This is La Paz, Mexico.
By Arthus. • Posted April 10 • 2024.
La Paz, Mexico, is a city that's relatively unknown, not just internationally but also within Mexico, especially when compared to stars like Cancun or Mexico City. However, this hidden gem (and I'm not exaggerating) is such a peaceful, pleasant, and safe place that it captivates its visitors and equally retains its proud residents, who always welcome respectful tourists warmly and with a smile, knowing they live in a city with such incredible beauty that it deserves to be shared. This is La Paz, Mexico, the capital of Baja California Sur state.
Discovering La Paz: An Overview of Its Prime Location and Geography
When I mention the fact that La Paz is a relatively unknown city, I'm not exaggerating. Just take a look at the massive advertising destinations like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, or Mexico City receive on social networks, and sometimes it seems like La Paz doesn't even exist. Again, this isn't just among foreigners; even among Mexicans, this destination is little known and seems very distant from urban centers like Mexico City or Monterrey. La Paz is located on the Baja California Peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur, just a two-hour flight from Mexico's capital, where practically all direct flights to this city depart. Its privileged location on the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by hills, protects it from the majority of hurricanes that form in the Pacific and impact Cabo, which is much further south and exposed to the Pacific Ocean. Of course, this protection isn't 100%. During my time in this city, I've experienced a couple of strong hurricanes, the last one last year, which did damage streets, cars, and trees, but there were no major issues, unlike in Cabo, where they've had problems on several occasions. Moreover, this location is what allows the beaches in La Paz to have such calm waves that invite the whole family to swim, from kids to grandparents, without any major danger. And to reinforce my point, let me recommend what I consider to be the beach with the calmest waters in La Paz, which is Pichilingue, a true natural pool.
You might also be interested in:
So, La Paz is nestled in a beautiful natural bay protected by Espíritu Santo Island. This strategic location makes it a paradise for nature lovers, offering white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a spectacular marine biodiversity that even Jacques Cousteau named the "Aquarium of the World." Without a doubt, the geographical location of this city allows one to have and appreciate a wonderful marine fauna, from colorful small fish to the impressive whales that visit us every year. Coming to this city will change your way of seeing and appreciating the beauty of the sea and its underwater inhabitants.
The hills surrounding La Paz also offer opportunities for adventures such as motocross, biking, hiking, and more. I imagine every city in the world leverages its location and geography, and La Paz is no exception, fully taking advantage of its incredibly beautiful beaches, quiet streets, and as I mentioned, the nearby hills. Thus, La Paz benefits from access to a calm sea, protected from the Pacific Ocean, ensuring that all its beaches, both in and around the city, are safe for swimming without concern. At the same time, it leverages its geography to offer land-based adventures away from the water, along with a vibrant culture in its streets, museums, restaurants, and public festivals.
This is undoubtedly a small city, without towering buildings or massive hotels, and those of us who live here prefer it that way. Honestly, I haven’t met anyone who wishes this city resembled Cancun or Acapulco (another highly touristy city in Mexico now in decline), let alone Mexico City. Part of the charm of this city is the proximity to all the good stuff and all services. You can literally walk to the supermarket and get there in less than 10 minutes (I do it, so I know), or drive to the beach in less than 5 minutes and choose your food from a huge array of options available both in restaurants and on Uber Eats or Didi Food. Or decide to go see a movie at one of the city’s many malls or head to Tecolote Beach to watch the stars at night. Everything you wish to do, you can do in a single day, thanks to the geography and location of this city.
Don't be mistaken, this is a small city, yes, but don't think it's a Mexican village like the ones Hollywood has misrepresented for years, a hamlet filled with cacti and people on horseback, wearing large hats on their heads. ABSOLUTELY NOT. It's a city full of shops and services, good, hard-working people, with streets in good condition (with its exceptions, like any city, of course) for cars and public transportation services, well-connected and quite safe, with great weather and indescribable natural beauty. Well, although to be honest, being a city in the middle of the desert, there are indeed cacti, LOL. But aside from that, it has nothing to do with what we've been told for decades about Mexico.
