EXPLORING LA PAZ'S HIDDEN GEMS

TOP BEACH ESCAPES

CERRITOS BEACH (1 HOUR DRIVE FROM LA PAZ)

Are you craving water-based thrills or prefer observing aquatic enthusiasts while you unwind with a book? Cerritos is the spot for you! This long, wide, gently curved beach on the Pacific Ocean side of the Baja California peninsula stands as a popular midpoint between Los Cabos and La Paz. It amalgamates the energy of these two incredible cities, offering a space for frisbee games, sunset meditation, or joining a group indulging in fresh ceviche and cold beers.

Cerritos's popularity arises from its suitability for surfers of all levels. Shallow, turbulent waters for beginners coexist with fast, heavy waves for professionals. And, as a bonus, whales frequently grace the coast from November to March!

If you're new to the sport or need a refresher, surf lessons can be arranged in advance or on-site. The Trip&homes Experiences team collaborates with professional instructors who make the challenging work of reading waves and timing seem like a breeze. Getting on your feet is the easy and enjoyable part, that's all you!

For those who prefer riding waves face down, boogie boards are available for rent at various spots on the beach. Being the only option on this list with services like restaurants and bars, complete with bathrooms and changing rooms, Cerritos Beach is undoubtedly worth the one-hour trip from La Paz.

BALANDRA BEACH (40 MINUTES DRIVE FROM LA PAZ)

We'd be remiss not to include Balandra Beach in a list of the "best beaches around La Paz"! Voted 'Mexico's most beautiful beach' not once but twice, this shallow-water bay nestled between imposing mountains and desert cliffs is the pride and joy of the city. For comprehensive tips on this beach and how to plan your visit, check out this complete guide to Balandra Beach.

Pro Tip: Balandra isn't a singular beach but a bay comprising many separate beaches and a section of mangroves. That's why I believe the BEST way to enjoy this natural wonder is by booking a private boat tour. Your guides will point out unique geological features like the famous Mushroom Rock, and you'll escape the crowds of the main beach.

Enjoy the emerald blues and greens of the water from the fine white sand on the less-visited south side of the bay. From here, the only sound you'll hear is the gentle splash of waves, pure serenity. As a protected natural area, there are rules to respect to preserve this pristine piece of paradise for future generations: avoid walking on dunes or interfering with coastal vegetation, and don't pack the shells you might find along the white sandy beaches (that's a hermit crab's home!)

EL SALTITO BEACH (30 MINUTES DRIVE FROM LA PAZ)

A secluded pebble beach primarily frequented by small groups of locals picnicking together and perhaps even camping overnight, this untamed side of La Paz is reserved for the discerning! The mountains give way to a legitimately lush slope with endemic vegetation, cacti, and desert shrubs ("lush" isn't a word you'd associate with desert terrain, but there you have it!). The desert, in turn, yields to the fairly deep beach that eventually drops into turquoise waters. No rocks or seaweed mar the coast here. Just glorious sand and sea.

Adjacent to the beach, two rocky islets protrude from the water, providing a home and nesting ground for many seabirds, and even a resting platform for the occasional sea lion! Bring a snorkel and mask, and circumnavigate the larger of the two for the richest and most colorful snorkeling you'll find swimming on any beach around La Paz.

Literally, there's nothing but nature at El Saltito Beach, so be sure to bring your own lunch and plenty of cold drinks for a full day here. The dirt road down to the beach usually doesn't require a 4x4, however, check with the Trip&homes team that there hasn't been heavy rain recently (water flowing down the slope can cause loose sand to accumulate that normally isn't there).

That wraps up our top 3, delighted travelers! Whatever you choose, there are no lackluster days at the beach in Baja!