La Paz - 7 must-try activities
By Lea C.
Translated from French by Meghan McCallum
January 2022
After my third trip to La Paz, I decided it was time to share my 7 favorite things to do in this city.
La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur, has a population of 250,000, but the two main tourist areas are fully walkable. Remember to pack your swimsuit! La Paz is right on the Gulf of California, and there are tons of water activities.
Without further ado, here’s my list of 7 must-try activities on your La Paz vacation:
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4. Explore the Centro Histórico
6. Birdwatch!
8. BONUS tip: Kayak around Isla Espíritu Santo
If you’d like to see my recommendations in action, click here to watch the video for this article on my YouTube channel. Heads up: the BONUS tip is not included in the video, so don’t forget to check it out in this article!
1 – Explore the Malecón
The first thing you should do when you arrive is walk along the Malecón, a waterfront promenade. The busiest section is a couple of miles long, with a bike path on one side and the Gulf of California (previously known as the Sea of Cortez) on the other!
The Malecón is dotted with many modern sculptures. You can use these as landmarks to come back to a certain restaurant you want to check out, or to remember where to turn to get back to your hotel!
There’s a busy road next to the Malecón, and it can be loud from time to time. But my favorite thing about the Malecón is that it’s not just for tourists. Locals come here to stroll, get ice cream, take their kids to the playground, or sit on a bench and people-watch, just like the visitors!
You’ll see many people around the Malecón at all times of the day and late into the night—it’s really safe. People come here to run, bike, skateboard, and roller skate… and you’ll even see some less common modes of transportation (check out this video to see what I mean)! Rental companies along the Malecón have bikes, scooters, and more. There are also souvenir shops and plenty of restaurants and cafés. Tour operators—both with and without physical storefronts—offer just about any kind of adventure you’re up for, whether that’s swimming with sea lions, checking out the nearby towns, or going on an ATV tour. You can even…
2 – Swim with whale sharks
The Bay of La Paz is full of plankton, so it’s a prime location for juvenile whale sharks to feed. Multiple tour operators and individual guides are set up along the Malecón and offer half-day excursions with wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins provided. In my experience, they all offer about the same service, for around the same price (1,200 pesos per person, as of December 2021). Choose a sunny day if possible so you have the best visibility in the water. The only variables here are your guide and your excursion companions. On my last excursion, our guide was Héctor (@bajapelagica), who is really knowledgeable on the subject and was a great guide for us in the water. Don’t forget to tip your guide and boat captain!
Swimming with whale sharks is a truly unforgettable experience. If you come in the peak season (October through May), it’s a must-do activity. You’ll want to bring a waterproof camera, a waterproof case for your phone, or a GoPro!
Want to see what this looks like? Check out the video from my excursion in December 2021.
3 – Check out the murals
There’s more to La Paz than the Malecón! Wander the streets and alleyways around town to get lost for a bit. You’re sure to find restaurants and cafés, but you can also check out lots of murals! The blocks around the shopping area are safe, but watch your step as the sidewalks and steps can be uneven, and there are some holes and cracks.
Many murals feature local flora and fauna or Indigenous people, and oftentimes they include an eco-conscious message.
4 – Explore the Centro Histórico
Around the Jardín Velasco you’ll find the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, the art museum, and many restaurants and cafés. There’s also a large pharmacy and a book and stationery shop.
The regional national history museum is five blocks east of here. It’s a bit far from the Malecón and it’s not very big, but it’s worth a visit if you have time. The museum features three main sections: the Baja California Peninsula’s natural history (geology, populations, and animals), the peninsula’s archeology (cave paintings), and the arrival of Spanish missionaries and Mexican independence. There’s also a temporary exhibition hall near the museum entrance, which often features more contemporary works.
5 – Eat the local food
Head to the Vegan Corner for my article on the best vegan options in La Paz. Check out this post to learn where to find the best tacos, chilaquiles, tostones, tlacoyos, and lots more!
6 – Birdwatch!
With La Paz being on the ocean, you can spot lots of seabird species (frigatebirds, brown pelicans, herons, and more) from the Malecón. But also keep your eyes peeled when you’re at the park and even in your hotel’s garden to see hummingbirds, orioles, and cactus wrens. And if these names are unfamiliar to you, just know that they’re all beautiful and you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy birdwatching!
7 – Watch the sunset
Remember, you’re on vacation! Take the time one evening to relax on a bench or on the patio of your Airbnb and let yourself be mesmerized by the bright colors of the La Paz sunset. Even though the city is on the east side of the peninsula, the bay gives you a view to the west. Soak it up!
BONUS tip: Visit Isla Espíritu Santo!
In my opinion, the best way to explore this island is on a kayak trip. Your motorboat ride from La Paz to the island will take around 45 minutes, depending on your exact destination on the island. You can admire the coastal geology from your kayak, and depending on the weather you can even venture inland for a hike!
Baja Outdoor Activities (www.kayactivities.com) offers trips ranging from one day to one week (to go around the whole island!) with excellent English- and Spanish-speaking guides and great vibes. If you have some kayak experience (even at the beginner level), this is a perfect activity for you!
Want to see what this adventure looks like? Check out my recap video from my 6 days spent on the island in December 2021.
And if you’re looking for recommendations for restaurants in town, check out this page!