The capital of Baja California Sur, and the largest
city in southern Baja, La Paz located on a large, natural
bay, and some of Baja's most beautiful islands are just
a short distance offshore! For a town of 180,000 souls
La Paz has a very nice, warm feel to it. The
waterfront area of La Paz is particularly beautiful, and
the sunsets across the bay are usually quiet
spectacular! Local families and tourists often gather on
the Malecon at water's edge to enjoy this nightly
show.
The
large harbor attracts sailboats from all over the world!
There are many great beaches for swimming and sunbathing
north east of the city, just a short drive from
downtown. More remote beaches (and quite spectacular)
can be found south east of La Paz, in the Bahia Los
Muertos area.
Because of the remote location, La Paz had
roller-coaster beginnings. La Paz was "discovered" by
Hernan Cortez in 1535 (don't mention this fact to the
descendants of the local Indians!), and then again by
Sebastian Vizcaino in 1596, who gave La Paz its current
name. The Jesuits gave the settlement a go until 1749,
and then abandoned the area due to lack of interest. A
permanent settlement was established by Jose de Galvez
in 1811, which led La Paz to becoming the state capital
in 1830.
The
plentiful oyster beds that attracted the original
explorers to La Paz many years ago are now gone, but
modern visitors will find a large variety of goods and
services to keep them entertained. John Wayne and his
buddies used to enjoy the remote feeling of La Paz in
years past, but adventure seekers must now head south of
town for empty Baja. There is usually plenty of
activity going on all throughout town, except, of
course, during the traditional 'siesta' period after
lunch, when many residents and business owners tend to
relax or catch a little shut eye.
La Paz
does not offer the same type of first class resorts that
can be found in Los Cabos, two hours down Baja Highway
One. La Paz has no 5 star hotels, no waterfront golf
courses, and the nightlife is fun but reserved compared
to Cabo. But La Paz does offer excellent fishing, diving
and other watersports. Like to kayak? La Paz is the
place!
One of
the great advantages of La Paz is its close proximity to
raw Baja nature. One can travel a relatively short
distance in any direction from town, and be smack dab in
the middle of nowhere in short order. If one has to live
in a big town, but still wants to enjoy the splendor of
Baja's wilderness, La Paz is numero uno!
Do you
hate stop signs? You'll love driving in La Paz! NOBODY
stops at stop signs here! Just slow down, and then keep
going...it's fun!
For
more information on what's happening in other parts of
northern Baja check out the web site of BAJA TOURIST
GUIDE
Before
you head south check out today's LA
PAZ WEATHER!
