Things to Do in La Paz
La Paz offers a rare combination: world-class marine wildlife, a protected UNESCO island just offshore, pristine beaches with capacity-controlled access, and colonial towns within an hour's drive — without the resort overlay of Cabo. Here is what to do.
Marine & Ocean
Swim with Whale Sharks
One of the great wildlife experiences on earth — snorkeling alongside the world's largest fish in La Paz Bay.
- SEMARNAT-certified operators only
- $80–$300 USD per person
- Peak season: December–March
- Depart 5:30–7:00 AM from marina
Espíritu Santo Island
A UNESCO-listed island reserve 25 km north of La Paz — sea lion colonies, pristine coves, kayaking, and camping.
- Day tours and multi-day camping
- Sea lion snorkeling (restricted Jun 1–Aug 31)
- Kayak rentals and guided paddles
- Los Islotes sea lion colony at island's north tip
Balandra Beach
La Paz's most photographed beach — shallow turquoise water and the iconic Mushroom Rock. CONANP limits capacity to 450 people per session.
- Timed entry tickets required (120 MXN)
- Capacity: 450 per session
- 21 km north of La Paz
- Best visited early morning weekdays
Sea Lion Encounters at Los Islotes
Snorkel with a resident colony of California sea lions at the rocky islets at the northern tip of Espíritu Santo.
- Snorkeling-only (no scuba in this zone)
- Swimming restricted Jun–Aug (mating season)
- Typically combined with Espíritu Santo day tour
- Young sea lions are naturally playful and curious
Day Trips from La Paz
La Paz sits within easy driving distance of several exceptional destinations — a Pacific surf town, a mining ghost town, and a Pueblo Mágico arts village, all reachable in under 90 minutes.
El Triunfo
A 19th-century silver mining ghost town with a striking smelter chimney that once made it the most populous settlement in all of BCS.
Todos Santos
A Pueblo Mágico arts town on the Pacific coast — galleries, boutiques, colonial architecture, and a handful of excellent restaurants.
Pescadero
Pacific coast surf town with consistent beach breaks, the Cerritos surf beach, and easy access to the Sierra de la Laguna foothills.
Baja Ferries (Mainland)
Cross to Mazatlán (12–16 hrs overnight) or Topolobampo (6–8 hrs, vehicles only). Not a day trip — plan an overnight stay.
Golf
La Paz has two serious golf courses that most golfers — fixated on Cabo — don't know exist. Both are excellent. Both cost significantly less than comparable Cabo courses.
Paraíso del Mar
Ocean-front links design inspired by St Andrews. Dramatically underrated and significantly less expensive than Cabo courses.
El Cortez Golf Club
Previously CostaBaja Golf Club. 18-hole Gary Player Signature course with panoramic bay and desert views.
In the City
The Malecón
La Paz's 5 km waterfront promenade along the bay — the social center of the city. Restaurants, cafés, sculptures, and the famous sunset view over the Sea of Cortez.
History & Architecture
The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz anchors the historic Centro. La Paz was founded by Hernán Cortés in 1535 — one of the oldest European settlements in western North America.
History of La Paz →Mercado Municipal
The downtown market — fresh seafood, local produce, and prepared food stalls. A more authentic La Paz experience than the tourist malecón restaurants.
Planning Your Time
Most visitors find 4–7 days in La Paz is enough to do the highlights without rushing. Whale sharks, Espíritu Santo, and Balandra each deserve a full day. Day trips to El Triunfo or Todos Santos work well as a fourth or fifth day.
If whale shark season is active, book that tour for your first or second day — it gives you time to reschedule if conditions don't cooperate.