Remember when escaping to Mexico meant seeing very few tourists, the only hotels available were family owned, meals were cheap and FANTASTIC, and the pace was slow and easy. The evenings consisted of a quiet stroll on the beach where you could hear the lapping of the waves, and perhaps the romantic strumming of a Spanish guitar. Maybe you would visit the local town square where a rousing game of basketball was under way and groups of families gathered just to sit and talk and watch the children play. That slice of life still exists in La Paz, Mexico. While there are some very fine resorts and modern conveniences in the area, it has never lost its old world charm unlike other regions of Mexico that have suffered from over development.
La Paz is the capitol of Baja Sur California, while it is only a small piece of the Mexican territory it is one of the rare places in the world where culuture and history blend seamlessly together just like the desert landscape here that blends into the sea. The Sea of Cortez provides a beautiful backdrop for this amazing destination, the surrounding waters of La Paz were first named the Berméjo Sea, due to their many moods, the waters are filled with intense colors ranging from azure blue to blood red. The Sea of Cortez was once baptized by Jacques Cousteau as “The Aquarium of the World ”, with over 800 species of marine life who call it home, including the famous gray whales. Needless to say many fine water adventures can be had here including sportfishing, diving, kayaking and whale watching.
 With more than 25 first-class top diving spots in and around La Paz you will love being in the marine nursery of the world. It is here that Gray Whales calve their young luring thousands of tourists each year into the area. Gray Whales are not the only large marine life to call La Paz home, there are also resident pods of Sperm Whales, Orcas, Humpback, Blue and Fin whales as well. Sea Lion colonies entertain the masses and thousands of dolphins call the Sea of Cortez home.
Land adventures can be just as dramatic with desert excursions which include bird watching, four-wheeling trips, mountain biking opportunities and cave exploring. The surrounding landscape is home to 4,000 different species of flora and fauna and is home to some of the most pristine cave paintings in the world. Just south of the city lies the edge of the Tropic of Cancer and the magnanimous Sierra de la Laguna. This biosphere is a garden of eden in the middle of the hot desert where vegetation changes dramatically from the desert floor to forests of pines and pinon-oak trees. As you climb the mass which is just over two kilometers high it is not an uncommon site to see sudden streams which flow into crystalline pools, a wonderful treat for humans and wildlife alike.
 After a gorgeous sunset get ready to enjoy fine food and fun with the many nightclubs and restaurants in the area. Seafood and Mexican Food is a must while visiting La Paz but international cuisine is readily available. However some of the best food in town is the simplest and least expensive. For example look for the little cart on the malecon (waterfront) called the "Bismarksito", they have the best fish tacos in town. For a cool and refreshing treat grab a "paleta" , a fresh fruit frozen popsicle(lime is a favorite) from the La Fuente. Take a moonlight stroll on the best beach in town, Playa Tecolote. It makes for a very simple, enjoyable and inexpensive evening in one of the most charming places in Old Mexico.
La Paz Accommodations
 El Angel Azul- This beautiful and quaint B&B is a La Paz landmark with more than 140 years of history and is considered by the INAH (National Institution of Anthropology and History) as an historic monument. Located in the heart of La Paz, the building was formerly the town’s courthouse. It has been completely renovated and redesigned as a traditional hotel under the authority and supervision of the INAH.
Club El Moro- This boutique hotel has only 17 rooms making it the perfect quiet getaway. Its' Moorish architecture, wide gardens, jacuzzi, pool, palapa bar make it the perfect spot for visiting and enjoying the marina and harbor of beautiful La Paz.
La Casa la Jalisco- This is perhaps the best deal on the Baja. With 10 amazing rooms the hotel is a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-styled mansion. Each room has a private balcony and large, modern bathroom with built-in tub. All rooms have free Wi-Fi Internet service and we have available secure, off-street parking. All rooms include a continental breakfast.
 La Paz "Local" Dining
Best Mexican Restaurant
El Zarape, Located at Calle Mexico No 3450
entre Oaxaca y Nayarit.
Ask for Julia, Tel: (612) 122-2520
Best International Restaurant
Las Brisas Del Mar
Best Seafood
BISMARK II
Altamirano y Degollado
Tel: (612) 122-4854
EL BISMARKCITO
Álvaro Obregón s/n
Tel: (612) 128-4900
EL CANGREJO LOCO
A. Obregón e/ Bravo y Ocampo
Tel: (612) 122-1359
La Paz Activities
DIVING
2 Tank Dive at Espiritu Santo Island
FUN BAJA
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$100.00
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SCU BAJA JOE/ BAJA QUEST
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$105.00
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BAJA EXPEDITIONS
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$115.00
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Includes: 2 Tank Dive at Isla Espiritu Santo with lunch, water, sodas and gear.
 SNORKELLING TOURFull-day excursion to Espiritu Santo Island
FUN BAJA
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$70.00
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SCU BAJA JOE/ BAJA QUEST
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$70.00
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BAJA EXPEDITIONS
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$75.00
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BAJA OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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$40.00
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Includes snorkelling gear, lunch, water and sodas.
SPORTFISHING
Day of fishing in 24' Super Panga
FUN BAJA
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$200.00
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BAJA PIRATES
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$210.00
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MOSQUITO FLEET
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$215.00
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Includes: Tackle, fishing license, water and sodas. Lunch Box: add $12 USD
KAYAK TOURS
Full-day of kayaking in the bay or 3 to 7 night excursions
MAR Y AVENTURAS
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$60.00 and up
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SCU BAJA JOE / BAJA QUEST
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$70.00
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BAJA EXPEDITIONS
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$75.00
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BAJA OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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$35.00 and up
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Needless to say if you're looking for small mexican town ambiance with world class flair La Paz which by the way translates to the word "peace" is the perfect escape from the hectic pace of your everyday life.
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