25 Incredible Things to Do in La Paz, A Complete Guide

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La Paz is located on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja California Sur. The city of La Paz is also the capital of the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico. La Paz has beautiful views of turquoise-blue waters and a strong tie to the marine life in the Sea of Cortes. There are amazing fishing and snorkeling opportunities in La Paz. Walking around, you will find many art murals in honor of La Paz’s ties to marine life. There are also many sculptures to be seen as you walk around the city. Whether you are looking for a laid-back vacation, snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes, or swimming with whale sharks, there is something for everyone to do in La Paz.

Table of Contents

Things to See and Do in La Paz

There are many things to see and do in La Paz. Among the popular places to visit in La Paz are the Malecon, which is the waterfront boardwalk, and the Historic Center of La Paz. The area near the Malecon and the Historic Center is very walkable, with museums, restaurants, art murals, and places of cultural significance all within walking distance of each other. Additionally, being right off the Sea of Cortes, also makes it a great location for many watersports, fishing, and aquatic adventures. The fishing in La Paz is fantastic and definitely worth doing. Espiritu Island is also a popular place to visit and snorkel. The snorkeling trip was our favorite excursion while the rest of our family enjoyed spending time fishing.

Walk Along the La Paz Malecon

The Malecon is La Paz’s iconic waterfront boardwalk, which is just over 3 miles long. The Malecon is a great place for a stroll and the perfect place to get to know La Paz. There are many things to see along the Malecon. At one end of the Malecon, on the marina side, you will find Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano, a place for souvenir shopping, and at the other end of the Malecon you will find a BMX Bike Park. And in between both sections there are a multitude of places to explore.

Visit the Sculptures Along the Malecon

As you stroll along the Malecon, you will find sculptures in honor of La Paz’s history and its ties to the Sea of Cortes. Some of the more iconic sculptures along the Malecon include El Viejo y El Mar (The Old Man and the Sea), La Perla (The Pearl), a statue of Jacques Cousteau, Tiburón Ballena (Whale Shark), and the Letras de La Paz (La Paz letters). 

Picture of the Oyster and Pearl sculpture on the Malecon in La Paz.
Oyster and Pearl Sculpture
Picture of the Old Man and the Ocean sculpture on the Malecon in La Paz.
El Viejo y El Mar Sculpture
Picture of the Tiburón Ballena (Whale Shark) sculpture on the Malecon in La Paz.
Tiburón Ballena Sculpture

Visit the Beaches Along the Malecon

Along the Malecon there are several beach areas. Some of the beaches off the Malecon have palapas for you to enjoy. You will also find a couple a beach volleyball courts where you can enjoy a great game of beach volleyball. Additionally, as you walk the Malecon, you will also find playgrounds, including a playground specifically designed for children with disabilities. There is also no shortage of benches to sit and relax along the Malecon. If you have booked a snorkel or ocean adventure tour, you might even meet for the tour at one of the beaches by the Malecon.

Visit the Pavilion Along the Malecon

The Kiosco del Malecon is a great place to watch the sunset. The Kiosco del Malecon is located near the La Paz letters across from the Tourist Bus Terminal. It is a large open area with a pavilion structure in the center by the pier. Across from the Malecon, there are many restaurants and bars. While you walk around the area, do not forget to stop at La Fuente. La Fuente is a popular ice cream shop with white-painted tree trunks with polka dots right located right outside the entrance.

Picture of the pavilion on the Malecon
Kiosco del Malecon

Take a Picture in Front of the La Paz Letters

Do you like taking pictures with the town letters at the places you visit? Well, in La Paz, you will find three opportunities to take pictures with the town’s Letras de La Paz. The main La Paz letter sign is located at center of the Malecon. You will find the main Letras de La Paz sign between the Whale Shark sculpture and the Pavilion. The main sign can get busy, so if you do not want to wait, you can walk past the Whale Shark and the Pearl sculptures towards the Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano to find another La Paz letter sign.

The second La Paz Letters sign is across the street from the Malecon in Parque Cuauhtémoc near the Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano. The third La Paz letters sign can be found in the Historic Center in Jardín Velasco. When you get to Jardín Velasco, walk towards the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz. The picture you take with the La Paz letter sign at Jardin Velasco will have the Cathedral in the background making this an incredible photo.

