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Cabo San Lucas is one of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico.
As of 2022, Cabo was the second most-visited beach destination in Mexico after Cancun. Cabo set a new record with more than 3.5 million tourists in 2022, and it’s on track to beat that record in 2023.
There’s a lot to love about Cabo, which is located on the Baja California peninsula on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It’s a beautiful, safe destination with great beaches, resorts, and plenty of things to do.
But if you’re looking for a more underrated destination in Baja California that has all the benefits of Cabo without as many crowds, look no further than La Paz, Mexico.
Located less than 2.5 hours from Cabo by car, La Paz is the capital city of Baja California Sur.
Here’s why travelers should consider La Paz for their next vacation:
1. La Paz Has A Quaint Charm
Despite being a mid-sized city with approximately 250,000 residents, La Paz feels more like a quaint seaside town than a bustling city.
It doesn’t have sprawling mega-resorts or endless American fast food chains like you see in some of the more over-developed touristy areas in Mexico like Cabo and Cancun.
Instead, La Paz has more of a local and authentic charm that is perfect for travelers who are seeking a different experience than just lying on the beach at an all-inclusive resort.
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2. Pristine Beaches
La Paz is a port city, so the beaches right in town are not quite as nice, but further out, you can find some of the best beaches in Baja California Sur.
White sandy shores and clear azure waters await you on the beaches near La Paz. Many beaches are excellent for swimming and snorkeling, with Playa Balandra being one of the best. This beach is located about 30 minutes from La Paz by car.
Another popular activity at the beach is kayaking, and you can spot a lot of marine life in the ocean.
3. Affordable Prices
Compared to Cabo, La Paz can be a much more affordable destination for a beach vacation in Mexico. Although you won’t find any all-inclusive resorts in La Paz like you would in Cabo, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from.
Beachfront luxury hotels in La Paz are often around 20% cheaper than those in Cabo, and you also have a wider range of accommodation options to choose from.
You can also find lower prices on everything from food to activities to transportation in La Paz compared to the more touristy Cabo.
4. Amazing Marine Life
La Paz is an amazing place for spotting marine life. You can see whale sharks (and even go swimming with them!) in La Paz from October through April. It’s actually one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks.
Additionally, the nearby Espiritu Santo Island is a great day trip from La Paz where you can see dolphins, rays, sea lions, and other marine wildlife.
5. Plenty Of Things To Do
There are so many things to do in La Paz, Mexico.
Aside from beautiful beaches and marine wildlife, the city of La Paz has great restaurants and nightlife. One of the best things to do in La Paz is stroll along the Malecón at sunset.
This 3-mile pedestrian promenade runs along the waterfront in La Paz, and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. It always has a vibrant atmosphere and is a great place for people-watching.
There are also lots of things to do nearby like kayaking, sailing, whale watching, off-roading, and sandboarding.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
