28 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 vibrant 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 being home to Balandra Beach, 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 to enjoy this wonderful seaside city.

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.

The best things to do in La Paz

La Paz might not be as popular as the party town of Cabo San Lucas but it’s got a lot to offer. A stunning coastal city, La Paz is the gateway to the Gulf of California, home to pristine beaches, remote islands, and a wealth of marine animals. The city doesn’t just boast excellent bars, restaurants, and landmarks with a more authentic charm than other places in the region, but it’s a spectacular eco-tourism destination too. There are plenty of activities on offer in La Paz, from snorkelling, diving, and marine animal encounters to hiking, museums, and adventure activities. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be bored in La Paz, whether you’re soaking up the sun or local culture.

Free things to do in La Paz

Let’s start with the best free things to do in La Paz. If you’re backpacking Baja California Sur, you’ll be pleased to know there’s plenty to see in the capital without breaking the bank. Most of La Paz’s free attractions are dotted around the compact centre, making it super easy to walk between them.

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. 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 it’s not recommended to swim in the sea here as the water by cities tends not to be that clean.

If you want a beach day where you can dip in the sea, take a trip out to one of La Paz’s stunning beaches in the surrounding area:

8. Watch the sunset from Cerro de la Calavera

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.

Unique things to do in La Paz

There are a few attractions in La Paz that are worth paying for, from paradise islands and stunning beaches to ethical marine animal excursions. Some of these only require a small fee to enter or to get to while others are best experienced on an eco-friendly tour with a licensed company.

9. Explore 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.

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.

Ocean enthusiasts should head to La Paz’s Whale and Marine Sciences Museum (Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar), which showcases a range of exhibits and scientific collections on cetaceans, including whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

10. Visit Balandra Beach

Only a 30-minute drive from La Paz, Playa Balandra is often called Mexico’s most beautiful beach and ranks among the best beaches in the world. Balandra Bay is actually a bay 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.

We wrote a full guide to visiting Balandra Beach with everything you need to know about entry times, the visitor capacity, the best tours, and what to see and do. If you don’t have your own transportation, you can explore Mexico’s most beautiful beach by boat and see the iconic Mushroom Rock, seabirds, sea lions, and more on a Balandra Beach Tour.

11. 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. Get up close to these inquisitive sea-puppies by snorkelling or diving with them on a La Paz Sea Lion tour.

We’ve written a full guide to Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz where you can find out everything you need to know before you go. We compare the two snorkel sites’ visibilities, sea lion population, distance from La Paz, and reef conditions so you can choose the best site for you (or visit both like we did)!

12. 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. La Paz VIP Tours’ whale shark tour is the one we took and we’d highly recommend them – they focus on education and sustainability with super friendly and knowledgeable guides and we had the best time.

We’ve written a full guide on Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz, delving deep into the ethics of the activity, how it works, the best tours, and what’s it like to try and keep up with the gentle giants in the water.

13. Sail to Isla Espíritu Santo

A large, uninhabited island off the coast of La Paz, Isla Espíritu Santo National Park is a protected reserve, known for its natural beauty, with white sandy beaches, dusty-pink cardon cacti-strewn mountains, volcanic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters. The main island, Isla Espíritu Santo is a popular day trip destination, offering stunning stretches of pristine sand, excellent hiking trails, a variety of wildlife watching opportunities, and a vibrant coral reef that is perfect for snorkelling and diving.

14. Go whale and dolphin watching

Whales and dolphins can be found in the waters around La Paz as they transit the Gulf of California. 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, you can check out the ‘day trips from La Paz’ section where we’ve included some of the best whale watching trips from around La Paz.

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. Find the best fish tacos in town

La Paz is one of the best food cities we’ve been to, with lots of small, locally-owned businesses to choose from. Discover the tastiest treats and local dishes on your visit in La Paz’s best restaurants. 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.

17. Party all night

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.

18. Hike in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains

Located bang slap between La Paz and the charming colonial town of San José del Cabo, 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.

19. Try sandboarding at El Mogote

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 is just a stone’s throw from the city.

20. Go standup paddleboarding

Explore the area that Jack Cousteau described as ‘the world’s aquarium’ on a Paddleboarding Tour in La Paz. 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 (Standup Paddleboarding) is a popular activity in many places around La Paz, including the stunning Balandra Bay. Choose from floating on the ocean to exploring a diverse ecosystem of crystal clear waters and raw natural mangroves.

21. Kayak in mangroves

Set sail on the calm waters around La Paz on a 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. Paddle at your own pace, exploring the unique shoreline of the peninsula.

22. Go SCUBA diving in the Gulf of California

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.

23. Learn the local lingo in a Spanish Class

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 at Spanish Schools.

The best day trips from La Paz

There are quite a few fun places to visit from La Paz to see more of the beautiful Baja peninsula. If you’re looking for the best whale watching in Baja, there are plenty of places that are great for seeing a variety of species in winter too.

24. Meet the friendly grey whales in Magdalena Bay

We’d highly recommend taking a trip to Magdalena Bay, which is only a 3-hour drive from La Paz. You can take a day tour or stay overnight to get the full experience.

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.

25. Go humpback whale watching in Cabo

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 two unique towns: Cabo San Lucas (the party city) and San José del Cabo (the artistic city), with the nearby Cabo Pulmo (the diving town) making a great day trip from Cabo.

26. See blue whales in Loreto

Head north and visit the sleepy town of Loreto and the stunning Loreto Bay National Marine Park with its five volcanic islands. Located on Baja California Sur’s east coast and overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the small town of Loreto is a charming vacation destination. Offering an abundance of wildlife, plenty of whale activity, and beautiful beaches, Loreto appeals to many visitors to La Paz.

At 4.5 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.

