The waterfront and historic center: start here<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLa Paz’s Malec\u00f3n stretches for around five kilometers and is the heart of city life. From here, you can see El Mogote across the bay, stroll past bronze sculptures, reach the giant La Paz letters, a favorite photo spot, and end the day watching the sky turn from orange to violet over the water. There’s a bike lane if you’d rather explore on two wheels, along with restaurants and ice cream shops all along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just a few steps from the waterfront is the historic center, which you can explore on foot in an afternoon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz<\/strong>, built on the site where the Jesuits Juan de Ugarte and Jaime Bravo founded a mission in 1720.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jard\u00edn Velasco and Teatro Ju\u00e1rez<\/strong>, the kind of places where locals gather, sit, and chat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History<\/strong>, right in the city center and with a very affordable admission fee, where you can learn about the people who inhabited this peninsula before the ships arrived.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Whale and Marine Science Museum<\/strong>, which may not be particularly impressive in terms of its exhibits, but certainly makes up for it with everything you learn during your visit. The explanations about cetaceans, conservation, and the marine wildlife of Baja California Sur make it well worth visiting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/temoanaexpeditions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/que-ver-en-la-paz.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThings to do beyond the city<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBalandra Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAround 40 minutes from downtown, Balandra is probably the most photographed beach in Mexico: shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and the rock formation known as El Hongo (the Mushroom). It’s also a Protected Natural Area, which changes how you can visit it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can no longer simply show up and walk in. Access is managed through a digital wristband<\/strong> that must be purchased in advance, and capacity is limited to 450 people per time slot. Anyone arriving without a reservation may end up waiting for hours or being turned away altogether. Buy your wristband well in advance and respect the visiting hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/temoanaexpeditions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/playa-balandra-la-paz.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTodos Santos and the \u201cHotel California\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust over an hour away by car, Todos Santos is a bohemian town with art galleries, caf\u00e9s, a market, and the famous Hotel California, which has inspired a legend (true or not) linking it to the Eagles’ iconic hit. It’s a perfect day trip: you can combine it with views of Balandra from the surrounding hills and, depending on the season, the chance to watch newly hatched turtles take their first steps toward the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horseback riding, scenic flights, and other ways to discover La Paz<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor anyone looking for something different, there are two experiences that go beyond the usual itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Horseback riding at Rancho San Lorenzo<\/strong>, through the mountains or along the beach, with views of El Coyote and Esp\u00edritu Santo Island<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A scenic flight over the bay<\/strong>, a completely different way to appreciate the landscape of La Paz and see from above how the desert meets the coast and the Sea of Cortez.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And, of course, the water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your trip falls during the right season, La Paz is also the gateway to the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong> in La Paz Bay. The season generally runs from October to April<\/strong>, but activities are only allowed once a sufficient number of whale sharks have been recorded over several consecutive days. If sightings decrease, access may be temporarily suspended. This is an essential measure to prioritize the conservation of the species and properly regulate snorkeling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"diving](\"https:\/\/temoanaexpeditions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/buceo-la-paz.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen night falls, La Paz offers another very special experience: night diving with mobula rays<\/strong>. The activity uses underwater lights that attract plankton and other small organisms, creating the conditions for mobula rays to approach and feed around the light. Encounters depend entirely on conditions and the presence of the animals, so they are never guaranteed, but when everything comes together, they can become one of the most memorable dives of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd just a short distance away, you can still enjoy diving with sea lions at Los Islotes<\/strong>, which we cover in detail in our guide to diving at Esp\u00edritu Santo Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to eat in La Paz: the must-try dishes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe cuisine of Baja California Sur revolves around the sea, with ingredients that were still swimming in the water earlier that day. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Fish, marlin, and shrimp tacos.<\/strong> They’re the natural introduction to the local cuisine. They’re just as good from a street food cart as they are in a restaurant, and at many places around the city you can eat for less than 150 pesos. If you’re looking for a classic downtown spot, Taquer\u00eda El Paisa is one of the most popular.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chocolate clams (almeja chocolata).<\/strong> They’re one of the region’s signature specialties and a species native to the coast of Baja California Sur. They’re served in ceviche, tacos, stuffed into chiles, or baked with cheese. Don’t confuse them with almeja tatemada, which is more closely associated with Loreto: gratinated chocolate clams are topped with melted cheese and are instantly recognizable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lobster, pen shell scallops (callo de hacha), and the catch of the day.<\/strong> Buttered lobster is one of the dishes most closely associated with the cuisine of Baja California Sur, while callo de hacha frequently appears on seafood menus. For a relaxed dinner featuring fresh ingredients and contemporary touches, NIM restaurant is a good choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Machaca burritos and meat empanadas.