Top 23 Things to Do in La Paz, Mexico

There are so many amazing things to do in La Paz, Mexico. Located in the Baja Peninsula 100 miles from Cabo San Lucas in the southern tip of Los Cabos, La Paz is a haven for beach lovers. Additionally, with direct flights from Los Angeles, La Paz serves as an excellent weekend getaway for those residing on the West Coast of Canada and the United States.

Unlike its South American namesake, La Paz, Mexico is the capital of Baja California Sur. It sits on the West Coast of Mexico, nestled within a tranquil bay of the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California). Here are the best activities to enjoy during your stay in La Paz.

1. Sea Kayaking on the Sea of Cortez

One of the top activities to engage in while in La Paz, Mexico is sea kayaking on the Sea of Cortez. You can opt for day trips or embark on multi-day excursions. We participated in a breathtaking 10-day expedition with Baja Outdoor Activities to San Jose Island, where the surroundings were pristine.

The turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez were calm and crystal clear, allowing us to enjoy incredible marine encounters. Pods of dolphins joined us daily, and we even spotted a whale, despite it not being migration season. Each evening, we unwound on the beach, relishing margaritas while snorkeling and hiking along the stunning coastline.

2. Kayaking Balandra Beach

If a multi-day kayaking journey isn’t feasible, Balandra Beach offers the perfect spot to rent a kayak in La Paz. Day tours are available, providing a guided kayaking experience, or you may choose to rent a kayak to explore the clear waters at your own pace.

This beautiful, secluded cove is sheltered from the open waters of the Sea of Cortez, making it an ideal location for some fun in the sun.

3. Isla Espiritu Santo Island

If you have a passion for marine life encounters, swimming with sea lions is truly an exhilarating experience available in La Paz, Mexico! Isla Espiritu Santo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve.

We had several chances to swim alongside sea lions, and we never hesitated to jump into the water with them. An expedition to Espiritu Santo Island to view the sea lions is highly recommended, as it is less than an hour away by boat.

Espiritu Santo Island boasts a remarkably unspoiled ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez, complete with white sandy beaches and a diverse range of wildlife. Playa El Tecolote serves as a popular departure point for boat tours to Isla Espiritu Santo.

4. Whale Watching in La Paz, Mexico

One of the most sought-after activities in La Paz is whale watching, as this area sees an abundance of whales during their migratory patterns. Each year, whales navigate their way through Baja California, often choosing this location to give birth and nurse their calves in shallow lagoons.

The whale watching season typically spans from January to April, offering almost guaranteed sightings as whales often swim alongside boats, creating unforgettable moments. Blue whales migrate from March to July, humpback whales from February to June, and pilot whales from October to February.

5. Swim with Whale Sharks in La Paz

No visit to La Paz is complete without the thrilling opportunity to swim with whale sharks. Each year, these gentle giants grace the waters around La Paz to feed, from early October to late April, making it one of the best spots globally to observe the world’s largest fish.

Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience, as these magnificent creatures glide effortlessly through the water. La Paz is less crowded than other tourist destinations, providing a more tranquil atmosphere for marine encounters. Additionally, you can plan a whale shark excursion through Get Your Guide with free cancellation options.

6. Visit the Beaches

Located just 15 minutes from La Paz, there are some of the best beaches in Baja California Sur. Most beaches are north of La Paz, and despite the lack of a central beach, you will find scenic stretches of sand just outside the city.

Some recommended beaches around La Paz include:

• Balandra Beach
• Playa el Tesoro
• Pichilingue Beach
• Ensenada Grande

These beautiful beaches can be accessed easily by bus, motorbike, or rental car.

7. Go Off-Roading

Off-roading is immensely popular in this region, with the Baja 1000 race ending in La Paz every other year. The nearby desert terrain provides an excellent setting for off-road adventures, allowing enthusiasts to explore hundreds of miles of uninhabited tracks.

We had a chance to experience off-roading on our way to launch our kayaking journey to San Jose Island, and it easily ranks among the best off-roading experiences we have encountered outside of Mongolia.

8. Sandboarding the Sand Dunes

If you enjoy desert activities, consider trying sandboarding at El Mogote. Gliding down the towering dunes on a sandboard promises exhilarating fun. If you’re struggling to master it, simply lie on the board and use it as a toboggan instead.

Sandboarding tours can be booked through Baja Desconocida.

