Best Things To Do In La Paz: Mexico’s Hidden Paradise

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From incredibly diverse wildlife and Caribbean-like beaches to some of the tastiest seafood you’ll ever try, here are the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico’s hidden gem!

With its unique desert landscape of rocky hills and cacti set against vibrant turquoise waters, La Paz in Baja California Sur has been on my bucket list for a long time.

Ironically, I never visited, even though I am originally from the neighboring Baja California Norte. It took me moving abroad and traveling the world for a few years to realize just how much beauty had been there in my backyard all along.

Woman surrounded by tall cacti

That is why I was incredibly happy to finally make it to beautiful La Paz, BCS, during our Cabos itinerary, before heading north to visit friends and family.

And as quickly as I arrived in La Paz, I realized I would have to come back for more at one point.

Still, we tried to squeeze the most out of our trip, even in the insane summer heat—which I do not recommend.

So after exploring this Mexican underrated beach destination, these are some of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico.

Turquoise water in La Paz, Mexico

Best Things to Do In La Paz: Mexico’s Hidden Paradise

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Take a day trip to Isla Espiritu Santo

We are starting this post strong, with what I consider to be the absolute best thing to do in La Paz, and the one activity you cannot leave without doing—taking a day trip to Isla Espiritu Santo.

We almost missed this, due to the insane summer heat, and a paranoia that we would get motion sick, but we pushed through anyway. I’m so happy we did since this immediately became one of my favorite memories from the whole trip.

Some of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico are specific activities that you can only do by taking a guided trip to Isla Espiritu Santo.

Turquoise water and rocky cliffs with cacti at Isla Espiritu Santo La Paz Mexico

What is Isla Espiritu Santo

Isla Espiritu Santo is an uninhabited island located in the Gulf of California, just off the coast of Baja California Sur in Mexico, known for its mesmerizing landscapes and incredible marine wildlife.

This charming island thrives in biodiversity thanks to the protections granted by its National Park title and UNESCO World Heritage status, keeping it safe from over-tourism, irresponsible fishing, and environmental damage.

Making it an unmatched location for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching.

Rocky cliffs at Isla Espiritu Santo

How to get to Isla Espiritu Santo

Due to the island’s protected status, and because of the distance from La Paz, the only way to get to Isla Espiritu Santo is with a guided tour.

While comparing prices online and in person at the shops in La Paz, I noticed that the online prices were higher compared to the ones I was getting at the shops.

However, it is worth mentioning that I visited during the low season, so maybe the shop owners also lowered their prices in person.

If you want to try your luck and book your tour in person at a local company in La Paz, I highly recommend Diamante Tours. By the look of it, and the lack of reviews I normally wouldn’t book there, but I was happily surprised by my last-minute decision!

View from a boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo

The tour guide was knowledgeable, charismatic, and even funny—and an actual marine biologist, which all their tour guides are.

The tour plan covered a lot, and we got to see so much wildlife. And what’s even more shocking, the meal provided was delicious!

If you prefer to plan in advance—which makes sense, especially if visiting in the high season—then booking a guided tour of Isla Espiritu Santo online will be the most convenient option.

Most tours will last around five to seven hours, depending on the stops, and will provide food and non-alcoholic drinks for the day trip.

Tip: Our boat ride was smooth, so luckily, we didn’t get any motion sickness. But if you are prone to it, it’s probably a good idea to get some anti-nausea pills (make sure is the non-drowsiness kind) and anti-nausea sea bands. Better be safe than sorry!

Tour boat at a crystal clear beach at Isla Espiritu Santo

Best things to do in La Paz’s Isla Espiritu Santo

Dolphin watching

I kid you not when I say that we were only about ten minutes into the boat ride to Isla Espiritu Santo when the boat stopped. I thought there was a problem with the motor or something, but no, we were stopping to admire La Paz’s cutest residents, a small group of dolphins.

There were three of them swimming and playing, and following the boat as we continued.

I was sold from that moment on that we were going to see incredible things on this day trip to Espiritu Santo. And I was right!

Dolphin popping out of the water at La Paz, Mexico

Swim with sea lions

One of the best things to do in La Paz Mexico—and one that was very high on my bucket list—is snorkeling with sea lions. A unique activity I have never seen available anywhere else in the world.