To get to La Paz, Mexico, there are several options, which I will mention below:
The most comfortable and fastest way to get to La Paz, assuming you're coming from abroad, is by plane. Another method I've seen a lot, although I haven't personally experienced it, is in RVs, which cross the border, travel the entire Baja Peninsula, and stay a few days in La Paz before continuing on to Los Cabos. Of course, it's possible to arrive from San Diego or Los Angeles by car, and indeed, it's a road trip I've long wanted to take, but I haven't made up my mind to do it yet. Another way is to arrive from Mazatlan, Mexico by ferry, a journey that takes about a day, and I've heard good things about it, but I haven't wanted to do it for a very personal and simple reason: I get seasick easily. For more information about this, you can read this article Where is La Paz Mexico, located?
Must-Visit Gems: The Top Tourist Attractions in La Paz
Depending on what you wish to do when you visit La Paz, Mexico, that will dictate what you should know or explore. I say this because there's a wide variety of options as tourist attractions in this city that seems to have it all (for those of us who live here, this is true, I mean, this is why we live here), from beaches with crystal-clear waters to the spectacular sight of whales or sea lions, not to mention street festivals, museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. So, creating a list of all this would be extremely long, which is why I prefer to focus and would like to share a list of the top activities people look for in this city, whether they're visitors or residents like me.
Obviously, the truly indescribable natural beauty of La Paz's beaches is the first reason to visit this city. As you approach by plane and catch sight of the sea so calm, so blue, your first wish upon leaving the plane is to go and immerse yourself in that beauty. I'd like to recommend my favorite beaches here: El Caimancito, La Ventana, Pichilingue, Tecolote, and Balandra. There are others, but these are my personal favorites, without a doubt.
This is a seasonal activity, from January to April if I remember correctly, and allows visitors to get up close (really close) to the beautiful gray whales and even, if they wish, to touch them! It's also possible to see the huge and gentle whale sharks.
This activity can be done by renting a boat or yacht or by standing on the docks and casting our fishing rod, taking advantage of the huge variety of marine life in these waters.
With the marine biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, not snorkeling at least once during our visit to La Paz is almost a crime. It is highly recommended at Espiritu Santo Island where you'll see an incredible and colorful marine life. However, you can essentially snorkel at any beach in La Paz and marvel at the fish and other creatures in these wonderful waters. This is highly recommended.
Honestly, I don't dive myself; snorkeling is enough for me. However, talking to many people who come to La Paz specifically to dive, they recommend that if you are a diver, this is a destination you must not miss for any reason. It makes sense because if snorkeling near the beach allows you to marvel at the marine life, far from the shore and in the deep must be, as they have told me, an out-of-this-world experience.
Whether it's hiking, motocross, biking, or even in buggies, the terrain of La Paz is more than perfect for exploring its trails, nature, and skies, as well as marveling at the natural beauty of the place.
This is a very popular activity among many travelers who come to La Paz, but it can only be done from November to April, which is when the winds blow strongly enough to carry out this sport.
This is a popular activity in La Paz, where, as I've mentioned, everything is so close that it's possible for someone who lives here to leave work, go to the Malecon beach, and rent a kayak to tour the calm waters of the Bay of La Paz. Of course, visitors will also find it in Balandra, Tecolote, Coromuel, among others.
While it is one of the many beaches of La Paz, visiting it is almost a must for tourists, as it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Also, to see its wonderful stone mushroom (it really looks like a mushroom), access has been restricted. To learn how to access it without problems and enjoy it to the fullest, you can read this article: Balandra Beach, a Stunning Beauty.
Let me recommend three: The Whale Museum and the Sea Sciences, the Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur, and the Art Museum of Baja California Sur. Of course, there are many more museums and galleries, but in those three, I've seen spectacular exhibitions, and the first time I came to La Paz, seeing a whale skeleton left me in awe.
