La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, is a coastal gem that often gets overshadowed by the flashy resorts of Los Cabos. Yet for travelers who crave authentic outdoor adventures, few destinations in Mexico compare. The landscape here is a dramatic collision of turquoise sea, red desert mountains, and hidden oases that feel worlds away from the bustling malecón.
What makes La Paz truly special is its accessibility to raw, unspoiled nature. You do not need to be an extreme athlete to witness some of the most stunning scenery in North America. A short drive or boat ride can transport you from a charming colonial city center to a pristine, white-sand wilderness.
The Sea of Cortez, famously dubbed "the world’s aquarium" by Jacques Cousteau, serves as the region’s liquid backbone. Its nutrient-rich waters support an astonishing array of life, from playful sea lions to gentle whale sharks. Exploring these waters responsibly is a highlight for any visitor seeking a deeper connection with the marine world.
Beyond the shoreline, the desert holds its own secrets. Granite boulders, ancient cave paintings, and freshwater springs create a stark but beautiful contrast to the blue horizon. The unique geography of the Baja peninsula ensures that every turn in the road reveals a new, breathtaking vista.
Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a solo expedition, the natural attractions in and around La Paz offer profound experiences. This guide highlights the must-see wonders that define this incredible region, along with practical advice to help you enjoy them safely and sustainably.
From swimming alongside the ocean’s largest fish to hiking through cactus-filled canyons, the diversity here is remarkable. Here are the top natural attractions that deserve a spot on your La Paz itinerary.
Cerro de La Calavera
| Address | 23019 La Paz, BCS, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This is a nice short hike on rock faces that have a lot of traction. It is a 450 foot elevation gain to the caves and more if you continue down the trail. This spot is quite popular on weekends and every sundown. It is a beautiful place to visit and offers stunning sunsets.
Excellent sunset view. Good 10 minute hike. Better to use shoes with good grip there’re lots of loose rocks.
Important!!! There are no signs of rattle snakes. Be careful!! I jumped backwards when I hear the rattle.
While the views from the caves are decent and the rock formations are beautiful there is a ton of trash up here. Sometimes i hate humanity. So much crap on the ground and on the cacti. The only good thing i can say is that there is minimal graffiti on the caves themselves.
Getting up here is s bit of a scramble. As others have said go further up the road and there is a sign that points up the hill. Do not go on the private property.
This is an excellent hiking area near La Paz, perfect for both walking and trail running. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the nearby valley filled with cactuses is incredibly beautiful. A must-visit for nature lovers!
The views are spectacular especially at sunset. The route we took up to the cliff was steep and rocky. I think there may be a better trail further back from the road but we took the first trail we saw. We parked on the side of the road outside of the chainlink fence. Good shoes are advisable. The rocks are easy to slide on and I fell once.
La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| Address | Las Garzas, 23079 La Paz, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Serpentario de La Paz
| Address | Brecha California, Blvrd Margarita Maza de Juárez s/n, Misión las Palmas, 23090 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | 612 122 5611 |
El serpentario was delightful to visit. They have volunteer experts who educate you about the animals there. They catch and release snakes so they they are further away from the population. They keep a pond of invasive turtle species to help minimize they impact on the local ecosystem. They even have a fox and an owl as permanent residents due to unfortunate life circumstances.
The work they're doing to educate the public, protect and rehabilitate wildlife and protect their ecosystem is really important and also really interesting to hear about. Highly recommend checking them out. Also, if you're in La Paz and need a snake relocated from your home, or see wildlife in distress, this is the place to call
My toddler and I loved this spot. Not only that, we are also happy to support non-profits. This Serpentarium had turtles, iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, chickens, parrots, owls and a guinea pig/budgie petting spot. I highly recommend. Its such a cute little spot and has so much to see. The serpentarium was quite small, so you will not need too much time to stroll through. However, we spent a good 2 hour here since my toddler was just amazed and couldn't stop standing there observing the reptiles here.
