I’ll be honest—I almost skipped La Paz.

When most people think about Baja California Sur, Cabo is usually the first place that comes to mind. But after spending a few days in La Paz, I can confidently say it’s my favorite destination in the region! The pace is slower, the beaches are more beautiful, and the entire city feels more authentic and laid-back.

La Paz is the kind of place where you can spend the morning swimming alongside whale sharks, the afternoon wandering one of the prettiest waterfronts in Mexico, and the next day snorkeling with sea lions around Isla Espíritu Santo. Throw in incredible seafood, rooftop sunset drinks, and a trip to the crystal-clear waters of Balandra Beach, and it’s easy to understand why this is one of Mexico’s most underrated cities.

If you’re wondering how to best organize your trip, this 3-day La Paz itinerary covers all of the city’s biggest highlights while still leaving plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace that makes La Paz so special.

Here’s exactly how I’d plan my first trip all over again.

Planning a few days in La Paz? Here are a few more guides to help you make the most of your trip:

• Destination Overview of La Paz
• The Best Restaurants In La Paz
• Day Trip To Isla Espiritu Santo Recap
• Balandra Beach Guide
• Republica Pagana Review

Quick Deets: 3-Day La Paz Itinerary

• BEST FOR?
  • Beautiful beaches, boat days, fresh seafood, and laid-back Baja vibes.
• IDEAL TRIP LENGTH?
  • Three full days.
• BEST TIME TO VISIT?
  • November through April for whale sharks, whale watching, and cooler temperatures.
  • May through September for warmer water, peak fishing season, and fewer crowds.
• WHERE TO STAY?
  • Near the Malecón in downtown La Paz.
• HOW TO GET AROUND?
  • Renting a car makes visiting Balandra Beach and the surrounding area much easier, but is not 100% necessary with access to rideshare in the city.
• CLOSEST AIRPORT?
  • La Paz International Airport or Los Cabos International Airport, about a two-hour drive away.
• DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT…
  • Swimming with whale sharks, taking a day trip to Isla Espíritu Santo, visiting Balandra Beach, and watching at least one sunset along the Malecón.
• WHAT TO BOOK AHEAD?
  • Whale shark excursions, Isla Espíritu Santo tours and hotels during the busier winter season
• GOOD TO KNOW
  • Bring pesos for tips, beach vendors, and smaller restaurants. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always nice to have cash on hand.

Why 3 Days in La Paz Is Perfect

If I were planning my first trip to La Paz again, I’d set aside three full days.

That’s enough time to experience everything that makes the city so special without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to the next. You can dedicate a full day to Isla Espíritu Santo, spend another swimming with whale sharks and exploring downtown, and still have time to visit Balandra Beach before heading home.

One of my favorite things about La Paz is that it never feels hectic. Most tours leave right from the Malecón, downtown is easy to explore on foot, and the best way to end the day is simply grabbing a drink and watching the sunset over the bay.

Of course, you could easily spend longer here—especially if you want more beach days, scuba diving, or time to relax at your hotel. But if it’s your first visit, three days gives you the perfect introduction to everything that makes La Paz one of my favorite destinations in Baja California Sur.

3-Day La Paz Itinerary

Day 1: Whale Sharks, Downtown La Paz & a Rooftop Sunset

Start the Morning With Coffee at Doce Cuarenta

If you’re anything like me, your first stop of the day is going to be coffee.

We started our morning at Doce Cuarenta Coffee & Bakery, and I’d absolutely recommend doing the same. It’s one of the most popular cafés in La Paz for a reason, with great coffee, fresh pastries and a relaxed courtyard that’s the perfect place to ease into your first day.

If you have an early whale shark tour, grab a coffee and pastry to go. If your morning is a little more relaxed, sit down and order the chilaquiles. Just try to get there a little earlier than you think you need to because it fills up quickly.

If you’re looking for something even faster, Sunrise/Sunset is another great option for coffee, smoothies and fresh juices. It also turns into a cozy organic wine bar later in the day, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for another spot to grab a drink during your trip.

Swim With Whale Sharks in the Bay of La Paz

If you’re visiting La Paz during whale shark season (generally October through April), I’d make this your number one priority!

