The Best Things to Do in La Paz, Mexico. My Personal Opinion.
By Arthus. • Posted April 17 • 2024.
When we read a blog or watch a YouTube video about the best things to do or see in a place, they never clarify that this is according to the author. It's obvious that not everyone has done or experienced everything they claim to have experienced on their travels; sometimes they exaggerate or even just outright lie. Well, that’s not the case here. In this post, I’ll share with you the things that, in my opinion, are the best to do while you're in La Paz. I’ll mention that I’m a 43-year-old man without young children and quite a laid-back type, which means I’m not into risky activities (God, I get dizzy if I get on a boat!). In fact, I’m sure a big part of my love for my life in La Paz is due to the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that permeates this place, which of course reflects in my personal tastes. So, let's do this!
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La Paz Mexico, Beaches
It’s impossible not to start with this. The beaches in La Paz are spectacular, and let me create a scale: the beaches in this city range from beautiful to incredibly stunning. I'm not exaggerating—the natural beauty of these beaches, the richness of their marine biodiversity, and the tranquility of their crystal-clear waters make the beaches the top choice when visiting La Paz.
It's possible to admire this beauty from the moment we start landing in the plane that brings us here. The intense and clear blues contrast with the desert landscape that surrounds this city, because yes, it's important to remember that La Paz is in the middle of a desert area. Perhaps it is for this reason that its beaches look unique and spectacular, because of the contrast between colors or the idea of having refreshing beaches in a place so hot and surrounded by desert. I don’t know, but what I do know is that once you experience these beaches, you will never forget them.
There are many beaches in La Paz, and all of them are beautiful, but I’ve created a list that includes my top 5 favorites. Additionally, as a bonus, I've included the most popular beach in La Paz, which you're sure to visit regardless of your reason for coming here, even if you're just here to explore the mountains. Due to space constraints, I will list the beaches with a brief description of each, as well as a link to the full article dedicated to each of them—trust me, they're worth it. So, the list is:
My Personal Top 5 Beaches.
5. Pichilingue Beach, A Natural Pool Like No Other ⭐⭐⭐⭐
In fifth place, we have a genuine natural pool right here in La Paz... Pichilingue. It's a small but incredible beach, a beautiful spot where the waves are so tiny they're hardly noticeable (I'm not exaggerating), allowing all family members to swim safely, even surrounded by beautiful, brightly colored fish that are not at all shy and come close to people (though they quickly swim away if you try to touch them). This makes it one of my favorite worry-free swimming spots. Plus, it has restaurants (with well-maintained restrooms) where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content, all day long as you enjoy this massive natural pool that the Creator and nature have gifted us... Continue reading
4. Tecolote Beach: A Family Paradise for Sun and Fun ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I've always thought that Tecolote is the most fun beach in La Paz. It's enormous, and its crystal-clear waters allow for endless water activities, including motorized ones. Moreover, the vibe here aligns perfectly with Mexican fun. There are many restaurants, sometimes with live music (the beach is so large that it's never bothersome), all under a spectacular sky and natural landscape with the imposing Isla del Espiritu Santo in front of us. It's a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere that allows for plenty of worry-free fun. This is number 4 on my list of favorite beaches... Continue reading
3. The Magic of La Ventana Beach: Unveiling Its Spectacular Scenery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At number 3 in this top 5, we have (in my personal opinion) the beach with the most spectacular landscape here in La Paz. I simply haven't found the right words to express what it feels like to be there, seeing its landscapes, the beach, the sky, and Isla Cerralvo imposingly before our eyes. This beach is located 40 minutes from La Paz and is the farthest in this top 5, but it's worth every minute to get there. Moreover, the drive is extremely pleasant, on a spectacular highway in excellent condition, surrounded by desert landscapes, reminding us that La Paz is truly an oasis, a spectacular oasis in the middle of a desert. We who live here and those who visit are truly fortunate... Continue reading
2. Discover the Pristine Wonders of Balandra Beach⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Finally, we arrive at Balandra, my number 2 in my top 5 beaches of La Paz, Mexico. I know Balandra is the most well-known beach in this beautiful city, both in Mexico and the rest of the world. It's often said to be the most beautiful beach in the world, and to me and the people of La Paz, it seems so (although I haven't seen the whole world) because of its untouched natural beauty, its iconic mushroom-shaped rock, the surrounding hills, the crystal-clear waters, and the softness of its sand, all of which contribute significantly to its esteemed status... Continue reading
1. Escape to Caimancito Beach: A Secluded Gem in Baja⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my number one. It's not the biggest beach, nor the most spectacular, nor the most untouched. It doesn't have the beauty of Balandra (Oh my God, Balandra!) or the spectacular vibe of Tecolote or the breathtaking landscapes of La Ventana, nor is it a natural pool like Pichilingue. So, why is it my number one, why do I adore it? Simple, it's small, hidden, and cozy, it's just adorable!... Continue reading
Extra:
Coromuel, the most popular beach in La Paz, Mexico
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, Mexico
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
In all the articles, I explain what the best activities are to enjoy at these beaches, whether it be kayaking, snorkeling, kitesurfing, jet skiing, and more. Each one of these beaches has something unique to offer, but all reflect the serenity, beauty, and tranquility that characterize this city.