<\/strong> These represent the more traditional northern side of the peninsula’s cuisine. Machaca, dried and shredded meat, is a staple of regional cooking, and machaca burritos make for a hearty breakfast before a long day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A useful tip<\/strong>: if your visit coincides with one of the state’s food festivals, such as \u2018La Pazi\u00f3n por el Sabor\u2019 or the Festival of Machaca, Cheese, and Chorizo, make the most of it. It’s the quickest way to sample plenty of local dishes in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/temoanaexpeditions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/comer-tacos-la-paz.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay of the Dead in La Paz: what to expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf your trip falls between October 31 and November 2, you’ll be lucky enough to experience La Paz during one of its most special weeks. Day of the Dead in Baja California Sur<\/strong> is a celebration that blends Indigenous and colonial traditions, becoming more established with the arrival of families from Oaxaca and Guerrero during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it’s a firmly rooted local celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere’s what usually happens around the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Traditional festival.<\/strong> The Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura organizes the Traditional Day of the Dead Festival every year, with cultural activities, artistic competitions, and events for all ages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Altars and offerings.<\/strong> Schools, community groups, and public spaces set up elaborate altars, and competitions are held for traditional altars and offerings. It’s one of the best ways to experience the tradition without having to visit a cemetery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Catrinas and catrines.<\/strong> There are competitions and a parade featuring groups of performers, music, floats, and plenty of elaborate makeup. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dress up and join in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The cemeteries.<\/strong> On November 2, families visit their deceased loved ones, and municipal cemeteries fill with flowers, music, and shared food. If you decide to visit, be respectful: remain quiet, don’t photograph families without permission, and let them have their moment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Todos Santos<\/strong> also celebrates the occasion, with hundreds of families gathering to remember their loved ones. It’s a good option if you prefer a smaller, more intimate atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/temoanaexpeditions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/todos-santos-la-paz-turismo.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe exact program changes every year, so before traveling, confirm dates and venues through the official channels of the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura and Turismo La Paz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How many days should you spend in La Paz?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOur advice, from one diver to another: don’t treat it as just a stopover<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nArriving a few days early<\/strong> gives you time to recover from the flight, acclimatize, sort out any luggage issues, and start your dives feeling refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStaying a few days afterward<\/strong> has an advantage that’s sometimes overlooked: safety. Divers Alert Network recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive, and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or several days of diving. Many divers prefer to allow 24 hours as a precaution. That extra time becomes the perfect opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a leisurely meal, and say goodbye to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith two or three extra days in La Paz, you’ll have plenty of time to visit Balandra, take a day trip to Todos Santos, and go back for another seafood dinner at that restaurant you just discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La Paz: much more than a starting point<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBaja California Sur is best experienced as a whole: the reef at Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, the sea lions of Los Islotes<\/a>, the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong>, nights spent looking for mobula rays, and a city that knows how to welcome its visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you’d like to see how we combine everything into a single trip, take a look at our La Paz, Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, and Magdalena Bay<\/strong> itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThings to do beyond the city<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBalandra Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAround 40 minutes from downtown, Balandra is probably the most photographed beach in Mexico: shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and the rock formation known as El Hongo (the Mushroom). It’s also a Protected Natural Area, which changes how you can visit it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can no longer simply show up and walk in. Access is managed through a digital wristband<\/strong> that must be purchased in advance, and capacity is limited to 450 people per time slot. Anyone arriving without a reservation may end up waiting for hours or being turned away altogether. Buy your wristband well in advance and respect the visiting hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTodos Santos and the \u201cHotel California\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nJust over an hour away by car, Todos Santos is a bohemian town with art galleries, caf\u00e9s, a market, and the famous Hotel California, which has inspired a legend (true or not) linking it to the Eagles’ iconic hit. It’s a perfect day trip: you can combine it with views of Balandra from the surrounding hills and, depending on the season, the chance to watch newly hatched turtles take their first steps toward the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horseback riding, scenic flights, and other ways to discover La Paz<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor anyone looking for something different, there are two experiences that go beyond the usual itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Horseback riding at Rancho San Lorenzo<\/strong>, through the mountains or along the beach, with views of El Coyote and Esp\u00edritu Santo Island<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A scenic flight over the bay<\/strong>, a completely different way to appreciate the landscape of La Paz and see from above how the desert meets the coast and the Sea of Cortez.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
