La Paz is the vibrant capital city of Baja California Sur and our favorite city of any we have ever visited, in Baja or elsewhere. While we, like many campers, go out of our way to avoid most cities when we camp, we always look forward to time in La Paz and include more time here than all of the other destinations in our caravans because there is so much to do and enjoy in and around La Paz.
It is not the most camper-friendly destination in Baja, with only one campground to date located a bit inconveniently around 15 minutes outside of the city. However, if you’ve made it this far south in your journey it is incredibly likely that you’ll stop here, or at least bounce around between La Paz and the other destinations in the southern end of the peninsula, making La Paz and all of the logistical and camping amenities you need your basecamp for exploration.
Nestled along the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez, on a “bay within a bay,” this charming city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, La Paz has something for everyone.
With its picturesque waterfront Malecon, which bustles with restaurants, bars, and shops, warm climate, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that La Paz is a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.
La Paz boasts a fascinating history that dates back to its founding in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. In the 18th century, it became an important mission town, playing a crucial role in the region’s development. Today, visitors can explore remnants of its colonial past through the city’s historic architecture and museums.
The Malecon, a scenic seaside promenade, is a perfect place to start your journey. It offers stunning views of the bay and statues commemorating the city’s rich cultural heritage. We visit the Malecon nearly every morning and evening we’re in town because we cannot get enough of what it offers, unlike any other Malecon in Baja.
For those seeking adventure, the area around La Paz is a true paradise. The Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, is a haven for marine life. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to swim alongside whale sharks, sea lions, and vibrant coral reefs.
Island hopping is another popular activity, with Espiritu Santo Island offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and kayaking, hiking, and camping opportunities. Nature lovers will also appreciate the region’s diverse landscapes, from the desert terrain to lush mangroves and even large sand dunes on which you can sandboard if you’d like!
Plus, when it comes to camping, there are a few great free beaches in the area that offer spectacular views and camping experiences. You definitely want to add room for a few nights of boondocking at Playa el Tecolote and/or Playa Pichilingue, among others you will come across as you explore La Paz!
But La Paz isn’t just about natural wonders—it also has a thriving cultural scene. The city’s lively festivals, such as Carnival, Day of the Dead, and the weekslong celebrations of the Christmas season showcase the local traditions and vibrant community spirit. We love visiting La Paz in December as the Malecon is decorated with all sorts of Christmas lights and decor, there are frequent concerts and performances, and the promenade is packed with people with smiles on their faces!
Culinary delights also await, with an array of seafood restaurants serving fresh, locally caught delicacies. But going beyond just seafood, you can find any international food you might be craving! From incredible Italian restaurants to Chinese and Japanese cuisine, if you’ve been looking for a break from tacos, you’ll be able to find it in La Paz!
After a day of exploration, relax in one of the cozy cafes or bars along the Malecon and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the bay. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of underwater adventures, the allure of historic charm, or the desire to unwind in a picturesque setting, La Paz and its surrounding areas offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Things to do in La Paz
There is no shortage of things to do in and around La Paz! Whether you plan spend a few days or weeks exploring the area, it is not likely that you’ll run out of excursions and activities to keep you busy!
While this list is not exhaustive by any means, here are a few of our favorites we think you’ll enjoy, many of which you can combine in one day:
Stroll Along the Malecón: Wander along the lively waterfront promenade, soaking in the sea views, vibrant atmosphere, and local artwork adorning the sidewalks. No trip to La Paz is complete without spending a few hours strolling past the various stores and entertainment along the Malecon, stopping for a bite to eat or drink wherever suits your fancy. Catch the Malecon during a holiday or festival and you’ll be a part of a magical experience where people from all over congregate to the Malecon to celebrate!
Swim with Whale Sharks: Plunge into the sea and snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, for an awe-inspiring encounter. Whale sharks remain in the bay year-round, but tours are offered from October to April. This is the only place in the world where you can be in the water with whale sharks within fifteen minutes of leaving the pier in a metropolitan area. Book a trip through a tour company or walk along the Malecon and captains and their help will recruit you to join their panga. Formal tours include English-speaking guides, while informal ones may be less informative.
Explore Espiritu Santo Island: Embark on a boat tour to this pristine island paradise, where you can hike scenic trails, kayak through secluded coves, and unwind on picturesque white sandy beaches. Most tours to the island are half-day. But you can experience multi-day tours and “glamp” in yurts with some tour companies.
