La Paz is a city near the bottom of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. It’s an amazing beach destination that often gets overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Cabo San Lucas. The drive between the two cities is about two hours, and even though La Paz has its own airport, most people fly into Cabo and then drive up.
For clarity, Baja California Sur is also the name of a Mexican state, and La Paz is the capital city of this state. For those in the know, the city is famous for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant marine life, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or water adventures La Paz offers an array of pristine beaches that cater to every traveler’s desires.
5 Best Beaches in La Paz Mexico
1. Playa Balandra
Playa Balandra is undoubtedly the most famous beach in La Paz. This beach is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of La Paz due to its crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and the iconic mushroom-shaped rock formation, “El Hongo.” The drive from downtown La Paz is about 20 minutes.
Playa Balandra also has incredibly shallow waters that you can wade out into a good distance from the shore (depending on the tides). Balandra offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, but make sure you know the unique capacity limitations and entry procedures. Read more about getting in here.
What to do: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and taking leisurely walks in the shallow water. There is also a brief hike to the top of the nearby mountain for sweeping views of the entire cove.
2. Playa Tecolote
Playa Tecolote is located just a short drive from Playa Balandra. Playa Tecolote is where the local Mexicans and tourists go to party. It offers a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for jet skiing, paddleboarding, and boat rides to nearby Isla Espíritu Santo. The beach is long and spacious, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing or grabbing a meal at one of the beachside restaurants.
What to do: Water sports, restaurants and bars with a view, and boat trips to Isla Espíritu Santo.
3. Playa El Saltito (a hidden virgin beach)
Playa El Saltito Beach is my second favorite beach in La Paz, right after Playa Balandra.
It’s rare to come across a truly untouched beach in the age of Instagram, but amazingly, El Saltito still fits that description! Not only is it completely unspoiled, but it’s also breathtakingly beautiful. Even now, I’m still in awe when I think about it.
This beach is about a 35 minute drive from La Paz. Warning, that the last two miles involve either a hike or navigating a rough dirt road. When we went, we paid an extra $5 per day to rent a 4wd vehicle, but there are people who drive down the dirt road in regular rental cars, though I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it.
We went to this beach twice – one of the times we had it entirely to ourselves for three hours until another couple showed up.
4. Playa El Coromuel
Playa El Coromuel is one of the most accessible beaches in La Paz. It is located just a short distance from the city center. This beach is known for its modern amenities, family-friendly atmosphere, and stunning sunset views. El Coromuel is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a day at the beach without venturing too far from downtown.
It’s fairly small and can get crowded, but definitely not overrun.
What to do: Snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the beachfront restaurants.
5. Playa Pichilingue
Playa Pichilingue is a tranquil beach located near the port of Pichilingue, just a short drive from La Paz (and almost all the way to Playa Balandara). This beach offers a more secluded and laid-back experience compared to some of the more popular beaches in the area. Pichilingue is known for its calm waters, peaceful ambiance, and delicious seafood.
What to do: Swimming, relaxing, and trying fresh local seafood.
Conclusion: Go To La Paz
For those looking for a Mexican beach escape you need to consider La Paz. It isn’t nearly as popular as Cabo, but is still easily accessible via the same airport. Once there, you will have your pick of several different amazing beach options.