungle. Also, locals can frequently be found sipping coffee until late at the popular franchise of Exquisito coffee shops. "Maleconeando" is the local slang for something akin to "Cruising" in the US, and refers to bumper-to-bumper driving up and down the waterfront at night as a pickup spot and pastime. La Paz is quite safe downtown.
Biking –The city of La Paz is spread out, and you will find yourself walking a fair amount. The best way to see the city and surrounding area is by bike. There are a few rental facilities along the Malecon but for the best deals ask if your hotel has a bike for rent. Rentals range from US$2-5/hr. A good day bike is north along the coast to Pichilingue and beyond. There are numerous beaches to stop at and take a dip in the ocean. Make sure to bring water. Bike difficulty is beginner.
You can walk around the streets of the downtown in La Paz, you will see a lot of little shopping stores where you can buy artcraft made of seashells, wood and other materials of La Paz.
Since this is a coastal city you can get fresh seafood, don't forget to taste the shrimps, lobsters, abulón, snail, etc.
La Paz serves the best fish tacos in Mexico, and they are available at most restaurants.
- Mr Fish
- Restaurantes Bismark, Paseo Alvaro Obregon (On the waterfront, +52 612 128 9900. Serves great shrimp tacos. Check the price of special combos if you are offered one, as the pricing may be out of line with the rest of the menu.
Mr Fish
Restaurantes Bismark, Paseo Alvaro Obregon (On the waterfront, +52 612 128 9900. Serves great shrimp tacos. Check the price of special combos if you are offered one, as the pricing may be out of line with the rest of the menu.
Kiwi, on the beach serves excellent margaritas and has a good view over the bay at sunset.
It is possible to take a ferry to mainland Mexico, though if you are taking your car, you will need proper permits.
The nearby cities of Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto (Baja California) and San Jose del Cabo make excellent destinations for side trips while visiting La Paz.