This was our third or fourth time at El Serpentario. The whole family loves it every time! Buy the food to feed the turtles, birds and Guinea pigs- definitely the best part!
11 and 9yr old grandsons loved it - want to make it a reoccurring adventure every time they visit. Lots more than just reptiles. Highlights were “feed the birds and Guinea pigs” cage and the pond full of red ear slider turtles. For a few pesos you can purchase food for some of the creatures. It was a fun jaunt. Place was mostly shaded but we brought hats anyway. Cute gift shop and the boys love their T-shirts
Went to the Serpentario as a cruise excursion - the guide was *really* entertaining, and very informative. This rescue is doing excellent work in a pretty difficult environment!
The displays aren't always the best quality, but I think that's part of the charm. They are definitely worth supporting!
La Paz Sign
| Address | Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
A visit to the La Paz sign is more than just a photo op; it’s a beautifully designed landmark that perfectly captures the spirit of the city.
The colorful, oversized letters are set against the stunning backdrop of the Sea of Cortez. Whether you’re there at high noon or during the golden hour, the contrast between the vibrant colors and the turquoise water is spectacular.
The area is kept very clean, and the surrounding Malecón is wide and easy to navigate. It’s a great starting point for a long walk along the water.
Even during busy times, the "line" to take a picture usually moves quickly. Everyone is generally in a great mood, often helping each other out by offering to take group photos. It’s surrounded by great sculptures, local vendors, and cafes, making it a natural stop while you're exploring the downtown area.
If you want that perfect shot without the crowds, try to go early in the morning. Otherwise, sunset is the most magical time—the lighting on the letters and the water is unbeatable.
Awww it’s so cute. The entire promenade is wonderful. And the police stops the traffic for people crossing the road. Super friendly cops. And it’s spotlessly squeaky clean!!!
Beautiful walk way that goes at least two miles along the beach in La Paz! Besides the very cool La Paz sign that can now become a tradition for beaches all over, there are about 20 statues also placers along the wall. Best way to see them is to rent a bike!
When visiting La Paz, don't miss out on strolling along the malacone! It's a great way to take in the city's scenery and catch a glimpse of the locals. Plus, it's especially beautiful during sunset. You'll see plenty of people enjoying the walk, so it's a great opportunity to soak up the city's atmosphere.
like everyone we enjoyed getting our photo with the sign
Dunas del Mogote
| Address | El, Mogote, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 612 104 3670 |
Dunas del Mogote is a great experience to visit while you visit La Paz as is very near.
Things to consider...
1. Bring a 4x4 or similar ( I have even see jeeps get stucked in the sand, so be careful)
2.there is nothing around the area, bring water and your own food.
3. There is people that rent sand boards , the fall from the top is just 1 to 3 secs tops.
4. During summer time , be careful, it
can get very hot and there are no shades. (Bring shades and chairs)
5. The garbage cans , so the trash you bring is thr same you take.
5/5 stars.
We took a tour over here for sand boarding. It was a lot of fun! Make sure to do this when coming out to La Paz
I took my family out to this area, for the sunset, and the views didn’t disappoint! It really is a spectacular place, and isn’t very busy! I wouldn’t suggest going during the hottest part of the day, so if you can schedule your visit, look to go in the morning or evening to at the scorching heat if you go in the summertime. If you walk the shore line beware of dead puffer fish as some are hidden in the sand, and their spikes could hurt bare feet. Also before I went, I saw photos of sandboarding. Just note the dunes are aren’t very tall, so you only get 2-4secs of riding which to me, isn’t worth the effort of going up and down repeatedly. But I will say, if you are in LaPaz, you need to add a visit out to these stunning dunes!
We enjoyed our visit. The dunes do not look very impressive from the road but once we started climbing on them they turned out to be really impressive. The road to the park is a long dirt road with a few pot holes but we were in a non 4wheel drive car did fine.
the most beautiful sunset I've seen so far in La Paz!!! amazing place! we've rented sandboards from locals and just picked the random dune) a lot of people were just enjoying the sunset, but we had enough te to sand board too!
