La Paz Beaches, Mexico: A Beach Hopper’s Paradise

Are the La Paz beaches, Mexico, on your travel agenda? 

If not, they should be. 

Located on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula, these beaches are well known for their beauty and serenity. 

But don’t be fooled! 

Lounging in the sun isn’t the only activity on these sandy stretches. You’ll also find tons of aquatic life and numerous adrenaline-fueled activities. 

Whether you’re a certified beach bum or looking to explore Mexico’s rich biodiversity, keep reading. We’re counting down the top beaches you need to know for your next big vacation! 

About La Paz

Before we jump into the charm of the beaches in La Paz, Mexico, we’ll quickly give the urban area a brief overview. 

This popular stop is the capital of Baja California Sur and great if you prefer a more authentic laidback travel experience than Cabo San Lucas, its southern counterpart. 

This town is home to traditional Mexican culture, delicious eateries, nightlife, and many stunning beaches. You’ll also find water sports and lots of marine life, perfect for anyone who dreams of meeting whales, sharks, sea lions, and sea turtles. 

Are you a thrill-seeker? 

A popular draw to this location is the whale sharks, who come annually for a visit. But don’t be put off by their name. These marine beings are gentle giants who flock to the Sea of Cortez for the plankton-rich waters. So whether you book a watching-only tour or get into the action with a swim, this is a La Paz must-try activity.  

La Paz Malecon (Downtown La Paz)

If you’re staying in central La Paz and don’t fancy beach hopping or trekking too far away from the main area, we suggest spending some time around the Malecon.

The Malecon is a boardwalk that stretches for two miles down the seafront, allowing you to see the coastline without getting sand in your flip-flops. When you embark on this must-do walk, you’ll pass various beaches, local shops, bars, benches, playgrounds, attractions, and more. 

Make sure you dedicate some time to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal while you’re here. In addition, you can find some of the freshest seafood and cultural recipes on the north end of the Malecon. 

Ready to get your beach on? Scroll down to find out which beaches you need to see.

The Ultimate List of the Best Beaches Near La Paz, Mexico

Get your notebooks ready! These are the best beaches in La Paz for all travelers. 

Balandra Beach

Best beach for capturing that postcard-worthy snap.

The beaches of La Paz are here to show you the true beauty of sun, sea, and surf. 

We recommend starting your beach vacation with Balandra Beach, also known as Playa Balandra. 

Located half an hour from the downtown area, this is a popular beach thanks to its serene atmosphere and unbeatable views. This is the spot for sunbathing, and travelers flock here to capture picture-perfect shots for their Instagram stories. 

It was even dubbed the best beach in Mexico, proving it lives up to its rave reviews. 

Beach day, anyone?

The only downside is the lack of amenities and restaurants, which is not ideal if you want to grab a midday snack. But with a beach bag of drinks, you’ll be good to go!

Pro tip: Thanks to the abundance of sun and university holidays, this beach can get busy in the peak season between June and August. So arrive early if you want a quiet dip!

Tecolote Beach

Best beach for stunning views and lots of action.

La Paz beaches bring you the best of the coastline, and Playa Tecolote is a beach you can’t miss!

Like Playa Balandra, Playa Tecolote is one of the more popular beaches on this coastline. 

Tecolote provides similar breathtaking views to Balandra, but there’s one big difference—Tecolote offers lots of services and vendors! Uh-huh, you can rock up sans snacks and grab a quick bite at a beachfront eatery.

Alongside food and drinks, you can rent water sports equipment, beach loungers, and other standard seaside amenities. 

Playa Pichilingue

Ideal if you want to get away from the crowds but still have it all.

Some beaches in La Paz, Mexico, get more crowded than others. If you’re trying to dodge the flocks, Playa Pichilingue should be at the top of your list—it’s only 20 minutes from the downtown area!

This laidback waterfront offers the same gorgeous views as Tecolote and Balandras, but it’s never crowded! Instead, you’ll be relaxing amongst resident families, as this is a favorite spot for tourists and locals. From tan sands to lush greenery, this beach is sublime.

Plus, this isn’t a food-free beach! 

You can find beachside bars and low-key restaurants for a casual bite while you watch the tides roll in. Fresh seafood? Of course! Just remember to bring some spare cash in case the local vendors don’t accept cards. 