Picture of the La Paz letters sign on the Malecon in La Paz, Mexico.
La Paz letter sign on the Malecon

Admire the Art Murals Around La Paz

As you walk around town, you will see many art murals depicting the marine life of the Sea of Cortez. Not only do the murals honor the ties La Paz has to the sea life of the Sea of Cortes, but also the history of the city. The art murals can be found throughout the town, including down many side streets. An area where you can find several murals near each other is around Avenida Mijares and Cijon Lerdo de Tejada. 

Many of the art murals you will find were painted by different artists. These artists are part of a group called Colectivo Tomate. Colectivo Tomate originated in Puebla Mexico. Their mission is to use art as a way to revamp cities in a way that allows communities to come together to embrace their culture and community with pride.

Picture of an art mural found in La Paz with a whale shark and Mushroom Rock from Playa Balandra.
Mural of Mushroom Rock and a Whale Shark
Picture of an art mural in La Paz. This art mural is of two people and a fish is found on Calle Antonio Mijares.
Art mural on Calle Antonio Mijares
Picture of an art mural in La Paz with a whale shark swimming in the ocean.
Mural of a whale shark on Calle Mutualismo.

Visit El Jardín Velasco / The Town Square

El Jardin Velasco is the town square located in the heart of La Paz in front of the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. Jardin Velasco is a great place to go for a stroll or to sit and enjoy the morning or an afternoon with a cup of coffee. It is also a great place for rest and relaxation if you have been walking around town. You will find several benches and a pavilion in the center of the park. Across the street and around the park, you can find coffee shops and local places to eat.

Picture of benches and the garden looking out towards the street in the Jardin Velasco historic center of La Paz.
Benches in the garden at Jardin Velasco
Picture of the gazebo at the Jardin Velasco in the historic center near the art museum and Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.
Pavilion in the center of Jardin Velasco

Visit the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, is in the Historic Center of La Paz. The Cathedral is located right in front of Jardín Velasco. The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz was built during the nineteenth century on the land where the original mission once stood. The original mission was founded by two Jesuits in 1720. The Cathedral is beautiful on the inside, with stained glass windows.

Across from the Cathedral is Jardín Velasco. The park has several benches and a pavilion in the center. Jardín Velasco is what separates El Museo Regional de Arte de Baja California Sur on one end and the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz on the other end.

Picture of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in La Paz during the day.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz
Picture of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in La Paz at night.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz at night

Visit Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano

The Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano is where local artisan artwork and creations are sold. La Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano is located across from the Malecon near the sculpture of El Viejo y El Mar. There is a skate park next to the building in addition to one of the three La Paz letter signs. You will also find handmade souvenirs outside in the plaza of La Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano.

Picture of the Casa del Artesano where you can buy local artisan creations. There are also some local vendors outside the building selling tours and souvenirs.
Vendors outside Casa del Artesano Sudcalifornia

Visit the Centro Cultural La Paz

El Centro Cultural La Paz is a place dedicated to the promotion of the culture and heritage of La Paz and the region. At the Centro Cultural, you will learn about the history of the area. You will find permanent art exhibits, and several traveling exhibitions. You can also enjoy cultural shows which are sometimes held at the La Paz Cultural Center. The Cultural Center is housed in the Old Government House otherwise known as the Old Municipal Palace. Other older buildings like Teatro Juarez located next to the cultural center also plays a role in housing the Centro Cultural La Paz.

The La Paz Cultural Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission to the Cultural Center is free to the general public. El Centro Cultural is located on the corner of Belisario Dominguez and 16 de Septiembre. If you are by the pavilion on the Malecon, you can walk straight down 16 de Septiembre, and the Cultural Center will be on your left-hand side.

Picture of the Cultural Center of La Paz.
Cultural Center of La Paz

Visit El Mercado Orgánico y Artesanal

El Mercado Orgánico y Artesanal is the farmers’ market in La Paz. The Organic and Artisanal market happens twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturday mornings starting at 8 am. At the market, you will find many local handmade artisan items. You can find items such as wooden sculptures like Mushroom Rock from Balandra Bay, Cacti, Mexican blankets, and Mexican dolls. Several vendors at the Organic Market sell food like tamales, juices, hot sauces, fresh fruit and produce.