Kiosco del Malecón
| Address | Paseo Álvaro Obregón, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
We visited Kiosco del Malecón while in port on our Carnival cruise. The food was good and safe, and the staff were honest with pricing, which we really appreciated. The place felt comfortable and not intimidating at all for tourists.
That said, we were a bit underwhelmed by the flavor... for being in Mexico, we expected a bit more boldness in the taste. We're from California, so maybe we’re just spoiled with amazing Mexican food back home.
Overall, it was a decent experience, just not super memorable.
05/15/2025
La Paz is a jewel on the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez. Magnificent. It's a family oriented tourist destination. The place is stunningly beautiful and the local people are friendly kind and helpful. Many are bilingual and have learned English on the job. I tried speaking as much Spanish as possible, but their English is better than my Spanish. Amazing experience for my twin teenage daughters.
What a wonderful place! So peaceful and beautiful
Really pretty place to enjoy the view of the bay. Some shaded seating to sit and relax and an event spot.
We had dinner at the top of the azotea in la paz Baja California. It has a great view of the malecon, and the sun set was very beautiful to end the afternoon.
Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar
| Address | Navarro s/n entre Altamirano y Gómez Farías Unidad Cultural Prof. Jesús Castro Agúndez, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 612 348 5238 |
This place was nice! Admission is 80 pesos, and with a tour instructor the ticket is 100, so definitely worth it! The instructor was very informative and knowledgeable about the whales and shows us around. It was about an hour tour and we learned a lot! All of their skeletons are real and preserved nicely. We came in August, so it does get hot outside, but besides that this was a nice museum.
This museum exceeded every expectation I had. Very family friendly and extremely informative. Completely recommend coming and paying for the tour guide, ours was named Alberto and he was phenomenal. Every question asked he answered with ease. Exhibits are cool and there are some outdoor spots with shade. Must see place
My wife and I had a guided tour of the museum today. Our guide spoke great English and she was very knowledgeable. She gave us great information about the different marine animals in Baja. Wow it was a great experience. If you visit make sure to get the guide to help you get the most out of the museum.
The museum entrance fee is $80 for self-guided admission and $100 with a guide. We strongly recommend choosing the guided option, as they share interesting facts and helpful information about whales and other marine animals. The tour is fairly short, and you will spend about an hour going through all the rooms with the guide.
Absolutely worth it. Learned a lot, very friendly staff, amazing skeletons. Really showcases why Mexico’s waters deserve the highest ecological protections.
Playa Balandra
| Address | Carretera a Pichilingue KM 7, HWY 11, Tecolote, 23040 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
One of the most beautiful beaches I've been to! We got our entry ticket online for our time slot and came in to check it out, and I was still surprised by how stunning it actually is. The water is crystal clear, making it easy to see everything in it, and it stays incredibly shallow for quite a ways out, which is perfect for wading. The beach itself was super calm with no waves, and the fine sand and surrounding views are amazing. Just a heads up for future visitors: remember to bring your own snacks and drinks since there are no vendors on the sand. I'd say this is one of my favorite beaches, if not my absolute favorite!
We came here with a tour and spent two hours at the beach. Definitely go climb up the hills and have the best views. Clear water where you can see all the fish.
We had an amazing experience at Playa Balandra.
Important tip: you must purchase your entry ticket (digital bracelet) in advance through the official CONANP website—it’s required to access the beach. The process was easy and made everything very organized.
We arrived around 1:00 PM and were already settled by 1:15—super efficient. The controlled entry system really helps keep the beach peaceful and uncrowded.
The area is absolutely stunning—calm, pristine, and incredibly well preserved. You can truly feel that it’s a protected natural reserve. There’s a visible presence of authorities, which makes everything feel safe and well managed. Everyone follows the rules, and the beach stays clean and serene.