Watersports are popular in Playa Pichilingue, and opportunities include wakeboarding, swimming, and snorkeling. 

Playa El Coromuel

Ideal if you love a buzzy city beach.

La Paz beaches have activities for all needs. 

If you enjoy being in the thick of the action, vibrant Playa El Coromuel should be your first stop. 

This light sand beach abuts turquoise waters and a pier to complete the photo-perfect view. 

Since it’s within walking distance of the town, El Coromuel sees more footfall than other picks on this list, giving it a buzzy vibe all year around. It’s a people watching-paradise!

People-watching isn’t the only exciting thing on this beach. It’s also known for fresh clams, cold beers, and delish beachside eats. If you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, Playa El Coromuel can accommodate you! 

Here you can find bathrooms, free palapas, and palm umbrellas. No need to lug your umbrella. Just remember the sunblock for your sunbathing session. No burns allowed!

Though this is one of the most popular beaches, it closes at 6:30 pm. 

Playa La Concha

Best if you’re looking for a more intimate vibe.

One of the best beaches, Playa La Concha, is here to give you resort-style relaxation. Forget cramming yourself into a jam-packed sandscape. This beach is part of the La Concha Hotel and is often nearly empty. 

Most visitors mistake this as a private beach, but its clear waters and palm-filled views are open to everyone. 

You will have to be a hotel guest to make the watersports amenities and outdoor pool, but you don’t have to check in to enjoy the view or a cold drink at the in-house restaurant. Day visitors can also use the free Wi-Fi and the coffee service in the lobby. 

Plus, it’s only 10 minutes from the town center. Easy to get to and luxurious to experience. 

Playa El Caimancito

Best beach for a tranquil day just out of town.

Calling all photographers! El Caimancito provides bright white sands and crystal clear waters, allowing you to capture postcard-ready images. Or you can just sit back and take in the natural beauty. Either way, El Caimancito is on hand to help you unwind. 

This beach provides bathrooms and a free car park, but that’s as far as amenities go. You’ll have to bring your own food, drinks, and towels. But this is a small price to pay for a beautiful beach day!

El Caimancito is undisturbed, tranquil, and serene. So, what are you waiting for?

Playa Tesoro

Ideal beach for families and swimmers.

No vacation is complete without a trip to Playa Tesoro, a Mexican beach like no other. 

When visiting, you’ll find a unique bay with bleached sands and views of impressive rocky hillscapes. It’s like chilling in a different world.

Here, the waters are calm and shallow, making it a top pick for families and swimmers. No need to be an advanced Olympian! Just dive in and enjoy. 

Since Playa Tesoro is located further north of La Paz than other beaches, it rarely sees busy crowds. This can make for a romantic sunset or a quiet morning swim—memories you’ll cherish forever. 

Luckily, Playa Tesoro is also home to restaurants and vendors alongside gorgeous views. So don’t worry if you can’t fit any sandwiches in your beach bag. You’ll be able to grab some grub here. 

Playa Escondida

Best for an off-the-beaten-path beach.

Ever wanted to visit a hidden beach? 

Well, that’s precisely what Playa Escondida is! 

And that is part of the adventure if you’re up for it.

Playa Escondida can be found via hiking or kayaks, a perfect journey for any active traveler. 

However, make sure you don comfortable shoes and lots of sun protection. You should also bring water with you to stay hydrated. No one likes to explore while thirsty! 

As it’s hidden, you won’t find any food, shops, or amenities here—just lots of privacy and natural beauty! Bring on the uninterrupted sea views, mountainous landscapes, and light sands. 

Costa Baja Resort

Best if you want a super chill private beach vibe.

Attention all lovers of peace and quiet! Welcome to the Costa Baja resort beach. This is one of the most chilled beaches in La Paz, Mexico.

Like Playa La Concha, this is a private beach in front of the Costa Baja Resort. However, this secretive location is only for guests or those with a day pass. 

The Costa Baja Resort beach club provides luxe loungers, hammocks, and signature snacks to nibble on. The location even boasts a complete golf course and spa, a must for anyone who wants to splash out and truly enjoy luxury while at the coast—yup, it’s a great honeymoon spot!

Bahia De Los Muertos

Ideal if you love a remote beach. 

Also known as Bahia de Los Suenos, this southern beach is approximately an hour away from the other La Paz beaches in Mexico. 