El Mercado Orgánico y Artesanal is located on Antonio Rosales Street between C. Francisco Madero Street and Mutualismo. The easiest way to find it is to go to the Malecon and walk towards the Marina. Once you get to the sculpture of the Old Man in a Paper Boat, El Viejo y El Mar, the market will be across the street. 

Stop by El Mercado Francisco Madero

At El Mercado Francisco Madero, you will find many vendors selling various items such as souvenirs and leather goods. If you are looking for traditional artisan items, you will also find a variety of vendors selling artisan items specific to this region. Likewise, as you walk around, you will also find food vendors and people selling sweets. There is a section of the market where meat and fresh seafood are sold. You will know you have found this area by the fresh smell of meat and seafood.

You will also find a tortillería, which is a place that makes and sells fresh tortillas. There is also a food court at El Mercado Francisco Madero. At the food court, you can get fresh cooked food like tacos, rice, beans, and pozole. The food vendors at El Mercado Francisco Madero are in a separate area from the main shopping section of the marketplace. If you decide to stop by, El Mercado Francisco Madero is easy to find as there is a mural on the outside wall near the main entrance.

Picture of the art mural outside of El Mercado Francisco Madero.
Art mural outside of El Mercado Francisco Madero

Visit Some of the Museums in La Paz

During your trip to La Paz, you can visit various museums. You can learn about the history of La Paz and Baja California and the formation of the Baja peninsula. You can see artwork from Mexican artists or visit a museum to learn about the marine life in the Sea of Cortes.

Visit El Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur

El Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur or the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History is where you can learn about the history of Baja California Sur. The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur has geological finds from the Baja Peninsula. The museum’s floors each focus on a portion of the history of Baja California Sur.

One section of the museum focuses on the region’s ancient paleontological past, while another showcases the cave paintings found throughout Baja California Sur. You will also learn about the Baja peninsula’s religious history, how people defended their land in the past, and its ties to marine life and pearl diving. 

El Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur is located off of Calle Ignacio Altamirano near the corner of Cl. 5 de Mayo. It is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General admission to the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur is $70.00 MXN, which is just over $4 USD.

Picture of the Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur in La Paz.
Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur

Visit El Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar

If you want to learn about marine life, visit el Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar, Museum of Whales and Ocean Science. El Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar works to educate people on marine ecosystems and marine life. The knowledge they provide to the general public is to help promote marine conservation, rescue, study, and research. 

El Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar has a collection of marine life skeletons for the public to see. The collection of marine skeletons they have on display is one of the largest displays in Latin America. You can learn about whale sharks, different whale species, dolphins, sharks, and other marine animals.

If you would like to visit the Museum of Whales and Ocean Science, it is located off Calle Ignacio Altamirano and Antonio Navarro. The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can choose to do a guided tour or a self-guided tour. The cost for tourists is $160.00 MXN (about $9.40 USD).

Stop by El Museo Regional de Arte de Baja California Sur

The Museo Regional de Arte de Baja California Sur, Art Museum of Baja California Sur, is an art museum that showcases national and local artists. The Art Museum is across the street from Jardín Velasco near Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz. The art showcased here includes modern and contemporary art as well as art from locals to Baja California Sur.

El Museo Regional de Arte de Baja California Sur has a permanent art display called the Luminarias on the outside. The Luminarias display are three rows of street lamps outside of the art museum. If you have ever heard of or seen the Urban Light sculpture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in Los Angeles, California, it is a similar art display. This area is a perfect place to take a photo worthy of Instagram. 

El Museo Regional de Arte de Baja California Sur is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entrance to the Art Museum is free, and donations are accepted. There is also a gift shop to browse around if you are interested in buying something.

Picture of Rosebee and Reya at the Luminarias display at night at La Paz's Museum of Art, one of the things to do in La Paz.
Rosby and Mireya at the Luminarias display at night
Picture of the Museum of Art in La Paz
Museum of Art
Picture of the Luminarias display behind La Paz's Museum of Art during the daytime.
Luminarias display during the day

Visit El Serpentario –  The Reptile and Wildlife Center of La Paz

El Serpentario is a Reptile and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in La Paz. Some of the animals and reptiles you can see here include various snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises, birds, and guinea pigs. Some of the animals and reptiles at the Reptile and Wildlife Center are permanent residents, while others are being rehabilitated for release. 

