From swimming with whale sharks to relaxing on some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, La Paz offers an authentic Baja experience without the crowds of Cabo San Lucas. Here’s why this charming seaside city deserves a spot on your Mexico travel bucket list.
Highlights
- Swim alongside whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, just off the coast of La Paz.
- Discover Balandra Beach, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.
- Experience authentic Baja culture with a laid-back vibe, fresh seafood, stunning Sea of Cortez sunsets and no Cabo crowds.
Why La Paz is a Must-Visit Spot in Mexico
Baja California Sur’s tourism star might be Cabo San Lucas, but there’s another town on the peninsula with all of the charm, sunshine and beaches and none of the crowds: La Paz. One of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, La Paz is coming into its own as a laid-back, nature-filled alternative to the crowds, cost and commotion of Cabo.
The city sits alongside the sparkling Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium.” The sea teems with marine life. It’s the place to swim with the ocean’s gentle giant, the whale shark. Or just sit on the shore and wait for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life to swim by.
I traveled with a group to La Paz, but I look forward to returning to this waterfront town for a romantic trip with my husband.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples getaway or girlfriends trip, these fun things to do in La Paz deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Are you ready to explore mores? Let us inspire you!
1. Lounge on Balandra Beach
I’ve seen a lot of beaches around the world, from Florida to Australia, Maine to California, Cancun to Cabo, so I’m not easily impressed. Balandra Beach is one of the few that made me stop and say “wow” as I jumped off the boat into the knee-deep waters of Balandra Bay.
As I waded through the warm waters to the soft white sand of this pristine beach, I found my shoulders relaxing and my breathing deepening. Too dramatic? Maybe. But, if you’re a Type A person like me, you know that there are only a few rare spots in the world that can make you stop and smell the roses. Or, in this case, the salty sea air.
Why I loved Balandra Beach
- The protected bay feels more like a giant natural swimming pool than an ocean beach
- Calm, crystal-clear turquoise water
- Soft white sand
- Shallow water perfect for wading and small children
- Stunning mountain backdrop
2. Swim with Whale Sharks
There are only a handful of places around the world where it’s possible to swim alongside these fish that can grow to 40 feet or longer. Yes, they are sharks, but no, they aren’t a threat to people. They are filter feeders; they open their large mouth to drink in the seawater and filter the plankton and other organisms through their gills.
This is a bucket list experience. It’s not cheap; expect to pay more than $`100 per person for a few hours. And always hire a licensed tour opertor to ensure they abide by the rules set to protect the wildlife.
You can read all about my magical experience swimming with whale sharks in La Paz.
What you need to know about swimming with whale sharks
- The legal season runs from October through April, but the activity can be shut down when there are too few whale sharks or the weather is bad.
- You must take a licensed, guided tour.
- Most tour operators will take kids, but bring a mask, snorkel and fins for them; not all tour operators have equipment in kid sizes.
3. Meet the Marine Life of the Sea of Cortez
Definitely spend as much time in or on the water as you can. Snorkeling, boat excursions and scuba diving are the best ways to get close to the wildlife.
Animals I saw during my March 2026 visit:
- Whale sharks
- Sea lions
- Dolphins
- Sea turtles
- Humpback whales
- Tropical fish
- Bl;ue footed boobies
- Pelicans
4. Visit Espiritu Santo Island
Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected paradise, is just a 60-minute boat ride from La Paz. You can visit on a day trip, but I recommend booking a few nights at Camp Cecil de la Isla. Glamping on the island is the best way to slow down and really experience this natural wonder.
Top things to do on Espíritu Santo
- Snorkel with sea lions
- Relax on secluded beaches
- Kayak along jagged volcanic cliffs
- Spot marine wildlife
- Photograph stunning red rock formations
- Hike desert trails
5. Stroll the Malecón
La Paz’s waterfront promenade, The Malecón stretches for several miles along the bay. At night, it’s the social center of the city for both locals and tourists. I loved walking along the waterfront admiring the pbulic art and feeling the cool sea breezes.
Highlights along the Malecón
- Public art installations
- A wealth of bars and restaurants, most of them locally-owned
- Street performers
- Local vendors
- Spectacular sunset views
6. Eat Like a Local
With access to some of the richest waters in the world, La Paz serves exceptionally fresh seafood. The best meal I had in La Paz: dinner at NEMI, which offers a tasting menu that celebrates local cuisine.
Must-try dishes
- Fish tacos
- Chocolate clams
- Shrimp ceviche
- Grilled local fish
- Seafood tostadas
7. Meet the Locals
One of La Paz’s biggest advantages is what it doesn’t have: overwhelming crowds. Unlike its better-known Baja neighbor, Los Cabos, La Paz offers a chill vibe. We encountered the biggest crowds strolling the Malecón at night, but most of those were locals out for walk with the kids before bedtime.
Why travelers appreciate La Paz
- More relaxed atmosphere
- Less traffic
- Lower-key nightlife
- Easier beach access
- More authentic local culture
8. Paddle the Seas
The winds were high during my visit, as they sometimes are in the winter months, so the waters were pretty choppy and murky. But La Paz prides itself on the normally calm waters of the Sea of Cortez..
Popular water activities
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Sailing
- Fishing
9. Watch a Spectacular Sunset
Most evenings, the clear skies around La Paz are painted in breathtaking shades of orange, pink and purple. Definitely plan dinner around the bewitching hour so you don’t miss the show!
For the best views, head to:
- The Malecón
- A waterfront restaurant
- A sunset sailing excursion
- Espiritu Santo Island
10. Experience Authentic Baja Culture
Unlike many resort destinations in Mexico, La Paz still feels like a city where locals live, work and gather.
What you’ll find
- Family-owned restaurants
- Local festivals
- Traditional markets
- Friendly residents
- A slower pace of life
When is the Best Time to Visit La Paz?
- October-April: Whale shark season and pleasant temperatures.
- December-March: Whale-watching opportunities.
- Spring: Warm weather and fewer crowds.
- Summer: Hot temperatures but excellent beach conditions.
Where to Stay in La Paz
I stayed at Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés. This pet-friendly IHG property works well for people who prefer a resort-like experience and want to stay on property for most of their trip.
But it’s about 15 minutes north of the Malecón, so it feels far removed from the authenticity of La Paz. If you stay here and want to experience more of La Paz, definitely rent a car.
The hotel features:
- Beach
- Fitness Center
- Free parking
- Fabulous pools
- 2 on-site restauratns
- Spa
- Cheerful, accommodating staff
- Ev chargers
Getting to La Paz
Most travelers fly into La Paz International Airport, though some fly into Cabo San Lucas and drive north. While there are rideshares available in La Paz, having a car makes it easy to get around.
FAQs
Yes. La Paz combines beautiful beaches, marine wildlife, excellent food and authentic Baja culture. Many travelers prefer its relaxed atmosphere over the busier resort scene in Cabo San Lucas.
Three to five days is ideal. This allows enough time to visit Balandra Beach, take a boat trip to Espíritu Santo Island, explore the Malecón and enjoy wildlife experiences. If you have the time, plan to spend a few extra days at Camp Cecil de la Isla to fully experience Espíritu Santo Island.
La Paz is generally considered one of Mexico’s safer tourist destinations and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. As with any destination, travelers should take normal precautions and stay aware of their surroundings.
January through March offers excellent weather and wildlife viewing opportunities. October through April is the time to visit if you want to swim with whale sharks.
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