With the Sea of Cortez on one facet and the Sierra Laguna mountains on the opposite, La Paz is a paradise for outside fans and watersport aficionados.
Positioned 160 km (100 miles) north of the extra well-known metropolis of Cabo San Lucas, this conventional city is a must-visit. La Paz itself is a bit sleepy, however worry not, it’s removed from boring.
These options of 21 issues to do in La Paz will maintain you in your toes. I made a decision to spend every week in and round La Paz and loved each single day of our November go to.
Planning a visit to Baja California quickly? Try these prime 21 issues to do in La Paz, it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Mexico! (Don’t miss the Mexico journey assets part on the finish of this put up)
1. Stroll Across the Previous City
The place La Paz stands at this time was visited by Hernan Cortez again in 1535, however the metropolis solely began to develop in the mid-19th century due to the enlargement of the pearl diving trade. Many of the buildings and structure mirror that interval and provides the outdated city its distinctive character.
The principle sq. of Jardín Velazco, additionally known as the Plaza Constitución, is among the locations in La Paz fashionable with the locals. It’s an amazing place for people-watching. Sit on one the quite a few benches and watch households strolling by, seniors chatting collectively and sharing tales gone.
The outdated city and Jardín Velazco are centred round Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo. You’ll be able to wander the world independently or go on a 2-hour free English strolling tour. This is among the finest issues to do in La Paz and an effective way to get your bearings.
2. Hire a Kayak at Balandra Seaside
A number of seashores north of La Paz are simply accessible inside an hour drive, however Balandra Seaside might be probably the most protected and excellent for kayakers. Freed from motorboats, you’ll be able to get pleasure from kayaking by way of the inland mangroves, discover the shallow bay, and even get out to the ocean.
Kayak rental is feasible from $15USD / hour, or e book a full day or multi-day kayak tour from $60USD. The mouth of the bay tends to see robust waves and currents and could be difficult for novice kayakers. Look ahead to the stingrays that generally cover in the sandy bay flooring.
An alternative choice is to e book an Airbnb expertise with an area and luxuriate in a small group kayak journey with meals, drinks, and gear included.
Paddle across the mangroves, turtles, dolphins, and sea lions of the Pure Protected space of El Magote, take a look at this highly-rated journey.
If you’re searching for different seashores to go to with out kayaking, try Playa El Coromuel, Playa El Caimancito, Playa El Tesoro and Playa Pichilingue, and Playa Tecolote. Tecolote provides extra facilities (eating places & restrooms) than different locations.
3. See the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz
The Cathedral was constructed in 1861 by the Dominicans and stands throughout Jardín Velasco. The tall entrance of the Church is among the primary issues to see in La Paz and can get your consideration as quickly as you arrive on the sq.. The within of the Catedral de Nuestra Senora is price visiting, so be happy to step in.
In addition to its significance as a Catholic church, musical occasions resembling classical and spiritual performances are generally held in the constructing. This is among the finest free issues to do in La Paz. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora is on the nook of Revolución de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo, discover it on the map right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Record of The Prime 21
4. Go to the Whale Museum
Given their common presence in the Sea of Cortez, it’s no surprise La Paz has a museum devoted to whales. The Museo de la Ballena is on the nook of Nook Calle Obregón and 16 de Septiembre, a brief distance from the Malecón. You’ll be able to’t miss it due to the large whale skeleton exhibited in entrance of the constructing.
The Whale Museum is on the small facet however supplies intensive data on whales, porpoises, and dolphins. A worthy cease for everybody.
The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 6 pm, and closed Monday, in addition to on holidays (January 1st, Could 1st and December 25th). Entrance tickets are 120 to 160 Mexican Pesos ($6 – $8), which features a 45 minute guided tour (English-speaking information out there).
5. Verify Out The Native Paintings
A white-washed historic constructing on the town plaza, the Governor’s Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) hosts rotating displays from the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Culturas Populares de Baja California Sur.
