Attractions in La Paz, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Los Barriles

This town is located one hour from La Paz and is considered by many experts, the sports fishing capital of the world. Hundreds of anglers from all over the world come here to fish all throughout the year and to get a hold of a trophy like a striped, black or blue marlin, roosterfish and tuna, among other species. This place has maintained its tranquil small town spirit and the sensation of a semi-virgin beach, with a couple of beachside bars. You can also find places to go windsurfing, snorkeling and doing ATV expeditions and competitions.

Diving

La Paz is famous around the world as a first class destination for professional diving. Here you can marvel over the extraordinary natural and artificial reefs. Enjoy observing the sea fauna, comprised of dolphins, sharks, whales and colorful fish, among other water species.

One of the most popular places for diving is the Suwanee Reef, ideal for beginners. Other interesting spots are the Islets: two gigantic and impressive rock formations in a mystical space that is home to a number of sea lions as well as many interesting natural reefs. Eighteen meters below, there is a sunken ferry from 1976 that also houses a wide variety of animals in the depths of the ocean.

Nuestra Senora de La Paz Cathedral

This spot was established as a mission in 1720 but it was abandoned by 1735 due to the continuous invasions of the native settlers of this region. By 1871, the cathedral that today stands in town and features an outstanding altar, was built and offered to the Virgin of La Paz.

Espiritu Santo

This island is considered one of the most impressive in the Sea of Cortez. It is located in the middle of the radiant waters of this fascinating sea that features a crimson limestone ocean floor. Discover Candelero Bay, a majestic beach with a mountain chain that starts in the bay, stretches towards the ocean and ends in a rocky crag of another small island, where you can find a radiant waterfall amidst lush green vegetation.

Very near Espiritu Santo is Isla Partida and between these two islands, you can find a couple of sandy hills that serve as a pleasant space for an evening picnic.

Beaches

The beautiful beaches of La Paz are probably its main attraction because of their blue waters and great variety of colorful fish. Visitors will be able to relax and admire the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the sun on the sand, contemplating the impressive Sea of Cortez. Some of the most famous beaches are Cimancito, Coromuel, Pichilingue and El Tesoro.

Tecolote Beach is one of the most visited of this region, located near the edge of the bay, passing the beach of Pichilingue. Tecolote offers several eating spots thanks to its popularity and size, where you can take part in recreational activities and sports, located in front of the impressive Espiritu Santo Island.

Balandra Beach is famous for its rare mushroom-shaped stone that represents the typical emblem of La Paz. This beach is just a section of the eight bays that make up the salty lagoon of Puerto Balandra, where you will find different species of marine animals and vegetation, perfectly beautiful area for snorkeling.

The Malecon

The Malecon (sea wall) is 5 kilometers long, along which you will find many nightclubs, hotels, bohemian bars and an endless number of local stands where you will be able to find the most beautiful local craftsmanship.

Walk down this charming sea side street in La Paz, which was built in the 20's but was recently remodeled. Enjoy the gorgeous landscape and the sunset on the bay. Here you will find the most important nightclubs and hotels, first class restaurants as well as specialized stores in diving and sport fishing.

You will be amazed by the bronze sculptures that decorate this magnificent place. We guarantee you a placid and relaxing tour as you contemplate the children playing around the Malecon, women selling their handmade products and the pier from where a great number of cruises depart to the Sea of Cortez. Walking along the Malecon is a must when you go La Paz sightseeing.

Whale Community Museum

This is the perfect place to learn more about the gray whale. This marine species is an emblematic animal in Baja as well as a protected mammal of this state.

In case you want to learn more about this peculiar sea animal, the Gray Whale Community Museum is a "must see" when visiting La Paz.

Lagoon's Biosphere Reserve

A wonderful attraction in La Paz, this is an unequalled place located in the middle of the Tropic of Cancer. In this region, a lot of rare species, typical of this area, live together and harmoniously interact with nature at over 2,200 meters above sea level and also has a large concentration of exotic birds and plants. Some of these animals cannot be found anywhere else on earth. A peculiar feature of this region is that its climate and vegetation change depending on the altitude, everything from really dry conditions at sea level to the heaviest rains on the highest peaks.

El Santuario de los Cactus

What seems to be the very solitary desert of Baja California Sur, where one might think that nothing could survive the heat, there are cacti that have developed impressive manners of subsisting in this climate. This, in turn, gives protection as well as food to a number of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. This sanctuary ("Sanctuary of the Cactus" in English), located 40 minutes from La Paz, is a 123 acre natural reserve, 14 acres of which form a park where you can come and enjoy nature.

La Paz Herpetarium

This is an ecologically oriented space created to reproduce the original habitat for a great diversity of reptiles. Visit this place and learn more about these peculiar cold blooded species such as lizards, crocodiles, alligators and all kinds of snakes.

Todos Santos

If you want to take a break and slow down the pace of your vacation, Todos Santos is the ideal spot to walk around and take a stroll. It is located in a place where the mountains of the Sierra de la Laguna encounter the sea of the Pacific in the desert of Baja California. This magical village was founded in 1973 and is considered a gem on the Pacific Ocean, with agriculture and fishing being the main economic activities of this region.

These rich and fertile lands are optimal for cultivation and provide most of their products to the local markets of the area and Cabo San Lucas. Those vegetables can also be enjoyed in the different restaurants that Todos Santos offers its visitors.

Enjoy the beautiful collection of handicrafts exhibited in the different local art galleries, which are the perfect spots to purchase souvenirs of your trip to Baja. Come and admire the ancient and traditional architecture of its buildings. Since Todos Santos serves as home to a wide number of painters, artisans and intellectuals, the tourists will find a very interesting ambiance full of culture and friendly people. Do not forget to visit the mystical and famous Hotel California, a place that you certainly will not want to miss.

El Triunfo

This is a mining community that is 45 minutes from La Paz, which dates back to the colonial times, when gold and silver was being excavated. The mine has a single chimney that is the symbol of the town as well as a feat of engineering of the 19th century. The mining shaft is about three kilometers long and the area was inhabited by Italians, French, English, Americans, Germans and Chinese, creating a mix of the different cultures. In its day, this was the most prosperous town of the area, next to La Paz. Go for the history and the handicrafts.