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With its striking desert landscape surrounded by Caribbean-like turquoise waters, incredibly diverse marine life, and renowned Baja cuisine, visiting La Paz, Mexico should be on everyone’s bucket list!
When thinking of Mexican beach destinations, the big names surely come to mind—Cancún, Tulum, Cabos—with La Paz probably not even making it onto that list.
However, this underrated Mexican destination—even among local travelers—has so much to offer, with some of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico being a fraction of the price that it would be at other popular Mexican beach destinations.
This is why visiting La Paz, Mexico makes for a great beach holiday alternative.
Offering fewer crowds, a wide range of activities for sea lovers, and incredible local cuisine at fair prices—instead of the blown-out-of-proportion price tags you would find in places like Cabo San Lucas.
So, if you are planning to visit La Paz, Mexico sometime soon but still need some answers to your burning questions, you have come to the right place!
This post on visiting La Paz, Mexico will guide you through everything you need to know to start planning your trip to this unique Mexican destination.
Visiting La Paz, Mexico: Everything You Need To Know
Where is La Paz Mexico?
First things first, where is La Paz, Mexico? La Paz is located on the eastern coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula, near the southern tip, almost at the end of the narrow strip of land. Around 157 km, or 97 miles, north of the flashier Cabo San Lucas.
The city is also the capital of Baja California Sur, which might not feel very capital-y with its relaxed vibes and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the most enchanting elements of La Paz has to be its unique landscapes, rocky desert hills contrasting with the vibrantly turquoise Sea of Cortez, its incredible sunsets, and its perfect holiday weather almost year-round.
Making it one of the best places in Mexico for a sunny winter getaway.
How to get to La Paz, Mexico?
There are basically four different ways to get to La Paz, Mexico. The first one is pretty straightforward, and that is by flying directly into La Paz International Airport.
The second option is to fly into either Los Cabos International Airport (located in San José del Cabo) or into Cabo San Lucas International Airport, rent a car, and then road-trip your way to La Paz.
This is the option we went for as we did a little Baja Sur road trip, and we just love the freedom that comes with having our own car for the whole trip.
If you are not planning to rent a car during your trip, but still plan to arrive at either one of the Cabos, then the third option—and your best bet— is to take a bus from Aguila Autobuses to get to La Paz, Mexico.
The shortest bus ride is around two and a half hours and can go up to four hours, depending on the route stops. A one-way ticket is around 19 USD.
Lastly, if you are planning to stay in either one of the Cabos but would still like to visit the Baja California Sur capital, you can book a day tour to La Paz departing from Cabos.
The closest airport to La Paz Mexico
The closest airport to La Paz, Mexico is the La Paz International Airport, making it a very accessible destination to reach from different parts of the USA, and within Mexico.
However, if there isn’t a good route from your hometown to La Paz International Airport, San Jose del Cabo International Airport is also relatively close—191 km, or 118 miles away.
This is a good option if you plan to do a whole Baja California Sur road trip instead of arriving straight into La Paz—this is the option we opted for.
We booked a round trip through San Jose del Cabo, picked up our pre-booked rental car at the airport, and drove around the southern tip of Baja California Sur, stopping at La Paz for a few days.
Best time to visit La Paz, Mexico
The best time to visit La Paz, Mexico, is from October to May, when the temperature goes from warm and pleasant, to mild—compared to the brutal summer heat—and the chance for rain is low.
Making La Paz, Mexico one of the best places to travel in winter for warm weather.
Plus, visiting in the winter months will allow you to tick off bucket list activities unique to the region, such as whale-watching, swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with sea lions, and more.
Weather in La Paz, Mexico
While the weather in La Paz, Mexico varies from October to May, it is still shockingly warm throughout the fall and winter months.
With warm summery weather in fall, gradually cooling to milder days and refreshing nights as the months go by.
In October, you can still expect highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C (88°F / 73°F). The mildest months are from December to February, with highs of around 24°C and lows of 16°C (75°F / 60°F).
Making La Paz, Mexico one of the best places to visit in Mexico in December, January, and February, if a warm winter getaway is what you are after.
From March on, the temperatures start creeping up again until it reaches 31°C (88°F) highs in May.
Is La Paz, Mexico safe?
La Paz, Mexico, offers a safe environment for tourists to walk around and explore the city’s attractions. Even at night, the seaside boardwalk of El Malecón is well-lit and frequented by locals going on an evening stroll.
While it’s always important to take normal travel precautions wherever you go, La Paz Mexico is a very calm, friendly, and safe destination for tourists.
Best beaches from la Paz, Mexico
Balandra Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico
The iconic Balandra Beach in Baja California Sur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a federally protected area, one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, and just a stone’s throw from La Paz.
What makes Balandra Beach one of the best beaches to visit from La Paz is its famous calm, shallow, crystal clear, and warm waters that attract both national and international tourists.
An unmissable stop when visiting La Paz, Mexico.
Tecolote Beach: The local’s favorite beach in La Paz
Tecolote Beach is just around the corner from Balandra Beach, and while it might not be as picturesque as the popular Balandra, it makes up for it with its relaxed personality and authentic local vibes.
Offering various no-frills seafront restaurants and casual beach bars, this is the opposite of what you would find in Cabo San Lucas—in the best way possible.
With locals spread throughout the beach with their cars parked at the edge of the water, snacking on cups of mango from the local vendor, Tecolote Beach is not to be missed to get a local feel of La Paz.
Playa Ensenada Grande: Gorgeous remote beach
Only accessible by boat, a visit to Playa Ensenada Grande might seem like a tricky thing to do, but it doesn’t have to be.