In addition to the animals and reptiles at El Serpentario, you will also see many native plants from the area. The native plants you see at El Serpentario help create a natural environment for the animals and reptiles. While at El Serpentario, you may have the opportunity to interact with the reptiles and animals. If you have children, El Serpentario is a great place to bring them.

Visit One of the Beaches Near La Paz

There are several beaches near La Paz, including Playa Balandra, one of Mexico’s best beaches. When planning a stay in La Paz, take time to enjoy the several nearby beaches and visit one of the best beaches in Mexico. You can drive, take a taxi, or book an excursion to one of the several nearby beaches. 

Visit One of the Best Beaches in Mexico – Playa Balandra/Balandra Bay

Playa Balandra is considered to be one of the best beaches in Mexico. Playa Balandra is about a 30-minute drive from La Paz and is limited to about 450 people in the morning and afternoon. Entering Balandra Bay is free to the public. Balandra Bay has multiple beach areas. During low tide, you can easily access the other beaches. If the tide is higher, you can kayak or paddleboard to the other beaches. Many people like to take pictures of a famous rock formation called Mushroom Rock. Along with relaxing at Balandra Beach, you can go hiking. There are multiple hiking trails at Balandra Beach that will give you an amazing view of the bay. 

Picture of Balandra Bay from a boat
Balandra Bay
Picture of the well known rock formation in Balandra Bay called Mushroom Rock.
Mushroom Rock

Visit Playa Tecolote/Tecolote Beach

Playa Tecolote is past Playa Balandra. The main road to Playa Balandra ends at Playa Tecolote, a beautiful beach where you can see Isla Espiritu Santo. The parking lot for the beach is a dirt parking lot. There are also a few restaurants and bars on the beach. You will need to spend a certain amount of money at the restaurants or bars if you want a shaded table and to use the facilities. One of the restaurants quoted us 500 pesos. The water at Playa Tecolote is a gorgeous turquoise-blue color with a soft white sand beach, but rocky in some places. Tecolote Beach is a great beach to spend a few hours at or to spend the day.

Picture of the waves at Tecolote Beach.
Playa Tecolote/Tecolote Beach

Enjoy Some Watersports in La Paz

When on vacation in La Paz, you can participate in many watersports. Whether you want to snorkel in the Sea of Cortes, go fishing, or kayak at the beach, there is something for everyone. 

Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard During Your Trip

Something fun to do in is to rent a kayak or paddleboard. Whether you are spending time at the Malecon or visiting one of the beaches in La Paz, there are places to rent beach equipment. You can even choose to do a kayak or paddleboard tour of Balandra Bay, one of the best beaches in Mexico.

Go Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortes

While visiting La Paz, we recommend going snorkeling. There are several coral reefs you can snorkel around. The marine life in the Sea of Cortes is amazing, with an abundant amount of marine life species. You can go on a snorkel tour to different snorkel areas, charter a private boat, or snorkel at one of the nearby beaches.

Go Scuba Diving in the Sea of Cortez

Are you a certified scuba diver? If so, plan a trip to go scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortes is often referred to as “the world’s aquarium.” There is an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem in the Sea of Cortes making it one of the best places to go scuba diving.

Go Fishing in La Paz Mexico

As you walk around La Paz, you will notice there are many places to eat seafood. Fishing is a popular thing to do in La Paz. If you enjoy fishing, then fishing in La Paz is a must. Depending on the time of year, you can fish for Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail, and Marlin, to name a few. If you catch some fish during your fishing trip, you can take your catch to a restaurant where they will make ceviche and cook the fish for you.

Enjoy the Local Food and Drinks in La Paz

When in a new place, we recommend going to some of the local restaurants. As you walk around the Malecon and down side streets near Centro La Paz, you will see there are many restaurants. You can find a McDonald’s or Subway, but eating tacos, fish, or ceviche at a local restaurant is a must when visiting La Paz. Here are just a few of the places we ate at during our stay in La Paz.

