During our week-long trip to Baja California Sur (BCS), we embarked on a day trip to the capital city, La Paz. Nestled along the shimmering Sea of Cortés (Gulf of California), La Paz is a gem that perfectly blends natural beauty, adventure, and cultural charm.
The city is renowned for its pristine beaches, rich marine life, breathtaking desert landscapes, and vibrant culinary scene. Many choose La Paz as their retirement home, drawn to its relaxing, laid-back atmosphere. Moreover, La Paz is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.
La Paz offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly combines relaxation with adventure. We had an incredible time exploring the city and wished we could have stayed longer. If you’re visiting Baja California Sur, be sure to add La Paz to your travel itinerary.
In this blog post, I’ll share all the spots we visited during our day trip, the best way to reach La Paz using public transportation, and my top food and restaurant recommendations. So, pack your beach gear, and let’s dive into the city!
Bus to La Paz from Cabo
La Paz and Todos Santos are two of the most popular day trips from Los Cabos. If you ask me which one to visit if given a choice, I’d instantly recommend La Paz. Renting a car is probably the best way to explore both destinations because both the internet and transportation are a bit scarce. However, after reading several negative reviews about tourists’ driving experiences in Mexico, we decided to avoid the hassle and opted for public transportation instead. You can also take a guided tour to both these cities to save hassle and time. Here’s are two tours I recommend:
- Balandra, La Paz and Todos Santos from Cabo (12 hours duration)
- Todos Santos tour & Hotel California Tour from Cabo (6 hours duration)
If you prefer doing everything by yourself like we did, the good news is that both La Paz and Todos Santos are well connected via long-distance bus routes run by a company called Aguila. The buses run frequently, almost every hour, and are quite similar to Greyhound buses. They are well-equipped, air-conditioned, feature overhead TV screens, and offer a reasonably comfortable ride.
We boarded the bus from the Aguila terminal in San José del Cabo, which dropped us off at the La Paz Malecón bus terminal. If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas, there’s a bus terminal conveniently located near the main hotel zone.
Tickets can be bought directly at the terminal before boarding; payments can be made via cash or card. The Aguila terminal (Terminal de Autobuses) was just a 5-minute Uber ride from our hotel in the San José del Cabo Hotel Zone and cost us $5. For our return journey, we took the 7:30 PM bus back to San José del Cabo from the La Paz Malecón terminal.
Navigating in La Paz – Taxis & Buses
La Paz is home to several stunning beaches, some quite close to the Malecón and others just a short drive away. If you’re relying on public transportation to get around, navigation can be a bit challenging, as not all beaches are accessible by bus, and those that are run on a strict schedule. Additionally, finding an Uber can be difficult. Even if you manage to get one from the La Paz Malecón Águila terminal to the beaches, drivers often request a fixed fare outside of the app, which is usually higher than the standard rate.
The good news is that several yellow taxis are readily available right outside the terminal, offering fixed fares to various beaches. Another option is the Playa Bus (Beach Bus), which provides transportation between the beaches. However, be aware that the buses follow a strict schedule, missing one could mean waiting 30-40 minutes for the next. That said, it’s not as inconvenient as it might seem.
We personally used all three available public transit options: Uber, yellow taxis, and the Playa Bus, to get around, and found it to be quite convenient.
If you’re driving to the beaches, remember to download offline maps before heading out, as there’s little to no cellular reception at spots like Balandra Beach and Playa El Tecolote.
Top beaches in La Paz
As I mentioned earlier, La Paz has a plethora of stunning beaches with the bluest, crystal-clear waters. Here’s a list of a few must-visit beaches to include in your La Paz itinerary.
Playa Balandra
Balandra Beach is the most popular beach in La Paz, so much so that it uses a timed entry system with a limited capacity of no more than 450 visitors per time slot. There are two daily access shifts: from 8 AM to 12 PM and from 1 PM to 7 PM. Be sure to arrive 30-60 minutes early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
The beach is absolutely breathtaking, with powdery white sand, desert mountains, and the bluest waters creating a stunning contrast. The water is so calm and clear that you can effortlessly spot fish swimming beneath the surface. I loved exploring the tiny crabs and fish, and I had an incredible time here. I truly wished I could have stayed longer, so I highly recommend spending a night in La Paz and dedicating an entire day to Balandra. There’s so much to do, from swimming in the serene waters to hiking up to Mirador de Balandra for a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque bay.
Playa El Coromuel
Playa El Coromuel is the closest beach to the Malecón and downtown area, making it easily accessible by taxi. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and take in the scenic beauty of the Sea of Cortés. The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as palapas, restrooms, and a picturesque boardwalk, making it an ideal choice for a quick beach escape. Take a refreshing dip, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, or indulge in local snacks from nearby vendors, Playa El Coromuel offers a delightful beach experience just minutes from the city.
Playa El Tesoro
Playa El Tesoro is a stunning beach, slightly north of Playa El Coromuel, known for distinct crescent-shaped bay with shallow, calm waters and soft golden sand. Ideal for swimming and wading and is just a short drive or taxi ride from downtown La Paz. With its gentle waves and picturesque setting, Playa El Tesoro truly lives up to its name “The Treasure”.
Playa Pichilingue
Located next to the New Fortress Energy LNG Terminal (Baja Ferries), Playa Pichilingue is a bustling beach in La Paz known for its clear blue waters, soft sandy shores, and lively atmosphere. The beach offers a variety of seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it a great spot to indulge in local flavors. One of the main highlights is the scenic boardwalk, perfect for capturing stunning photographs of the coastline. Adventure seekers can also enjoy exciting water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, making Playa Pichilingue an ideal destination for both relaxation and fun.