9. Go Sailing

Sailing is quite popular in La Paz; taking a sailing trip on the Sea of Cortez is a must when visiting Baja California. Plan a sunset boat trip to view wildlife and admire the picturesque coastline.

There’s nothing quite like sailing on the sea and witnessing the breathtaking sunsets that Baja California offers.

10. Stroll Along the Malecón

Stretching 5.5 km (3.5 miles) from Hotel Marina, where we stayed, the Malecón is a stunning waterfront promenade. Taking a romantic stroll along this vibrant area, adorned with street art, is a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere of La Paz.

The evenings are particularly enchanting as the vibrant community comes alive, with people cycling, jogging, and walking along the waterfront, stopping for dinner or drinks while enjoying live music late into the night.

11. Paddleboarding

If you’re a fan of paddleboarding, La Paz offers the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez—an ideal setting for this activity.

You can rent paddleboards and glide along the shoreline or arrange paddleboarding excursions with Baja Outdoor Activities.

12. Shopping in La Paz

La Paz is teeming with talented jewelry makers and artists, featuring a local artist collective, a vibrant walking street filled with street art, and various art shops throughout the town.

My favorite part of exploring Mexico is purchasing handmade necklaces, and this trip was no exception. We acquired chains from street vendors who customized them on the spot to suit our tastes.

13. Cathedral of La Paz (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz)

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz is a charming Catholic church located in downtown La Paz. Founded by Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century, it stands on the site of the original mission established in the area.

Visitors are welcome to view the Baroque religious symbols on display and enter for free!

14. Street Art of La Paz

The Malecón is adorned with captivating art and sculptures created by local artists, much of which has been donated to preserve La Paz’s cultural heritage.

Be sure to explore the artwork along the Malecón, in urban parks, the waterfront pier, and the city square where sculptures abound. For more insights, you might read about the sculptures at Tenaja Holdings, a company that contributed to the collection.

15. Explore the Marina

We enjoyed our stay at the Marina Cortez, located within walking distance from downtown La Paz.

Take time to admire the yachts docked at the marina and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pier before settling down in one of the nearby restaurants for a candlelit dinner at sunset.

Museums in La Paz

16. Whale Museum (Museo De La Ballena)

The Whale Museum, or Museo de la Ballena, is dedicated to promoting the understanding and conservation of whales and their marine surroundings. Given La Paz’s proximity to gray and humpback whale migration routes, it serves as an ideal location for such an institution.

The museum educates visitors on various whale species, their life cycles, migration patterns, and threats they face. Through its engaging exhibits, it highlights the evolution of these magnificent marine mammals and their significant roles within marine ecosystems.

17. Mining History Museum

A recent addition, the Museo Ruta de Plata (The Silver Route Museum), opened in 2018 and traces the area’s history from early settlers in the 1500s to the silver mining heritage that spanned 1750 to 1930.

Two additional museums, namely The Cowboy Museum and the Natural History Museum, are currently in development.

18. Playa El Tecolote

Playa El Tecolote stands as one of La Paz’s most celebrated beach destinations, offering both peace and adventure for visitors. Located a short drive from La Paz, it provides an escape from urban life, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Baja peninsula.

This beach features long sandy stretches that are excellent for sunbathing and leisurely walks. The clear waters and gentle waves create a paradise for swimmers and families alike.

The calm waters are perfect for various water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, with vibrant marine life thrilling for those who explore the underwater world.

19. Take a Kite Surfing Lesson in La Ventana Bay

La Ventana Bay has quickly gained a reputation as one of North America’s premier kite surfing destinations. Its consistent winds and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal location for both novice and experienced kite surfers.

Between November and April, the region experiences steady northern winds, termed “El Norte,” which creates ideal kite surfing conditions due to the temperature differences between cold air from the north and warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.

La Ventana Bay’s favorable winds and lack of significant obstacles make it suitable for beginners, while experienced surfers can test their skills in choppier waters further out.

20. Go Scuba Diving in the Sea of Cortez

Knicknamed the “Aquarium of the World,” the Sea of Cortez boasts a vast diversity of marine life, catering to all skill levels of divers, from novices to seasoned experts.

Efforts to conserve this underwater treasure are continually strengthening, ensuring a thriving marine ecosystem for future generations. The underwater topography is varied, with dive sites that include rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, underwater mountain formations, and even old shipwrecks.

21. Try the Chocolate Clams

Being situated on the ocean, La Paz offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Among the local specialties, chocolate clams stand out. Their name derives not from their flavor but rather their striking brown-colored shells, reminiscent of chocolate.