Stop by Mucho Gusto Tacos y Mezcal Bar

Mucho Gusto Tacos and Mezcal Bar sells tacos, nachos, burgers, and hot dogs if you want something other than tacos. You can also do mezcal tastings while playing a bar game at your table. I had the Al Pastor, Chorizo, and El Especial tacos. All three tacos were very delicious. Mucho Gusto Tacos y Mezcal Bar is located down the alleyway across from the La Paz letter sign on the Malecon.

Picture of the Mucho Gusto Tacos and Mezcal Bar sign inside of the restaurant.
Mucho Gusto Tacos and Mezcal Bar sign
Picture of the three tacos Mireya ordered from Mucho Gusto Taco and Mezcal Bar
Tacos from Mucho Gusto Taco and Mezcal Bar

Grab Some Tacos at Tacos Sicodelicos

Tacos Sicodelicos sells delicious Ensenada-style tacos. The store is on the small side, and the taco stand is right outside the storefront. There are a few tables to sit at inside. There is also a taco toppings bar inside with various salsas, onions, cilantro, and limes. Tacos Sicodelicos is located on Blvrd Margarita Maza de Juarez between C. San Antonio and Av. Cuarta.

Picture of the Ensenada style taco from Tacos Sicodelicos.
Ensenada style taco from Tacos Sicodelicos

Visit the Patio Peninsula Restaurant and Bar

We went to the Patio Peninsula Restaurant and Bar a few times during our stay. We enjoyed the pastor tacos, pastor nachos, and the drinks. This became one of our go-to places for drinks. The margaritas were great as well as the mojitos. The Patio Peninsula Restaurant and Bar is located across from the Malecon between the Pavillon and the Humpback whale sculpture.

Picture of the mojito we had at Patio Peninsula Restaurant and Bar.
Mojito
Picture of the Diablito del Patio cocktail Mireya had from Patio Peninsula Restaurant and Bar.
Diablito del Patio

Day Trips From La Paz, Mexico

Visit Isla Espiritu Santo Island

One of the most popular day trips to go on when in La Paz is taking a boat trip to Isla Espiritu Santo. Isla Espiritu Santo is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a protected marine location. The crystal-clear water and flourishing marine life make Isla Espiritu Santo one of the most popular snorkeling destinations near La Paz. Famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau referred to Isla Espiritu Santo as “the world’s aquarium.”

Getting to Isla Espiritu Santo will require a boat ride. You can hire a private boat tour and split the cost with several people, or you can purchase an all-day tour excursion to the island. As you make your way to Isla Espiritu Santo, you will have amazing ocean views. You may also get a view of Isla Partida on your tour. Isla Partida is a portion of the island that is separated from Isla Espiritu Santo. Isla Partida is separated from Holy Spirit Island by a small section of water in between the two islands.

Typically on tours to Isla Espiritu Santo, you will get the chance to snorkel and see amazing sea life and coral reefs. You may also get the chance to snorkel with sea lions. If you do get to snorkel with sea lions, be careful, as they can get curious and bite, and males can be territorial. After snorkeling, you may be taken to one of the several beaches on Isla Espiritu Santo to have lunch and enjoy some time on the island.

Picture of Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez.
Isla Espiritu Santo

Snorkel and Swim with Whale Sharks

One of the most popular tours to do when visiting La Paz is to swim with whale sharks. Whale sharks are considered to be the world’s largest fish in the ocean and not sharks. Despite their large size, whale sharks are considered to be gentle giants. They mainly feed on plankton in the region and are found near the surface of the ocean. Whale sharks spend lots of time near the surface of the ocean. This is why snorkel tour operators can find them in the ocean allowing you the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these gentle giants.

If you do want to go swimming or snorkeling with whale sharks, the best time to go is between October to April. When going on a tour to swim and snorkel with whale sharks, please listen to the tour providers. Whale sharks are considered an endangered species. We want to do what we can to protect them so they do not go extinct.

Go Snorkeling with Sea Lions

A unique thing to do in La Paz is to snorkel with sea lions. There are a few places to go snorkeling with sea lions. A couple of popular places to snorkel with sea lions are Isla Espiritu Santo and San Raphaelito. As you snorkel with sea lions, you will also snorkel around incredible coral reefs and see the amazing marine life in and around the reefs of the Sea of Cortes. 