Swimming with whale sharks had been on my bucket list for years, and somehow it was even better than I imagined. Seeing the largest fish in the world glide through the crystal-clear water just a few feet away is one of those experiences that’s hard to put into words.

Most tours leave from the Malecón in the morning and head into the protected whale shark area. Once your guide spots one, you’ll enter the water in small groups and swim alongside them as they slowly make their way through the bay.

I honestly wasn’t expecting the experience to feel so peaceful. Even though these fish can grow over 30 feet long, they’re incredibly calm as they glide beneath the surface, feeding on plankton and completely uninterested in the swimmers around them.

Because the area is protected, there are strict rules about how many boats and swimmers can be with each whale shark at a time. Your guide will walk you through everything beforehand, so just follow their instructions and enjoy the experience.

We booked our tour through TripAdvisor with a local marine biologist, and I’d happily recommend the same one. Learning about the whale sharks and the ecosystem throughout the tour made the experience even more memorable.

If swimming with whale sharks is one of the main reasons you’re visiting La Paz, don’t wait until you arrive to book. Tours can fill up quickly during the winter months.

→ Book the same whale shark tour we took here.

Grab Fish Tacos at Taco Fish

After your tour, head straight to Taco Fish.

If you only eat at one casual restaurant during your trip, make it this one.

The fried fish tacos were genuinely some of the best I’ve ever had, and I still think about them. They’ve also opened a second location just off the Malecón, making it an easy stop before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring downtown.

The fish tacos are the obvious choice, but don’t skip the shrimp taco either. It’s just as good. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a marlin empanada to the table to share, but if I’m being honest…I’d probably just order another taco instead.

It’s quick, affordable and exactly what you’ll want after spending the morning out on the water.

Wander the Malecón & Historic Downtown

After lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon getting to know La Paz.

One of my favorite things about this city is that you don’t really need a plan. Just start walking.

Stroll along the Malecón, wander through the colorful downtown streets, pop into a few local boutiques and stop whenever something catches your eye. Before long, you’ll find yourself at the cathedral, the central plaza or back along the waterfront watching boats drift through the bay.

Looking back, this was when La Paz really won me over.

It has a completely different feel than Cabo. The pace is slower, the atmosphere feels more local and nobody seems to be in a hurry. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon doing almost nothing and still feel like you’ve had a great day.

This is also exactly why I recommend staying near the Malecón. Once you park your car, you can spend the rest of the evening walking between restaurants, bars and the waterfront without worrying about driving anywhere.

Sunset Drinks & Dinner at Azotea

If you only make one dinner reservation for your first night, I’d make it Azotea.

This rooftop overlooks the Malecón and the Sea of Cortez, making it one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in La Paz. Try to arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before sunset so you can settle in with a cocktail while the sky starts to change.

Once the sun goes down, stay for dinner.

The menu features fresh seafood, tacos and creative cocktails, but honestly, it’s the atmosphere that makes this place special. It’s lively without feeling crowded and the perfect way to ease into your first night in La Paz.

If you’re still in the mood for one more stop afterward, walk over to La Miserable.

They’re known for their incredible selection of mezcal, and the staff does a great job recommending something based on what you normally like. Whether you order a tasting flight or stick with a cocktail, it’s a fun way to end your first day before heading back to your hotel.

Trust me—you’ll want to get some rest because tomorrow is one of the best days of the entire itinerary.

Day 2: Isla Espíritu Santo & Sea Lion Snorkeling

Spend the Day Exploring Isla Espíritu Santo

Day two is dedicated to one of the biggest reasons to visit La Paz: Isla Espíritu Santo.

This day trip ended up being one of my favorite experiences of the entire trip. Between snorkeling with sea lions, spotting dolphins, relaxing on secluded beaches and eating fresh ceviche with your feet in the sand, it’s truly an unforgettable experience.

Most tours leave from the Malecón in the morning and last most of the day. Ours included the boat ride, snorkeling equipment, lunch and several wildlife stops along the way.

Before you leave, pack sunscreen, a hat, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit and an underwater camera if you have one. You’re also welcome to bring your own drinks (yes, even beer or seltzers), and the crew will keep everything cold in the boat’s cooler. I’d also throw a light jacket in your bag. I wasn’t expecting to need one after spending all day in the sun, but the ride back gets surprisingly chilly once the boat picks up speed.