Walking along the Boardwalk
It’s impossible to come to La Paz and not stroll along its boardwalk, a space alongside its bay, with spectacular views of both the sea and the city itself. It invites you to explore its length of just over 3 miles, offering multiple activities such as admiring sculptures (don’t miss "La Perla"), renting a bicycle or pedal vehicles for kids, visiting its fiscal pier, founded in 1863, attending one of the many festivals organized there, or simply grabbing a cold drink and dining in one of its many restaurants and bars. Of course, with the Bay of La Paz right there, you can also rent kayaks or a boat for fishing, or take a tour to explore the multiple beaches and islands of this place. To learn more about the Malecon beach, click here.
Many of the hotels or Airbnbs are either located directly on the Malecon or very close to it, so when you arrive here, you will undoubtedly get to know it and be delighted to do so. Additionally, you'll often eat or drink at the restaurants along the Malecon or its nearby streets, where you will experience much of the best cuisine this city has to offer. By the way, if you're going to eat seafood, I highly recommend visiting Claro Fish Jr., a small restaurant located one block off the Malecon on Mutualismo Street, behind the Casa del Artesano Sudcaliforniano, offering delicious dishes at excellent prices. While many recommend El Biskmarcito, honestly, the food is better at this place.
It's true that there are many activities to do on the Malecon, but my personal favorite is watching the sunsets near the Marina de La Paz. They are truly incredible, the colors and their contrasts, with the boats and yachts in the background, create real works of art for the eyes. Believe me, you will never forget these sunsets.
In many cities around the world, downtown is where almost everything happens. In La Paz, things happen on its Malecon, and by this, I mean cultural, social, economic, and of course, tourist activities, giving the impression that the true center of La Paz is its beautiful boardwalk along the bay.
Video: Things to Do in La Paz, Mexico
Next, I'll share a couple of videos so you can see some of the things to do in La Paz. The videos are not mine or ours, but from a Mexican YouTube channel, so I suggest you turn on the subtitles and enjoy! The girl is very pretty and charming, and she will show some activities available here that I haven't done and perhaps might not do.
Visit to Espiritu Santo Island
This activity is extremely popular among tourists, and you can find a service provider practically all along the boardwalk . 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).
Once you reach your destination, it's possible to snorkel and marvel at the incredible marine life of La Paz, surrounded by brightly colored fish, and you might even see dolphins and various species of birds. In fact, almost all tours to this island include a variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, and of course, they provide meals and drinks. Of course, participating in an activity isn't mandatory; you can choose to simply relax on the beach and enjoy the beauty of the sea.
These tours mostly depart from the Malecon in La Paz, where the necessary boats are located. They are small boats, and once you board, the first thing you do is put on a life jacket and, in my case, take plenty of Dramamine to handle the ride, which, if I remember correctly, takes less than an hour from the Malecon. Also, during certain seasons, it's possible to see sea lions lounging on the islets, and if they allow, you can swim with them for a few moments.
