Discover the top 15 activities in La Paz, Mexico, for a memorable trip. From stunning beaches to cultural gems, find your perfect adventure!
La Paz is the capital city of Baja California Sur and the largest city in the southern state of the Baja Peninsula. It is a charming Mexican city with lots of great things to do.
From swimming with whale sharks and sea lions to collecting photos of the amazing street art throughout the city or finding your own piece of secluded beach, there are plenty of experiences to fill several days.
Of course, there is plenty of delicious food to eat, historical buildings and museums to visit, and lots to do within a short drive from the city center. And if you catch the city during a special event, such as Christmas and New Year’s, Easter, Carnaval, or El Dia de Los Muertos, you’ll find that the energy of the city is even more exuberant, the decorations more elaborate, and the spirit of the people more welcoming than ever!
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to visit La Paz each time we’ve camped in Baja. Although we’re not big fans of cities in general, La Paz captured our hearts and always left us sad to leave but equally excited to return! We love La Paz and think you will, too, once you visit!
Additionally, some of the best things to do in La Paz, Mexico, are within a few short hours of the city. Engage with all sorts of sea life, culture, history, and outdoor adventure with La Paz as your travel base!
On that note, let’s get into the top things to do in La Paz!
Top 10 things to do in La Paz
Downtown La Paz, in the “Zona Central,” is the hub for most of the activities on our list. You’ll also find many references to the “Malecon,” a broad sidewalk that runs along the beach and waterfront.
1) Swim with Whale Sharks
Arguably, the most unique activity in La Paz, swimming with whale sharks, should be at the top of your travel itinerary to the city. The waters, just a few minute’s boat ride from the Malecon, offer some of the best opportunities to swim with the gentle giants.
The warm water teems with female and juvenile whale sharks that spend the winter months feeding along the coastal waters inside the bay.
Remember your GoPro and make sure your SD card has plenty of space because this will be a memorable experience!
DON’T MISS our guide on everything you need to know about swimming with whale sharks in La Paz!
2) Visit the La Paz Beaches – Balandra Beach & Tecolote
Balandra Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in Baja and one of the most famous in all of Mexico. Arrive early to claim a parking spot and rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day to explore the pristine turquoise water and picturesque white sandy beach.
Hike through the low tide to “Mushroom Rock,” or relax in the sun and warm water and grab a bite from any vendors who pass you by throughout the day. Balandra Beach access is limited to two time slots: 8 AM—12 PM and 1 – 5 PM. Arrive early and wait in line, as visiting Balandra Beach is worth the wait!
If you haven’t had your fill of beautiful beaches after Balandra Beach, keep heading further down the road to Tecolote, where you can catch amazing sunsets with dive-bombing pelicans and views of Espiritu Santo Island in the background. Some other great beaches to visit in La Paz are worth exploring if you have the time and inclination.
3) Take a Day trip to La Isla Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo Island sits a few short miles off the coast of La Paz and offers all sorts of adventures in visiting. Whether you sail or take a motorboat, a day trip often includes stops to swim with the whale sharks and sea lions and snorkeling colorful reefs.
Some tours to La Isla Espiritu Santo include overnight stays in yurts on the beach. So, if you have an extra day or two to feel like you’re on Gilligan’s Island, you won’t see more than a handful of other people as you explore the island and its surrounding waters.
4) Walk the Malecon
A short walk along the Malecon will give you more than enough to do in La Paz, regardless of how much time you have. Whether you’re interested in eating at several local restaurants, observing statues and street art by local artists, catching a boat tour, or simply people-watching, the Malecon is the epicenter of adventure in La Paz.
If you want free things to do in La Paz, you can watch the sunset from any bench or play (or work out) in any activity area along the Malecon.
During the Christmas Season, the Malecon is illuminated with lights, and every night, scores of festivities take place along the 3-mile stretch of waterfront.
5) Visit the Whale Museum
As the name suggests, the Museo de la Ballena, or whale museum, is an ode to an old friend of the Baja Peninsula. The waters surrounding the peninsula are full of migrating gray, blue, and humpback whales, so it is only fitting that the city would host a museum in their honor.