And, of course, the water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your trip falls during the right season, La Paz is also the gateway to the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong> in La Paz Bay. The season generally runs from October to April<\/strong>, but activities are only allowed once a sufficient number of whale sharks have been recorded over several consecutive days. If sightings decrease, access may be temporarily suspended. This is an essential measure to prioritize the conservation of the species and properly regulate snorkeling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen night falls, La Paz offers another very special experience: night diving with mobula rays<\/strong>. The activity uses underwater lights that attract plankton and other small organisms, creating the conditions for mobula rays to approach and feed around the light. Encounters depend entirely on conditions and the presence of the animals, so they are never guaranteed, but when everything comes together, they can become one of the most memorable dives of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd just a short distance away, you can still enjoy diving with sea lions at Los Islotes<\/strong>, which we cover in detail in our guide to diving at Esp\u00edritu Santo Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to eat in La Paz: the must-try dishes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe cuisine of Baja California Sur revolves around the sea, with ingredients that were still swimming in the water earlier that day. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Fish, marlin, and shrimp tacos.<\/strong> They’re the natural introduction to the local cuisine. They’re just as good from a street food cart as they are in a restaurant, and at many places around the city you can eat for less than 150 pesos. If you’re looking for a classic downtown spot, Taquer\u00eda El Paisa is one of the most popular.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Chocolate clams (almeja chocolata).<\/strong> They’re one of the region’s signature specialties and a species native to the coast of Baja California Sur. They’re served in ceviche, tacos, stuffed into chiles, or baked with cheese. Don’t confuse them with almeja tatemada, which is more closely associated with Loreto: gratinated chocolate clams are topped with melted cheese and are instantly recognizable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lobster, pen shell scallops (callo de hacha), and the catch of the day.<\/strong> Buttered lobster is one of the dishes most closely associated with the cuisine of Baja California Sur, while callo de hacha frequently appears on seafood menus. For a relaxed dinner featuring fresh ingredients and contemporary touches, NIM restaurant is a good choice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Machaca burritos and meat empanadas.<\/strong> These represent the more traditional northern side of the peninsula’s cuisine. Machaca, dried and shredded meat, is a staple of regional cooking, and machaca burritos make for a hearty breakfast before a long day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A useful tip<\/strong>: if your visit coincides with one of the state’s food festivals, such as \u2018La Pazi\u00f3n por el Sabor\u2019 or the Festival of Machaca, Cheese, and Chorizo, make the most of it. It’s the quickest way to sample plenty of local dishes in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay of the Dead in La Paz: what to expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf your trip falls between October 31 and November 2, you’ll be lucky enough to experience La Paz during one of its most special weeks. Day of the Dead in Baja California Sur<\/strong> is a celebration that blends Indigenous and colonial traditions, becoming more established with the arrival of families from Oaxaca and Guerrero during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it’s a firmly rooted local celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHere’s what usually happens around the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Traditional festival.<\/strong> The Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura organizes the Traditional Day of the Dead Festival every year, with cultural activities, artistic competitions, and events for all ages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Altars and offerings.<\/strong> Schools, community groups, and public spaces set up elaborate altars, and competitions are held for traditional altars and offerings. It’s one of the best ways to experience the tradition without having to visit a cemetery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Catrinas and catrines.<\/strong> There are competitions and a parade featuring groups of performers, music, floats, and plenty of elaborate makeup. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dress up and join in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The cemeteries.<\/strong> On November 2, families visit their deceased loved ones, and municipal cemeteries fill with flowers, music, and shared food. If you decide to visit, be respectful: remain quiet, don’t photograph families without permission, and let them have their moment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Todos Santos<\/strong> also celebrates the occasion, with hundreds of families gathering to remember their loved ones. It’s a good option if you prefer a smaller, more intimate atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe exact program changes every year, so before traveling, confirm dates and venues through the official channels of the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura and Turismo La Paz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How many days should you spend in La Paz?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOur advice, from one diver to another: don’t treat it as just a stopover<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nArriving a few days early<\/strong> gives you time to recover from the flight, acclimatize, sort out any luggage issues, and start your dives feeling refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStaying a few days afterward<\/strong> has an advantage that’s sometimes overlooked: safety. Divers Alert Network recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive, and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or several days of diving. Many divers prefer to allow 24 hours as a precaution. That extra time becomes the perfect opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a leisurely meal, and say goodbye to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWith two or three extra days in La Paz, you’ll have plenty of time to visit Balandra, take a day trip to Todos Santos, and go back for another seafood dinner at that restaurant you just discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