Scientifically known as Megapitaria squalida, chocolate clams are culinary treasures in Baja California Sur, particularly in La Paz. Often reaching sizes of up to 6 inches in diameter, their rich flavor makes them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

22. End With a La Paz Sunset

Select a beach, a sunset patio, or a spot on the Malecón, and take a moment to revel in the breathtaking sunsets La Paz has to offer. Each evening brings a spectacular show of colors, enhanced by its location on the west coast of Mexico.

23. Where to Eat in La Paz

When night falls, make sure to explore La Paz’s vibrant restaurant scene, ranging from casual taco stalls to gourmet dining establishments.

A memorable dining experience we enjoyed was at Jonathan Roldon’s Tailhunter, where we savored coconut shrimp, fish tacos, fresh salsa, guacamole, and some of the best margaritas we’ve experienced in years. Having operated in La Paz for 18 years, it’s a welcoming establishment that immediately makes you feel at home.

Before leaving, take a stroll along the waterfront and perhaps cool off with some ice cream in town.

For more information on travel to La Paz, Visit Baja Sur tourism to uncover the adventures waiting for you in Mexico.

Suggested La Paz Hotels

Hotel Marina – We stayed at Hotel Marina, which offers budget-friendly accommodations within walking distance of downtown.

Costa Baja Resort – For luxury travelers, this highly praised choice is situated 20 minutes from downtown.

Why Visit La Paz?

La Paz is a relaxed town equipped with all the amenities you could desire. Bursting with marine life and adventure, it offers something for everyone.

The vibrant community of La Paz, situated just north of Los Cabos, presents a calming alternative to the bustling tourist atmosphere found in Cabo San Lucas. With the rise of golf courses and eco-adventures, the city is growing rapidly.

This destination is excellent for families seeking diving experiences, as Jacques Cousteau famously referred to the Sea of Cortez as the Aquarium of the World for good reason. You can anticipate numerous unique wildlife encounters both above and below the water.

La Paz perfectly combines the charm of a sleepy Mexican town with the amenities typically found in large resort areas such as Cabo San Lucas. When we plan our next trip to Mexico, this will undoubtedly be our destination of choice.

Plan Your Trip to La Paz, Mexico

Getting to La Paz is straightforward; it’s just a two-hour drive from Los Cabos.

Lonely Planet Mexico Travel Guide – We love exploring with Lonely Planet guides, which offer books and digital copies.

Google Translate App – If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of La Paz, practicing Spanish is beneficial. If you’re unfamiliar with the language, this app can assist in communicating.

Universal Plug Adapter – This versatile adapter works for all countries, eliminating the hassle of finding different plugs.

Portable Water Filter – Staying hydrated in hot climates is crucial. The LifeStraw allows you to fill up safely while caring for the environment.

Flip Flops – Flip flops are a must for beach outings. We recommend comfortable and durable Tevas.

Our adventure in La Paz, Mexico was supported by Baja Outdoor Activities in La Paz. If you’re seeking the ultimate experience in La Paz, contact Ben to find out what they offer during your visit to Baja California Sur.

Where is La Paz, Mexico?

La Paz is located in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula in the southwestern state of Baja California Sur, Mexico.

What are the top things to do in La Paz, Mexico?

The best experiences in La Paz include swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, kayaking the Sea of Cortez, and visiting Balandra Beach.

When is whale shark season in La Paz, Mexico?

Whale shark season in Baja Peninsula runs from October to April.

How do you get to La Paz, Mexico?

You can find non-stop flights from Los Angeles to La Paz, or fly into Cabo San Lucas and transfer by land to reach La Paz.

To learn more about traveling to La Paz, Mexico, Visit Baja Sur tourism for information about the adventures that await you in Baja California Sur.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to plan your next trip? Use these tried-and-tested resources that we highly recommend.

Book Your Flights: Discover the best flight deals on Skyscanner, which we have relied on for years.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices with Booking.com for Europe or TripAdvisor for other locations.

Find Apartment Rentals: Check VRBO for the most economical apartment rental options.

Travel Insurance: Don’t skip this essentials. We recommend:

• Safety Wing – Ideal for occasional travelers.
• Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security service.

Book Your Activities: For guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and other activities, we recommend Get Your Guide.

For further assistance in planning your trip, explore our Resources Page highlighting trusted companies that we utilize during our travels.