Native painters, potters, glassmakers, and artists get an opportunity to characteristic their art work, and also you get to observe them as they showcase their inventive expertise in entrance of you.
The centre, situated on Calle Francisco I. Madero in entrance of the Jardín Velasco, is open Monday by way of Friday Eight am – Eight pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm, with free entrance.
6. Discover the Museum of Anthropology & Historical past
The Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia is an interesting museum situated at Altamirano and 5 de Mayo. It options well-researched exhibitions of La Paz and Baja Sur historical past, from the Paleolithic period to the time of the missions, protecting the affect of the Spanish colonization and the way it impacted the unique inhabitants.
Should you’re a historical past buff, this is among the issues to do in La Paz that you simply received’t need to miss. Be aware that the majority (if not all) descriptions are in Spanish. Entrance prices round 40 pesos ($2) and is open Monday to Sunday 9 am – 6 pm.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in San Pancho – Don’t Miss These Prime 15!
7. Store on the Market
Odor the flavours of Mexico as native individuals store for recent fruits, meats, and greens on the Mercado Francisco I. Madero.
Try the leather-based items, hats, and quinceañera clothes. Seize snacks and recent juices from the meals stalls (comedors) on the entrance of the market, and take a couple of minutes to admire the skin mural.
The Mercado is a long-standing establishment in La Paz, and amongst one of many locations to go to in La Paz to get pleasure from an affordable and attractive Mexican breakfast and lunch. Head to the nook of Revolucion De 1910 and Santos Degollado Monday to Sunday to your fill of yummy meals.
8. Loosen up on the Malecón
The 5-km (3-mile) lengthy waterfront Malecón is an area favourite and can be yours too. Joggers get pleasure from their run alongside the shore on Sunday afternoons, whereas households and {couples} stroll right here day by day.
The Malecón can be the right spot for watching unimaginable sunsets because the pink, yellow and orange rays illuminate the sky above the ocean and marina. One other one of many prime issues to do in La Paz! (Hanging out on the Malecon is among the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta as effectively!)
9. Bike In and Round La Paz
Hire a motorbike for 30 pesos an hour ($1.50) and luxuriate in a leisurely trip on the 5km (Three mile) bike lane alongside the Malecón, whereas having fun with the ocean views and stopping on the waterfront eating places for a break. Or, hit the coastal or mountain trails of Baja California for a day of mountain biking.
These searching for an prolonged biking journey would possibly need to think about the 370 km (230 mile) Pichilingue Peninsula coastal loop path north of La Paz.
Mountain Biking Excursions begin from $60 relying on trails and length. For these wanting some train, mountain biking is among the finest issues to do in La Paz.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Final Journey Information
10. Snorkel with Whale Sharks
One of many prime issues to do in La Paz is snorkeling with whale sharks. Whale sharks – tiburón ballenas in Spanish – are the biggest recognized fish, as much as 13m (42ft) lengthy. They’re current round La Paz between October to March.
Whereas it sounds scary, whale sharks solely eat plankton and care little about people.
Swimming by the enormous fish is a unbelievable expertise. Nonetheless, be certain that the tour operator respects the rules that defend the welfare of the animals, together with the strict “no touching” coverage, in addition to a restricted quantity of individuals in the water at one time.
Sunrider Excursions is a extremely rated firm that follows the rules on defending the wildlife, but ensures you will have a good time! Hop aboard a 33-foot catamaran and luxuriate in snorkelling with whale sharks (in small teams of 5 solely), snacks on board, and an English information. This is among the most memorable issues to do in La Paz, and at $80, it’s price each penny.
Discover out extra about this superb journey right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta – Don’t Miss Out!
11. Go Whale-Watching in Magdalena Bay
From January to March, Grey Whales come to Baja California to benefit from the heat water of Magdalena Bay’s protected lagoon the place they provide beginning to their younger.