This activity is extremely popular among tourists, and you can find a service provider practically all along the boardwalk (which measures 3.1 miles, in case you were curious). They will have a cardboard advertisement with photos of the service they provide, so getting there will be no problem at all. I must confess that this activity is not one of my favorites for a very simple reason: I get seasick easily, so getting on a boat is not exactly pleasant for me, but it's a wonderful experience (including the seasickness for me).
Eating is a favorite activity for many people, and the delicacies of La Paz's cuisine will not disappoint anyone. From hotdogs (or "hates" as they call them here) to high cuisine in luxury restaurants like El Cardon, the gastronomy of La Paz is a must for anyone who comes to the city.
Definitely a must-do is to walk the boardwalk (it's also possible to rent pedal vehicles for children) and enjoy the indescribable beauty of the beach of the Bay of La Paz, or watch the fish swimming near the shore of its soft beaches or get closer to the Fiscal Pier, inaugurated in 1863, which has witnessed many events in the history of this beautiful city. We can also see a spectacular sculpture called La Perla, a huge stainless steel pearl, and learn about when Queen Elizabeth II of England (rest in peace) visited La Paz because she wanted to see where one of the pearls that adorned her crown came from. The boardwalk has all this and more, considering that in front of it, you can find many of the most popular restaurants, bars, and hotels in La Paz, as well as the world-famous Casa del Artesano de La Paz, where you can find true works of art to take home a wonderful souvenir of this city. (Insider tip: it's also possible to find crafts in the alleys in front of the boardwalk; you just need to walk, and you'll see them immediately and at much lower prices.)
In conclusion, these are not, of course, all the activities you can do in La Paz, Mexico, but they are the tourist attractions that most people look for or engage in while in this Mexican northwest paradise.
Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Exploring the Best Beaches of La Paz
Sun, sand, and serenity are undoubtedly found in La Paz. But there's also fun, lots of healthy fun for individuals and families. However, this is on certain beaches, because not all beaches offer the same activities, although, of course, all are beautiful. And believe me when I say that the landscapes you'll see here and the natural beauty are something you'll never forget in your life. The beaches of La Paz are simply unique. Allow me to share my favorite beaches, along with a brief description of each and a link to an article that describes them in much greater detail.
- Caimancito Beach, a Small Hidden Paradise:
Caimancito is undoubtedly my favorite beach in all of La Paz, no question about it. It's not the biggest (far from it), it doesn't have the most activities, nor does it boast the spectacular natural beauty of Balandra, but I absolutely love it, just love it. This beach seems so cozy to me, not big, not spectacular, just cozy. It's small, relatively hidden, doesn't have many palapas, there's barely a restaurant, and no one rents kayaks or snorkels or anything, but it's beautiful, my personal favorite, as I've already mentioned. Perhaps it's precisely because it's small and hidden, because not many people go there, and because there's nothing but a pristine beach with soft sand and crystal-clear waters, split in two by a strip of land (which, by the way, resembles a caiman, hence the name), the reason why I'm in love with this beach, which, as the title of this article indicates, is a small hidden paradise in the dazzling paradise that is the city of La Paz, in Baja, Mexico. Continue reading...
- Balandra Beach, a stunning beauty:
The term "hidden gem" is often overused when we talk about travel, but in this case, I believe it's a fair description for Balandra Beach. It's a public beach, of course, but access isn't exactly open. In fact, for some time now, to get there, you need to arrive very early in the morning, line up in your car, and wait for limited access to be granted to a certain number of visitors each day. This happens in two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, meaning if you didn't make it in the morning, you can try again in the afternoon. These measures are in place to protect its incredible natural beauty, which had been threatened by the sheer number of people from all around the world wanting to witness its stunning allure at the same time. Moreover, to get to the beach, you have to drive for about 20 minutes through the highway, finding Balandra nestled among hills and surrounded by them. It's literally hidden, unlike other beaches in La Paz, which are visible from a great distance. Let's then take a look at a description of the beach considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world. Continue reading...