So, why should you make this journey when there are so many 10/10 beaches near the town?

Bahia de Los Muertos is a mile of coastal excellence. 

Here, you’ll find lots of space to enjoy the sun, rugged rocky headlands, and impressive dunes where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez. Thanks to its remoteness, you won’t ever be turned away from this perfection. 

Don’t worry about packing your cocktails or spilling drinks in your bag! You’ll find beachside cantinas and a luxury hotel here, too. 

Isla Espiritu Santo

Best for snorkelers.

Planning to hit some snorkeling spots while exploring the La Paz beaches in Mexico? 

Isla Espiritu Santo is the best spot to try. If you can only snorkel once on your vacay, this is the place to do it. Greeting the fish amongst Mars-like desert rocks and vivid waters? Yes, please. 

Isla Espiritu Santo isn’t just one beach, it’s the name for a string of beaches in the Los Cabos region. These are part of a UNESCO heritage site and a marine reserve area, meaning you’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with undisturbed wildlife. Helloooo, fishies! 

Budding divers can book day trips here from La Paz, and many of these tours include snorkel pit-stops and drop-offs. Just remember to thoroughly read the online reviews of each tour guide before you go all-in!

Isla Partida

Ideal for mind-blowing scenery.

If you’re making the journey to Isla Espiritu Santo, consider adding Isla Partida to your tour of the best beaches in La Paz, Mexico. 

Situated close to the marine reserve, Isla Partida goes from stunning beach land to secluded bays, allowing you to experience pockets of calm amongst an unforgettable coastline. The waters in this spot sometimes even appear seafoam green! A complete contrast compared to its unique red and beige rocks—a visual you’ll want to capture on film! 

The best way to experience Isla Partida is part of a tour from La Paz or an overnight trip. Parts of Isla Partida boast campgrounds, so if you’re outdoorsy or want to feel closer to nature, consider resting under the stars for the full experience. 

Weather for La Paz, Mexico

The beaches in La Paz, Mexico, always impress. But crystal waters look extra good when the sun is shining. 

Due to its desert climate, this area usually averages over 300 days of sunshine per year. There’s a brief rainy season from June to September, but it doesn’t get cold. In these months, you can expect highs of 34°C (93°F) and lots of humidity.

From October to May, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and less humidity. However, temperatures reach their lowest between December and January, and visitors at this time will experience average day temperatures of 24°C (75°F). 

No matter when you visit, you’ll need your sunnies on hand!

Packing List for the Beaches of La Paz, Mexico

Not all La Paz beaches are designed equally, so it’s best to rock up with some beach-ready accessories. 

For an unforgettable dip, we recommend packing the following:

• A pair or flip flops
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A microfiber towel – quick drying and easy to pack up
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Waterproof bag
• Liter water bottle
• Sunhat and glasses
• Insect repellent – for those sundown beach sessions!
• Headphones or a portable speaker
• Beach towels

Map of La Paz’s Best Beaches

Not sure where these beaches are on a map? Not to worry. This interactive map shows you everything, so you know how to plan your beach-hopping extravaganza!

How to Get to La Paz’s Beaches, Mexico

Before you relax and unwind on the La Paz beaches, you need to plan your journey! This isn’t everyone’s favorite part, but it must be done! Luckily, this coastal oasis isn’t too far off the beaten path.

La Paz International Airport (LAP) (AKA Manuel Marquez de Leon International Airport) is your nearest option when flying in. The airport is located approximately six miles from the central town area.

When traveling to and from La Paz, you have various options available, so take your time and check out some other towns in the peninsula. Like San Jose Del Cabo, another popular international base. 

It’s super easy to travel from San Jose Del Cabo to La Paz with a standard bus that takes you to the city and offers loads of departures per day. Additionally, it’s only 3.5 hours.

La Paz, Mexico Beaches—The Takeaway

Beach bunnies and sun worshipers, it’s time to descend on the beaches of La Paz, Mexico. From snorkeling hotspots to luxe private beaches, this seafront brings you a different vibe with every curve of the map. Just make sure you’re prepared for the coastal bliss that lies ahead. 

Will we see you there? 

Don’t rush booking! Comb through Bookaway’s best Mexico routes before selecting any old option. With routes across the nation, you’ll be able to pick and choose your holiday destinations without breaking a sweat (save that for the beach towel!) 

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