The 26 Best Things to do in La Paz
A complete list of the best things to do in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
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La Paz, Mexico (not Bolivia! You’d be surprised how many tourists get the two confused), is the capital of Baja California Sur and home to a wealth of marine life, art, culture and architecture, as well as a banging food scene. Famous for having Mexico’s most beautiful beach as well as some of the freshest seafood Mexico has to offer, La Paz is a must-see destination on your next Baja travel adventure!
There are lots of fun things to do in La Paz and this article will provide you with a checklist of the best sites, attractions, excursions and day trips in this fun-loving city.
Time needed: 5-7 days.
When to go: La Paz is nice all year round, but winter can be quieter and less crowded.
Weather: Highs of 25-33°C in the summer (June-August) and 18-25°C in winter (December-February). La Paz gets very little rain and can actually go a whole year without even a shower.
Language: Spanish.
Currency: Mexican Peso.
*All prices in this article are shown in GBP and USD*
The best things to do in La Paz
1) Walk the Malecón
A malecón is an esplanade or main street which runs up and down a seafront. La Paz’s malecón offers beautiful views of the waterfront, as well as beaches, parks, piers and benches. There’s a bandstand, where buskers and musicians can often be found, and a playground for little ones. You can rent a bike or hire a scooter and cycle the 3-mile (5km) waterfront to take in the views. We’d highly recommend pausing at sunset to see one of the best views in La Paz, the marina, lit up orange and red.
2) Find all the sculptures
Also situated on the malecón are lots of ocean-themed sculptures. Making your own walking tour to find each piece is one of the best free things to do in La Paz. Their positions mark the entrance to each block, which can be handy for finding your way around. Each sculpture has been created by a local artist and is a symbol that represents La Paz.
3) Get a photo with the La Paz sign
Did you even go to La Paz if you didn’t get the photo with the sign? Located on the malecón, these multi-coloured letters offer a great photo opportunity, with stunning background views of the Sea of Cortez. These signs can be found in most Mexican towns and cities, and each letter typically has an image which represents the area. The sign is a popular attraction in La Paz at night when the letters are illuminated, but it’s not too difficult to get a photo without other people in during the day (except on weekends, which are much busier than mid-week!).
4) Spot the graffiti art
La Paz’s street art can be found all over town and we’d recommend spending a couple of hours on a DIY graffiti tour, taking in the sights and discovering brightly coloured murals. These cool artworks are the result of collaborations between artists across the private and public sectors. The murals depict stories and local legends, while also spreading awareness of the importance of looking after the beaches and oceans.
5) Visit Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz
Known in English as Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz is a Catholic church that serves as the seat of the Diocese (a group of churches that a bishop supervises) of La Paz. This small neoclassical church can be found on Jardín Velasco in La Paz old town, and marks the place where the mission was founded by the Jesuits in the eighteenth century. The church was built in 1861 by the Dominicans and now holds religious ceremonies, as well as occasionally hosting musical performances.
6) People watch in Jardín Velasco
Velasco Garden offers a small space of tranquillity within the city. Located in the main square between Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz and Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, this small garden features benches and a bandstand. Locals can be found eating their lunches, or simply sitting on benches enjoying the peace for a few minutes.
7) Visit the museums
A must-visit for art lovers, the Museum of Art (Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur) showcases artworks that are important to the state of Baja California Sur. While history buffs will love discovering the evolution of humans at the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Regional de Antropología E Historia de Baja California Sur). Exhibitions cover the Palaeolithic era to the present day, featuring the missions and influence of Spanish colonisation, as well as other aspects of importance to La Paz and Baja California Sur.
8) La Paz Food and Drink
La Paz is one of the best food cities we’ve been to, with lots of small, locally-owned businesses to choose from. Read our guide to the best food to eat in La Paz and discover the tastiest treats and local dishes to try on your visit. We list all our favourite restaurants for authentic Mexican food in La Paz, as well as the four best fish taco joints! We’ve also included a complete list of tasty Mexican foods you must try during your trip.