- La Ventana Beach, Breathtaking Landscapes:
La Ventana beach boasts landscapes that are incredibly spectacular, which will undoubtedly take your breath away. I'm not exaggerating; this isn't about making the place or La Paz look good—they don't need it. Anyone who has been here knows I'm not lying. But amidst such beauty, among so many incredible beaches, La Ventana stands out for its truly unique, truly beautiful views. I mean, seeing the combination of this huge, beautiful bay against the backdrop of the hills and Cerralvo Island in front is something hard to explain in words, but believe me, you will be breathless, amazed to be in this place. It may not be the best place for swimming, its waters might not be as calm as other beaches (it's not dangerous at all, but there's a lot of wind), but without a doubt, it has one of the best views. This place is also known as El Sargento or Lomas del Sargento. Honestly, I still have some doubts about this, but most people simply know it as La Ventana. I promise to find out more about it. Continue reading...
- Pichilingue Beach, an incredible natural pool:
All the beaches in La Paz are stunningly beautiful and each has something that makes them unique. The almost untouched natural beauty of Balandra, the fun atmosphere and crystal-clear waters of Tecolote, the small and cozy beach at El Caimancito, among others. In the case of Pichilingue, what makes it unique is simply the following... it's a huge natural pool. The crystal-clear waters with hardly any tide allow visitors to enjoy some of the best waters for swimming or just floating or walking in the sea. I'm not exaggerating, in this place, it's possible to walk several feet into the sea with no danger but with enough depth to swim or dive while beautiful, brightly colored fish swim alongside people. It's simply astonishing. Continue reading...
- Tecolote beach, sun, fun and family:
In my personal opinion, Tecolote Beach is the most fun beach with the highest number of activities you can find in La Paz. And by this, I don't just mean the fun activities but also the atmosphere you find at Tecolote. Music, food, families having fun, various water activities, including some motorized ones, are all here, waiting for tourists and locals alike to have an incredible day. Unlike other, much quieter beaches, like El Caimancito and especially Balandra, where the goal is to enjoy and relax, Tecolote Beach is more about having fun, eating and drinking deliciously, and of course, appreciating the beauty of La Paz's beaches, where Tecolote undoubtedly stands out. Continue reading...
- Coromuel, the most popular beach in La Paz:
Coromuel Beach is by far the most popular beach for the residents of La Paz and a destination that travelers must definitely visit when in this city. It is a small beach divided in two by a pier that serves both as a spot for fishing or simply for appreciating the beauty of La Paz and taking lots of photographs. The wave action is minimal, as it is with practically all the beaches around here, and the waters are always calm, making it quite common for this to be the beach where many children from La Paz take their first swimming lessons taught by their parents, creating beautiful memories that truly last a lifetime. Continue reading...
- The beach at the Malecon in La Paz:
There's a beach that's within the urban landscape of La Paz and is an inseparable part of it, creating an urban scenery unimaginable in other cities around the world. I'm referring, of course, to the beach at the Malecon in La Paz, which as its name suggests, is located side by side with the Malecon of this beautiful city. It's undoubtedly the closest beach to La Paz simply because it's within the city itself, and reaching it poses no challenge because in this city, the Malecon is the center of urban life, where things happen. Continue reading...
Of course, these are not the only ones; I didn't mention some very popular beaches here, such as Corumuel, nor did I mention the one along the Malecon, among others. Here I would like to mention something someone told me a long time ago: "here in La Paz, almost every street leads to a beach." So, there are many beaches, all very pretty, some more so than others, of course, but in general, all are beautiful. Don't get me wrong, there are no ugly beaches, but for example, the small beach next to the Customs of La Paz, alongside the huge ferries, trailers, and containers, obviously can't look like the untouched natural beauty of Balandra, but this is precisely due to human action.
