This calm coastal city on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula has clear waters where gray whales swim near the shore and sea lions bask on rocky outcrops.
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, sits along the Sea of Cortez where marine life thrives in its clear waters. You'll spot whale sharks gliding through the bay from October to February, and sea lions lounging on the rocks of Isla Espíritu Santo. Local families gather on the 5-kilometer Malecón at sunset, while at Balandra Beach, you can wade through knee-deep turquoise water or paddle between its white limestone cliffs. Just two hours from Los Cabos, La Paz remains a working Mexican city where fishermen bring in their daily catch and street vendors serve fresh seafood tacos along the waterfront.
Getting to La Paz
Manuel Márquez de León International Airport connects La Paz with major Mexican cities and runs seasonal flights to Dallas and Phoenix. Two ferry services operate from the port of Pichilingue to mainland Mexico, connecting La Paz with Mazatlán and Topolobampo. The city lies 210 kilometers south of Ciudad Constitución and 202 kilometers north of Cabo San Lucas, with paved highways connecting both routes.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
La Paz has a subtropical desert climate with steady temperatures year-round. From November to April, temperatures range between 17°C and 25°C, ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer brings temperatures up to 36°C with high humidity, though water visibility remains clear for swimming and snorkeling throughout the year.
Marine Life and Water Activities
Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez "The World's Aquarium" for good reason. Whale sharks swim through the bay between October and February, and you can join guided tours to swim near these gentle giants. At Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island, you can snorkel alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat. The calm waters create ideal conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and watching dozens of fish species while scuba diving.
The Malecón and City Life
The 5-kilometer waterfront Malecón buzzes with activity, especially during evening hours. Families walk along the promenade past marine-themed sculptures created by local artists, while food vendors prepare fresh seafood at their carts. Street musicians perform as the sun sets, and restaurants along the strip serve everything from traditional Mexican dishes to fresh catch of the day.
Local Food Scene
Fresh seafood defines La Paz's culinary identity. Try local specialties like chocolate clams (named for their brown shells), grilled fish tacos, and aguachile made with shrimp caught that morning. The regional liqueur damiana, distilled from native herbs, adds flavor to cocktails and traditional tea. Many family-run restaurants near the Malecón prepare seafood according to generations-old recipes.
Day Trips from La Paz
The region around La Paz holds several worthwhile destinations. In El Triunfo, you can walk through streets lined with 19th-century buildings and see the 47-meter-tall La Ramona smokestack from its mining era. Todos Santos, an hour's drive away, combines art galleries with popular surf spots. During winter months, Puerto Chale becomes a prime location for watching gray whales, while El Pescadero's consistent waves attract surfers year-round.