Read next: What to eat in La Paz + The 4 Best Spots for Fish Tacos
9) Snorkel with Sea Lions
Snorkelling with sea lions can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and La Paz has two locations where you can turn this dream into a reality: San Rafaelito and Los Islotes at Isla Espíritu Santo. Check out our article Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz to find out everything you need to know before you go. We also compare the two snorkel sites’ visibility, sea lion population, distance from La Paz and reef conditions so you can choose the best site for you (or visit both)! You can even book onto an Isla Espíritu Santo Tour with Sea Lion Snorkel from Los Cabos! It’s one of the best things to do in La Paz!
Read next: Everything you need to know about Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz
10) Swim with Whale Sharks
Swimming with the world’s largest fish is on most people’s bucket list and La Paz has one of the most highly regulated zones where you can ensure that your whale shark experience is ethical. Whale sharks are attracted by the plankton in the nutrient-rich waters around La Paz and can be found here every year between October and May.
Read next: Everything you need to know about Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
11) Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whales and dolphins can be found in the waters around La Paz as they transit the Sea of Cortez. The best way to see them is to take a boat trip, getting you up much closer than sightings from the shore. If you’re really into cetacean spotting, we’d recommend taking a trip to Magdalena Bay, which is only a 3-hour drive from La Paz. Magdalena Bay is one of the best places to see grey whales in the world as they migrate to the bays on the Pacific Coast to mate and give birth. A lot of Magdalena Bay whale watching trips will include transportation to and from La Paz. It’s really important to make sure you book with a licensed company that cares about the welfare of the whales, as some unlicensed companies can be found operating that scare away and stress out the animals.
Read next: The Thorough Guide to Magdalena Bay Whales’ Grey Whale Camp
12) Snorkel with mobula rays
The mobula ray migration in Baja California Sur is one of the most awe-inspiring animal encounters you can have. Every year between May to July, thousands of mobula rays pass through the waters near La Paz. You can witness this spectacle first-hand on a mobula ray snorkel tour. These gentle giants can be seen in groups that sometimes number hundreds of rays. La Ventana is a particularly good spot near La Paz to see them pass by the coast.
13) Snorkel with manta rays
A total hidden gem, many visitors to La Paz are completely unaware that snorkelling with manta rays is even possible. With wingspans up to 8.8 metres (29ft) wide, manta rays can be snorkelled with in two locations: La Ventana and La Reina. Being underwater with these gentle giants is one of the best things to do in La Paz and best experienced on a tour with an eco-conscious and licensed company.
14) Visit Balandra Bay
Only a 30-minute drive from La Paz, Playa Balandra (Balandra Beach) is often called Mexico’s most beautiful beach and ranks among the best beaches in the world. Balandra Bay is actually made up of 7 beaches and is known for having super shallow tides. Even at high tide, the water doesn’t reach more than chest height, making it possible to walk around the headlands and explore each beach in turn. At low tide, pristine white sandbanks are exposed and you can walk super far out without the water coming above your ankles. You can explore Mexico’s most beautiful beach by Transparent Boat, or see Mushroom Rock, seabirds, sea lions and more on this Balandra Tour.
15) Shop the markets
La Paz is a vibrant city and there’s always something going on. On weekends you’ll find markets pop up in the street with locals selling crafts and food items. They can be the best place to pick up affordable souvenirs and you can be sure your money is going back into the local community too. Perusing the various vendors and their wares can be one of the most enjoyable things to do in La Paz on a weekend morning. We’d also recommend visiting Mercado Francisco I. Madero, which has lots of fresh fruit and veggies and handmade souvenirs, as well as meat counters.
16) Watch the sun set
La Paz has some of the best sunsets in the world. The most popular spot to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon is Cerro de la Calavera – a rocky cliff face which has been weathered into interesting twisted holes and caves. You can hike to the top for free for views of La Paz city and the ocean.
17) Have a beach day
La Paz’s waterfront is lined by small beaches with loungers and umbrellas, perfect for spending the day relaxing on the beach. But be sure not to swim in the sea as water by a city tends to not be that clean. If you want a beach day where you can dip in the sea take a trip out to Balandra, El Saltito or La Ventana.