On the other hand, I'd like to offer another insider tip: the beach along the Malecon is beautiful, the water is calm, and it's very possible and pleasant to swim in it. However, this is something that locals from La Paz do not recommend because they say it's dirty due to the boats or yachts (it's near the marina of La Paz) that are around there. This could be debatable, but I always follow the advice of the people who have lived here their entire lives, although I must confess that I have gone into and enjoyed the Malecon beach more than once, especially in the summer when the heat pushes you to jump into the fresh water at every chance you get.
Coromuel is perhaps, due to its proximity, the most popular beach around here. In fact, it's so popular that there were plans to turn it into a natural water park, so it's a beach with great facilities for people, but not all are used because the project was left unfinished. This beach is beautiful, but it's not one of my personal favorites because it tends to get very crowded, especially in the summer, particularly on "quincena" or payday. While it's a beach large enough to be comfortable and enjoy, it's too crowded for my taste, and the restrooms available there are not the cleanest in La Paz, so I prefer going to other beaches. But the beach itself is beautiful, and swimming there is really pleasant, even possible to do amongst beautiful colorful fish. What I do with my wife when I want to visit is arrive very early in the morning (around 8 am when the facilities open) and enjoy it for a few hours before more people arrive, and then go to Caimancito or Tecolote, which I simply love.
So, depending on what you're looking for, the variety of beach options in La Paz will undoubtedly not only meet but exceed all your expectations, due to their beauty, tranquility, delicious food, fun and activities, the calm they exude, or whatever you desire. The beaches of this Mexican paradise are unforgettable.
The Heart of La Paz: Insights into Its People and Culture
La Paz undoubtedly boasts incomparable natural beauties, truly unparalleled. However, the heart of this city lies not in its beautiful beaches and marvelous skies but in its people. The people of La Paz are kind and calm, reflecting this tranquility in the city's daily life (of course, there are exceptions), making it possible to visit or live in a truly peaceful, friendly, and safe city.
The people of La Paz take great pride in their city, of course, for the natural beauties that make it famous, but once you are here, you also notice the pride in having such a beautiful and comfortable city as they have built over the decades with much effort and work. It's not for nothing, I mean, La Paz is currently a city with many comforts, services, schools, hospitals, stores, and more, but it wasn't always like this. I remember an exhibition I saw some time ago where there were photos of this city many years ago, with people working very hard under the intense sun of this city, but determined to prosper, no matter what. In my opinion, they succeeded. It's incredible to see the photos from a few decades ago compared to the current situation of the city. While - as in all cities - there are difficult areas where poverty still persists, in general, La Paz is not a poor city; in fact, it's far from that because there's availability of jobs, tourism, and federal offices with middle-class employees, in addition to many businesses and shops. Generally, the north of Mexico is more prosperous than the south, where there are still considerable challenges to overcome, but the northwest, specifically La Paz, doesn't have those problems. It's simply a small city, yes, but beautiful and very comfortable to live in or visit.
Despite being a small city with a population of around 300,000 people, La Paz offers a wide range of cultural options through its museums, galleries, exhibitions, crafts, festivals, available to residents and tourists at generally very accessible prices, if not for free. For example, the Festival of the Catrinas, held on the Dia de Muertos here in Mexico on November 2nd, takes place on the Malecon, filling it with color and life on the night of the Dia de Muertos, attracting a large number of people to enjoy it. It's also possible to listen to concerts of different types of music on the Malecon (when these types of events happen, the police close access to the Malecon, which becomes a pedestrian zone for the full enjoyment of the people), with the beach as a backdrop and watching people enjoy the events, the tranquility, and the beauty of this incredible city.
The culture of the population in La Paz is undoubtedly one of work, appreciation, and respect for the surrounding nature, as well as openness to receiving people from around the world, as long as they are respectful towards the city, its wonders, and its inhabitants. I say this because sometimes there are people who come from abroad and from Mexico who have little respect for what I just mentioned, and this is very poorly seen by the people of La Paz, who know that a call to 911 (yes, it's the same number here) can help resolve the situation. Always remember that this city is not Cancun, where it's more common to see some tourists' excesses. Here, tranquility and respect are greatly appreciated, valued, and taken care of, both by the residents and by law enforcement.
