Guide to Travel La Paz, México
About La Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The city is located on a bay overlooking the Sea of Cortez and is home to many beautiful beaches. La Paz has a population of approximately 250,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in Baja California Sur. There are many activities to do around La Paz such as whale-watching tours, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling trips with sea turtles, and much more! The city also offers great food options that range from traditional Mexican cuisine to international dishes. In addition, there are plenty of places for shopping and nightlife entertainment!
Balandra Bay YouTube Video
History of La Paz
La Paz has been occupied for thousands of years, including settlement by indigenous tribes and European settlers. Its location on the Sea of Cortez makes it an ideal spot for fishing and other aquatic activities.
The first settlement in La Paz was established by Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés in 1535. This settlement would become a major center for trading between Spain and its colonies in Latin America. Over the following centuries, La Paz's population ebbed and flowed as new waves of immigrants from Europe and Asia arrived looking for new opportunities. The city grew steadily during this period until it became the capital of Baja California Sur state in 1974 when the modern era began for La Paz.
Today La Paz is known as one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations due to its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-renowned food scene – all set against an idyllic backdrop provided by natural wonders such as Isla Espíritu Santo National Park or El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve just outside town! Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins like San José del Cabo Mission or taking part in local festivals like Festival de la Música y Gastronomía de La Paz, no visit to this region would be complete without experiencing firsthand what makes this area so special: its unique history!
How to Get to La Paz
La Paz, Mexico is easily accessible by air. The most convenient way to get there is via the nearby Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). There are several airlines that fly into Los Cabos and you can choose from a variety of flight options depending on your budget and travel needs. That being said most visitors to La Paz will choose to take a car, bus, or Uber from Los Cabos.
Once in La Paz, transportation around town includes Uber, taxis, buses, and rental cars.
What to do in La Paz
La Paz has a wide variety of activities to offer visitors. Some popular attractions include whale-watching tours, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling trips with sea turtles, and much more! Visitors can also enjoy the stunning beaches and take part in water sports such as fishing and kayaking. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from while exploring the city. Additionally, there are many cultural activities such as visiting local art galleries or museums that provide an interesting insight into Mexican culture.
Boat Tours in La Paz
There are several boat tour companies in La Paz that offer guided tours of the area's stunning coastline. The boats typically include a guide who can provide more insight into the region’s history and ecology as you cruise along the waterways and set sail to beautiful Ilsa Espíritu Santo. Popular activities on these tours include swimming with sea lions, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, and much more!
Downtown La Paz
Make sure to check out downtown La Paz which is the main commercial hub in Mexico’s Baja California Sur state. It's home to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars offering a range of Mexican dishes and drinks. You'll also find museums that explore the region’s history, as well as art galleries featuring work from local artists. The area also has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of clubs and live music venues open late into the night.
If you’re a history buff then head down to the old part of town and check out the church called Nuestra Señora de La Paz.
La Paz Malecón
The Malecon is a 4-mile seaside promenade that runs through downtown La Paz. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline as well as its coastal landscape. Along the walkway you'll find plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, statues, and galleries to explore, making it an ideal place to spend time during your visit.
Beaches in La Paz
La Paz, Mexico has many beautiful beaches to explore. Some of the most popular include Balandra Beach, El Tecolote Beach and Playa Coromuel And Playa El Tesoro. All of these beaches can be visited by hopping on the very convenient Playa Bus which will take patrons from downtown La Paz to the beaches.
Balandra Bay
Balandra Bay is one of the most beautiful attractions in all of Mexico and the world over. It is a protected UNESCO heritage site and is known for its crystal clear waters and 6 white sand beaches making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Playa El Tecolote
Playa El Tecolote (Owl Beach) is an amazing stretch of brilliant white sand that is located in La Paz, Mexico. It's known for its crystal clear waters, as well as its many activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. The beach also features beautiful views of the local mountains and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. There are also plenty of beachfront restaurants and souvenir stands to check out if you’re into that.
Playa El Coromuel
Playa El Coromuel offers an incredible snorkeling opportunity and plenty of space to relax. It's known for its gorgeous golden sand and clear blue waters, along with its many activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more. The beach also provides breathtaking views of the local mountains and it's one of the most popular beaches in the region.
Playa El Tesoro
Playa El Tesoro provides incredible views and is a relaxing place to lounge for the day. This beach isn’t the greatest spot for swimming but makes up for it with beauty and relaxed vibes. There is one restaurant where you can get delicious Mexican food under a palapa.
Hiking in La Paz
La Paz is a great destination for hiking! Some of the top trails in the area include Cerro de la Calavera, Bahía Magdalena Trail, Sierra La Giganta, Bahia San Gabriel Coastal Trail, and Cerro Tepezquintle. For more challenging hikes, try El Gran Trono Blanco or Colorado de la Vieja. You can also explore one of the many cactus forests that dot the landscape. Whichever route you choose, be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water!
Visit Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a small town located roughly 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic. This quaint made is great for its stunning beaches and yearly festivals like Carnaval de Pescadores and Dia de Los Muertes. It's known for its surf culture, sea turtles, and world-famous hotels such as Hotel California.
Restaurants in La Paz
La Paz is a great destination for food lovers! There are plenty of places to choose from, depending on what type of cuisine you're looking for. For Mexican dishes, some of the top spots include La Taquiza de Don Pedro, Taquería Los Siete Mares, and El Bagre. If you're in the mood for seafood, try Maria's Mariscos or El Rey del Mar. Other popular restaurants in La Paz include El Faro Café & Bar and Restaurante Corazon de Tierra. Bon Appétit!
Hotels in La Paz
La Paz offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and hotels to luxurious resorts. If you're looking for something affordable, consider Posada Don Pepe or Hostel La Casa de Los Patios. For mid-range accommodations, Hotel Las Palmas and Suites Camino Real are great options. Or if you want to splurge on a luxury stay, check out CostaBaja Resort & Spa or The Grand Baja Resort.