La Paz was an unexpected gem that I didn’t expect to find when I headed out from Cabo in Mexico. The beaches there were nearly empty which was a refreshing change from the busyness that I had just experienced.  It is the capital of  Baja California Sur, so the city itself has a lot of activity. There was a beautiful waterfront to walk along which had stunning views of the sunset.  There were also interesting museums and lots of great shopping.

But, my favorite part were the beaches, just a short drive out of the city. There were many activities available from snorkeling to kayaking and diving.  At certain times of year, you can even swim with whale sharks.  My two favorite beaches were Playa El Tecolote and Playa Balandra. Playa Balandra had some of the clearest water that I’ve ever seen and was very shallow and calm.

I stayed at the Hotel Seven Crown which was located across the street from the waterfront.  It had a jacuzzi on the roof with a stunning view of the ocean.  There were also many great restaurants with much more authentic food than I had experienced in either Cabo or Todos  Santos. You will need a car to get to the beaches, so I highly recommend renting one.  I think you will find La Paz a highlight of your trip to Baja, and it’s not difficult to obtain residency if you decide you want to live here permanently!

Check out my Guide To Mexico, for other places to visit!