The beautiful seaside city La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, is an eco-tourism haven. It is the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet escape. Nature and adventure lovers make a habit of coming back to this place to take a break and enjoy this city’s local charms.
The local government does its best to preserve the natural beauty of La Paz. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is a marine biology sanctuary, which is why it attracts many students and young people interested in exploring what the ocean has to offer. Strict regulations are in place to protect the environment. Unlike the more tourist-dense areas of Cabo and Cancun, La Paz can be thought of as the introverted relative—very subdued, but still worth getting to know.
When To Go
La Paz is blessed with a tropical climate that has a moderate breeze and little rainfall. Tourists can visit any time during the year. For reference, it is rainiest from August to September and dry from March to June.
Temperature
- Summer: July to September – up to 34 to 36 degrees Celsius
- Winter: December to February below 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit); 20 to 25
Where To Stay
There are different accommodations for every budget at La Paz. Tourists will find that they don’t have to spend much, as some hotels offer accommodations for less than $100. Tip: For those who intend to spend most of their days outdoors, just book rooms at mid-priced hotels. But check the reviews and make sure that they have good security first!
Here are some good places to stay on your trip to La Paz:
Hotel Blue
- Cost: from $75
- Amenities: swimming pool
Seven Crown Centro
- Cost: from $79
- Amenities: outdoor pool
Araiza Palmira
- Cost: from $59
- Amenities: outdoor pool, bar, tennis courts, convention center
The Marine Waterfront Hotel
- Cost: from $63
- Amenities: spa, tennis court, pool
One La Paz
- Cost: from $52
- Amenities: outdoor poo
Hotel Catedral La Paz
- Cost: from $84
- Amenities: pool, bar
Pension Baja Paradise
Cost: from $16
Access To La Paz
La Paz has many access points within Mexico. So whether you’re traveling by land, air, or sea, there are many options to consider.
- Air: Manuel Marquez de Leon International AirportCarriers: Aeromexico Connect, Volaris, and VivaAerobus
- Water: Pichilingue Port, Topolobampo PortFerry
- Land: 2-hour drive from Cabo
Where To Eat
The local cuisine of La Paz is centered around seafood, specifically lobster, sole, clams, and shrimp. Seafood is prepared in many different ways: pickled, fried, grilled, baked, etc. For tourists looking to expand their palette, try the Callo Garra de Leon, a dish with scallops and fish; ceviche is also popular, especially among those who want something fresh. Many restaurants also serve a popular regional dish called machaca, which is made of shredded beef. Kick back and enjoy the view while enjoying empanadas—a popular snack. Those in the mood for fruits should not miss guavas and mangoes!
Here are some restaurants to check out:
- Apostolis - Mediterranean
- McFisher - Regional Mexican
- Nim - Fusion (French, Mexican)
- Odayaka - Japanese
- Las Tres Virgenes - Mexican, Steakhouse
Activities
La Paz offers daily outdoor activities that encourage visitors to get out and explore the town. When you go to La Paz, you’re walking into a quiet side of town with numerous nature-based activities.
City Tour
Some important landmarks:
- Malecon – a strip where various hotels, cafes, and restaurants are located; where people can sit and enjoy a view of the sunset
- La Paz Cultural Center – where art exhibitions are mounted; where music, arts, and theatrical performances are held
- Museums:- Museum of the Whale and Sciences of the Sea - Regional Museum of Anthropology and History - Shell Museum
Whale Watching
To spot some whales, it's best to go between October and April, when these magnificent creatures come out and show themselves at the Bay of La Paz.
Diving
Isla Espiritu Santo is a pristine and untouched sanctuary. It’s also a tourist favorite destination for diving, kayaking, lounging at the beach, and snorkeling.
Look out for sea lions with their pups! There are some sightings of barracudas, turtles, and parrotfish as well.
Lounging At The beach
Beaches are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. La Paz boasts of many beaches within the main island of La Paz and its surrounding islands.
Tourists can book private boat rides with tour operators. Here are some of the beaches:
- El Coromuel
- La Concha
- El Tesoro
- Pichilingue
- Balandra
- La Ventana
- Los Barriles
- Cerritos
- Isla Espiritu Santo
People often associate Mexico with pristine beaches and fabulous nightlife. However, La Paz offers a different experience to its visitors altogether. In La Paz, it is evident that residents care a lot for the environment. The attractions and activities are centered around showcasing and preserving the natural beauty of La Paz.
La Paz welcomes guests without giving in to the temptation of mass tourism. Everyone in the community works together to preserve the harmony between man and nature. Only time will tell if it will remain that way, but in the meantime, those who are searching for a more peaceful escape can head to La Paz.