The water is crystal clear and shallow, almost like a natural pool—honestly one of the most magical beaches we’ve visited.
Parking was accessible, and there are restrooms available, which is always a plus.
Overall, a perfect experience. If you’re visiting La Paz, this is a must—but plan ahead and get your bracelet! 🌊✨
Absolutely STUNNING bay. We visited it in July and it was Hot but absolutely beautiful! The water was so smooth. The sand was fine and soft. It is very shallow making it a great place for kids. Where we were did not have any facilities. We took an excursion that ended at the space so we did not have to purchase any additional ticket.
Really interesting place to check out. The water is exceedingly shallow for quite a ways out, which allows you to see crabs and fish easily. There were plenty of people lounging in the water and along the shore.
Important to note: they recently added an entrance fee that must be paid online. There is no service within 15/20 mins of the entrance so make sure you buy tickets ahead of time (unlike me and my friends). They also have a cap on the number of people who can enter in the morning and then in the afternoon. They also require everyone to leave their morning or afternoon sessions at a set time, and blast a loud horn to signal it’s time to go.
Glad we took the time to visit!
Estero de las lanchas
| Address | La Paz, BCS, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
That place smells bad. The view is nice, but it smells awful.
A quiet place, with spectacular views, very beautiful.
Parque Bahia Tortugas
| Address | Paraíso del Sol II, 23085 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Horible
Ok
We clean it on Saturdays 👍🏻😊, some games need maintenance because children playing unsupervised damage them 🥲 but little by little we will improve it.
Nice to see turtles being released into the water, but the welcome isn't very friendly. It's really all business. If you don't pay, they won't let you near. It's a shame it's not more welcoming.
Excellent place to have a good time and for children to have fun safely
Pa' La Paz Tours
| Address | Paseo Álvaro Obregón 1775-23000, Zona Comercial, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 612 220 2849 |
Absolutely excellent tour! Perfectly paced, beautiful and delicious lunch on a pristine beach, and the sea lions were a once in a lifetime treasure. We could not stop smiling and marveling at how beautiful it all was. Edwin and Beto were the perfect guide and captain. Definitely book your tour with Pa' La Paz!
100% recommended!
We went on a sea lion snorkling trip with Pa La Paz and it was genuinely one of the best tours I’ve ever done. With only 10 people, our group was smaller than most of the other tours, and I feel like that contributed to a more personal experience.
Our guide (Edwin) impressed us with his scientific knowledge of all things marine life, as well as about La Paz as a city and its surroundings. We learned so much and I can confirm that these guys indeed work with a lot of passion but also responsibility towards the environment. The captain, Juan, was very friendly and both him and Edwin took their time with us, even staying a bit longer outside as we spotted dolphins and two humpback whales. Also since it’s christmas the boat was decorated a bit and that just made the experience even sweeter.
All in all an unforgettable experience - responsible tourism, education and leisure combined, totally worth the money!
The best experience on Espíritu Santo Island 🤩
Thanks to the entire team who are dedicated to sharing and preserving the area, thanks to our guides Fátima and Eloisa, and to Captain Martín. We were so lucky; we saw dolphins first, and throughout the trip we saw mobula rays. They took us to Balandra and gave us free time on Espíritu Santo. They treated us to a delicious ceviche, snacks, drinks, and bread with Nutella. If you want to have an unforgettable day, you definitely have to book with Pa La Paz Tours.
Highly recommended! Karla and Captain Martín are super friendly, I would definitely take another tour with them, plus the food was delicious!
100/10 recommended, always attentive. Completely knowledgeable, delicious ceviche, highly recommended guided tour, the best beaches on the island, very private, incredible service. I would definitely tour with them again.