So, if you're going to come and visit La Paz, prepare to receive a warm welcome from the locals, kind and hardworking people, who are open to interacting with people from other parts of the world and Mexico, as well as sharing with them the beauty and calm of the best city in the Mexican northwest... La Paz.
Navigating La Paz: A Guide to Staying Safe and Enjoying Your Visit
So, we now know that La Paz is in Mexico, in the northwest to be more precise, which may lead many to wonder... is it a dangerous place? The short answer is simply no, it's not a dangerous place; quite the opposite, it's a safe and peaceful place, where the tranquility of its waters is reflected throughout the city. This isn't just a saying. A few months ago, a Mexican politician came and said something along the lines of "even the waves are calm in La Paz," and some of my friends were offended, but I took it as the city being so tranquil that everything is calm, including its waves. I wrote an article where I delve deeper into why La Paz is such a safe and serene city. You can find it here. In that article, I list the reasons why, from my perspective, this city is a safe and quiet place that lives up to its name "The Peace," and how sometimes we only hear about Mexico's negatives from the US media and forget that this country is much, much more than that.
But for your peace of mind, I can assure you that La Paz is one of the safest places in North America (yes, Mexico is in North America), close to the safety levels of Canadian cities, with a calm, friendly population that appreciates, values, and cares deeply for the tranquility that permeates this city at all times. So, as I like to say whenever someone asks me if it's safe to visit this paradise... the only risk is that you'll want to stay (it happened to me, LOL).
If you visit La Paz, or even better, if you want to move here, there are some security measures or tips that I can recommend to you to make you feel much more at ease. I repeat, the city is very safe, but certainly for people coming from a big city (like me), there's no way to avoid being cautious or wary, based on their own life experience, at least not until they've spent a few years in La Paz and consider themselves as "paceños."
- Avoid risky areas or activities: In this point, I mean risky neighborhoods and risky activities, like if you don't know how to dive, please don't do it.
- Keep valuables secure: I mean, this is kinda obvious, but always keep your belongings close to you and avoid displaying expensive items in public.
- Stay informed: Try to stay updated on local news and any safety advisories issued for the area.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.
- Don't be a hero: If you witness a crime, please call 911 (yes, it's the same here) and avoid being a hero.
- Don't carry all your cash or cards: Cash is always handy, but almost all shops accept cards, and you can save the cash for grabbing a delicious hot dog (here are named "hates") on the malecon.
La Paz is a very safe place. (Photo by us).
Where to Stay in La Paz?
I have to confess that I've only been familiar with the hotels in La Paz when I've had breakfast in them or swam in their pools. I've never slept in one. This is because, during my visits, I always stayed at my parents' house (big house, you know), and when I moved here, I chose a nice house in a quiet and common neighborhood. So, I know there are many lodging options in La Paz, from AirBnBs to luxury hotels, as well as more economical and business options, but I've simply never tried them because, well, I live here.
Honestly, I'm always going to recommend an AirBnB for a very simple reason: it allows you to live and enjoy La Paz like one of its residents, to listen to the sounds of the trees, or the people and houses (here in La Paz, life starts very early, to make the most of the time before the strong afternoon sun, approximately from 2-5 pm), but I know that will depend on each person and their tastes. Many people vacation and don't want to do anything more than enjoy the hotel buffet or its facilities without any other worries, and believe me, I understand, but the daily life of this city is so pleasant that more people should experience it.
So, you can see the hotel options HERE and the AirBnB options HERE.
Planning Your Trip: The Best Time to Experience La Paz
Without a doubt, autumn, especially for those visiting this city for the first time, is the perfect season to get to know, appreciate, and enjoy it to the fullest. And there's a powerful reason for this, which is simply that... The weather isn't so hot: In autumn, the climate is very pleasant, mild, and the water remains warm too, so swimming is delightful and walking around the city is very enjoyable (Anyway, don't forget the hat, never forget the hat and to stay hydrated). This isn't the case in summer when the city experiences very hot weather and it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors to La Paz. That is, there's nothing to worry about, as long as you protect yourself from the heat, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and staying hydrated are things you should always have on hand here, but in summer it's even more indispensable, even for the locals, so for a first visit, we recommend coming in autumn.