If you do go snorkeling with sea lions, remember you are snorkeling with them in the open ocean. These are wild animals that you will be swimming and snorkeling near. Sea lions tend to be curious animals and male sea lions can be territorial. The curious sea lions may get close to you and nip or bite. You will more than likely be reminded of their curious nature on your tour before getting in the water. It is best to try to keep your distance and view them from afar. If a sea lion bites you, you will want to seek medical attention as sea lions have bacteria in their mouth that could lead to infection.

Snorkeling with a seal at Espiritu Santo Island
Snorkeling with a seal at Espiritu Santo Island

Go Whale Watching

If you plan to visit La Paz in the wintertime, you can go whale-watching. During the wintertime, you are likely to spot humpback whales and blue whales in the Sea of Cortes. There is also the possibility you may see a grey whale during your whale-watching tour. You can find many tour companies and private charters offering whale-watching tours along the Malecon. You can also go through Viator or another tour company.

Spend a Day in Todos Santos

The drive to Todos Santos, located on the Pacific Ocean side of Baja California Sur, takes about an hour from La Paz . Similarly to La Paz, you will see many art murals throughout Todos Santos. There is a large art influence in Todos Santos. In addition to the art murals that you will see while walking around, you will also see art displays along the street and near local stores. There are also many art galleries that you can visit during your day trip to Todos Santos.

While in Todos Santos, visit the historic Mission Church and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The church is beautiful, and anyone can walk inside the church. However, if there is a service taking place, please be respectful and do not disturb the ongoing service. If you want to visit the Museum of the Mission of Todos Santos, there is a fee to enter. If you love taking pictures with city letter signs as we do, you can find the Letra de Todos Santos sign next to the historic Mission church. 

One of the most iconic landmarks you will see in Todos Santos is the Hotel California. The Hotel California is just a short walk from the Church and the Mission. If you get hungry, there are many places to grab a bite to eat. You can have a sit-down meal or purchase some food from the vendors you see while walking. If it is hot and you want something cool to eat, grab a paleta, sorbet, or ice cream.

View of the Todos Santos letters
View of the Todos Santos letters

Head Over to Cabo San Lucas

Plan a visit or tour to Cabo San Lucas during your stay in La Paz. Cabo San Lucas is about a two-hour drive from La Paz. You can plan a day trip or spend a few days in Cabo San Lucas before or after your visit to La Paz. Cabo San Lucas is more touristy than La Paz but is an awesome place to visit during your visit to Baja California Sur.

While in Cabo San Lucas, you can go on a boat tour of Land’s End. Land’s End is where the famous Cabo San Lucas Arch is located. The rock formation at the end of Land’s End marks where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean. You can also go on tours to ride camels in the desert, ride ATVs or UTVs, or even go ziplining.

Along with various adventure tours in Cabo San Lucas, there are many great places to eat and explore. You can walk over to Plaza Amelia Wilkes Ceseña and see the Kilometer 0 sign. The Kilometer 0 sign is referred to as the original start of the Transpeninsular Highway of Mexico. You will find many places to eat and shop for souvenirs while walking around Cabo. 

View of the Arch at Land's End
View of the Arch at Land’s End

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is some additional information to help you plan your trip to La Paz. From how to get there and get around La Paz to the best time to visit. I hope this information helps you when planning your vacation to La Paz. 

How Do You Get to La Paz?

There are different ways to get to La Paz in Baja California Sur. You can travel there by airplane by driving drive down from the U.S.-Mexico border. The fastest way to get to La Paz is via airplane, and you have a couple of options for where to fly in to. La Paz is also a cruise destination on some Mexican Riviera cruises to the region. 

How Do You Travel to La Paz by Airplane?

If you would like to fly to La Paz, you can fly into Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport (LAP), which is located about 20 minutes from the Historic Center of La Paz. You will need to take a transfer flight to LAP from another airport as there are no international flights to LAP.

If you are flying from the United States, flying into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in San Jose del Cabo is your best bet due to the large availability of flights. You will then need to take a connecting flight to the airport in La Paz. If you choose to fly to Los Cabos International Airport and not connect to the airport in La Paz you will need to make a two-hour drive to La Paz. This is a great option if you would like to explore Cabo for a few days prior to continuing to La Paz.

How Do Your Road Trip to La Paz from the U.S. Mexico Border?