Occurring a whale-watching cruise provides you the perfect likelihood of seeing the whales breed and lift their offsprings. Day cruises begin at $130, although multi-day cruises are additionally out there.
Different whales migrate to the Gulf of California all year long: March to July to see the Blue Whale (the biggest whale in the world), February to June for the Humpback Whale, and October to February for the Pilot Whale (Calderon Negro).
This is among the issues to do in La Paz you received’t need to miss.
12. Swim with Sea Lions on Los Islotes or San Rafaelito
A cluster of smaller islands, Los Islotes is house to a number of hundred California sea lions. A gaggle of 250 stay there in the winter however the summer season months can see over 350 with new pups arriving yearly.
If you wish to take a look at sea lions up shut, Los Islotes is among the primary locations in La Paz the place you are able to do so. Be aware that there are rules that restrict the variety of guests to Los Islotes in order to guard the location’s ecosystem.
An alternative choice for observing sea lions in their pure habitat is at San Rafaelito. Whether or not in Los Islotes or San Rafaelito, be certain that so as to add a go to to the ocean lions as certainly one of your prime issues to do in La Paz. A combo tour together with a visit to Espíritu Santo Island and the Sea Lions begins from $120.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
13. Sail to Espíritu Santo Island (probably the greatest issues to do in La Paz!)
Espíritu Santo Island, or Isla Espíritu Santo because the locals name it, is a couple of one-hour boat trip north of La Paz. The island is house to a wealthy and various marine life.
The encompassing reefs are teeming with sea creatures: Moorish idols, rainbow wrasse, parrotfish, rays, turtles, sharks, and the occasional pod of dolphins or whales passing by way of!
The island was declared a part of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995, and it’s no shock that this space is a paradise for divers and snorkellers.
Lots of the actions in La Paz like whale watching, swimming with whale sharks, or snorkelling with sea lions could be mixed with a visit to Espíritu Santo Island.
Some boats allow you to land on the island, the place you’ll be able to then discover the volcanic rock formations, kayak across the island, or simply chill on the distant seashores. Even when you don’t land on Espíritu Santo Island, cruising the Sea of Cortez is unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do in La Paz.
Should you’re in crusing to Espiritu, take a look at this fashionable journey, or in case you’d fairly be on extra of a velocity boat, take a look at this tour. Each embrace snorkelling and lunch.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Guanajuato
14. Scuba Dive in the Sea of Cortez
Jacques-Yves Cousteau named the world the “Aquarium of the World,” and by all requirements, the Sea of Cortez provides gorgeous diving alternatives. You’ll see manta rays, dolphins, wholesome reefs, shipwrecks, sea lions, and extra.
Prime diving spots embrace Espíritu Santo island and Los Islotes. Visibility is finest from Could to October.
E book your 2-tank dive boat journey from round $100 by way of one of many many dive facilities in La Paz. And in case you’re not but licensed, enroll in a PADI class and begin exploring the marine world. Among the finest diving in Mexico is discovered right here in the Baja — get pleasure from!
Should you’re planning a visit to the Yucatan, you’ll be able to really scuba dive in cenotes – that is undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Cancun!
15. Study to Prepare dinner Mexican Meals
Why not discover ways to prepare dinner yummy Mexican delicacies your self? Buen Provecho provides 5-hour cooking courses for $80 in San Bartolo, a couple of one-hour drive from La Paz.
An alternative choice is the downtown-based El Nopal Spanish Academy which provides a $20 lesson as soon as a month. Undoubtedly, that is the tastiest of all of the actions in La Paz!
☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Mexico – Eight Causes To Journey Right here Now
16. Benefit from the Nightlife
If you wish to celebration, La Paz provides a few nightclubs alongside the Malecón. In any other case, Cabo San Lucas is the place to go for Springbreak-esque leisure.
However in case you choose a chilly cerveza whereas having fun with views of the ocean and listening to native musicians, then La Paz is your best choice.
The Malecón sees many of the nightlife motion, with mariachi bands strolling round, bars the place you’ll be able to meet locals, or nightclubs taking part in disco.
