La Paz, or "La Passion" as locals lovingly refer to it, is the home base for our Isla Espiritu Santo sea kayaking adventures, the start or finish for many of our sea kayaking & whale watching combination trips, and the end of our Loreto to La Paz sea kayaking tour. Whether you're looking to have a little fun before you take off on your adventure with us, or you're craving some city-time after a few days of sun, clear turquoise waters, uninhabited beaches, and paddling, exploring La Paz should definitely be on your to-do list while you're there!
With a population of 215,000 and growing, La Paz is the largest city and the capital of Baja California Sur, leaving no shortage of fun activities for you while you visit. Here are a few of my favorite spots to get you started.
The beachside malecón (boardwalk) offers the majority of restaurants, cafes, and shops, but there are some hidden gems within the grided streets leading up the hills. If you're strolling on the malecón be sure to try Bismarkcito located at the corner of Constitución and Obregón. They are known for their incredible seafood, from lobster chowder to breaded fish tacos (capeados-style - i.e. breaded and fried). Also, make sure to visit their salsa bar a few times to try out the variety of delicious toppings and sauces they offer!
Another great stop while strolling the malecón in the evening is the Harker Board restaurant, also near the corner of Constitución and Obregón. Go upstairs, through the board shop, and onto their rooftop patio to watch the sunset, enjoy a microbrew from Baja Brewing Company, and a chow down on a delicious burger and fries.
Off the malecón, be sure to visit Belisario Dominquez Street, one street off and parellel to the malecón. Buey Cup! Coffee Bar, at the corner of Domínguez and 5 de Mayo, is a bohemian cafe to get a great cup of coffee and something from their bakery for breakfast. Sit on the patio and enjoy the colorful colonial architecture near the plaza. Just down the road is La Miserable Mezcaleria where they specialize in mescal, a distilled spirit made from the maguey plant, relative of agave and native to Mexico. Domínguez is the "hip" street in La Paz, so be sure to wear your khakis and Ray Bans!
Another fantastic seafood restaurant is Mr. Fishers near the corner of José María Morelos y Pavón and Madero. They have a super laid back atmosphere, coupled with excellent fish, scallops and lobster dishes. The staff is friendly and more than happy to help you practice your Spanish while they practice their English!
If you're in the mood for some classic Mexican tacos (i.e. pastor, asada, chorizo), head down Calle 5 de Mayo past the central plaza and the Cathedral of Lady Guadalupe to discover several taco stands and shops. Look for the one with the most locals and order "Quisiera dos tacos de pastor y uno de asada." Or try a "gringa," a taco with queso manchego, a traditional white cheese.
Looking for some sights to see?
The Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia at the corner of Ignacio Altamirano and Calle Cinco de Mayo, is a three floored museum highlighting Mexican, and specifically Baja, history is one of the best museums on regional history in the area.
A free arts exhibit in the Casa de Gobierno offers a rotating exhibit of local and Mexican artists work. It's located on Calle Francisco Madero and Calle Cinco de Mayo across from the church on the main plaza, and is a nice side stop while exploring the main plaza.
Interested in fishing? I highly suggest you go with a company that specializes in fishing tours, or charters. You can fish for Dorado, Marlin, Yellowtail, Grouper, Yellowfin Tuna, Snapper, Amber Jack and Sail Fish.
I hope you enjoy one of my personal favorite cities in Baja, and let "La Passion" take you away as it does for me time and time again!
