Celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, historical landmarks and lively seaside boardwalk, this port city is a wonderful blend of Old World charm and tourist-friendly amenities.

Explore this peaceful gem in Baja California Sur with this round-up of the best places to visit in La Paz.

La Paz Beaches

The beaches of La Paz are some of the prettiest on the Baja Peninsula. You don’t have to travel far to find the perfect sun-soaked stretch of sand, as some of the area’s most glorious beaches are less than 30 minutes from downtown. Here are some top picks for La Paz beaches:

Playa Balandra

Balandra Beach is the highlight of any trip to La Paz. If you’re looking for a wide, clean beach with crystal clear waters, tame waves and lots of room to spread out and stroll, this is the place to be. Playa Balandra is a scenic 25-minute drive from the center of town, and has shady palapas, kayaks for rent, and lots of cool tide pools just waiting to be explored. This is a very child-friendly beach since the waters are extremely shallow and only reach knee or waist-deep. Come prepared with bottled water and snacks for a lovely day of fun under the sun.

Playa Tecolote

For travelers who are longing for an authentic Mexican beach experience, Playa Tecolote ticks all the right boxes. This bustling beach is close to Playa Balandra, but it’s the preferred choice among locals. There are several beachfront restaurants where you can tuck into a seafood fajita while practicing your Spanish. It is the ideal backdrop for a lazy (or action-packed) beach day with all the amenities provided to feel comfortable. There are beach chairs, tables and umbrellas, vendors selling wares, and you can rent Jet Skis for some adrenaline-pumping adventure on the water.

La Ventana Bay

La Ventana Bay is part of a small fishing village just south of La Paz. The bay is famous for its strong northeasterly winds that prevail from November-April, making it one of Mexico’s top windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations. La Ventana Bay, especially during the summer months, is an excellent place to enjoy epic sport fishing on the Sea of Cortez, as well as Stand Up paddle boarding (SUP), snorkeling and kayaking. Tour operators offer eco-excursions such as horseback riding to local ranches, hiking expeditions and whale watching tours between January and March.

La Paz Mexico Sightseeing

There’s no shortage of La Paz sightseeing highlights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of historic La Paz with visits to these notable landmarks.

Dove of Peace Monument

This eye-catching landmark is a beautiful tribute to the city of Peace, and welcomes visitors as they enter La Paz from points north. The Dove of Peace monument was designed by a local artist and features two plaques – in English and Spanish – outlining a brief history of the city. At first glance, the sculpture resembles a giant whale’s tail, giving it the local nickname of “La Cola de La Ballena.” Upon closer inspection, you can make out the elegant figures of two doves. Bring your camera when visiting this interesting and emblematic artwork.

Plaza de Constitucion

The Plaza de la Constitucion is buzzing with activity on most weekends. Situated in the heart of La Paz, the plaza is dotted with vendors, shops, small eateries and cafes, making this a pleasant spot for a leisurely afternoon. You can tour the Our Lady of the Peace Cathedral (built in 1861), enjoy a cappuccino, admire a replication of Mushroom Rock, or just people watch at this sunny park. Keep an eye out for local events, such as art shows, music concerts and fairs.

La Paz Parks & Attractions

La Paz attractions include must-see tourist stops and gems off the beaten path. Plan a well-rounded visit in La Paz by incorporating a trip to these cultural and historic points of interest.

Malecon

The Malecon is among La Paz’s primary attractions for tourists and local families alike. This breezy oceanside boardwalk has a fantastic assortment of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, boutiques, museums and tour companies that rent out bicycles. This 5.5-kilometer waterfront walkway is a focal point for life in La Paz, and often hosts art shows, impromptu performances, and is a popular spot for morning exercise and sunset cocktails. On the weekends, the Malecon is the place to see and be seen, and the promenade is home to the lively Carnaval celebrations, held every February.

La Paz Cathedral

La Paz Cathedral is a significant religious landmark that dates back to the 16th century. The cathedral was partially rebuilt in 1835 and features intricate stained-glass windows and matching bell towers typical of mission architecture. The interior of the church has Baroque altarpieces created in the 18th century and you’ll find plaques outside that explain the cathedral’s storied history. Sunday masses are well-attended, as La Paz Cathedral continues to be an active place of worship in the community.

Rancho el Cajon

Experience the joys of a real working ranch on a visit to this family-friendly attraction. Rancho El Cajon, located on the outskirts of town, has cattle, goats, chickens, pigs, mules and lots of trail-worthy horses. The leather saddles are hand-made and comfortable enough to accommodate a 3-hour excursion through the mountains or the beach. Take in the dramatic landscapes as you gallop or trot on well-trained mounts on this outdoor adventure. Whether you choose a canyon ride or ocean-side gallop, Rancho El Cajon promises a truly memorable experience.

Whatever your vacation style or budget, Casago is poised to help you make the most of your trip to La Paz, Mexico. Our vacation rental specialists are available to assist 24/7, so don’t hesitate to reach out today! Let our local experts help you arrange the best accommodations, as well as discover the best places to visit in La Paz, Mexico.

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