a body of water with mountains in the background

La Paz

The capital of Baja California Sur, on the Gulf of California, and the base for boat trips to Espíritu Santo island and its sea lions.

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La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, the Mexican state at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. The city sits on the Bay of La Paz, on the Gulf of California side of the peninsula. The malecón, the seafront promenade, follows the bay, with restaurants and hotels along it, and it is a good place to watch the sunset. The historic center, around the main plaza and cathedral, is small enough to explore on foot.

Boats leave the marinas for Espíritu Santo island, where sea lions gather at Los Islotes, and whale sharks visit the bay in season. Balandra, a beach a drive north of town, has calm, shallow water. La Paz suits wildlife and beach travelers who want a quieter stay than Los Cabos. For a first visit, plan three to four days: one for the malecón and center, one for a boat trip and one for a beach day. The cooler months, roughly November to April, are the most comfortable for walking and boating.

La Paz in five

Book Espíritu Santo with a licensed operatorBoat trips to the island and the sea lion colony at Los Islotes leave from the town. Protected-area rules can cap visitor numbers, so book ahead in peak season and ask what the permit covers.
Check the rules for Balandra beachBalandra is a shallow bay north of town. Access can be capped and managed to protect the area, so confirm current times and limits before you drive out, and arrive early.
Time whale shark seasonWhale sharks gather in the bay roughly from October to April. Swim only with an operator that keeps its distance, limits group size and does not let you touch the animal.
Walk the malecón at sunsetThe waterfront promenade is the town's living room in the evening, with cafes, ice cream and a view across the bay. It is flat, free and an easy end to a boat day.
Use La Paz as the Baja road-trip hubTodos Santos is about 1 hour west, Los Cabos about 2 hours south and Loreto 4 to 5 hours north. Rent a car if you want beaches and small towns beyond the city.Todos Santos

Things to do in La Paz

See all attractions in La Paz

Sight · La PazIsla Espiritu Santo Eco Adventures

Museum · La PazBaja California Sur Regional Museum

Landmark · La PazMalecón de La PazGo in the late afternoon or evening, when the walk is less crowded.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to La PazPut the places you like in La Paz on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: La Paz (LAP); Los Cabos (SJD) is about 2 hours away
Getting there: Flights from Mexico City and some US cities; bus or car from Los Cabos
Getting around: Walk the malecón; taxis, ride apps or a car for beaches
Best base: Malecón or Centro for restaurants; marinas for quieter stays
Time needed: 2–3 days; 4–5 with Loreto or Todos Santos

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear1 rainy dayHigh23°Low16°Dry, cool
FebruaryClear1 rainy dayHigh24°Low16°Dry, mild
MarchClear0 rainy daysHigh26°Low17°Dry, warm
AprilClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low18°Warm, dry
MayClear0 rainy daysHigh31°Low19°Hot, dry
JuneClear1 rainy dayHigh33°Low22°Very hot
JulyClear1 rainy dayHigh34°Low25°Hot, humid
AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh34°Low26°Hot, storms
SeptemberClear6 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh33°Low26°Hurricane risk
OctoberClear2 rainy daysHigh32°Low24°Whale sharks, storms
NovemberClear2 rainy daysHigh28°Low21°Whale sharks, dry
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh24°Low18°Whale sharks, mild

Average daily high and low in La Paz, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in La Paz

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 30°
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 11 km/h
Chance of rain: 2%

La Paz

01:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-7

Today32°24°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 2%.
Tue30°22°1%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 1%.
Wed31°21°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 31°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu30°22°2%Thursday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 2%.
Fri29°22°2%Friday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 2%.
Sat29°24°11%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 11%.

Updated 10:00 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 18.81 MXN

Amount

Converted to

MXN · Mexican Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Espíritu Santo islandabout 45–60 min by boatA protected island with sea lions and snorkeling in clear water.
Balandra beachabout 25 min by carA shallow bay with a rock formation, under managed access.
Todos Santosabout 1 hour by carA small art town with Pacific beaches and a mission-era center.Read the guide

Before you go to La Paz

Espíritu Santo island toursSea lions and snorkeling by boatCompare day trips

Rental car for Baja roadsTodos Santos, Balandra and beyondCompare car rentals

eSIM for Baja California SurCoverage drops on desert highwaysRead the guide

Insurance for boat and road daysCover for boat trips and rental carsRead the guide

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Rules for La Paz, checked

Many nationalities need no visa for Mexico. Immigration issues a tourist permit (FMM) on arrival; check entry rules at gob.mx/sre before you book.Source
Declare cash above the legal limit on the customs form at arrival or departure. Check the current amount with Mexican customs (SAT) before you travel.Source
Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Mexico.
Tipping waiters and taxi drivers is customary. Check the bill first, since some restaurants add a service charge.

Plan around La Paz

All of Mexico

Entry, money, safety and the regions on one page

Read the guide Loreto

A quiet mission town on the Sea of Cortez

Read the guide Todos Santos

Art galleries and Pacific surf an hour west

Read the guide Cabo Pulmo

A protected reef and snorkeling on the East Cape

Read the guide Mazatlán

The mainland port across the Sea of Cortez

Read the guide Plan transport in Mexico

Rental cars, ferries and flights

Read the guide

La Paz FAQ

Is La Paz worth visiting?

Yes if you like wildlife, boat days and a calm seafront city with few crowds. It is less polished than Los Cabos, which is the point for many travelers.

How many days do you need in La Paz?

Two or three days covers a boat trip to Espíritu Santo, Balandra and the malecón. Add two more days for Todos Santos or Cabo Pulmo, or four to five for a road trip north to Loreto.

Can you swim with whale sharks in La Paz?

Yes, roughly from October to April, but only with licensed operators that follow the rules on distance, group size and touching. Confirm what is included and ask about the weather policy.

When is the best time to visit La Paz?

November to April is dry and warm, with whale sharks in the bay. June to September is very hot, and hurricane season brings storm risk around September and October.

Is there a ferry from La Paz to the mainland?

Ferries have connected La Paz with Mazatlán and Topolobampo on the mainland. Check the operator's current schedule, cabin or seat options and vehicle rules before you plan a route around one.