Located a few blocks inland from the Malecon, the museum is instantaneously recognizable due to the giant whale skeleton outside its front doors.
6) Rent a Kayak or SUP and paddle the bay
Although the waterfront along the Malecon is not as friendly for water activities as the nearby beaches, there are still numerous places for a SUP or kayak rental to see the city from the water.
You’ll see the vast chain of desert mountains surrounding the city and the busyness of the Malecon in ways that most people miss. Join an organized tour or give yourself a self-guided tour as you enjoy a picturesque sunset over the bay.
7) Sandboard the Dunes of El Mogote
Yes, massive sand dunes are just a short ride out of the city! El Mogote is a narrow stretch of barrier island that encloses the smaller bay in front of La Paz.
Here, you can enjoy a beach day or tackle sandboarding down the dunes. Bring your board if you want. Or join a tour and enjoy spectacular scenery while having a unique experience in La Paz.
8) Daydream About a Life of Luxury Aboard a Yacht
Some of the world’s wealthiest people bring their megayachts to La Paz as their home base for exploring the Sea of Cortez, what Jacquez Cousteau has called the “Aquarium of World.”
Although you’re not likely to run into a billionaire while gawking at the large vessels, you can still daydream about what it must be like to own such a magnificent boat.
Popular places to check out sailing vessels include Marina Cortez and the more ritzy Marina Costa Baja.
9) Visit the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz
On the cultural side, visiting the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Paz is one of the best free things to do in La Paz. It reminds tourists of the rich Catholic history of the Baja Peninsula.
An active cathedral, you can step inside to partake in services or gawk at its beautiful architecture. First built in 1861, the tall building stands at the center of town like Franciscan missions in most smaller villages and towns throughout Baja California.
10) Check out the Street Art
Uli Martinez loves Baja California Sur. As one of the most prolific and famous contemporary artists in the southern state, he does his best to tell stories of Baja in the street art he has painted throughout the city.
He is famous for his paintings, which incorporate several different images into one united theme, paying homage to a particular aspect of life in Baja.
Whether you go on a formal tour or wander the city on your own, you will surely come across his unique street art, among other works by street artists in the city.
Top Day Trips and Tours from La Paz
While there are many great things to do in La Paz, Mexico, the city also offers a great stepping-off point for many day tours and multi-day adventures that are well worth visiting in Baja California Sur.
These are the best 5 things to do around La Paz.
1) Day Trip to Todos Santos
Todos Santos is an artistic and cultural hub iconized by the famous “Hotel California” (which, incidentally, has nothing to do with the famous song by the Eagles). Wander ancient cobblestone city streets, step into vast numbers of local artist shops and eat some incredible food in Todos Santos.
Then head to the beach for sunset over the Pacific Ocean for an informal whale watching experience where humpback whales will breach just offshore as you release baby sea turtles to begin their adventure at sea. Just an hour and a half from La Paz, there are so many things to do in Todos Santos that make it worth more time if you have it.
2) Day Trip to Los Cabos
Depending on which airport you arrived at, you may have already explored the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, collectively known as “Los Cabos.” Between the more renowned Cabo San Lucas and its lesser-known sister city of San Jose de Cabo, there are plenty more adventures and things to do there.
If you’re looking for faster-paced scenery and activities, the Cabos house cruise ships and frequent airplanes full of tourists. It’s not for someone looking for quiet and solitude. But there are plenty of things to do here as well.
READ NEXT: Check out our guide on the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas!
3) Day Trip to Cabo Pulmo
If the Sea of Cortez is the Aquarium to the World, then Cabo Pulmo is the window with the most action-packed section of marine life and reefs. As a Mexican national park, Cabo Pulmo is well protected.
Many years ago, local fishermen abandoned fishing to preserve the reef and its many marine species. It is the best place to go scuba diving and snorkeling, and you’ll truly get a feel of the vastness and diversity of the sea by putting your face underwater.
While it is only an hour and a half from La Paz, the road into Cabo Pulmo is very difficult, so it may be best to grab a tour from La Paz and let your tour guide navigate the bumpy roads!