18) Party
If you’re looking to party in Baja California Sur, the likelihood is you’ve already heard of Cabo San Lucas, a popular party town at the bottom of the peninsula. But the capital has a great nightlife scene too. La Paz has a great vibe by day but it’s after dark when the city really comes alive. The malecón is lined with bars and restaurants that are great spots for an evening cocktail, as well as clubs so you can party all night long.
19) Hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains
Located bang slap between La Paz and the party town of Cabo San Lucas, the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains is an expansive region of mountains, canyons and plains. There are countless trails to choose from for beginner hikers to seasoned professionals. Featuring desert, cacti, palm trees, waterfalls and hot springs, there’s plenty to explore in the area too.
20) Try sandboarding
Sliding down 30 metre (100ft) high sand dunes at sunset is an experience like no other. With views of the Sea of Cortez and just a stone’s throw from La Paz, a Sandboarding Tour is an epic experience not to be missed by adrenaline junkies. El Mogote is the best place to sandboard in La Paz and just a stone’s throw from the city.
21) Go paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a more relaxed activity that is a great way to get out and see the true beauty of Baja, without expending too much effort. SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is a popular activity in many places around La Paz, including the stunning Balandra Bay. But it’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Espiritu Santo where you can really explore the area that Jack Cousteau described as ‘the world’s aquarium’ on a Snorkel and Paddleboard Tour. If you don’t fancy travelling that far, check out this La Paz Mangrove Kayaking Tour, where you can explore a diverse ecosystem of crystal clear waters and raw natural mangroves.
22) Kayak in Mangroves
Set sail on the calm waters around La Paz on a private kayak tour. One of the best things to do in La Paz, you can enjoy stunning views of the bay and explore a unique mangrove area. Your guide can impart knowledge on local flora and fauna and will also provide a cooler for your drinks and snacks.
Alternatively, you can head to any of the beaches we mentioned earlier, as most have kayak rental available on arrival.
23) Scuba dive
One of our favourite travel activities, scuba diving in La Paz is one of the best ways to explore Baja California Sur’s epic underwater world. Diving with cheeky sea lions in the crystal clear Mexican waters is an exhilarating experience and well managed ethical animal encounter. While exploring Mexico’s first artificial shipwreck is a unique La Paz activity not to be missed. You might even see a dolphin or whale on a dive too.
24) Learn Spanish
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than to learn the lingo. Not only will you get a better understanding of La Paz and its history, but you’ll be able to converse with the locals and pick up invaluable tips too. You can check out Spanish courses in Mexico here.
25) Extend your trip
There are so many other great cities to explore in Baja California Sur and La Paz makes a great base to explore the peninsula from. The region of Los Cabos is home to three unique towns: Cabo San Lucas (the party city), San José del Cabo (the artistic city) and Cabo Pulmo (the diving town). It’s also the best place to see migratory humpback whales in Baja. And anyone who would like to tick seeing baby turtles hatch off their bucket list should head to the coastal town of Todos Santos.
Read next: Everything you need to know about Humpback Whale Watching in Los Cabos
26) Continue your whale watching
We’ve already mentioned the intimate grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay and epic humpback activity in Cabo, but La Paz is also close to one of the best places to see blue whales in the world. Located on Baja California Sur’s west coast and overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the small town of Loreto is a charming vacation destination. Offering a marine park with an abundance of wildlife, plenty of whale activity and beautiful beaches, Loreto appeals to many visitors to La Paz. At 4 and a half hours drive, Loreto is a bit far to day trip from La Paz so it’s worth setting aside a few extra nights to explore this sleepy town.
Where is La Paz?
Nestled within an alcove on the east side of the Baja California Sur peninsula, La Paz is a charming city 93 miles (150km) north of Los Cabos, and over 995 miles (1600km) northwest of Mexico City. La Paz is blessed with panoramic views of the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez), one of the most diverse marine sites in the world.
Interactive La Paz Map
How to get to La Paz
If you’re planning your trip, you’re probably wondering how do you get to La Paz? There are two airports that serve La Paz. The closest is La Paz International Airport – Manuel Márquez de León, while Los Cabos International Airport serves the south of Baja California Sur. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi or Uber to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can pre-book an airport transfer.