Beach Day at Balandra: Spend a day relaxing on the pristine shores of the world-famous Balandra Beach, where you can swim in the turquoise waters, hike to the iconic mushroom rock, and bask in the sun. Beach access has been limited in recent years so you must arrive early to be allowed access to the beach in either the 8 AM – 12 PM time slot or 1 PM – 5 PM time slot.
Snorkel with Sea Lions at Los Islotes: Dive into the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat, an exhilarating experience you won’t forget. Los Islotes is a small island on the northern end of Isla Espiritu Santo so you can usually combine this activity with a short trip to the island and/or with a whale shark tour.
Admire Street Art: Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning buildings, alleyways, and public spaces throughout La Paz. Formal art installations all over the Malecon pay homage to the city and its maritime history. As you wander the city and certain alleyways, you’ll see murals by Uli Martinez, which incorporate multiple themes into one colorful painting.
Go Scuba Diving: Dive into the depths of La Reina, a popular dive site teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and underwater rock formations. Other popular dive sites include Los Islotes, Swanne Reef, San Rafaelito and Fang Ming. Unlike dive sites to the north, La Paz offers exquisite and colorful reef structures full of marine life to enjoy.
Day Trip to Todos Santos: Venture to the charming town of Todos Santos, known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and historic architecture, just a short one-hour drive from La Paz. We have a section on visiting Todos Santos and the surrounding area. But due to camping limitations in Todos Santos, you may prefer to wander this quaint “Pueblo Magico” as a day trip from La Paz.
Taste Local Cuisine: Indulge your taste buds in authentic Baja cuisine, from fresh seafood tacos and ceviche to savory street snacks like mariscos and tostadas. La Paz has no shortage of restaurants offering every kind of international cuisine imaginable. Some of our favorite foods you’ll find specifically in La Paz are papa rellena (stuffed potatoes) and tacos al pastor.
Go Fishing: Head out to sea on a thrilling fishing adventure, casting your line for prized catches like marlin, dorado, and yellowtail in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. You can fish year-round in the warm waters that surround La Paz.
Visit During Carnaval: Taking place each spring before Easter, Carnaval is a huge weeklong celebration that shuts down the Malecon and turns it into a huge festival. Enjoy carnival games, rides, food, and entertainment and watch as themed floats roll down the Malecon in celebration of Carnaval!
Camp on a Beautiful Beach: Playa el Tecolote and Playa Pichilingue are two top beaches within a 30-45-minute drive from La Paz. Camping is currently free at these beaches. But remember to pack in and pack out, as there are limited resources for maintaining the beaches.
Volunteer in La Paz
Kids Up Therapeutic Riding
Within the city limits, our friend Susu has built an excellent place for equine-assisted therapy classes for local kids with disabilities. Like Horses in Baja in San Felipe, Kids Up uses horses’ soothing nature to help develop kids mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You may be able to take part in volunteering in a number of ways. Contact Susu, the owner and operator of Casabuena Bed and Breakfast.
- Email: miltuna@gmail.com
- Phone: +52 612 122 5538
Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center (MMWRC)
The MMWRC is the only organization in the entire Baja peninsula with the authority and ability to rescue and rehabilitate marine animals. Based near the port of Pichilingue, the organization responds to calls to save various whales, turtles, birds, and other marine species and has a small facility that rehabs the animals. While it is difficult to volunteer due to governmental regulations protecting the animals in its care, the MMWRC always needs specific items and funds to continue its mission.
- Website: https://www.mmwrc.org/
- Email: info@mmwrc.org
- Rescue Hotline: +52 612 214 3750
Campgrounds in La Paz
At the time of writing, there is only one formal campground in La Paz that offers the opportunity to use it as a base camp for your La Paz explorations and activities.
Looking for campground contact and location information? Check out our 280-page paperback guidebook with everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your Baja camping adventure!
Campestre Maranatha
Campestre Maranatha in El Centenario, a neighborhood just north of La Paz, is a serene RV campground that offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for travelers exploring the Baja Peninsula. This is the best and only camping option for anyone wishing to spend any amount of time in La Paz.
This charming retreat is set amidst lush landscapes and features spacious RV sites equipped with full hookups, ensuring a hassle-free stay. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers, and a communal kitchen area.