4) Day Trip for Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
If you’ve never seen a whale up close and personal, Magdalena Bay is one of the best places for a close encounter of the most incredible kind! Pregnant grey whales make their way to the protected waters along the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, around 3 hours north of La Paz.
They give birth to their babies in the winter month and nurture them until the calves are strong enough to make the summer migration to the cooler waters off the coast of Alaska, which are abundant with food to last them until the following winter.
To go whale watching in Magdalena Bay, you can get in a small boat, and the captain will take you to the center of the bay. Instead of pursuing the whales, you will wait patiently for them to approach you. And they certainly will come to you and even allow you to “pet” them in a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
(Note: The Mexican government heavily regulates all whale-watching experiences in Baja California Sur to put the safety and well-being of the whales first and foremost. No harm comes to the whales in any way during this experience.)
5) Day Trip to Try Kite Surfing in La Ventana
The eastern edge of the Baja Peninsula, known as the “East Cape,” is one of the best places in the world to kiteboard or windsurf. The wind is particularly consistent in the winter months, and kiteboarders worldwide will flock to the East Cape to enjoy the adrenaline-pumping activities in the water.
This has led to many schools offering lessons under the safety and guidance of professionals who will open your eyes to a sport you may never have known existed. The small town of La Ventana, literally “the window,” is virtually built upon the activities that harness the wind.
Food in La Paz
As you can imagine from a peninsula, fresh seafood is the most common Mexican food in La Paz and any surrounding area. And you have to go out of your way to find food that is not reasonably priced, even at some of the higher-end restaurants in the city.
Some of the best fish tacos are in the city’s food stalls and food trucks. You can also enjoy ceviche of all sorts (including octopus!), and the seafood soups are typically piled high with more seafood than a platter would offer in the US!
If you aren’t into fresh seafood, other staples in la Paz include “papa rellena” (baked potatoes stuffed with meat and cheese) and “tacos al pastor” (marinated pork cooked over an open flame and cut and sauteed to order). You can find these plates in most restaurants in the city.
Most of the best restaurants are located along the Malecon within a few blocks of the water. Check out Mariscos El Toro Guero for ceviche, fish tacos and other seafood and Rancho Viejo for your steak, chicken and pork favorites. Expect your choice of corn or flour tortillas wherever you go (maiz = corn, harina = flour)
If you have a sweet tooth, La Fuente on the Malecon is your go-to for any cold, delicious treat!
Money-saving tips for Visiting La Paz
One of the best ways to save money in La Paz is to plan to walk throughout the city. Most of the attractions and things to see and do (including people-watching!) are in the “Zona Central” (city center) along the Malecon. Walking the entire Malecon takes 20-30 minutes, and virtually everything is packed into that stretch of sidewalk and city blocks.
Another great way to save money is to try and organize a group tour for a larger discount on any activities you would like to do. While La Paz isn’t known for bartering, you can usually work out a better deal if you make friends before booking an adventure.
You can often walk to the Malecon, where most trips are booked, and see other groups standing around trying to make a decision. Be outgoing, say hi, and ask if they want to book a trip together.
Of course, if you’ve opted to stay at an Airbnb or Vrbo, you can likely make your own meals to save a few pesos here and there.
The food in La Paz is fantastic, and there are so many options for what to eat and where to eat. So, we usually plan to make one meal daily and allow ourselves the treat for the other two.
Packing Advice
Depending on when you plan to visit La Paz, you must pack accordingly. During the busier and best time of year to visit, winter, you may both start and end the day with pants and a sweatshirt or light jacket. But it will be warm enough during the day that you’ll want shorts and/or a bathing suit.
The water can be a bit chilly, so if you plan to organize your trip to all the beaches in La Paz, you may want a rash guard or light wetsuit top to keep your core warm. But the air will be warm, and the sunshine will likely be inviting, even in the winter months of January and February, so normal beach attire will suit you well.
If you opt for any tours that include water activities, the tour company will give you a wetsuit (which you will be required to wear) and any mask, snorkel, or fins you may need. But if you own your own equipment and want to explore other parts of Baja California Sur, then by all means, snorkel and scuba diving equipment will go a long way toward memorable adventures.
