Just beyond La Paz, Espiritu Santo Island showcases the dramatic contrast of desert mountains and remarkably clear waters. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, the island is defined by volcanic cliffs and secluded beaches GNW

Article content

From the tranquility of Todos Santos to the wind-powered waters of La Ventana, La Paz reveals the many sides of Baja California Sur

Article content

La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Desert mountains meet blue water, protected islands sit just offshore, and a city with a lively waterfront has developed a food and hotel scene sophisticated enough to complement its wild surroundings. This is La Paz: a place where an adventurous day can end with an exceptional dinner, and where nature is never far from the city.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Start with the beaches. Balandra’s shallow turquoise waters and distinctive rock formations have become an icon of La Paz, while nearby El Tecolote offers a wider stretch of sand with views across the bay. The calm waters make both ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, while the surrounding landscape remains unmistakably Baja California Sur. For a deeper connection with nature, head to Espíritu Santo Island. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, the island is defined by volcanic cliffs, secluded beaches, and remarkably clear waters. California sea lions gather at Los Islotes, while dolphins and seabirds can be spotted in the surrounding waters. Kayaking and snorkeling offer a closer look at the marine life beneath the surface. Then the landscape changes again.

Article content

Article content

Todos Santos, a Pueblo Magico on the Pacific coast, offers a quieter counterpoint to La Paz. Historic buildings, galleries, independent shops and restaurants fill its streets, while the surrounding countryside opens toward beaches such as Los Cerritos, where surfing and the wide Pacific horizon replace the sheltered waters of the bay. The region’s culinary scene has evolved alongside its growing appeal. In La Paz and Todos Santos, chefs work with seafood, local produce and ingredients from Baja California Sur, combining regional traditions with contemporary techniques. The MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 selection recognizes restaurants in both communities, including Dūm and Oystera, Benno and TENOCH by Paradero in Todos Santos and NEMI in La Paz city. The places to stay offer another way to experience the contrast. La Paz has developed an impressive range of hotels, from intimate boutique properties to upscale waterfront stays, including Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés. In Todos Santos, Paradero Todos Santos and Hotel San Cristóbal have created stays where architecture, food and the surrounding landscape are central to the experience.

Article content

Article content

Back in La Paz, the Malecon brings the day to a close. Restaurants and cafés line the waterfront; public art punctuates the promenade, and the bay provides a constantly changing backdrop. After a day on the water or in the desert, there is something particularly appealing about simply walking along the shore, finding a table and watching the city settle in the evening. For travelers arriving from Canada, reaching La Paz is increasingly convenient. Nonstop and seasonal flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal serve Los Cabos International Airport, with La Paz approximately two hours away by road. What makes La Paz compelling is the range of experiences within easy reach: turquoise-water beaches, marine wildlife, desert landscapes, kiteboarding, surfing, historic towns, MICHELIN Guide-recognized restaurants and distinctive hotels. Here, adventure and tranquility are not competing ideas. They are part of the same journey.

Article content

Attachments

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content

Article content