As expected, this activity is highly popular, which is why you will find it included in most of the tours going to Isla Espiritu Santo.

We didn’t get as lucky on our snorkeling day, with only one curious female sea lion coming up to us. But still, being in the water with them and seeing them interact with each other up close is such a fun and unique experience!

Turtle watching

The protected Isla Espiritu Santo is home to so many incredible species, including adorable sea turtles, who you might be able to spot between July and November as they swim to lay their eggs on the calm beaches of the island.

The tours are not allowed to anchor close to the beach where the turtles arrive, to protect the eggs from wandering tourists, however, if you are lucky you might be able to spot some turtles in the water swimming their way to shore.

We spotted around ten turtles peeping through the waves, they are so cute!

Turtle popping its head out of the water at Isla Espiritu Santo

Visit remote pristine beaches

Another one of the top things to do in La Paz, BCS—which sets it apart from other popular Mexican beach destinations, like Cancun—is that you can find remote beaches with literally not a soul in sight.

Again, mostly possible with a guided tour, but still.

During our Isla Espiritu Santo tour, we stopped for a lunch break at one of the many beaches on the island. And it felt so luxurious to have freshly made ceviche on this remote island in the middle of the Sea of Cortez.

Honestly, even after all the sea lions and turtles, this also felt like a highlight of the trip.

Snorkel in crystal clear waters

Due to its key location in the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is known for its incredible wildlife viewing. And if seeing all sorts of animals from the boat wasn’t enough, once you dip your head in the water it gets even better!

Snorkeling in Isla Espiritu Santo was the best snorkeling experience I have ever had!

I’m not a diver—my boyfriend is—but after I showed him and explained what I saw during my snorkeling session, he said that’s why he dives. Normally, you would have to go deeper to see that many schools of fish and the wildlife we encountered while snorkeling in Isla Espiritu Santo

So, yes, the snorkel in La Paz, particularly in Isla Espiritu Santo is something else!

Crystal clear beach at Isla Espiritu Santo at Baja California Sur

Walk along the Malecón in La Paz

One of the top things to do in La Paz, BCS is to walk along the stunning Malecón, the city’s iconic waterfront boardwalk.

A hit with tourists and locals alike, El Malecón is a gathering spot filled with families taking leisurely walks, people cycling along it, and kids roller skating, all against the beautiful backdrop of the Sea of Cortez stretching in the distance.

As we made our way into La Paz’s city center on various occasions, I kept thinking to myself how beautiful it must be to live here and be able to walk this route as your daily commute.

The vibrant atmosphere, the fresh ocean breeze, and the stunning sunset views make El Malecón an unmissable spot when visiting La Paz, Mexico!

Main square at Malecon in La Paz, Mexico

Spot the sculptures along the Malecón

As you stroll along the Malecón, you will come across various marine-themed sculptures, celebrating the region’s diverse wildlife, and the state’s rich history and connection to the ocean.

These eye-catching pieces transform El Malecón from a simple boardwalk to an open-air museum, with fun sculptures of playful dolphins, arching whales a couple of bull sharks, and even the whimsical touch of a mermaid statue.

One of the most striking sculptures along the Malecón—and my favorite—is a massive five-meter-tall bronze sea shell with a gigantic aluminum pearl at its center, a nod to the region’s history of pearl production.

Try the local-approved seafood joint: Mariscos el Toro Güero

One of the best ways to get to know a place is through its food, and Baja’s cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood, bold flavors, and local specialties like fish tacos and ceviche that you just can’t miss!

Loved by locals and tourists alike, Mariscos el Toro Güero has made a name for itself as one of the best spots in La Paz for seafood dishes.

Mariscos el Toro Güero is an authentic seafood spot with an open-air setup, fans spinning, and someone singing in the corner—no frills, just incredible food, and a very tasty michelada!

Offering everything from oysters to fresh ceviche to battered fish tacos to marlin quesadillas, they have it all!

We ordered a bit of everything, but my favorites were the marlin quesadillas and my beloved shrimp cocktail, so definitely give those a try.

