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Hola, Mexzine friends,
It’s hard to think of a place with a more suitable name than La Paz. Here, the powerful desert meets the Sea of Cortez, and time seems to move at a different pace. A better one. I remember having a bit of an existential crisis the first time I was in La Paz: I needed everyone to know how amazing it was, yet I was scared we (travelers, developers, et al) would ruin it. The gatekeeping urge was strong. I feel good about sharing it on Mexzine, though. I have a feeling you, like me, know the power we hold as travelers, and how we can help a place grow in a more sustainable and mindful way.
Let’s dive into the magic of La Paz! Paid subscribers get access to the Google Map at the bottom of the guide.
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
Where to Stay
Baja Club Hotel // Perfectly positioned on the Malecón, Baja Club occupies an early twentieth-century casona, reimagined as a chic hotel by architect Max von Werz and the interior designers at Jaune Interiors. Rooms blend minimalism and coziness flawlessly, with breezy patios and dark-tiled bathrooms, but it’s the hotel’s irresistible outdoor spaces that will really win you over: the leafy courtyard at breakfast, the fresh pool in the afternoon, and the laid-back rooftop at sunset.
Mantarraya Outpost // Beautifully stripped down, this B&B is an amazing starting point for Baja exploration, thanks to its strategic location near the Malecón and budget-friendly rates. Its six guest rooms, minimally but lovingly decorated, feature all the necessary comforts – yes, there is AC and WiFi! – for a chill stay, while the patio is perfect for a mid-afternoon dip in the pool or a nap on the hammock. The Concierge team can help you arrange a wide range of experiences, from yoga classes and massages to diving expeditions.
Casa 1880 // At the heart of downtown La Paz, this adult-only boutique hotel is rich with history. Founded in 1880 as the city’s Palace of Justice, the building was witness to trials, rulings, and all sorts of juicy moments back in its day. A hotel since 2025, Casa 1880 welcomes you with cozy nautical-inspired rooms and suites, a relaxing outdoor pool, and an intimate library if you need an afternoon break. Head to Bistro 1880 for French-inspired fare made with local ingredients.
Where to Eat
Tiger Club // We’ve all dreamed of it –leaving it all behind and opening a cool restaurant on the beach. Tiger Club founders Jonathan and Clémentine made the dream a reality, serving flavor-packed Southeast Asian specialties on a laid-back patio in downtown La Paz. Creations like ginger yellowtail ssäm and biang biang noodles pair wonderfully with their selection of natural wines and craft beer. Before or after dinner, check out the Mexican design selection at Casa Nopal, set in the same house.
Nemi // If you’re planning on having one special dinner during your La Paz stay, this is where you want it to happen. Helmed by Chef Alexis Villagomez, the kitchen at this intimate downtown eatery offers some of the most inventive and delicious food in town. Based on the freshest seasonal ingredients, the tasting menu changes constantly, featuring surprises like lobster with red rice, New York with sweet potato and black garlic demi, and miso-zarandeado shrimp (my favorite). Mexican wines are carefully selected to harmonize with each bite.
Mariscos El Tigre // Oysters the size of your palm, gigantic seafood cocktails, and crispy pescadillas are just a few of the many reasons to visit this legendary seafood joint in Colonia Guerrero, doling out fresh-from-the-sea delights. A local favorite since 1994, this spacious, no-frills spot welcomes you with an extensive menu, generous portions, and friendly vibes, with tables populated by families, couples, friends, and anyone in the mood for a maritime feast. Our recommendation: arrive early, grab a table, and get lots of dishes to share.
Oyster House // Freshness is the name of the game at this shrine to all things oyster, placed right on the lively Malecón. From a dozen raw beauties to a fried oyster sandwich, all the way to a revitalizing michelada topped with a raw bivalve, this eatery is committed to shelling out (pun intended) the best of the best, sourced from the Bendito Mar regenerative aquaculture project. Other menu highlights: soft shell crab tacos and fish sashimi.
Where to Drink
Cuatro Altos // Morning cups of coffee and bagels make this pretty spot, outfitted in green tiles and brass details, a perfect starting point before a day of adventures. As the day progresses, stronger creations beckon –many of which promise to keep your caffeine buzz strong, like the Jalisquillo, a tequila-based espresso martini. If you don’t want your sleep disrupted, opt for the Fancy Paloma, with grilled pineapple, or the Frozen Aperol Spritz. Check their Instagram account for fun happenings like salsa lessons and karaoke nights.
Uno Bar // Nostalgia rules at this hip bar in downtown La Paz, with DJs spinning retro tunes on vinyl under the sparkle of a disco ball. Music also inspires the original cocktails, such as the Don’t Let Me Down (date-infused mezcal, corn, coconut, orange, cacao bitters, salted orange) and the Imagine (vodka and berry liqueur, aqua faba, housemade lychee liqueur), paired with bar bites like pizza, hand rolls, and fries. Double the fun and combo your evening with a stop at 612 Rooftop upstairs –preferably at sunset.
Black Marlin Brewing Company // One of the many reasons to love Baja is its craft beer scene, and this chill brewery is proof. A perfect pit stop on hot La Paz afternoons, Black Marlin offers a selection of house creations on tap, such as the tropical Coastal Dream, with hints of pineapple and coconut, and the Tesoro, a citrusy Hazy Double IPA. Founders Michel, Hiram, and Vivian are also known and loved for Blue Fin Poke Co. and the Pacific Brew tap room.
Where to Explore
Whale Watching // Few adventures are as exciting (and humbling) as seeing whales in their habitat. Every year, grey whales make their way to Baja to mate and nurse their young, and the waters near La Paz are among your best bets for a close –yet respectful– encounter. To watch these stunning mammals swim, jump, and perhaps come close to your boat to say hi (please don’t touch them!), book a tour with a certified company. We recommend the super-professional, knowledgeable teams at Baja Desconocida and Baja Adventure Co.
Sandboarding on the Mogote Dunes // A sand barrier separating the desert from the sea, El Mogote feels slightly otherworldly, with its shapeshifting sand dunes and seemingly endless extension. This is the setting for one of the most fun adventures in the area: sliding down the dunes on a sandboard. Balance and decently strong legs are all you need to glide smoothly as you admire the surrounding landscape, and if you fall, sand ensures a pretty soft landing.
Playa Balandra // Deservedly nicknamed “Mexico’s most beautiful beach,” and perhaps the most recognizable corner of La Paz, this tranquil beach is a favorite spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just plain chilling. Its clear, shallow waters make exploring easy, with water in the deepest sections only reaching chest height. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Natural Protected Area, access to Balandra is controlled by CONANP, which limits the number of visitors each day. Make sure to purchase your pass on the CONANP website well in advance.
Swimming with Whale Sharks // The largest living sharks in the world, these magnificent fish make their way to the shores off La Paz every year between October and April, feeding on its plankton-rich waters. If this is on your bucket list, La Paz has some of the best regulations in the world, ensuring only 56 boats go out each day to avoid crowding the whale sharks. Swim next to these gentle (and surprisingly fast!) giants with legit operators like Baja Adventure Co.