La Paz: much more than a starting point<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBaja California Sur is best experienced as a whole: the reef at Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, the sea lions of Los Islotes<\/a>, the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong>, nights spent looking for mobula rays, and a city that knows how to welcome its visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you’d like to see how we combine everything into a single trip, take a look at our La Paz, Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, and Magdalena Bay<\/strong> itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Around 40 minutes from downtown, Balandra is probably the most photographed beach in Mexico: shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and the rock formation known as El Hongo (the Mushroom). It’s also a Protected Natural Area, which changes how you can visit it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can no longer simply show up and walk in. Access is managed through a digital wristband<\/strong> that must be purchased in advance, and capacity is limited to 450 people per time slot. Anyone arriving without a reservation may end up waiting for hours or being turned away altogether. Buy your wristband well in advance and respect the visiting hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just over an hour away by car, Todos Santos is a bohemian town with art galleries, caf\u00e9s, a market, and the famous Hotel California, which has inspired a legend (true or not) linking it to the Eagles’ iconic hit. It’s a perfect day trip: you can combine it with views of Balandra from the surrounding hills and, depending on the season, the chance to watch newly hatched turtles take their first steps toward the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For anyone looking for something different, there are two experiences that go beyond the usual itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your trip falls during the right season, La Paz is also the gateway to the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong> in La Paz Bay. The season generally runs from October to April<\/strong>, but activities are only allowed once a sufficient number of whale sharks have been recorded over several consecutive days. If sightings decrease, access may be temporarily suspended. This is an essential measure to prioritize the conservation of the species and properly regulate snorkeling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When night falls, La Paz offers another very special experience: night diving with mobula rays<\/strong>. The activity uses underwater lights that attract plankton and other small organisms, creating the conditions for mobula rays to approach and feed around the light. Encounters depend entirely on conditions and the presence of the animals, so they are never guaranteed, but when everything comes together, they can become one of the most memorable dives of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And just a short distance away, you can still enjoy diving with sea lions at Los Islotes<\/strong>, which we cover in detail in our guide to diving at Esp\u00edritu Santo Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cuisine of Baja California Sur revolves around the sea, with ingredients that were still swimming in the water earlier that day. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A useful tip<\/strong>: if your visit coincides with one of the state’s food festivals, such as \u2018La Pazi\u00f3n por el Sabor\u2019 or the Festival of Machaca, Cheese, and Chorizo, make the most of it. It’s the quickest way to sample plenty of local dishes in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your trip falls between October 31 and November 2, you’ll be lucky enough to experience La Paz during one of its most special weeks. Day of the Dead in Baja California Sur<\/strong> is a celebration that blends Indigenous and colonial traditions, becoming more established with the arrival of families from Oaxaca and Guerrero during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it’s a firmly rooted local celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s what usually happens around the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Todos Santos<\/strong> also celebrates the occasion, with hundreds of families gathering to remember their loved ones. It’s a good option if you prefer a smaller, more intimate atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact program changes every year, so before traveling, confirm dates and venues through the official channels of the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura and Turismo La Paz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our advice, from one diver to another: don’t treat it as just a stopover<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arriving a few days early<\/strong> gives you time to recover from the flight, acclimatize, sort out any luggage issues, and start your dives feeling refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying a few days afterward<\/strong> has an advantage that’s sometimes overlooked: safety. Divers Alert Network recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying after a single no-decompression dive, and at least 18 hours after multiple dives or several days of diving. Many divers prefer to allow 24 hours as a precaution. That extra time becomes the perfect opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a leisurely meal, and say goodbye to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With two or three extra days in La Paz, you’ll have plenty of time to visit Balandra, take a day trip to Todos Santos, and go back for another seafood dinner at that restaurant you just discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baja California Sur is best experienced as a whole: the reef at Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, the sea lions of Los Islotes<\/a>, the Whale Shark Sanctuary<\/strong>, nights spent looking for mobula rays, and a city that knows how to welcome its visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’d like to see how we combine everything into a single trip, take a look at our La Paz, Cabo Pulmo<\/a>, and Magdalena Bay<\/strong> itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTodos Santos and the \u201cHotel California\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Horseback riding, scenic flights, and other ways to discover La Paz<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
And, of course, the water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat to eat in La Paz: the must-try dishes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDay of the Dead in La Paz: what to expect<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow many days should you spend in La Paz?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
La Paz: much more than a starting point<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n