Visiting this island is definitely worth it, at least once, so you don't miss one of the major tourist attractions of La Paz. However, you'll probably notice that it's not my favorite. It's a beautiful place; when you snorkel, you see fish that aren't visible elsewhere, even here in La Paz. The island is stunning and imposing, and walking on it, watching the birds fly overhead, is not something easy to forget. However, getting there is difficult for me, and arriving seasick is not pleasant because in the end, it's not an experience you want to repeat. I promise to learn how to prevent seasickness so I can go again without feeling bad and then write a review as it should be done. Of course, if you don't suffer from seasickness like I do, you shouldn't miss this experience for the world. On the other hand, if you do get seasick, perhaps it's better to wait for photos from your companions. By the way, I almost forgot, the last time I checked a few months ago, around the end of 2023, the cost per person for a basic tour to this destination was around 1,500 Mexican pesos per person, or about 70 USD, depending on the exchange rate of the day.
Whale Watching
There's something incredibly special about whales; it might be their imposing size, their intelligence and nobility, or a combination of these factors. Honestly, I don't know, but I do know they are special and that an encounter with them leaves an indelible mark on your heart, for the better. I won't lie, the first time I was face-to-face with one of these beings, I was scared. After all, they are huge, much larger than they appear in photos or videos, and there you are, with your companions, in a small boat that seems fragile when you board and feels like paper when the whales approach. But here lies the charm, they are not a threat, and even though they are aware of your presence, most of the time and for most of them, they don't care. However, to our benefit, some of them, often the younger ones, approach with curiosity to greet people, and some even allow themselves to be touched! I haven't been this fortunate, as the guides explain, that decision is up to them alone, there's no way to attract their attention, let alone force them to come closer. In fact, they are protected animals, so boats must maintain a certain distance from them, and only when they approach is it possible to interact with these impressive beauties.
You don’t need to touch them to appreciate how magnificent whales are. In fact, there are people who get very scared if they come close to their boats, and I understand. I mean, whales weigh tons and the boat is a light construction of fiberglass; a wrong move by a whale could destroy the boat... but they are too intelligent and noble to do that. They know we are small, so when they approach, they do it very carefully and if they get playful and spray water through their blowholes, it's done as a harmless mischief, never to bother us or put us in danger. Indeed, when you're about to board the boats, during the initial talk where they tell you the rules of what you can and cannot do (which, by the way, they say both in English and Spanish), they indicate that if the whales perceive something they don't like, don't think they will attack or anything like that; of course not, they will simply move away to avoid being disturbed.
While in La Paz, specifically on the Malecon beach, it's not possible to see gray whales, but sightings of another magnificent and gigantic creature of these waters, the gentle whale shark, have occurred. In fact, the port authorities have had to warn boats and yachts to be careful because more than once a boat has accidentally hit a whale shark. At this point, let me share a funny anecdote... a few years ago, some friends and I went swimming with the whale shark (it's more feasible with them, and I highly recommend taking a tour to do so), and suddenly, deep in the sea, the whale shark turned and aimed towards where one of my friends was. My friend was filming, and when he saw the whale shark pointing at him, he froze—it really is imposing! Then the whale shark began to swim towards him and opened its mouth in all its enormity. I just watched as my friend dropped the camera, but in the video, you can hear my friend's screams because he thought he was going to be eaten, LOL. But no, whale sharks eat algae, plankton, and krill (as far as I understand), and sometimes they open their mouths so that some fish can eat the remnants from it while keeping it clean, and that's exactly what happened—the whale shark opened its mouth because there were some fish there looking for their meal of the day, so my friend got scared over nothing. Of course, the video turned out horrible, but it's funny to watch.
I've mentioned that I get seasick when I go on a boat and out to sea, but God! How can you not see these magnificent specimens of marine life in La Paz? It’s a must-see activity when in season, because it's important to remember that this is a seasonal activity, from January to April if I remember correctly. Even if the whales decide not to come close and allow themselves to be touched, seeing them up close is an activity you must do when you visit La Paz, in my opinion, it touches you deeply, reminding us how small we are and how interconnected all living beings on this planet are, and how imposing life is, yet how fragile it can be. I don’t want to get poetic, but truly, appreciating the gray whales of La Paz, on one of these tours, will touch the deepest part of your heart.
