If you love sandy beaches, snorkeling, boardwalks and a laid back pace of life, the seaside town of La Paz is a must-visit for you. Here are some of our top suggestions for first time visitors.

La Paz – the capital of Baja California Sur is without a doubt one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations with its picturesque boardwalk and nearby beaches where you will feel like you’ve discovered paradise.

The name “La Paz” means “the peace” or “peaceful” in Spanish and that’s exactly what visitors will discover from the moment they first arrive in this idyllic seaside town. Whether you enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving or simply hanging out on a quiet beach, walk at sunset along the coastal boardwalk with a balmy breeze at your back, visiting cultural / historical sites or fine dining, La Paz has something for everyone.

And if this is your first time visiting, here’s our TOP TEN suggestions:

10. Swim With Whale Sharks

Swimming with whale sharks is on the bucket lists of many visitors and taking the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal is something you will always remember, forever changing your perspective about marine life. This is considered a safe activity to do while on your visit to La Paz as whale sharks are completely harmless to humans, consuming only consume plankton and very small fish.

9. Kayaking In Balandra Bay

Balandra Bay is without a doubt the most beautiful and secluded beach in the La Paz area, surrounded by gigantic rock formations that are very popular with tourists. Known as the Laguna de la Colores, or simply a lagoon of colors, this bay features six distinct tones of blue and turquoise that make for stunning photographs. This is also a popular location for people who want to try out kayaking.

8. Explore Espiritu Santo Island National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located only a short distance from La Paz. The island of Espiritu Santo boasts volcanic granite formations, pristine white sand shores and amazing turquoise-colored waters. The coral reefs here are alive with colorful fish and marine life, making this an ideal location for snorkeling. There are a variety of boats available for day cruises out of the La Paz harbor, from local pangas to world-class yachts.

7. Visit Museum Of Anthropology And History

If you are interested in learning more about the history and anthropology of La Paz, we recommend you plan to make a stop and visit Museo de Antropologia e Historia. Located downtown in La Paz, the museum features exhibits on the city’s history as well as the state of Baja California Sur. There you will lean more about the indigenous people of La Paz and the impact from the Spanish missions and colonization throughout their time-travel adventures.

6. Street Art Around La Paz

Many first time visitors are surprised by the number of colorful and creative street art murals found all around the city of La Paz. In fact, there are more than 80 murals painted by Mexican artists from all throughout the country that adorn the walls of this cosmopolitan, seaside capital. The majority of the murals will be in the neighborhoods around the Malecón (boardwalk). The murals often incorporate depictions of blue whales and ocean conservation efforts in addition to portrayals of the lives of local fishermen, desert ranchers and interpretations of indigenous cave art.

5. Hike in Sierra De La Laguna Mountains

One of the more popular things to do in when traveling to Baja Mexico is to go hiking, and La Paz offers you some adventurous options for trekking mountainous terrains with many beautiful and challenging trails to choose from. paths to choose from. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Mountain Guide for some great options for an enjoyable hike while in La Paz.

4. Ride Horseback at a Local Ranch

There’s a wide range of opportunities for outdoor recreation in La Paz, including horseback riding and one of the most beautiful venues if you enjoy equestrian activities. Several ranches around the La Paz area offer guided excursions along some of the city’s most popular and scenic trails including its breathtaking coastline. Whether you’ve never been on a horse before or an experienced rider, the local ranch hands will match you to a horse that’s perfect for you to create a memorable experience.

3. Stroll the Malecón (Boardwalk)

Paceños love their boardwalk and their favorite time to stroll the Malecón is late afternoon / early evening with a cooling, balmy breeze coming off the Sea of Cortez creating a magical experience. This coastal corridor offers a mix of of colors, music and gastronomic delights where visitors can admire amazing artwork and sculptures while trying some of the tasty delicacies offered from the local street vendors.

2. Experience the Nightlife

La Paz does not claim to be Cabo San Lucas in terms of nightlife but that doesn’t mean you won’t have plenty of options for after hours entertainment. Cabo is geared more for the Spring Break wild party crowd while the nightlife in La Paz tends to be more focused on the live music scene and delicious dining with stunning coastal views as a backdrop. If you take the stroll along the boardwalk, it will give you the chance to see just some of the seaside bars and clubs where the La Paz nightlife really comes alive with live bands and contemporary music filling the air as well as a great opportunity to meet and get to know the many residents of this port city.

1. Visit the La Paz Cathedral

Located fronting the town’s main plaza, the historic Catedral de Nuestra Senora houses the city’s Art Museum and is a cultural landmark in La Paz, Baja California Sur Mexico. The Cathedral’s interior, as well as its exterior, are stunning and inspirational.

And what better way for visitors to end their journey to Baja Mexico but with a prayer.