The Malecón de La Paz is a promenade of about 5 km along the Sea of Cortez, and it is where most people in La Paz meet, stroll and watch the sunset. Restaurants, bars and shops line the city side, and marine sculptures stand along the walk. The promenade is open at all hours, and the area stays busy into the evening with families, cyclists and dog walkers. Try a Vaso Loco or a battered fish taco, then stay for the sunset over the water.
A promenade used every day
The Malecón runs for about 5 km along Paseo Álvaro Obregón, with the Sea of Cortez on one side and a broad, palm-lined walkway on the other. Restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, boutiques, museums and tour companies line the city side. Several tour companies rent bicycles, and the route has cycling lanes.
Locals use the walk for morning exercise and for sunset drinks. Art shows and impromptu performances often take place here. Carnival celebrations are held along the boardwalk in the last week of February or the first week of March.
The marine sculptures
Along the walk, 17 sculptures stand every few meters, and most of them show marine animals. Among them are a whale shark, a humpback whale, an octopus and a manta. Dolphins and sharks also appear among the statues.
The open-air collection was installed along the Malecón in 1998 and is still on display. Artists from the local, regional and national scene made the pieces, and most have a marine theme.
Food and drinks along the walk
A Vaso Loco is a blend of tomato and clam juice, with or without beer, mixed with lime juice, salt, chili powder, Worcestershire, soy sauce and plenty of ice. Locals often drink one after a day at the beach. Capeados, the traditional battered fish tacos, are a good choice after time in the sun or on a hike.
The restaurants, cafes and bars sit on the city side, so you can order a drink and watch the sailboats on the water.
Playgrounds, courts and the dog park
The Malecón has a playground, swings, slides, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a tennis court and a skateboarding area. Picnic tables, a barbecue grill, a baseball field and public restrooms are also on site. Wheelchair accessible seating, entrances and parking are available.
A dog park opened here in 2021, giving dogs and their owners a space designed for play. The area stays busy into the evening, with children playing in several spots.
Beaches and trips from the waterfront
Balandra is about 40 minutes from the Malecón by road. The last few miles run on sand roads that are rarely graded, so you need a vehicle suited to sand. Playa Tecolote is another beach near town, and it draws large crowds from December to March, when wave runners and paddleboats are available to rent.
Tour operators based on the Malecón run day trips to Isla Espíritu Santo. On these trips you can snorkel or dive with the resident sea lion colony, swim with dolphins, kayak around the island or picnic on a quiet beach. The beaches outside town are of better quality than the swimming along the promenade.
FAQ
Is the Malecón open at night?
Yes. The promenade is open 24 hours a day, every day. The area is busiest in the evening, when families and walkers come out.
Is the Malecón good for children?
Yes. It has a playground, swings, slides, and open areas for basketball, volleyball and skateboarding. Picnic tables and public restrooms are also on site.
Is the Malecón accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. The site has wheelchair accessible seating, an accessible entrance and an accessible parking lot.
Can you swim at the Malecón?
You can swim there, but the beaches outside town are of better quality. Playa Tecolote and Balandra are nearby options.
How far is Balandra from the Malecón?
The beach is about 40 minutes away by road. The last few miles are on sand roads that are rarely graded, so a suitable vehicle is needed.