If you choose not to fly to La Paz and would rather drive to La Paz, you can absolutely do that. Crossing from the San Ysidro Border Crossing in San Diego into Tijuana is about a 15-hour drive to La Paz, depending on traffic. When driving down to La Paz, you will want to stay on the Transpeninsular Highway, (Highway 1) which is the main highway and the safer highway to drive down the Baja California peninsula. If you choose to do a road trip down to La Paz, make sure you have all your required travel documents. You will need a passport and proper car insurance for driving in Mexico.

If you decide to drive down to La Paz, you will pass by a couple of popular tourist beach towns in Baja California, like Rosarito and Ensenada. Near Ensenada is the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico’s largest and main wine region, popular for wine tasting. As you get closer to La Paz, you will pass Loreto, a great place to golf. Once you get to Loreto, you will have about 4-hours left on your road trip to La Paz.

How Do You Get Around La Paz?

There are many ways to get around in La Paz, you can rent a car, take public transportation, or walk. No matter what, getting around La Paz is relatively easy, and you be able to easily navigate the city.

Should You Rent a Car When Visiting La Paz?

If you want to explore La Paz on your own time, we recommend renting a car. You can rent a car upon your arrival at the airport. Renting a car will allow you to drive to several of the nearby beaches, particularly Playa Balandra and Playa Tecolote. However, something to be aware of is the requirement of purchasing Mexican car insurance. Mexican car insurance can be expensive, with full coverage costing about $100 a day. Having a rental car means you would not need to pay for taxis, public transportation, or walk everywhere. Additonally, you can also do a day trip to Todos Santos or spend some time in Cabo San Lucas on your own if you rent a car. 

Is There Public Transportation in La Paz?

If you choose not to rent a car, you can ride public transportation. There is a bus system in La Paz, which is cheaper than paying for taxis. If you do not want to wait for the bus, you can also take a taxi around La Paz. If you do not want to drive to the popular beaches of Tecolote and Balandra Beach, you can take the Playa Bus. You can catch the Playa Bus at the bus terminal near the Malecon.

Is Rideshare Available in La Paz?

Uber is available in La Paz for those who prefer to use Uber. In addition to Uber, the rideshare app Didi is also used in La Paz.

Is La Paz a Walkable Town?

La Paz is a walkable town, with an exception. It is very easy to get around town on foot. However, you do have to watch your step. Many of the sidewalks have uneven surfaces and a few potholes that will catch you quite unexpectedly. We are two for two on tripping while walking. One good note about tripping is that after tripping once, you tend to be more vigilant about the condition of the sidewalk.

While walking around La Paz, if you want to be close to the many restaurants and areas of interest, you will want to stay closer to the Historic Center. From the Historic Center, it is a short walk down to the Malecon and the shops and restaurants that line the 3-mile-long Malecon area. One good note is that the sidewalk around the Malecon has a more even surface than other parts of town.

How Many Days Should You Stay in La Paz?

If you are planning a trip to La Paz, we recommend staying at least 4 nights. This way you can spend a day exploring the Malecon and the shops and restaurants nearby. Then you can plan a day to snorkel and visit Isla Espiritu Santo and another day to visit Playa Balandra and other beaches near La Paz.

However, if you can spend more than 4 nights in La Paz, then you can do more things like swim with whale sharks, visit the museums, go fishing, or spend more time walking around the Malecon and central area.

What is the Weather like in La Paz?

La Paz has a desert climate and is currently experiencing an extreme drought. Therefore, due to the desert climate, there is not much rainfall in the area.

The temperature in La Paz is best between November through May. In May, the temperature begins to get hot, but it is not as hot as the rest of the summer. The temperature varies from the high 70 degrees Fahrenheit to the low mid-90s.

The hottest months for La Paz are June through October. During this time, temperatures range from the mid-high 90s to the low 100s. 

Is La Paz, Mexico Worth Visiting?

La Paz, Mexico, is definitely worth visiting! The laid-back feel of La Paz, the amazing snorkeling, and the charm of the town make La Paz a must-visit location in Mexico. If you arrive to La Paz by cruise ship, it is totally worth it to spend the day in town. If you are planning a trip to Cabo, we highly recommend adding La Paz to your itinerary and spending a couple of days or more in La Paz. You will not regret it!

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