So, we recommend summer for those who have already been to La Paz, or for those who aren't too bothered by the heat, because it's also a season where you can do a lot of activities both in the city and, of course, on its beaches. In this case, as the locals (we) say, it's always best to avoid the peak sun hours, between 3 and 5 pm, where we can have lunch, grab a drink, or do something indoors. I repeat, there's no major problem as long as we follow the recommendations: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and staying hydrated. But, truly, at the risk of being repetitive, there are people for whom the heat of La Paz's summer can seem overwhelming. I remember my first summer here; it was really intense for me, not being used to this heat. I mean, we've had moments of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more, and although the sea breeze always helps, it doesn't reach everywhere all the time, so you have to take the precautions I've already mentioned. This applies to both foreign and Mexican visitors because I've talked with tourists from Mexico City who had no idea how hot La Paz gets in the summer and thought it would be similar to the heat at other beaches in their beautiful country. Nope, here in La Paz, the summers are very hot.
If you come in the winter, prepare for a surprise—it's cold here! Not the intense cold of an American or Canadian winter, of course, but it is cold, especially in the mornings. If you were thinking of fleeing the cold to come to warm Mexico, I have bad news for you. This is the Mexican northwest, closer to LA than to Mexico City, and quite far from Cancun, so if your desire is to escape the cold to a warm climate with cold drinks, honestly, you're better off heading to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or Mérida. La Paz is cold in winter, and the water of its seas, although beautiful and crystal clear all year round, is really cold, and the only safe way to enter during these times is with a wetsuit. But if your desire is to get to know the city itself, its museums, its cuisine, its people, and its indescribable natural beauty without wanting to swim, except maybe in the hotel pool, it's a great season to visit, because the heat won't be a bother.
In the spring, we all know that plants bloom, the weather improves, and this city looks beautiful because, even though it's in the middle of the desert, the people and authorities take care to maintain their plants and flowers to beautify their homes, streets, and medians. It's a great season to get to know the city and enjoy many activities, including swimming... but the water is still cold, not as much as in winter, of course, but cold, though it's already possible to swim without a wetsuit, and the sun starts to feel warmer. Let me share about my first time here in La Paz; I traveled precisely in the spring and visited Balandra during that season, beautiful, the colors incredible, and the water... cold. I went in, started to swim, and the first thing that hit me was a cough that lasted a couple of minutes. Of course, once my body adjusted to the temperature, I was able to swim and enjoy without much trouble, except for the occasional cough. But even in spring, the water is cold, and we locals have a saying that goes something like "if they swim in cold water, they're a tourist"... now, with a few years here, we know it's better to wait until the water is warm.
It's important to mention that all of this depends, of course, on what activities you plan to do during your visit to La Paz. That is, if you're coming to do kitesurfing in La Ventana , you should come from November to April, when the winds are strong at that beach and allow for the practice of this sport. If you're coming to see the whales, you need to come between January and April (depending on the beach). If what you want is to swim in the crystal-clear waters of this city to your heart's content, but you don't like intense heat, you should come in autumn. In other words, you need to analyze what you want to do to know the ideal season for you to visit La Paz. That said, no matter the season you come, La Paz has something incredible for you and your family all year round; of that, have no doubt.
Weather in La Paz: Some surprises here
The climate in La Paz is generally warm, but be careful, there are months when the cold makes wearing a jacket necessary, and the sea water is almost impossible to enjoy due to its chilliness. As I've mentioned in other posts, we must not forget the geographical location of La Paz, to remember that the northwest of Mexico can be cold, meaning, not all of Mexico is always warm like the southeastern beaches in the Mexican Caribbean are. Here in La Paz, the climate can be a bit extreme, meaning it can be very cold in the mornings, and the sun can be intense in the afternoon, so it's always recommended to wear a hat and sunscreen, as well as stay hydrated.