27. Snorkel with mobula rays in La Ventana

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.

28. Snorkel with manta rays in La Reina

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.

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.

How to get to La Paz

If you’re planning your trip, you’re probably wondering how do you get to La Paz? We’ve covered all the transportation methods in La Paz in this section.

There are a variety of methods to reach La Paz, depending on where you’re coming from. You can either arrange transportation directly to Loreto or make the journey from other destinations in the region, including:

By plane

There are two airports that serve La Paz. One is the city’s own airport and the other is a 2-hour drive from the city.

From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or Uber to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can pre-book a La Paz Airport transfer.

By car

If you’re planning to explore further afield and see more of the peninsula, you might like to rent a car in La Paz. This allows you to get off the beaten path and discover more of Baja California Sur’s hidden gems.

Rental cars can be picked up at La Paz Airport, in the city, and in Cabo or Loreto if you’re travelling from other parts of the peninsula.

If you’re driving from other parts of Baja, you’ll likely follow Highway 1 or Highway 19 to La Paz. The roads are generally in good condition, so a 4×4 isn’t necessary unless you plan to venture into off-road areas. Both routes are scenic, with stunning views of desert landscapes and the coastline. Drive carefully, especially on windy stretches, and watch for wildlife crossing the roads.

The drive from Los Cabos to La Paz is about 100 miles (160 km) and takes 2 to 2.5 hours via Highway 19. From Loreto, it’s approximately 218 miles (350 km) and takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

By bus

The cheaper and more eco-friendly way to get to La Paz from around Baja is to take the bus.

From Loreto, the bus journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours and costs around $40–$50 USD.

From Los Cabos, expect a journey of about 2.5 to 3 hours and a cost of $20–$30 USD.

If coming from the U.S. border, you can pick up a bus from Tijuana, but the journey takes 20–24 hours. It’s recommended to break it up with stops in cities like Guerrero Negro or Mulegé.

How to Get Around La Paz

La Paz’s city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés are located along the scenic Malecón (waterfront promenade) or near the Plaza Constitución (the main square) in the downtown area.

While La Paz does have some public transportation options, such as buses and colectivos, they are limited and not the most convenient. Buses around La Paz can be taken from the Malecón Bus Terminal while buses to other parts of the peninsula leave from the Terminal De Autobuses.

To visit nearby beaches (like Balandra or Tecolote) or attractions further afield, renting a car is the most flexible option.

Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. However, there is no Uber or Lyft in La Paz, and ride-hailing apps are not commonly used in the area.

For water-based exploration, boat tours and water taxis can take you to nearby islands, beaches, and marine attractions.

If you’re staying close to the Malecón, bicycles and scooters are also popular rental options for short trips along the waterfront.

La Paz FAQs

Now that you know what to do in La Paz, let’s address some frequently asked questions.

What is La Paz, Mexico best known for?

La Paz is best known for its stunning location on the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), often called “the aquarium of the world” due to its rich marine biodiversity. It’s a hub for eco-tourism, offering incredible experiences like whale watching, snorkelling with whale sharks, swimming with sea lions, and exploring pristine beaches like Balandra Beach. The city also boasts a lively Malecón (waterfront promenade), a histoan ric town centre, and incredible culinary scene.

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. From Mexico’s most beautiful beach to marine animal encounters, La Paz offers some of the best outdoor experiences in the region. Not to mention the city itself is super charming and authentically Mexican, with an interesting historic centre and a stunning waterfront.

How to spend a day in La Paz, Mexico?

Start your day with breakfast at a local café or restaurant along the Malecón, enjoying views of the sea. Spend the morning at Balandra Beach or Playa Tecolote, two of the area’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour to nearby islands like Isla Espíritu Santo, where you can snorkel or dive and observe sea lions in their natural habitat. Alternatively, if you’re visiting in the right season, join a whale shark snorkelling tour and swim along the world’s largest fish.

End the day with a stroll along the Malecón, enjoying the sunset and street performers, followed by dinner at one of La Paz’s seafood restaurants.

What is the best month to visit La Paz, Mexico?

La Paz is great all year round but does see distinct seasons. The climate is dry with hot summers but mild, pleasant winters. The best time to visit La Paz will depend on your interests, which we’ve detailed more below.

What is the climate like in La Paz Mexico?

La Paz has quite a dry climate and can go an entire year without seeing one drop of rain! The coldest months (December-February) will often hit 25-33°C (77-91°F) while the summer (June-August) can reach as high as 18-25°C (64-77°F).

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.

Is it safe to walk around La Paz, Mexico?

Yes, it’s safe for visitors to walk around La Paz. The downtown area and Malecón are particularly safe and well-lit, making them great for evening strolls. Like any destination, it’s wise to exercise general precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.

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. The waters there are calm, clear, and warm – perfect for swimming.

Be sure to always check local conditions, as some areas may have stronger currents.

Can you drink the water in La Paz Mexico?

Tap water in La Paz is not recommended for drinking. It’s better to stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Take a reusable filter bottle to cut down on plastic and stay safe when drinking water.

Is La Paz, Mexico expensive?

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 is £2.50 ($3). However, it’s easy to find cheap places to eat out!

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 transist (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 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 beretween May and September, with the most tourists arriving in January.

Do people speak English in La Paz, Mexico?

While Spanish is the primary language in La Paz, many people in the tourism industry speak basic to fluent English to accommodate international visitors. In tourist areas like the Malecón or on guided tours, you’re likely to encounter English speakers.

Read next:

The 16 Best Restaurants in La Paz

A Complete Guide to Visiting Balandra Beach

How to Ethically Swim with Whale sharks in La Paz

How to Snorkel or Dive with Sea Lions in La Paz

How to Visit Isla Espíritu Santo from La Paz

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