Fishing:
This activity is one of my favorites, and I'm specifically referring to fishing from the docks of La Paz. I just love it! Anyone who has fished will understand the feeling of pulling a fish from the sea after long minutes (if it was an easy catch) of searching and struggling, dealing with escapes, casting the bait in the wrong spot, etc. I’ve already mentioned why I prefer not to get on a boat, and while I know that deep-sea fishing is very different from dock fishing, especially in terms of the size and weight of the fish you can catch, for me, this type of fishing from a fixed location is more than enough. I can relax, enjoy the weather, and appreciate the beauty of La Paz Bay, as well as the always vibrant and lively boardwalk of this city, all while still experiencing the connection to our most basic instincts (I mean hunting or fishing for food) along with the adrenaline rush when I can finally shout... I got it!
I'm definitely not a professional fisherman; my profession is coding, but like me, there are people fishing every day on the docks or beaches of La Paz. These people are careful, always looking around before casting their line because the docks here are for everyone: for those who want to walk with their girlfriend, those taking their kids or dog for a stroll, or those alone looking for a good spot to watch the incredible sunsets from the Malecon. The docks accommodate everyone, including amateur fishermen like me, who are just looking for a moment of leisure and a small dose of adrenaline upon reaching their goal.
Some time ago, a friend who was born in La Paz told me that decades ago, fishing in La Paz was incredibly easy. There were very few people, and the city had not yet experienced the tourism and immigration boom from Mexicans and foreigners that it sees today. Back then, catching big fish could be done in a simple boat, even near the bay. Now, you have to go a bit further out, preferably in motorboats. He even told me about how he and his friends would dive to the bottom of the sea to collect oysters and eat them fresh—and don’t imagine they used diving equipment, because that wasn’t the case. Here, I've seen on a couple of occasions people dive into the sea and bring up various types of fresh oysters. The last time this happened to me was at Caimancito Beach, where a man who collected them ate some and sold others—I know because I bought a couple myself. Delicious, fresh, literally just out of the sea.
Don’t be mistaken, when I talk about fishing, don’t picture a fishing city, with hundreds of boats filled with sweaty people, ready to head out at dawn in search of a livelihood. La Paz isn’t like that. La Paz doesn’t live off fishing like other cities do; in fact, I’ve never seen a fishing boat here. I’ve seen many with tourists or residents going out to fish, but a fishing boat with large nets and a crew hardened by the sea is simply not something you find here. What you will find are many fishing enthusiasts, and if you decide to try this sport for the first time, you can find rods, bait, and everything else you need at any supermarket in La Paz.
It’s possible to take a tour here specifically aimed at deep-sea fishing and to learn about the various species that the Sea of Cortez has to offer us, as well as to visit various beaches, where sometimes the people on the tour will even prepare freshly caught fish. So, whether you are a professional, semi-pro, or a dock fishing enthusiast like me, La Paz will not disappoint you in any way. Its waters have so much to offer that the only thing that surprises me (and I like it this way) is that more fishermen around the world haven’t discovered this Mexican paradise.
Museums and Festivals
This city is known primarily for its beaches, whales, and natural beauty, but another significant aspect of La Paz that is very present yet often overlooked is its culture, museums, and festivals.
There is a variety of museums covering everything from the history of Baja California Sur to whales and marine sciences, as well as various art museums and galleries showcasing works from local artists and those from other regions. 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. That is one of the wonders of The Whale Museum and the Sea Sciences—a huge whale skeleton, ready to be admired by all its visitors. Art is not only found in museums and galleries; it can also be discovered along the Malecon, filled with sculptures by local artists that reflect the culture of this city over the years. And at the risk of sounding repetitive, you cannot miss the sculpture of "La Perla" on the Malecon and marvel at the finesse of its craftsmanship and the incredibly polished steel pearl that truly makes it seem like a real pearl.
