🌴 Top 7 Beaches in La Paz, Mexico (2025) – Your Unmissable Island Escape Guide
Discover dreamy shores, hidden coves, and insider tips to elevate your La Paz itinerary—complete with creative descriptions, driving directions, internal links, and yacht charter tips from Lover Lips Yachts!
1. Playa Balandra – The Queen of Turquoise
Why go: Picture this: crystal shallows stretching as far as your ankles can wander, backed by desert cliffs dotted with cacti and mangroves. That’s Balandra—officially a protected natural area—with its iconic Mushroom Rock that’s practically made for your Instagram feed. Waist-deep water, vibrant sandbanks, and that dreamy view from the hilltop make it a must-see. Voted ONE OF THE 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE WORLD!
Drive: From downtown La Paz, take Highway 11 toward El Tecolote. It’s about 27 km (30 minutes) on a scenic coastal road. Parking is limited, so arrive early!
Lover Lips Tip: Book our morning cruise to Balandra here to beat the crowds and arrive in luxury.
External Source: TripAdvisor’s Top Beach Rankings
2. Playa El Tecolote – Sea-food + Sun-soaked Fun
Why go: Just five minutes past Balandra, El Tecolote stretches like a playground of white sand and gentle waves. Jet skis, kayaks, banana boats—you name it, it’s here. Plus, beachfront eateries serve up the freshest seafood with views of Isla Espiritu Santo.
Drive: Continue along Highway 11 past Balandra—approx. 28 km total, about 27 minutes.
Lover Lips Tip: Add Tecolote to your day charter itinerary for some mid-day margaritas and marine fun.
External Source: Lonely Planet – La Paz Beaches
3. Playa El Caimancito – La Paz Locals’ Lagoon
Why go: Small but mighty, this local treasure sits just outside the city. Named after its alligator-like rock formations, it’s perfect for snorkeling, paddling, or chilling under a sun umbrella. The calm waters are ideal for families.
Drive: Head south via scenic Carr Escénica 38 for ~10 km—just 10 minutes from town.
Lover Lips Tip: Include Caimancito in your family-friendly yacht tour.
External Source: Mexico Desconocido
4. Playa Pichilingue – Calm & Convenient Coastal Escape
Why go: Pichilingue is lesser-known, even among frequent visitors. It offers gently rolling surf, a few beachside restaurants, and far less traffic. Ideal for a relaxing lunch and a swim.
Drive: Take the coastal route north—about 21 km, a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Lover Lips Tip: Perfect stop for our Pichilingue evening cruise.
External Source: Rome2Rio La Paz Guide
5. Playa Escondida – Hidden-Gem Beach Break
Why go: Tucked between Balandra and Tecolote, this “Hidden Beach” lives up to its name. A short trek from the road brings you to an undisturbed paradise, far from the crowds.
Drive: Take a lightly traveled side road off Highway 11. 4×4 recommended during rainy season.
Lover Lips Tip: Book a private tour to get here in comfort and style. Explore our hidden beach charters.
External Source: Atlas Obscura: Hidden Beaches
6. El Mogote Peninsula – Dune-backed Mangrove Wonderland
Why go: Just across from La Paz proper, El Mogote is a barrier peninsula with shifting dunes and mangrove forests. It’s a biodiversity hotspot and a great place for dune running, paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting.
Drive: Reach via a short car ferry ride or yacht from Marina de La Paz.
Lover Lips Tip: Join our El Mogote mangrove adventure to explore nature up close.
External Source: Baja Insider on El Mogote
7. Isla Espíritu Santo – Wild Island Paradise
Why go: These island beaches feature pristine sands, brilliant fish, and occasional sea lion serenades. It’s part of a protected UNESCO biosphere reserve and offers unforgettable raw beauty.
Access: Only by boat—and Lover Lips Yachts offers exclusive tours. About 1 hour from Marina de La Paz.
Lover Lips Tip: Snorkel, kayak, and swim with sea lions on our full-day Espíritu Santo adventure.
External Source: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Info
✅ Quick Beach Summary
| Beach | Distance | Time | Access | Charter Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balandra | 27 km | 30min | Drive | Yes |
| El Tecolote | 28 km | 27min | Drive | Yes |
| El Caimancito | 10 km | 10min | Drive | Yes |
| Pichilingue | 21 km | 20min | Drive | Yes |
| Escondida | ~21 km | ~25min | 4×4 or boat | Yes |
| El Mogote | Ferry | ~5min | Car ferry/yacht | Yes |
| Espíritu Santo | – | 1 hr | Boat only | Yes |
🌊 Final Splash: Make Waves with Lover Lips Yachts
La Paz’s beaches are pure magic—but why drive when you can sail? Skip the parking lines, the sandy car seats, and the guessing game. With Lover Lips Yachts, you can cruise to Balandra, Tecolote, or even remote beaches like Espíritu Santo with an onboard chef, cold drinks, and curated vibes.
Because in La Paz, “Luxury doesn’t have to be expensive, just unforgettable.”
