When you think of Baja California Sur, the all-inclusive resorts of Cabo and the spring breaker festivities of San Lucas may come to mind.

But there’s a lesser-known gem just two hours north of Cabo that is absolutely worth checking out: La Paz.

If you’re already going through Baja, rent a car on the cheap and dedicate a long weekend exploring all that La Paz and its picturesque surrounding regions have to offer. If you’re still in the trip-planning phase, consider flying into Manuel Márquez de León International Airport—colloquially known to gringos as La Paz Airport. Just be sure you’re going to Baja California Sur La Paz and not the one in Bolivia! (Though I hear La Paz, Bolivia is a wonderful city too.) The airport is about 10 miles (aka 16 km) southeast of La Paz and it’s easy to get to and from by bus or taxi.

Being the lesser-known city of Baja California Sur, La Paz has grown into itself over the years with a unique feel and personality. While there are plenty of touristic options around, the town doesn’t bend over backwards catering to tourists.

La Paz at Night

In fact, its population is largely driven by the local university famous for its marine biology program—Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (Autonomous University of Baja California Sur). So there’s a young and lively locals scene around the city.

The students aren’t the only ones enjoying the marine surroundings, of course. Both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez are a stone’s throw away from the city, and offer a wide array of ways to get out and enjoy nature. Choose your own water adventure—hidden beach coves, snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, fishing, swimming with whale sharks and sea lions. Some of the best whale watching happens in La Paz as well between mid-January through the beginning of March, with daily excursions going to Magdalena Bay.

Balandra Beach

If you’re more of a land enthusiast, the Sierra de Laguna mountain range shows off its beautiful peaks around the region and the wild horses are world-class. There are also plenty of beautiful beaches to chill on (like Balandra Beach), mountain biking trails and reasonable hikes around. With their community being so intertwined with nature, the people of La Paz respect the environment—and you should too!

Baja California Sur La Paz is also ideally located for getting to the beautiful, must-visit, kiteboarding-loving town that is La Ventana. Just a 40 minute drive southeast of the city, La Ventana is home to some of the best kiteboarding and most welcoming locals around. I rented a car (for so cheap, I’m still not sure if it was an error), but you can take a taxi there. The car is nice to have in La Ventana since there isn’t public transport (or mail!), but depending on where you stay and your places of interest you can also get around on foot.

Have you been to La Paz? Have any Baja favorites? Let me know! Happy travels 🙂