Where to stay in La Paz
There’s a large variety of hotels and hostels to choose from in La Paz. From stylish boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts, there’s accommodation to suit every taste. Those on a budget will be pleased to know there’s also a variety of affordable hotels and well-reviewed hostels to choose from too. Here are some of the best hotels and hostels in La Paz.
The best hotels in La Paz:
Mid-range: Seven Crown La Paz Malecon
For points collectors: Hyatt Place La Paz
Family friendly: Hotel & Suites El Moro
Waterfront location: The Marine Waterfront Hotel
Has it all: La Concha Beach Hotel & Club
Private marina and spa: Costa Baja Resort & Spa
4* sleek style: Malecón 1680
5* Luxury: Baja Club Hotel
The best B&B Guesthouses in La Paz:
Spa bath and hot tub included: Residence Las Flores La Paz
Ocean views: Casa Kootenay Waterfront BnB
With all the amenities: Casa Juarez
The best hostels in La Paz:
In the heart of the city: Sunset Hostel
Unique and social: Peace Hostel
Small and intimate: Hostel Casa Esterito
Marina views from the terrace: Bermejo Hostel
La Paz FAQs
How safe is La Paz, Mexico?
La Paz is a popular city for tourists and one of the safest places in Mexico. It’s wise to always exercise the same precautions wherever you travel but we felt safe the whole time and were comfortable walking home at night (although our accommodation was super close to the malecón). If you’re worried about safety we’d recommend booking into a hotel rather than self-catering property and try to be back before nightfall.
Do you need travel insurance for La Paz Mexico?
Yes, it’s always wise to get travel insurance!
A few of our favourite travel insurance companies are:
- SafetyWing – The best travel insurance for digital nomads
- World Nomads – The best travel insurance for backpackers
- True Traveller – The best travel insurance for annual multi-trips
- Go Walkabout – The best travel insurance for working holidays and UK residents
Read next: The 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies for Every Kind of Trip
Is La Paz Mexico worth visiting?
100% Yes! There are so many things to do in La Paz and there’s something of interest for every kind of traveller. If this list wasn’t enough of an incentive to visit, read our article on the most beautiful beach in Mexico!
Is La Paz Mexico cheap?
Like all countries, Mexico has parts that are more expensive than others. While La Paz isn’t the cheapest city in Mexico, it’s easy to make your trip affordable. Food costs about the same as it does in the UK: a week’s grocery shop for 2 people will cost around £50 ($65), while the average price of a beer at a bar was £2.50 ($3). However, it’s easy to find cheap places to eat out! Read our La Paz Food article to find out more!
A hotel in La Paz will set you back about an average of £70 ($90) a night while a spacious Airbnb with cooking facilities costs between £25-£50 ($30-$65) a night. La Paz is a very walkable city and public transport (bus and taxis) are super cheap. If you’re interested in taking a tour you should expect to pay between £50-£150 ($65-$200) per person (and if your activity involves wildlife, like whale sharks or sea lions, we’d recommend choosing a licensed and ethical tour operator which may cost more than competitors).
What is the climate like in La Paz Mexico?
The coldest months (December-February) will often hit 25°C while the summer (June-August) can reach as high as 38°C! La Paz has quite a dry climate and can go an entire year without seeing one drop of rain!
What is the population of La Paz Mexico?
The current population is around 250,000 people and accommodates more than 400,000 tourists every year. The quietest time to visit is usually between May-September, with the most tourists arriving in January.
When are whale sharks in La Paz Mexico?
Whale sharks visit La Paz annually between October to May, but the best time to swim with them is January-March when there is more plankton in the waters for them to feed on.
Can you swim in La Paz Mexico?
We wouldn’t recommend swimming in the waters around the city as it’s not the cleanest. To swim in the sea you would need to visit the beaches around La Paz, such as Balandra, El Saltito or La Ventana.
Read next:
What to eat in La Paz, Mexico + The 4 Best Spots for Fish Tacos
Balandra Bay: Mexico’s Most Beautiful Beach
Everything you need to know about swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
Everything you need to know about Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz
Should You Touch a Grey Whale in Baja California Sur?
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