There are many amazing things that you can experience in the port of La Paz, Mexico.
We are going to discuss the top sights, experiences, and foods that you can discover there during your cruise vacation.
Overview & History of La Paz, Mexico:
La Paz is the capital of Baja California del Sur and lies 800 miles south of the US border. It was once a sleepy, quiet fishing village that was a popular spot for sport fishing.
Both John Wayne and Bing Crosby were frequent visitors to this tiny village on the water. It is next to the Sea of Cortez which was deemed “the world’s aquarium” by the late explorer, Jacques Cousteau, due to the abundance of marine wildlife that inhabit the area.
Over the years, La Paz has grown to be a gorgeous port stop. It has a completely different atmosphere when compared to its near-by neighbor, Cabo San Lucas, which is a much more touristy and lively destination.
However, if you like the quaint villages that don’t feel over-run and touristy, then you will love La Paz. It was definitely one of our favorite stops on our Mexican Riviera cruise.
There are many outdoor adventures that you can experience while you spend time in La Paz. You can enjoy kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, and many other fun activities.
This is also a great spot to just meander around the village on your own. It is easy to navigate and see everything that you want to without having to do it with a tour group.
How do you get to the port of La Paz from the cruise ship?
The cruise ships dock about 10 miles (approx. 30 minutes) north of the town. You will need to have transportation to get there, you can’t just walk from the ship to the center of the village.
There are several options for this. Most of the cruise ships offer a shuttle to take you back and forth. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take the public bus or get a taxi.
You also have the option to rent a car ahead of time if you want to explore the whole area and not just the town of La Paz.
Pro Tip: The taxis do not have meters so make sure that you agree on the fare before you get into it, so you know the total cost you will be paying.
Things to See and Do in La Paz, Mexico:
Once you get to the village of La Paz it is very easy to walk around on your own. Whether you want to go on a tour or just relax and do it on our own, it is very easy to do.
You will have many different cultural and outdoor activities that you can enjoy while in town.
1. Walk around the main square of Jardin Velazco
The main square, also known as Plaza Constitucion, gives you a traditional, authentic look at the history of the area. The architecture and the buildings reflect the period in which they were built.
This is a popular spot for the locals, so it is a great spot to people watch and get a taste of what local life is like. It is very easy to just stroll around and get a feel for the area.
They also offer a free walking tour that will give you the history and some insight into the town. The tour is provided in English and lasts about two hours.
2. Visit the historic cathedral
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- Address: Corner of Revolucion de 1910 and Calle 5 de Mayo
The Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz was built in 1861 and is located right across from the main square. When you arrive on the square your eyes will be immediately drawn to the tall, beautiful cathedral.
It is a focal point on the square and is one of the most popular sights to see in the town. The inside of the cathedral is worth a visit inside.
It is free to enter, so even if you just want to pop in for a few minutes during your stroll around town you can do it.
3. Go to the Museum of Anthropology & History
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- Address: Altamirano and 5 de Mayo
- Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm
- Cost: 40 Mexican Pesos ($2)
The Museo Regional de Antropoligia e Historia features engaging exhibits that tell the history of the area. They start with the Paleolithic era and take us right up to present day.
You will get to learn about how the Spanish colonization and missions influenced the culture and architecture of this region. This is a must-do if you are a history buff.
The exhibits are amazing to see in person. There is an entrance fee to visit the museum and the descriptions for the exhibits are in Spanish, so keep that in mind.
4. Visit the Whale Museum
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- Address: Corner Calle Obregon and 16 de Septiembre
- Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm; Closed on Monday and Holidays
- Cost: 120 to 160 Mexican Pesos ($6-$8)
The Museo de la Ballena is a great option for families because it is both educational and entertaining for the kids. You know you have found it when you spot the massive whale skeleton outside of the building.
This museum may be on the smaller side, but it offers extensive information on the larger marine wildlife found in the area such as whales and dolphins.
If you have a child that loves the ocean, this is a great way to spend part of your port day in La Paz. There is an entrance fee to get inside that includes a 45-minute tour with an English-speaking guide.
5. Check out the local artists and art exhibits
There are many artists that live in this area. The Governor’s Palace, or Palacio de Gobierno, will often display different art exhibits that you can check out while you are there.
You can enjoy the work of many local artists on the town square and in the shops and artist studios around town. Many times, you can watch the artist work on their current piece while you browse around and shop their collection.
It’s always a unique experience to watch the artisans at work and then buying one of the items that you watched them create.
You can buy one of the items already made or many times you can have them custom make something for you. It’s a great way to have a souvenir to remember your trip by that is personal to you.
6. Stroll along the Malecon
One of the favorite past-times of the locals is to walk or bike along the seaside promenade, or Malecon, in the evening. This is a 3-mile long boardwalk that is gorgeously tiled and features marine life sculptures along it.
It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset. You can enjoy the water views, get some fresh air, and look for wildlife with the kids.
There are a wide variety of cafes and restaurants that you can try right on the Malecon. You can relax with a good meal and a glass of wine with an amazing view of the bay.
If you want something more active you can rent a bike and ride all along the Malecon and outer La Paz area. It costs 30 Mexican Pesos ($1.50) per hour to rent the bike.
7. Spend the day at Balandra Beach
There are several beaches that you can go to near La Paz, but Balandra Beach, or Playa Balandra, is the best one to go to if you have small children.
It has the gorgeous white sand beach that you want. This beach has shallow, calm waters making it perfect for kids to play in.
They can learn how to swim and snorkel in a safe environment. This is also a great choice for beginner kayakers because motorboats are not allowed in the area.
You can go out and explore the area in a protected environment. Both the snorkel and kayak gear are available to rent at the beach.