We booked our tour through TripAdvisor for around $135 per person, and I’d happily book the same one again.

→ Book the same Isla Espíritu Santo tour we took here.

Cruise Toward Isla Espíritu Santo

Honestly, the boat ride to Isla Espíritu Santo was almost as memorable as the island itself.

As you leave La Paz behind, the coastline becomes more rugged, with cactus-covered mountains, rocky cliffs and untouched beaches stretching into the distance. Along the way, your guide will point out landmarks like Balandra Bay while sharing stories about the island and the wildlife that calls these waters home.

Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed—but the Sea of Cortez has a way of surprising you.

On our trip, we spotted a few dolphins swimming alongside the boat. A few seconds later, we looked out across the water and realized they were everywhere. Hundreds of dolphins were surfacing, jumping and racing alongside us in every direction.

The captain slowed down and circled the area so we could simply take it all in. Looking back, it was one of those completely unexpected moments that ended up becoming a highlight of the entire trip.

Snorkel With Sea Lions at Los Islotes

This was the stop I was looking forward to most.

Los Islotes is home to a colony of wild sea lions, and you’ll have the chance to snorkel alongside them in their natural habitat.

If your tour offers wetsuit rentals, do yourself a favor and get one. The water was much colder than I expected, and I was so glad I had it once we jumped in.

Swimming with the sea lions was even more incredible than I imagined. The larger sea lions mostly kept to themselves, while the younger ones seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. One baby sea lion swam right up to our group, giving us a quick face-to-face encounter I’ll never forget.

Beyond the sea lions, the water is filled with colorful fish, rocky reefs and even a few small caves to swim through. Our guide pointed out marine life the entire time, which made the experience even more memorable.

Just remember that you’re visiting their home. Follow your guide’s instructions, keep your distance and let the sea lions decide how close they want to get.

Relax at Playa Ensenada Grande

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Playa Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida for lunch and some time to relax.

This ended up being one of my favorite beaches of the entire trip!

The boat anchored just offshore, and we stepped into crystal-clear, knee-deep water before walking onto a quiet stretch of white sand surrounded by rugged desert cliffs. The contrast between the bright turquoise water and the cactus-covered mountains honestly didn’t feel real.

Because the beach is only accessible by boat, it feels incredibly peaceful. There was only one other tour group there during our visit, so for most of the afternoon it felt like we had our own private island.

While everyone relaxed, our guides started making fresh ceviche right on the beach.

I honestly still dream about that ceviche. It was simple, incredibly fresh and somehow tasted even better after spending the morning snorkeling. We all went back for seconds…and I might’ve gone back for thirds.

After lunch, don’t feel like you need to do anything else. Go for another swim, walk along the shoreline or just find a spot in the sand and enjoy being somewhere this beautiful.

Return to La Paz Around Sunset

Most tours return to La Paz in the late afternoon, but our wildlife sightings weren’t over just yet.

On the way back, our guide spotted a gray whale in the distance. We spent a few minutes watching it surface before continuing toward the city, and it felt like the perfect ending to an already incredible day.

By the time we pulled back into the marina, everyone on the boat was still talking about their favorite moments.

If you’re debating whether Isla Espíritu Santo is worth dedicating an entire day to, my answer is absolutely yes. Between the dolphins, sea lions, secluded beaches and one of the best lunches we had in La Paz, it ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our trip.

If you want a full breakdown of the tour, including what to pack and everything we did throughout the day, be sure to check out my complete Isla Espíritu Santo guide.

Casual Dinner Along the Malecón

After spending the day on the water, keep dinner simple.

We grabbed a table at Buzos along the Malecón, ordered mojitos and watched the last of the sunset while talking about everything we’d seen that day.

One of my favorite things about La Paz is that evenings never feel rushed. Find a waterfront table, order fresh seafood and enjoy another slow night by the bay.

If you’re still in the mood for one more drink, HarkerBoard is a great rooftop bar just a short walk away. It’s a fun spot to end the night with a cocktail while overlooking the Malecón.

Day 3: Balandra Beach, Tecolote & the Malecón

Spend the Morning at Balandra Beach

No trip to La Paz is complete without visiting Balandra Beach.