The campground also offers free Wi-Fi, a playground for children, and various outdoor activities such as volleyball and nearby hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for families and adventure seekers alike.
Because Campestre Maranatha remains the only option in La Paz, it can get extremely busy, and there have been times when we were actually turned away because it was full. Despite having lots of dry camping available, even those spots will fill up during peak winter travel season, so plan in advance and reach out to make a reservation if possible. The staff is amiable and will go out of their way to help you in any way they can!
- Address: Highway 1 KM 11
- GPS: 24.09821, -110.38703
| Price Range | $35+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 50+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | Y |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 30A/50A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Sol RV Park
Sol RV Park is one of the newest camping options in La Paz and offers a premier destination for anyone looking to camp in the city along the Malecon. Located on the northern end of the Malecon on your way toward the beaches, Sol RV Park offers 15 sites boasting everything you need to enjoy your stay inside the La Paz city limits.
With power, water, and sewer at each site and a common area toilet and shower, the campground can accommodate campers of all kinds. It is tent-friendly, and most small to mid-size RVs will fit comfortably in each site. Big rigs are a stretch but potentially possible.
Although the campground lacks some of the size and amenities of Campestre Maranatha, you cannot beat the location, and it is worth considering spending a night or two if you want to be within walking distance of everything on the Malecon.
- Address: Escénica Alberto Alvarado Arámburo, Colina del Sol, 23010 La Paz
- GPS: 24.17604, -110.30392
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 15 | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 15A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
El Andariego RV Park
El Andariego RV Park is a camping option for La Paz, boasting a premium location in the heart of the city just 6 blocks from the Malecon. The campground offers limited amenities, but has just what you need if you are looking for a place to camp where you can walk everywhere in the city this is your place.
Tucked away in a neighborhood in the Zona Central, El Andariego RV Park has 10 total sites with a mixture of 30 amp power and water connection. None of the sites have a sewer hookup. However, the campground has an easily accessible dump station if you need to use it during your stay.
Rates are comparable to other options in cities and popular destinations, where you pay more for the location than anything else. Camping includes WiFi and the use of a common kitchen, restrooms, and showers. You can also pay for a la carte services such as using the dump station or having your rig washed for a small fee.
However, note that this campsite is not big-rig friendly, and if you own an RV with slides, you cannot fit into the designated camping sites. Your only camping option for bigger rigs and those with slides is Campestre Maranatha.
However, El Andariego RV Park is a great option for small—to mid-sized RVs or tent campers looking for a central La Paz camping location!
- Address: C. Valentín Gómez Farías 1130, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz
- GPS: 24.16054, -110.30692
| Price Range | $30+ | Sewer Hookup | Dump | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 10 | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 20A/30A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Other Camping Options in La Paz
Playa el Tecolote
- GPS: 24.33636, -110.31652
Just a 30-minute drive outside of La Paz, Playa el Tecolote is by far the most popular beach near La Paz to visit and/ or camp. Although there is no cellular service at the beach, there is plenty of room to camp along the water’s edge or up into the desert if it is crowded. The wind can get pretty bad here, and during King tides, the sea has been known to sweep across the entire beach, forcing campers to either relocate to higher ground toward the mountains or to abandon camping here altogether.
Camping is free, and there will be plenty of vendors selling all sorts of items throughout the day. A handful of restaurants are located at the start of the beach. With views of Isla Espirito Santo just offshore, this beach is a stunning reminder of why you came to Baja in the first place!
Hacienda del Sol
Hacienda del Sol (http://www.hacienda-del-sol.org/) is a non-profit organization that uses its small campground to raise funds for organizations in and around La Paz. Located on the northwest corner of the La Paz bay, it is not entirely convenient if you are looking to explore La Paz.
However, the campground is primarily set up for long-term campers looking to spend a month or more in the La Paz area, and the amenities offered support longer-term stays. The campground is designed with environmental sustainability in mind, with water trucked in and filtered and wastewater treated and recycled in irrigation. It is big-rig friendly (2 spots), and there are usually a few sites for shorter-term stays if you reach out.
Hacienda del Sol is a good option if you’re interested in a unique place to stay near La Paz, where your fees go to a great cause. Contact them via email: haciendadelsol1@gmail.com