Festivals are a common occurrence in La Paz, and by this I mean festivals on the Malecon, which can include parades of floats, beachside concerts, or cultural performances about various aspects of culture in Mexico. My favorite is the Festival of the Catrinas, where people, mostly women, dress up as this iconic character that in Mexican popular culture represents death, but not a cold and distant death, rather a joyful one that reflects how Mexicans celebrate "Dia de Muertos," remembering their loved ones who have passed with affection and joy, and who wait for them on the other side. I absolutely love this.
As for festivals and concerts on the Malecon, rest assured there's nothing to worry about. The police are present (and anyway, La Paz is extremely safe) and they close the streets to vehicle traffic, making everything pedestrian-only and much more enjoyable. The last one I attended was a concert featuring various international artists, perhaps not well-known but very good, and in various languages and rhythms. It was at night, so the sun wasn’t a concern, and believe me, enjoying a live concert by the beach, taking in the sea breeze and the warm La Paz night is something you'll really enjoy. Pair this with an ice cream or a cold coffee for an excellent combo, because the street is closed and we can roam freely, enjoying the festival or concert at hand while taking in the incredible views that both day and night in La Paz have to offer us.
Eat and drink
There are so many varied options for eating and drinking in La Paz that they simply wouldn't fit into a single article. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when we think of food and La Paz is a delicious fish freshly caught from the sea, but this city has much more to offer than that. Also, when we think of the beach and drinks, we might imagine sipping a coconut on the sand, but once again, La Paz is much more than that. In this city, it’s highly recommended to grab a hot dog (locally called 'hates') for only $25 pesos or like a $1.5 USD, on almost any corner (I recommend those on the Malecon), step off the beach into a restaurant where delicious fish cracklings or a huge tilapia ready to be savored await you (try Luna Bruja restaurant), and of course, don't forget the Mexican tacos, obviously with soft tortillas, which could be beef, pork, or chicken, among others, and can be enjoyed at Tacos del Sur, try fresh seafood near the Malecon at Claro Fish Jr, and of course, dine at internationally acclaimed restaurants on the hills of La Paz, with an incredible view of the bay at El Cardon restaurant. By the way, speaking of coconuts, personally, I haven’t seen many on the beaches, fulfilling the cliché of drinking a coconut at the seashore, as there are so many options for enjoying a refreshing drink that a coconut might not be the best choice.
This is just to mention a few; there truly is a great variety of delicious eating and drinking options here in La Paz. Of course, there are also global franchises like McDonald's, Carl's Jr., KFC, Dairy Queen, among many others, but honestly, you can find those anywhere, and if you only have a few days to visit La Paz, you should try the local cuisine. This also applies at the beaches where there is food service, like Coromuel, Tecolote, or Pichilingue, as well as in the city. I mean, eating on the beaches of La Paz (remember, not all have this service) is very enjoyable; the food is delicious, and the accompanying view is incredible, and stepping out of the hotel to try the local cuisine is something we should do. I know Mexican food has a reputation for being spicy, but here in La Paz, it’s not as spicy as in other parts of Mexico, and you can also request it without spice for greater safety and to enjoy it in all its glory.
Let me share something with you: the best restaurants in La Paz are not found on the Malecon, but rather scattered throughout the city. Don't get me wrong, the food on the Malecon is generally very good and there are typical Paceño options, but it's very focused on tourism, which means the flavors are not always close to the true cuisine of La Paz. Don't just take my word for it, ask your local guide, or when you arrive, ask for recommendations from people at the airport, and you'll see that they don't always direct you to the Malecon but beyond, where the best cuisine of La Paz can be found.
In conclusion, these are some of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico. Of course, these aren't all of them, because I would never finish describing them all, and as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I prefer to give opinions and talk about those activities I have done directly and have firsthand experience with. My goal is to keep adding more activities as I find time to write and as I do them, always looking to share the experience of a laid-back 43-year-old who gets seasick on open water. So, I may never engage in high-risk activities, but what I write will be from firsthand experience.
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Tastes of La Paz.