Most guided tours going to the stunning Isla Espiritu Santo will include a stop at Playa Ensenada Grande, a beautiful remote beach with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
Our tour guide had us stop at an even smaller beach near Ensenada Grande to avoid the lunch-hour crowds, and the beach was just stunning!
Either way, any beach stop you make during a trip to Isla Espiritu Santo will surely be unforgettable as the island is inhabited, and the beaches are pristine and picture-perfect like nowhere else!
Best restaurants in La Paz, Mexico
Mariscos el Toro Güero
While in Baja, you have to try some seafood, and Mariscos el Toro Güero is one of the best restaurants in La Paz for seafood.
Recommended by a local family member of mine, and then by the receptionist at our hotel, this place has a strong local stamp of approval.
From refreshing ceviche to hearty, smoked marlin quesadillas, to flavorful shrimp cocktails, Mariscos el Toro Güero has it all, and is a must while visiting La Paz, Mexico!
Taquería Los Prietos
If you cannot even look at another shrimp taco after traveling around Baja California Sur, don’t worry, there are always different kinds of tacos to try.
At Taqueria Los Prietos you will find delicious tacos al pastor, marinated pork, and tacos de carne asada, beef tacos, all served in buttery soft flour tortillas—or corn tortillas if you prefer, but I would recommend getting the flour ones.
A modern-looking taco stand with authentic and delicious tacos that this Mexican approves of!
Best things to do in La Paz
There are so many unique things to do in La Paz, Mexico but some of the highlights include:
Day trip to Isla Espiritu Santo
Taking a day trip to Isla Espiritu Santo is one of the top things to do in La Paz, Mexico, and one that you cannot miss!
This uninhabited island is located in the Gulf of California, just off the coast of Baja California Sur in Mexico, and it’s known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse marine wildlife.
Given its National Park title and UNESCO World Heritage status, Isla Espiritu Santo is also a top destination for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife watching.
Whale-watching tour
One of the highlights of visiting La Paz, Mexico is the incredibly diverse wildlife that inhabits or visits the region, such as the different species of whales.
If visiting La Paz, Mexico during the winter months, a whale-watching tour is a must-do activity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.
I did this many years ago, in a smaller town in Baja Sur, and it is still one of the most unique experiences of my life!
Walk along el Malecón
Walking along the picturesque seaside boardwalk of El Malecón is an unmissable thing to do when visiting La Paz, Mexico.
Frequented by locals going on morning runs, kids rollerskating during the day, and families going for an evening stroll, el Malecón is a gathering spot in the city.
Besides the incredible view of the Sea of Cortez, El Malecón is also decorated by numerous sea-themed sculptures that illustrate the biodiversity and history of the Baja Sur capital.
Visit Playa Balandra
If visiting La Paz, Mexico, a stop at Balandra Beach is a non-negotiable to witness one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Famous for its crystal clear, warm, and shallow waters, Balandra Beach is an idyllic Mexican beach.
Its pristine condition is due to its federally protected status, which means that entrance to the beach is by controlled access, with two different visiting time slots a day—one starting at 8:00 am, and one at 1:00 pm.
However, the beach is so gorgeous that is definitely worth planning your visit in advance.
Best day trips from La Paz, Mexico
If you are flying straight into La Paz, Mexico, and base yourself here, there are plenty of fun day trips from La Paz that you could take to complement your trip, such as:
· Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a charming “magical town”, or pueblo mágico, a title given to small Mexican towns rich in culture, beauty, and local charm.
Located just an hour’s drive southwest of La Paz, Todos Santos is an idyllic Mexican town, with colorful colonial architecture, papel picado dangling from lamposts, and a picturesque town square.
Undoubtedly one of the cutest towns to visit on a day trip from La Paz!
· San José del Cabo
With a tour or with a rental car, visiting San José del Cabo from La Paz is a good addition to your itinerary if you want to see as much of Baja Sur as possible.
Contrasting to its neighboring, and more popular, Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo offers a more charming local vibe, with bright-colored colonial architecture, a spacious town square, and lots of local independent shops.
San José del Cabo truly surprised me with its beauty and local feel, especially if compared to the flashier Cabo San Lucas.
· Cabo San Lucas
If you know “Cabos” as a spring break destination, then you are thinking of Cabo San Lucas, the lively, resort-packed, party-centric, luxurious beach town, a 30-minute drive from San José del Cabo.
Whatever you have heard about Cabo San Lucas is probably true.
Here you can party at a beachfront club, stay at a luxurious all-inclusive, and spend the same amount for a coffee as you would in California.
However, if your curious heart still wants to see what all the fuss is about, but you don’t want to commit to the resort-town price tag, a day trip from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas is the perfect option to experience Cabo without breaking the bank.
While visiting Cabo San Lucas from La Paz you can still have a normal non-splurgy day, by indulging in the locally loved—and reasonably priced—seafood scene, walking around the marina, and taking a boat tour to see the famous Arch of Los Cabos.
· Isla Espiritu Santo
If you are visiting La Paz, Mexico, one of the top day trips that you cannot miss is a boat tour to the breathtaking Isla Espiritu Santo.
Unmatched in its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, visiting Isla Espiritu Santo is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.
The boat ride alone offers the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. Once there, you can swim with sea lions and snorkel in crystal-clear waters packed with colorful schools of fish.
It’s an absolute must for any traveler looking for the best day trips from La Paz!
With its mix of desert scenery, clear turquoise waters, diverse marine life, and amazing Baja cuisine, La Paz, Mexico is a laid-back destination that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Hope this guide to visiting La Paz, Mexico answers all the questions you might have about planning a trip to this underrated Mexican destination.
What is the top thing you want to do in La Paz, Mexico? I know I would love to go whale-watching again!