If you’ve seen photos of La Paz, there’s a good chance they were taken here. The bright turquoise water, white sand and cactus-covered mountains almost don’t look real, and somehow it’s even more beautiful in person.

The beach is about 30-minutes away from Downtown La Paz. I recommend booking the morning entry session and getting there early. Not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy the beach before heading to lunch.

Bring everything you will need for the morning, including water, snacks, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and cash. There are no food or drink vendors inside Balandra, and facilities are intentionally limited to protect the natural environment.

One thing that’s important to know before your visit is that Balandra limits the number of visitors each day. You’ll need to reserve an entry bracelet in advance, and they can sell out—especially during holidays and peak travel periods.

I walk through exactly how the reservation process works (plus a few backup options) in my complete Balandra Beach Guide, so be sure to check that before your trip.

Start With the Viewpoint

As soon as you arrive, head straight for the viewpoint.

The hike only takes about 10 minutes, and trust me—it’s much easier before the sun gets too high.

From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the entire bay, with its winding sandbars, crystal-clear water and desert landscape stretching in every direction. The contrast between tropical blue water and a dry cactus-covered landscape is what makes Balandra feel so unique.

It’s easily one of the best views in all of Baja California Sur and the perfect way to kick off your morning.

Explore the Bay

After the hike, make your way back down and settle in for the rest of the morning.

One of my favorite things about Balandra is how easy it is to explore. Instead of parking yourself in one spot, spend some time walking through the shallow water, discovering different corners of the bay and making your way toward the famous mushroom rock, El Hongo.

The water is incredibly calm and so clear that you’ll probably spot fish swimming around your feet. We even saw a pufferfish during our visit. Just remember to do the stingray shuffle as you walk through the shallows—you never know what’s hiding beneath the sand.

Grab Lunch at Playa Tecolote

Once your morning at Balandra comes to an end, drive about 10 minutes farther north to Playa Tecolote for lunch.

Tecolote has a completely different vibe than Balandra. Instead of a protected nature reserve, you’ll find casual beachfront restaurants, cold drinks and plenty of places to pull up a chair with your feet in the sand.

After spending the morning exploring, this is exactly where I’d want to be.

Order fresh seafood, another round of ceviche and take your time enjoying one last afternoon on the Sea of Cortez before heading back into town.

Spend One Last Evening Along the Malecón

After freshening up at your hotel, head back to the Malecón for one final evening.

By now, the waterfront will probably feel familiar—and that’s part of what makes the last night so special. Wander through any shops you missed earlier in the trip, grab a drink, or simply stroll along the promenade as the city comes alive for the evening.

One of my favorite things about La Paz is how much life revolves around the Malecón. Families are out walking, friends gather along the waterfront and runners weave through the crowd as the sun slowly begins to set.

You don’t need a rooftop reservation tonight. Find a spot along the water and enjoy one last Baja sunset. It’s the perfect way to soak up the laid-back atmosphere that makes La Paz so easy to fall in love with.

And Chose Your Final Dinner in La Paz

For your last dinner in La Paz, I’d choose between Bizanga and Nemi depending on the kind of evening you’re looking for.

If you want something relaxed, head to Bizanga. The open-air setting, creative cocktails and fresh seafood make it feel special without being overly formal. It’s the kind of place where you’ll probably end up lingering over one more drink before calling it a night.

If you’re celebrating or simply want to end the trip on a high note, make a reservation at Nemi instead. Their tasting menu is one of the best dining experiences in La Paz and a great way to treat yourself before heading home.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either one. It just depends on whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back dinner or a memorable splurge to wrap up your trip.

Why You’ll Love La Paz

After three days in La Paz, I completely understood why so many people told me it was their favorite destination in Baja.

It’s the kind of place where your days naturally slow down. One morning you’re swimming with whale sharks, the next you’re snorkeling alongside sea lions, and before you know it, you’re watching another incredible sunset from the Malecón with a margarita in hand.

If I were planning my first trip all over again, I honestly wouldn’t change much about this 3-day La Paz itinerary. It gives you enough time to experience La Paz’s biggest highlights while still leaving plenty of room to slow down and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that makes this city so special.

I have a feeling once you visit, you’ll already be planning your next trip back before you even leave.