One thing to be aware of is that string rays are in the area and like to hide under the sand in the shallow bay waters. Just be cautious while walking around so you don’t step on them.
8. Take a boat to Espiritu Santo Island
Espiritu Santo Island, or Isla Espiritu Santo, is about an hour north of La Paz by boat. The island is remote and a great way to spend a day on the beach without a lot of people.
There are tons of sea life around the island from colorful fish and turtles to dolphins and sharks. If you want a relaxing day snorkeling around and enjoying white sandy beaches this is the place for you.
This is a great way to experience the Sea of Cortez and have a chill day on the beach. Just be aware that not all of the boats will actually land on the island so make sure that the tour you choose does.
The last thing you want is to be disappointed because you just go by the island instead of actually getting to spend some time enjoying it.
9. Go on a Whale Watching Excursion
This is one of the most popular excursions in this area. There are different types of whales that come to Baja California during the year to enjoy the warm water.
During the months of January to March the Gray Whales arrive in Magdalena Bay’s protected waters to give birth. From March to July you can see the Blue Whale, the largest whale in the world, migrate to the area.
If you are hoping to see Humpback Whales then you want to visit between February and June. If you come on a cruise between October and February there is a good chance you will see the Pilot Whales in the area.
If you have a specific whale that is on your must-see list, then make sure you come during the right time of year.
10. Swim with Whale Sharks
If you are wanting a more adventurous excursion then you might love this one. Every year between October and March the Whale Sharks, or Tiburon Ballenas, migrate south to the Sea of Cortez for warm water.
Whale Sharks are the largest fish on the planet. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with them is to take a snorkeling excursion.
This may sound like a dangerous experience. However, unlike sharks, whale sharks are very gentle creatures and only eat plankton so you don’t have to worry about them.
Swimming in the waters with them will be an unforgettable experience for you.
11. Swim with Sea Lions
Like the thought of swimming in the wild with the sea life, but the thought of swimming with the whale sharks is a little too much?
Or you love that idea, but aren’t going on your cruise during the right time of year to see them. This is another great option for you.
There are smaller islands off the coast of La Paz where you can see hundreds of sea lions. This offers you the chance to get out in the water and see them up close.
Every year hundreds of new pups are arriving ready to play. Just imagine snorkeling in the water and having tons of sea lions all around you swimming and doing tricks under the water.
The pups love to show off under the water for you. The seal pups also find it funny to blow bubbles in your face. We did this excursion when we were on our cruise in Mexico and still talk about it to this day.
It’s one of our favorite memories from that cruise. If you have kids, they will love it.
Pro Tip: Many of the popular excursions such as swimming with the whale sharks or sea lions can be combined with a trip to Espiritu Santo Island.
What festivals, holidays, and events take place in La Paz?
1. La Paz Carnival:
The biggest holiday event that takes place in La Paz is their pre-lent carnival, La Paz Carnival, which takes place over six days. This event features costumes, dances, parades, and fireworks.
The dates of this event change each year so be sure that you check that you will be there at the correct time to experience it.
2. Fiesta de la Paz:
This event takes place in early May each year and reenacts the 1525 landing by Hernan Cortes to the area. The heart of the celebration is the colorful pageant that takes place to reenact the landing.
There are also craft fairs, concerts, contents, and dances that take place each year.
3. Baja 100 Off-Road Speed Race
If you are in La Paz in mid-November you can see the racers end the race in La Paz. This is a great experience where you can join in and get to see the winner speed over the finish line.
You do want to check the dates and make sure that it is ending in La Paz for the current year. Some years it starts in Ensenada and ends in La Paz. Other years it’s a loop that starts and ends in Ensenada.
What are the must try foods in the port of La Paz:
1. Fresh Seafood, especially Chocolate Clams:
La Paz is right on the water so you will get delicious, fresh seafood at many of the restaurants and food stands around the town.
Chocolate clams are a local delicacy that gets its name from the brown outer shell of the clam. This is a very popular and tasty treat that you can try while in port.
2. Las Tres Virgenes
This restaurant is unique because it offers the traditional Baja cuisine, but adds a Mediterranean twist to it. A few interesting options that we found were the venison tostadas and the rose petal quesadillas.
If you are always on the look out for new and interesting food items this is a restaurant you should stop by while in port.
3. La Fuente
If you are looking to enjoy an ice cream treat while strolling along the Malecon, you have to go to La Fuente to get it. This is a very popular spot that all of the locals go to.
This is said to have the best ice cream in the region. You will see lines of people at the shop, especially on the weekend when the locals are out enjoying their day off on the promenade.
All of the treats are homemade with fresh ingredients. They feature all of the usual favorites that you expect to see in an ice cream shop.
As well as, more unique flavors such as Tequila with Almonds and Elote (corn) if you want to try something different.
Which cruise lines make a stop at La Paz?
There are several cruise lines that feature quite a few cruises to this port of call.
The two mainstream cruise lines that feature this port a lot are Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. If you know you want to stop here, you should check out these cruise lines first.
A couple of upscale, small ship cruise lines that go here are Azamara Club Cruises and Regent Seven Seas.
Another small ship cruise line that visits La Paz but offers a more relaxing atmosphere is Uncruise Adventures.
A nice thing about sailing on the smaller ships is that many times they dock much closer, within walking distance to the heart of the town.
Although, this is not always a guarantee so check the itinerary information before you book your cruise with them.
While La Paz may be a sleepy fishing village, you will never call it boring. There are many amazing sights, adventures, and foods that you can try.
If you are ready to try something other than the large, touristy destinations while on a cruise then you will want to make sure that the itinerary includes a stop at La Paz. It is a quaint and amazing town to explore and enjoy.
Did we forget any of the must do things in La Paz? Let us know your favorites in the comments below.