A few favorite bars embrace Cafe-Bar KM-0 (Paseo Álvaro Obregón), La Morante Artwork Bar (Avenida Revolucion de 1910), Cava Sur – Restaurant & Wine Bar (Calle Ignacio Allende), and Bob Marlin (Calle Ignacio Allende).
17. Discover on Horseback
A number of ranches provide driving alternatives that take you alongside the ocean, by way of cacti, and previous fishing villages. Most of those ranches are genuine working operations, and a visit is an effective way to see conventional Mexican ranchers.
A 3-hour horse trip with Rancho El Cajon is about 500 pesos ($25).
18. Brush Up On Your Spanish
Need to enhance your Spanish? Enroll in courses at both Se Habla…La Paz or El Nopal Spanish Faculty and begin chatting with the locals due to your new language expertise.
Talking with the residents is an effective way to find out about Mexican tradition and traditions, and no matter how poor your Spanish-speaking talents are, the locals will recognize your efforts.
19. Pattern Contemporary Seafood
Given its proximity to the ocean, it’s no shock that La Paz is a wonderful place for recent seafood. Consuming tasty meals is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in La Paz.
One of many native delicacies is the chocolate clams, offered in the streets by the native fishermen. A must-try! Different locations to get pleasure from nice Mexican meals are Rancho Viejo (Márquez de León 228) and Tacos el Estadio (by the Cathedral).
☞ SEE ALSO: Should-Strive Meals in the Yucatan Mexico
20. Hike in the Sierra Laguna Mountains
Whereas deserts and seashores is likely to be the principle draw of Baja California, the mountain ranges are unimaginable and provide many adventurous issues to do in La Paz.
The Sierra de la Laguna close to the city of Santiago are house to distinctive climbing alternatives, together with waterfalls and sizzling springs. Pack your climbing sneakers and discover Canyon del Zorro (Fox Canyon) or the Aguas Calientes (Scorching Water).
E book a information or tour firm to seek out your technique to the “secret” swimming swimming pools. Day hikes price from $60, whereas multiple-day treks are round $400+.
For one thing a bit nearer to La Paz, get pleasure from a 2.5-hour hike to a tremendous viewpoint throughout La Paz and the bay. Hike with an skilled information and luxuriate in this offtrack exercise in La Paz. Study extra about this highly-rated hike right here.
21. Strive Kitesurfing in La Ventana
Should you’re feeling energetic, head to La Ventana and discover ways to kitesurf. An exciting wind and watersport, kiteboarding will see you browsing the waves of the bay. Given the ability of the kite in windy circumstances, be certain that to take correct coaching earlier than heading out by your self.
La Ventana is about an hour drive from La Paz, and the windy season runs from October to April. Skilled riders can lease gear from $120 for a full day. Freshmen can look into lesson packages, with costs various on expertise and length.
Now You Know What To Do in La Paz and Baja California!
La Paz can simply be explored by your self — strolling, or biking your means round. If you wish to dive, snorkel with whale sharks, or head to Espíritu Santo Island, reserve a tour by way of one of many tour operators really helpful above.
Not solely they know the perfect spots to discover, however they’re educated about marine life and the native historical past.
This native experience is particularly vital when trekking in the mountains, scuba diving, or collaborating in any of probably the most adventurous issues to do in La Paz. Security is essential, so all the time guarantee your information is respected and educated.
Beside La Paz, Todos Santos is one other favorite of Baja California Sur due to its historic centre, wildlife, and browsing alternatives. And you may simply spend a number of days in La Ventana and Los Barriles having fun with water sports activities resembling windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.
Go away touristy Cabo San Lucas behind, and discover the numerous wonders of Baja California Sur — you received’t remorse it!
Be aware: Until in any other case acknowledged, pictures in this text are courtesy of Shutterstock. Goats On The Highway sources royalty-free pictures from this firm. Study extra right here.