Playa El Saltito
My final beach recommendation is Playa El Saltito, a hidden gem offering a secluded and peaceful beach experience away from the crowds. This one is known for its rocky shoreline and crystal-clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and spotting marine life. The beach’s rugged beauty, combined with its tranquil ambiance, makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers seeking solitude and serenity.
Things to do in La Paz
We spent the second half of our day trip exploring La Paz Malecón and downtown, and it was an absolute delight! Strolling through the charming downtown area, we enjoyed wandering down quaint alleyways, admiring historic buildings, and browsing through local shops. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful murals, and scenic waterfront views made for a memorable experience.
If you’re planning a visit to La Paz, here’s a list of must-visit spots and activities to make the most of your downtown exploration.
Museo de Arte
The first prominent historic building we came across in downtown was the stunning white façade of Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, a beautifully restored structure that stands as a testament to the city’s artistic and cultural heritage. This art museum showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional Mexican art, featuring everything from captivating paintings to intricate sculptures that reflect the region’s vibrant creative spirit. A standout feature of the museum is the light installation at the back, reminiscent of the famous “Urban Light” installation at LACMA in Los Angeles, adding a modern touch to this historic gem.
Other museums worth visiting in La Paz include the Baja California Sur Regional Museum, an anthropology museum that offers fascinating insights into the region’s rich history, indigenous cultures, and archaeological finds. Another must-visit is the Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar, a natural history museum dedicated to the marine life of the Sea of Cortés. This museum features impressive exhibits, including whale skeletons and interactive displays that provide a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse ocean ecosystem.
Velasco Square Kiosk
Next, we explored the charming Velasco Square Kiosk, a picturesque gazebo surrounded by lush greenery and colonial-style architecture. This iconic landmark, located in the heart of downtown La Paz, is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers a peaceful setting to relax, enjoy street performances, and soak in the city’s laid-back atmosphere. We leisurely strolled around the area, admiring the beautiful architecture, including the Museo de Arte and the nearby church. The highlight was taking postcard-worthy photos at the colorful La Paz signboard, which stands proudly next to the plaza, adding to the charm of the vibrant downtown.
Cathedral de Nuestra Señora
We then headed to the stunning Cathedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, an architectural gem that stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past. This 19th-century cathedral boasts beautiful stained glass windows, intricate wooden interiors, and a serene ambiance, making it an ideal spot for reflection. The peaceful atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the spiritual heritage of La Paz.
Malecón boardwalk
Finally, we headed to the most popular spot in La Paz, the Malecón boardwalk. This iconic stretch along the coast is the heart and soul of the city, offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortés. Lined with palm trees, sculptures, cafes, and street vendors, the Malecón is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, sunset watching, or simply soaking in the vibrant energy of La Paz.
We tried a few local eateries (which I’ll cover in the food section) and relaxed by the waters. One of the highlights was witnessing one of the most stunning sunsets of our lives from the Kiosco del Malecón, a spot I highly recommend adding to your list when visiting La Paz.
La Paz Food Recommendations
Here’s a list of restaurants we tried during our visit, and none of them disappointed us. I highly recommend giving them a try or selecting based on your preferences.
- Casamarte Oyster Bar & Grill – A sea-facing gem offering fresh seafood, local cuisine, and signature drinks made with locally sourced ingredients. We tried the Chilaquiles en Salsa Roja and Green Juice. The chilaquiles were perfectly saucy (in the best way), full of flavor, and I almost wanted to order another plate, but we were too full and running out of time! The seafood looked and smelled amazing, so I highly recommend trying it when you visit, it’s a true highlight of the local culinary scene.
- La Michoacana – For dessert, we stopped by La Michoacana, drawn in by its vibrant pink facade and the bustling crowd. With a wide variety of flavors to choose from, I went with the classic Cookies & Cream, while Abhi opted for the tropical Mango Ice Cream. Both were incredibly refreshing, and the vibrant atmosphere of the place made it a fun stop to cool down and indulge in some local ice cream goodness!
- Las CrePaz – After our visit to Playa Balandra, we stopped by Las CrePaz for some refreshing fresh fruit juice paired with spicy Takis—a perfect way to cool down and satisfy our cravings. The crepes at the restaurant also looked absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying on a future visit. The casual vibe and tasty offerings make it a great spot for a quick and flavorful treat!
- Asadero Rancho Veijo – For dinner, we visited Asadero Rancho Veijo, a beach-facing cafe with outdoor dining that offered a perfect setting to enjoy the evening. We kicked off with fish & salsa paired with Modelo and Corona while soaking in the beautiful sunset colors. For the main course, we ordered papas rellena, a potato-based dish topped with corn, chicken, and mushrooms. Although it wasn’t our favorite dish of the day, it might have tasted better with some added salsa and queso. Despite that, the relaxed atmosphere and ocean views made for a pleasant dining.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we had an absolute blast exploring La Paz, and every bit of it felt worth it! We were so relaxed throughout our time and loved our little stroll around the downtown area, which was also quite picturesque, I just couldn’t stop myself from taking photos.
For souvenirs, we stopped by two local stores, La Catedral Souvenir and Maria Bonita, and picked up a tiny Mexican native art sculpture from Casa Parra. I highly recommend adding La Paz to your list, and maybe even consider spending a night here, you can thank me later!
