Why Honeymoon in La Paz
The Sea of Cortez is calm on this side of the peninsula, which makes La Paz far better for swimming than Cabo's Pacific beaches. You can wade, paddle and snorkel almost every day.
The wildlife is the headline. A day on the water can bring sea lions, dolphins, rays and, in season, whale sharks. Overnight camping trips on Espíritu Santo put you on a quiet beach under desert stars.
The city itself is easygoing. Locals walk the malecón in the evening, families fill seafood stands and there is little of the touts and timeshare pressure found farther south. It is also good value. Hotels and meals cost noticeably less than in Los Cabos.
When to Go
October through May is the best window. Days are warm and dry, with highs in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit through winter. Whale shark season usually runs from about October or November into spring. The sea is often calm for island trips.
Winter can bring strong north winds that cancel boat trips for a day or two, so build some flexibility into your plans. June and July get hot. August and September are the hottest and most humid, with most of the year's small amount of rain and the peak of hurricane season.
On summer nights, a cooling breeze called the Coromuel blows in from the Pacific, which locals credit with making the heat bearable. The city averages over 300 sunny days a year.
Where to Stay
Along the malecón, you can walk to restaurants, bars and the boat tour offices. Hotels here range from simple inns to mid-range options such as Seven Crown La Paz Malecón. Ask for a bay view, since sunsets over the water are part of the charm.
CostaBaja Resort & Spa, on the road north toward Pichilingue, is the area's main upscale resort, with a marina, pools and a beach club. It is a short drive from town and closer to the beaches.
For something wilder, several outfitters run guided glamping trips on Espíritu Santo, with tents on the sand and meals cooked by the crew. Approximate rates: US$90 to US$200 a night in town, with resort rooms costing more.
Romantic Things to Do
Book a full-day boat trip to Espíritu Santo. Most include snorkeling with the sea lions at Los Islotes, a lunch stop on a white beach and swims in turquoise coves. Go with a small group for a quieter day.
Spend a morning at Balandra. The bay is so shallow that you can walk across parts of it at low tide. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and look for the mushroom-shaped rock. The area is protected and has visitor limits and set hours, so arrive early and check current rules.
In season, swim near whale sharks with a licensed operator in the bay. End a day riding bikes along the malecón at sunset, then stop for ice cream or a cocktail facing the water.
Getting There and Around
La Paz's airport (LAP) has nonstop flights from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines several times a week, plus connections through Mexico City and other Mexican hubs. Routes change, so check before booking. Many couples instead fly into Los Cabos (SJD), which has far more US nonstops, then drive about two and a half hours north.
A rental car is useful for reaching Balandra, Tecolote and other beaches north of town, as well as Todos Santos, about an hour away. Ride-hailing apps and taxis work in the city.
Boat tours usually include hotel pickup or leave from the malecón and the marinas. Avoid driving rural highways at night because of cattle and poor lighting.
Food and Drink
La Paz eats from the sea. Fish and shrimp tacos are the everyday meal, best from stands that fry them fresh. Add toppings from the salsa bar. Try chocolate clams, named for their brown shells, served raw with lime or grilled.
The malecón has many sit-down restaurants with water views, good for a long dinner at sunset. Back streets in the center hide small places serving Baja-style seafood cocktails and local favorites at much lower prices.
Try damiana, a sweet herbal liqueur made in Baja Sur, often mixed into margaritas. There is also a small craft beer scene. Drink bottled or filtered water. Carry pesos for taco stands.
Honeymoon Tips
- Book island trips for the first days of your stay. If wind cancels a tour, you will have time to reschedule.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard. The sun on the water is fierce. Shade is rare on the islands.
- At Balandra, take water and snacks. Services are limited and the area has protected status.
- Follow guides' rules around sea lions and whale sharks. Do not touch the animals.
- The State Department rates Baja California Sur at "exercise increased caution." La Paz is relaxed, but take normal precautions at night.
- Dress is casual. Sandals and light clothes work almost everywhere.