I would like to show a table with official data from the Municipality of La Paz (something like the Mayor's office) that shows maximum and minimum temperatures in La Paz throughout the year. It's important to mention that these are average data; I can attest that last summer, in 2023, the temperature reached over 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius. It was very intense and even in spring, we have reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, meaning one should not be complacent here; the sun can be intense when least expected. Indeed, the sea water in winter is very cold (swimming in it is not recommended) and in spring, although you can swim, it remains cold. The best time for swimming is undoubtedly fall and summer.
| Month | Minimum (°F) | Maximum (°F) | Minimum (°C) | Maximum (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55.4 | 78.8 | 13 | 26 |
| February | 55.4 | 80.6 | 13 | 27 |
| March | 57.2 | 84.2 | 14 | 29 |
| April | 59.0 | 89.6 | 15 | 32 |
| May | 62.6 | 95.0 | 17 | 35 |
| June | 66.2 | 98.6 | 19 | 37 |
| July | 75.2 | 100.4 | 24 | 38 |
| August | 77.0 | 100.4 | 25 | 38 |
| September | 78.8 | 96.8 | 26 | 36 |
| October | 69.8 | 93.2 | 21 | 34 |
| November | 62.6 | 86.0 | 17 | 30 |
| December | 78.8 | 57.2 | 14 | 26 |
Travel Smart: 5 Essential Tips for a Memorable La Paz Adventure
The best tip I can give is: use common sense. This is especially true when visiting a foreign country, interacting with other people many of whom don't speak your own language. That would be the best tip, in addition to the safety tips I already shared about La Paz, earlier in this text. But of course, I'd like to share a small list of insider tips to ensure you have a very pleasant trip here in La Paz.
- Consider the weather: La Paz is a city with a lot of heat, and in summer, as you can imagine, it is very, very hot. So much so that in stores and supermarkets, they sell rehydrating serum (like Gatorade, but called Electrolito, and yes, it works!) as if it were water because it is very necessary to drink it to avoid dehydration of the body. Unless you come in winter when the weather tends to be cool (never cold like winter in the States or Canada), you should wear a hat, sunscreen. I mean, this is common sense, right? Yet, some people forget, and believe me, you don't want to forget. The sun in La Paz is intense.
- Respect local customs: Please, be respectful of the local culture and customs to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Don't drink too much alcohol.
I understand that it's easy to drink alcohol here; it's very cheap, and the atmosphere may be conducive, but just remember that you are in a public and family-friendly place, and there might be better times and places to do it.
- Mind the dates:
If you're like me and prefer to hit the beaches when they're less crowded, a great tip is not to go around the 15th or 30th of the month, because that's when workers get paid and the beaches tend to fill up as they take a well-deserved break from their hard-working days. So, if you prefer fewer people, avoid these days, known as "dias de quincena" here in La Paz and, from what I understand, in Mexico in general. If you prefer going when it's more crowded because that's your vibe, then those are the days for you.
- Rent a car: The best option for getting around La Paz and its surroundings is to rent a car. If you're going to rent an SUV, remember that unless it's a 4x4, you shouldn't take it into the desert; they're not made for that, and sometimes it's a reminder given by the rental agency employees. It's possible to get around the city using Uber, but it's not as recommended for going to some beaches like Tecolote or Balandra, where sometimes there's no signal to connect to the app, making the return trip difficult. Of course, it's possible to get to know La Paz with guides on paid tours that include transportation, but I'm not a big fan of these. While you get to see wonderful places, you're always on a tight schedule, and sometimes you can't fully enjoy the places you liked the most. That's why it's better to rent a car; the city is small and very well connected, the roads to places like La Ventana or Los Cabos are in excellent condition, and driving on them is truly enjoyable.
To see more incredible pictures, go to the Pinterest board for this article: Click
Tastes of La Paz.