Swim with mobula rays, dolphins, orcas, and whales at an Ocean Safari

Besides its beautiful beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, one of the biggest attractions of La Paz, BCS for nature lovers is the incredible biodiversity that’s unique to this region.

After all, the Sea of Cortez was named “The World’s Aquarium” by the famed explorer Jacques Cousteau.

With so much incredible wildlife to witness, all with different patterns and behaviors, the best way to make the most of your trip to Baja California Sur to admire the local marine life, is to book species-specific guided tours.

One of the best options for fitting in as much wildlife-watching as possible is an Ocean Safari tour in La Paz, specifically focused on seeing as many incredible species as possible.

Departing from the neighboring La Ventana town, this tour aims to find huge schools of mobula rays, dolphins, whales, and even orcas, allowing you to swim and snorkel with these fascinating animals when safe.

Definitely one of the best things to do in La Paz BCS for natural and sea lovers!

Sea lions flippers out of the water at Isla Espiritu Santo

Go on a whale-watching tour

Remember how I mentioned that as soon as we arrived in La Paz, I knew I would have to come back? Well, it mostly has to do with the seasons.

Having visited at the end of summer, we still got to see incredible wildlife, but sadly no whales. So I am desperate to return in winter and go on a whale-watching tour.

I did my first whale-watching tour in the Sea of Cortez almost 11 years ago, and I still remember it as one of the most magical days in my life!

The gray whales would come up to the tiny boat like massive water dogs, curious to say hello, showing off their calves, who also popped their head out right next to the boats.

It was so impressive and special to be so close to these gentle giants, you can bet I am already planning a second trip back to try and relive it.

So if you are visiting during the winter months when grey whales come to the Sea of Cortez, I highly recommend you book a whale-watching tour from La Paz, because there is truly nothing like it.

Swim with whale sharks

If seeing whales from a boat seems boring to your adrenaline-needing heart, then you might be more interested in swimming with whale sharks.

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the top things to do in La Paz, Mexico for sea and nature lovers. If this activity is a priority, you will want to plan your trip around this, to guarantee you are visiting during the right season—between October and April.

I never really had swimming with whale sharks at the top of my list, that was until I learned that they are actually harmless and a yearly visitor to the Sea of Cortez.

For the best chance to find whale sharks, and have more time to interact with them, you will want to book a specific whale shark tour from La Paz.

(As always, you can also check in person with the tour operators in the city for cheaper prices)

Visit the Our Lady of Peace Cathedral

While hopping on a boat and charting off to sea is one of the best things to do in La Paz, there are still plenty of sights to enjoy in the city, like the beautiful Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, locally known as Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz.

Far from the dramatic gothic style of European Cathedrals, this humble-looking Cathedral has a charming neoclassical style on the outside, with twin towers in a pink-tone brick.

Located in the heart of the city, La Paz Cathedral stands where the original Jesuit mission was founded in the eighteenth century.

Inside the cathedral, you will find beautiful baroque elements, so make sure to pop your head in to admire the interior as well!

Our Lady of Peace Cathedral in La Paz BCS

Stop by the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur

Just a few steps, and a little town square away, from La Paz Cathedral you will find the eye-catching building of the Baja California Art Museum—another great stop to add while exploring La Paz city center.

The Baja California Art Museum is housed inside a historic building from the eighteenth century that has seen many lives, from military headquarters to city hall, to a library, among other things.

Inside you will find exhibitions by national, international, and local artists from Baja California Sur, as well as some projections of short films and documentaries.

Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur in La Paz

Try Baja-style tacos at Taquería los Prietos

Little Mexican cuisine lesson here: most of Mexico uses corn tortillas for everything, but in the north, we also enjoy flour tortillas—which I’m guessing is why the USA is more familiar with them

However, I had never encountered flour tortillas being offered in every single taco stand in the city—not even in Baja California Norte. So I was surprised to see how much flour tortillas are part of the BCS cuisine, so we gave in and ordered everything with flour tortillas.

And oh, WOW!

The flour tortillas are so good in Baja California Sur! If there are two things we ate during our trip in Baja Sur, were seafood and flour tortilla tacos, over and over.

And the ones we had in La Paz at Taqueria los Prietos were some of the best tacos of our trip.

