This Stunning City With One Of The World’s Best Beaches Is Only 2 Hours From Cabo

You’re lounging in Los Cabos, but that restless little voice in your head keeps whispering, “What else is out there?”

Two hours up Baja’s cactus-lined highway sits La Paz, a mellow port town that’s suddenly on every savvy traveler’s radar.

We at The Cabo Sun have road-tripped north and seen what the fuss is about—and trust us, the buzz is real. From a waterfront lined with taco carts and street art to a beach routinely crowned one of the planet’s finest, La Paz dishes up a totally different vibe without making you hop on another plane.

🚗 La Paz Is Filling Up Fast—Book Early

More than 50 percent of hotel rooms for June, July, and August are already spoken for, and local hoteliers expect occupancy to top 80 percent once summer peaks, according to EMPRHOTUR’s latest figures.

Translation? Snag that malecón-view boutique—or a family-friendly resort with a rooftop pool—now, or prepare to settle for whatever’s left.

🌞 Why La Paz Should Be On Your Summer Hit List

La Paz isn’t trying to out-glitz Cabo.

It’s doing its own laid-back Baja thing—and that’s exactly why you’ll love it. Picture peeling back layer after layer of authentic flavor, colorful street art, and salty-air adventure the minute you crest that final desert ridge and the Sea of Cortez shimmers into view.

Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting:

• Malecón magic – Five kilometers of palm-fringed promenade perfect for sunrise jogs or sunset margaritas, dotted with whimsical bronze whale-shark and pelican sculptures.
• Serious foodie cred – Smoked-marlin quesadillas, chocolate clams sizzling in garlic butter, and ceviche tostadas that cost less than your beach-day latte.
• Adventure playground – Kayak through mangrove tunnels, paddleboard at dawn, or hop a panga to UNESCO-listed Isla Espíritu Santo for hidden coves and turquoise water.
• Festival feels – The brand-new Copa de las Californias craft-beer fest is slated for the malecón this summer, pairing 40-plus breweries with live bands and Baja sunsets.
• Wildlife moments – September through May you can snorkel with the playful sea-lion colony at Los Islotes; tours pause June 1–Aug 31 for mating season, but boats still cruise past for photo-ops.
• Gorgeous, swimmable beaches – From family-friendly El Coromuel to shoreline snorkeling at Tecolote, there’s a sandy stretch for every mood—and one in particular that deserves its own spotlight next.

🏖️ Meet La Balandra—One Of The World’s Best Beaches

Travel pros just ranked Playa Balandra at #19 on the 2025 “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list—highest in Mexico.

Imagine wading through waist-deep, crystal-clear water for 100 yards, cinnamon-red cliffs all around, and the Insta-famous “Mushroom Rock” ready for its close-up.

Thanks to strict protections, Balandra still feels blissfully untouched—if you play by the rules laid out below.

📝 How To Reserve Your Spot

• Pick a session: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
• Visitor cap: 450 people per slot keep crowds chill.
• Arrive early: Be at the gate one hour before your start time; latecomers risk losing their spot to walk-ups. Learn more on the official government site here.
• Plan B: Local tour shuttles and boat charters often bundle the permit, transport, and a cooler full of drinks—zero stress.

🎒 What To Pack (And Skip)

Bring shade (umbrella or pop-up tent), at least two liters of water per person, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for the odd rocky patch. Pack out every crumb of trash. Skip alcohol, glass, drones, and pets—rangers will turn you around.

⏰ Best Times To Go

Morning means mirror-flat water, cooler temps, and primo parking. Afternoons deliver toastier water but stronger winds. Summer (June–August) is actually quieter than the October–April high season—just stay hurricane-alert.

🎉 More Summer Fun Around La Paz

• Malecón after dark – Street performers, artisanal ice-cream carts, and that nightly green-flash hunt as the sun slips behind the peninsula.
• Island-hopping – Espíritu Santo day trips swap sea-lion swims for snorkeling coral gardens while the colony’s on break.
• Chocolate-clam cookouts – Peak harvest runs May–August; many beach palapas grill them right on the sand.
• Bioluminescence kayaks – Warm, calm summer nights can trigger glowing plankton in nearby bays—ask local outfitters for mid-week tours.

🚌 Getting There From Cabo

Rent a car and cruise Highway 1 for two scenic hours—wide lanes, saguaro forests, and plenty of Pemex pit stops.

Prefer to kick back?

Eco Baja Tours shuttles between SJD airport and La Paz for about US $40 each way, while Autobuses Águila runs hourly coaches from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz for about $20.

🌴 Our Take

La Paz used to be Cabo’s mellow cousin, but this summer it’s the cool kid everyone wants to hang with.

Hotels are filling fast, Balandra bracelets disappear faster than an ice-cold Tecate on a 100-degree afternoon, and the craft-beer taps are about to start flowing.

Plan ahead, pack smart, and we’ll see you on the malecón—just don’t forget to tag @TheCaboSun when that Mushroom Rock selfie drops!