And if you happen to visit during late spring to early fall, leave the long sleeves and pants behind. The southern portion of the peninsula gets so hot that most ex-pats flee to the north, seeking cooler weather. Pack your hot-weather clothes for trips during this time.
Accommodation in La Paz
As a metropolitan area, La Paz offers a variety of great accommodation options. Living in an RV can sometimes feel confining, so we splurge on an Airbnb occasionally. La Paz has one of our favorites, a reasonably priced traditional bed and breakfast in a great part of town.
Casa Buena Bed and Breakfast offers excellent accommodation. Susu, the owner, prepares fresh granola and homemade muffins daily in a kitchen open to guests. The bed and breakfast is securely behind a fence with an entry code for vehicles and pedestrians so that you can sleep soundly at night.
Each room has a bathroom with hot water showers, a television, and a mini-fridge. The vast common area includes the kitchen, dining, and a pool. And if you don’t want to drive around town, the Malecon is just a short ten-minute walk away, with a handful of delicious restaurants along the way!
La Paz hotels are also abundant and reasonably priced if you want more traditional accommodations or rooms with a view in the city’s heart. Hotel 7 Crowns is a medium-priced option that overlooks the Malecon in the Zona Central section of the city.
We stayed here during Carnaval and watched the parades each night from the balcony of our room. It’s great for people watching any time of the year.
If you want to splurge, the Costa Baja Spa and Resort and the Hacienda Paraiso de La Paz Bed and Breakfast offer 5-star amenities, including a pool and spa, at incredibly reasonable prices.
How to get to and around La Paz, Mexico
La Paz is a capital city accessible to domestic and international travel. The Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport is just 20 minutes from the Central Zone. However, most flights to this part of the peninsula are more affordable if you fly into the Los Cabos International Airport, a scenic 2.5-hour drive to San Jose del Cabo.
Driving to La Paz is relatively quick if you are coming from the more popular nearby destinations of Cabo San Lucas or Todos Santos to the south of La Paz. From the north, La Paz is farther away from other popular destinations. So unless you are driving the length of the peninsula, it’s better to plan to fly into either La Paz or Los Cabos and rent a car to get around.
Uber is the best and most affordable way to get around La Paz if you don’t want to rent a car. Like most other cities, you can hail a driver quickly and enjoy the scenery without driving.
Although La Paz, Mexico, is an urban center and does have its fair share of crime, it is very safe to take an Uber or even to walk throughout the city. However, as with any travel, it is best to heed general safety precautions when getting around the city.
Walking is incredibly common and in the mornings and evenings, you will see many people walking or running alone along the Malecon.
What is more, many of the places you may want to go when visiting La Paz are within a short drive from the city center. So renting a car is a great option. But even if you want to visit the beaches a shared ride is reasonably priced.
If you want to day trip to some of the more popular areas outside of the city, there are often tours you can arrange privately or through your hotel.
Safety in La Paz
La Paz, Mexico, is reasonably safe for a larger city. It does not have the reputation of the larger cities of Tijuana, Cabo San Lucas, or Ensenada. Getting around the city, whether solo or not, is quite safe.
Some areas on the outskirts of town can be a little questionable. But the local population is incredibly hospitable to travelers and you can count on most of them to grab your attention if you happen to be heading into a tricky part of town.
There is also quite a police presence in the city, so you will not go far without seeing a police officer or vehicle standing guard. As with traveling to any city, it is best to avoid empty alleyways and walking by yourself late at night, particularly if you’ve been drinking.
But in all the many nights we have stayed in La Paz, we have never felt unsafe or threatened by anyone.
The best time to visit La Paz, Mexico
The entire peninsula of Baja California is notorious for its sweltering summers. Although it has the cooler Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sea of Cortez on its east, the peninsula remains an arid desert with a corresponding climate.
As such, most people visit La Paz during the late fall to early spring months (October – April), with the peak travel during the winter. While this is the height of the tourist season, the weather is gorgeous and usually ranges between 55 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit most days.
Further, you don’t have to worry about rain canceling your outdoor plans, as this is also the dry season in Baja California.
While tourism continues well into the summer, we recommend you plan a trip to La Paz during winter to take advantage of the beautiful weather and incredible marine life engagement opportunities.