Taqueria los Prietos focuses on what it does well, offering only asada, beef, and Pastor, marinated pork, as meat options, but in many different variations. From your regular corn taco, flour quesadilla with meat, and even tortas.

This La Paz taco stand is the perfect combination of good modern branding, while still being traditionally delicious food!

So, hard stamp of approval from this Mexican.

Admire the street art scene in La Paz

As soon as we started driving into La Paz from Todos Santos, the number of beautiful murals lining the roads instantly caught my attention.

And walking through the city made me realize that street art is something La Paz takes pride in. With many colorful pieces decorating the city, from colorful murals covering full sides of buildings to small art pieces greeting you at the turn of a corner.

Make sure to take the time to look around when walking through La Paz, and see what catches your eye.

Or, if you don’t want to miss anything, you can book a street art walking tour in La Paz to admire some of the most beautiful art pieces in the city and learn about their history.

Visit Balandra Beach: One of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches

One of the absolute best things to do in La Paz, BCS, is to enjoy its beautiful beaches on the Sea of Cortez, and one in particular that you cannot miss, is the breathtaking Balandra Beach.

Balandra Beach is a federally protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Luckily, it is a very short drive from La Paz.

Due to its key location tucked away in Balandra Bay, Balandra Beach is famous for its incredibly calm, shallow waters that remain warm year-round, crystal clear, and home to a diverse range of marine life.

Because of its protected status and controlled number of visitors, the fish at Balandra Beach is so unbothered by humans, swimming directly next to you and around you, even at the edge of the water.

Tip: Balandra Beach is a federally protected area with set schedules to allow visitors in. The first one starts at 8:00 am, and the second one at 1:00 pm. Make sure to plan your visit and arrive early for your slot, especially during the high season and weekends. For up-to-date information make sure to check the official Balandra Beach government’s website.

Scenic view of Balandra Bay in La Paz, BCS

Relax at Tecolote Beach: The locals’ favorite

Another nearby beach worth checking out is the locals’ favorite, Tecolote Beach.

Tecolote Beach, Balandra’s neighbor, is a public beach just a 5-minute drive away, offering all the amenities that the federally protected Balandra doesn’t—from vendor stands to casual waterfront eateries and beach bars.

It’s a great spot to visit after Balandra if you forgot to pack snacks and are starting to get hungry at the end of your beach time slot.

The water here isn’t as clear or calm since it’s not protected by the bay like Balandra, but it’s still nice and warm and offers plenty of beach space to spread out and mingle with the locals.

Who are nice enough to give you a hand getting your car out of the sand when you stupidly get stuck. Or so I heard…

Cool off at Raspados Raspatlán

Since we just couldn’t wait until winter and decided to visit in the peak of summer—0/5 would not recommend—one of the best things to do in La Paz, if you like us are struggling with the heat, is to cool off at Raspados Raspatlpán.

Raspados are the Mexican version of shaved iced, covered with flavored syrups, from the classic lemon—my favorite—to strawberry and walnut, as well as some fun ones like piña colada and spicy mango.

As we struggled walking around La Paz, we stopped at Raspados Raspatlán for a refreshing pick-me-up, and I can tell you that it truly does the trick, even in 38-degree (100 °F) heat.

Raspados at Raspatlan in La Paz, BCS

Admire the beautiful sunset over the water

If there is one benefit to being jetlagged, is getting to see the sunrise at your new location, which I would highly recommend you do in La Paz.

Famed for its vibrant sunsets and sunrises, if you are an early bird-gets-the-worm kind of person, you will not want to miss the chance of catching a sunrise over the water at La Paz, BCS.

Maybe from your balcony with a cup of coffee or maybe by joining the locals on a little morning stroll along the Malecón. Whichever way you choose, it will be worth it!

With its turquoise water, unmatched wildlife, unique landscapes, and incredible cuisine there are so many fun things to do in La Paz, BCS. So much so, that I know I will be coming back sometime soon to keep exploring!

In the meantime, I hope you found this post on the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico useful. What is the one thing that would be at the top of your to-do list? Let us know in the comments.

I know that mine is whale watching during the winter months. *Fingers crossed* Hopefully next year!

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