Playa El Coromuel
| Address | Playa El Coromuel, Carr Escénica 38, 23019 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | 612 106 7187 |
Clean beach with showers and bathrooms. Well maintained. Water is very clear and you can see lots of fish. Bring snorkel gear or tent onsite. Worth visiting
Worst beach I've visited in this stunning region. Loud, a lot of tourists and tourist traps. Crowded, and the sand is a bit rocky compared to other beache's white fine sand. But it's easy to reach, and closest beach to La Paz center. Also has a free public toilet. Good beach choice if you don't have a lot of time, we went on the day we had our plane.
Nice beach close to town. There’s public restrooms and a small seafood restaurant. There’s a scenic overlook where you can get great ocean views.
This beach has free parking, showers (with signs that say using shampoo/soap is prohibited), and bathrooms. There’s a long pier where you can walk and take pictures. I see where people say there are 2 zip lines but I didn’t see any staff or signs for it (I went on a Monday at 10am) so maybe they’re closed Monday’s. I would have sat at the beach in the shade (there were also chairs/tables for rent), but I saw a lot of ants in the sand so I decided against it.
I’m not a beach person but between all the stairs/ramps/pier/restaurants there was a lot to walk around and explore. There’s also a bike path and sidewalk that goes along the road/rock wall that was shaded for part of the morning. There’s benches to sit on along the way too.
Solid beach on the edge of town that somehow works for both family vibes and cracking beers with the bros. Plenty of free palapas to claim, or you can spring for an umbrella setup with chairs and a table. Food is available too—take the short walk up to the restaurants or kick back and let table-side service come to you.
The only buzzkill? Shards of broken glass in the sand. I didn’t hit anything sharp, but bottles on the beach are a trash move—stick to cans. If people showed this place a little more respect, it’d easily be a 5-star recommendation. As it stands, the vibe is there, the setup is there, but the glass is a safety hazard.
Tips for Visiting Natural Attractions in La Paz
Exploring the wild spaces around La Paz requires a bit of preparation to ensure both your safety and the preservation of these delicate ecosystems. The environment here is fragile, and the desert sun can be unforgiving. By following a few key guidelines, you can maximize your enjoyment while minimizing your impact on the stunning landscapes and marine life.
Respect the Marine Life: The Sea of Cortez is a protected area, and many species are vulnerable. Always maintain a safe distance from animals like whale sharks and sea lions. Never touch, chase, or feed the wildlife. Choose tour operators who follow strict environmental guidelines and prioritize animal welfare over tourist satisfaction.
Pack Eco-Friendly Sun Protection: Standard sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone that bleach coral and harm marine life. Before you swim in any bay or reef, switch to a reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen. Wearing a rash guard or long-sleeved swim shirt is an even better way to protect your skin without polluting the water.
Rent a Car for Flexibility: While many tours offer transportation, having your own vehicle unlocks the freedom to explore hidden beaches and desert trails at your own pace. Many of the most beautiful spots, like Balandra and El Tecolote, are easily accessible by road. Ensure your rental has good tires, as some access roads are unpaved and rugged.
Bring Cash and Supplies: Once you leave the city center, amenities become scarce. Small entrance fees, local food vendors, and parking often require cash. Always carry plenty of water, snacks, and a full tank of gas before heading out to remote beaches or hiking areas, as there are few services available.
Time Your Visits Strategically: The light in La Paz is most spectacular during the early morning and late afternoon. Arriving at popular spots like Balandra Beach before 9:00 AM helps you avoid tour bus crowds and the harsh midday heat. For photography, the golden hour just before sunset bathes the desert mountains in a stunning glow.
The magic of La Paz lies not just in seeing these places, but in how they make you feel. There is a profound sense of peace that comes from floating in the shallow, bath-warm waters of Balandra or watching the sun dip behind the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. It is a destination that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world.
As you plan your trip, remember that these attractions remain beautiful because of conscious travelers who came before you. By treading lightly and supporting local, eco-conscious businesses, you help ensure that the pristine beauty of La Paz remains intact for generations of explorers to come.
