Best Beaches in La Paz, Mexico

In honor of #BeachThursday, the Twitter hashtag trend started by Isabelle Kenis, a European blogger who specializes in beach travel, we’d like to highlight the beauty of Mexico’s La Paz beaches.

Although located along the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is not a beach town in the traditional definition due to its commercial port. But, the beach dotted with thatched umbrellas along the malecón (waterfront walkway) will do if you’re short on time. The most scenic and tranquil beaches are an easy 10 to 30 mile drive out of La Paz.

Just last night at a rooftop party in Los Angeles, a gentleman we were talking with about our recent trip to La Paz said, “La Paz beaches are the St. Maarten beaches of the West and they are so much more peaceful than Cabo.”

We tend to agree. If you need a quiet, crystal-clear water, white sands beach fix and live on the West Coast, La Paz is a quick alternative to the Caribbean islands of the East.

From Los Angeles, it is a three-hour, non-stop flight on Alaska Airlines. You fly out about 10 am and by 2:30 pm you can be swimming in 80-degree, turquoise colored water in Southern Baja California, Mexico.

Here is our vote for best beaches in La Paz, Mexico:

Balandra — Serene, quiet peaceful and a favorite among locals. If going after a rain, watch for tiny jellyfish that sting. You’ll also need to do the “stingray shuffle” in the shallow waters here to avoid stepping on them. There are only mobile vendors here, so it’s a good idea to pack a lunch or cooler if you’re staying for the day.

El Tecolote – In Spanish, tecolote means “owl.” Its namesake originates from an owl-shaped rock that overlooks the beach. This is a party beach during high season (Dec – Feb), the opposite of Balandra. Restaurants, bars and waverunners, paddleboats, etc. are available for rent.

El Tesoro – It translates into “the treasure.” Legend has it, the beach got its name because a pirate buried his treasure here. And much later it was actually found: Baja’s largest pearl ever discovered. This beach is great for families – shallow waters, food, and palapa umbrellas.

Isla Espíritu Santo – Head out for a day of sun and surf with Baja Fun. The island takes about an hour to reach via inboard boat. It’s a magical day snorkeling with sea lions, lunching on a private beach and possibly swimming with a whale shark if you head there during the winter to spring months.

For more La Paz beach info, head to PureLaPaz.com.

All photos by Voyage Vixens.