BajaNomad

do you know La Paz?

soleil - 12-26-2006 at 08:47 PM

Hi! This is my first post on this forum. I'm going to La Paz in a couple weeks and know almost nothing about the town. Can you? What are your favorite things to do there, beaches, restaurants, places to just hang out, have a margarita, day trips, nightlife... your comments are so much appreciated!!

Stickers - 12-26-2006 at 09:27 PM

soleil, there is a search feature on this board for endless information from past postings.

soleil - 12-26-2006 at 10:21 PM

hi - I tried the search by typing in La Paz and got almost nothing - is there a trick (like being in a special window) to getting better results?

JESSE - 12-26-2006 at 10:26 PM

In La Paz, theres a few things that are a must:

1.-Go to Balandra and Tecolote beach
2.-Go on a tour to Isla Espiritu Santo
3.-Walk in the malecon eating icecream
4.-Rent a car and visit Todos Santos, La ventana, and el triunfo

soleil - 12-26-2006 at 10:36 PM

Thanks Jesse.

1. Take a cab to the beaches? What facilities are offered at the beaches? OK to take some Coronas?

2. Any recommended tours to take to the Isla? There will be up to 5 of us going if that makes a difference.

3. I believe we are staying close to the Malecon - Las Gaviotas condos. Any favorite places to people watch? Get coffee in the morning?

Thanks again!!

JESSE - 12-26-2006 at 10:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soleil
Thanks Jesse.

1. Take a cab to the beaches? What facilities are offered at the beaches? OK to take some Coronas?

2. Any recommended tours to take to the Isla? There will be up to 5 of us going if that makes a difference.

3. I believe we are staying close to the Malecon - Las Gaviotas condos. Any favorite places to people watch? Get coffee in the morning?

Thanks again!!


1.-Rent a car, its cheap and you will need it, La Paz is big
2.-Theres some tours right on the malecon
3.-The entire malecon is good for people watch, and theres lots of coffe houses around town.

Frigatebird - 12-26-2006 at 11:08 PM

Las Tres Virgenes

Las Tres Virgenes more

soleil - 12-26-2006 at 11:34 PM

thanks for the help! this is a great forum! will definitely head for the different beaches, although I've never driven in Mexico before and might have to pass on it again this year.

do you remember what an average price for the day trip to Isla Espritu was?

Las Tres Virgenes sounds awesome. Recommend for a b-day celebration dinner? Do we need reservations and what is a good time to go (sunset view? any entertainment or better time to avoid a crowd?)

Jack Swords - 12-27-2006 at 06:08 AM

Just yesterday my daughter and boyfriend went out to Isla Espiritu Santo with Carey Outdoors. They had a ball!! Snorkeled with the sea lions at the far end of the island, took lots of photos with underwater camera, snorkeled in several coves, had lunch at Ensenada Grande on the beach, saw the whale sharks. Left at 8 AM, back at 4 PM. They had own gear, but Cary will provide wetsuits, snorkel stuff, if needed. They also provided lunch and water on the beach. Really nice folks, we postponed the original trip (daughter had cold) and they had no problem. Even called us on the radio when they were 10 minutes from being back so we could meet them. Carey is located at the entrance to Marina de la Paz, just at the W. end of the Malecon. Have breakfast at the cafe in the marina, walk out the dock to the boat. Carey does SCUBA, fishing, whale watching too. I was impressed AND did not have to take our boat out. This will be an annual trip for the kids. The manager is Oscar Iglesias, tel # is 612 1284048 in La Paz. Among other things to do in La Paz, the trip to the islands is a must.

Sea lions

Jack Swords - 12-27-2006 at 07:36 AM

Diving with sea lions off La Paz.

Jack's sea lion photo

David K - 12-27-2006 at 08:47 AM

sOLEIL

BAJACAT - 12-27-2006 at 09:00 AM

Here is a picture of Balandra,enjoy your trip.

BALANDRA LA PAZ.JPG - 39kB

soleil - 12-27-2006 at 09:24 PM

Love the pictures! So we'll definitely go to the beach bar at Tecolote beach, catch some time at Balandra, and take a trip over to Isla Espiritu. Are there other things to do at Isla? Or is it mostly beach time and swim/snorkel? How long is the ride over?

Can anyone recommend some good open air restaurants or bars on the malecon?

How to arrange a panga to take us to the Isla?

Stickers - 12-28-2006 at 12:21 AM

There is a very nice restaurant at the very end of the malecon (under the big new building). Beautiful setting with tables right on the bay. The last time I was there they had Brazilian musicians playing. Very nice (not cheap) but a good deal by L.A. standards. I have no idea the name of the place but I have enjoyed sitting there just having drinks and appetizers or a full dinner.

Jack Swords - 12-28-2006 at 06:53 AM

Thanks David for posting the photo!

Lots to do on the islands besides snorkeling. Lots of very nice shells, great hiking, beautiful views, photography, etc. Ride over is little more than 1/2 hour depending on seas, stopping for whales, birds, other creatures. Do walk the Malecon, it is a wide tiled, coconut palm lined walkway on the edge of the water. Still being extended, it is about two miles long. Lots of open air restaurants across the street from the malecon. We walk it daily. At the W end is Marina de la Paz with the Carey outfit having large office at the entrance where you can arrange for island trips, etc. You would then embark from the marina on the day of your trip. Good restaurant overlooking water for breakfast. Take a camera and anything you might need for the day (sunscreen, etc). Today (WED) IT WAS 87 degrees. Come by the clubhouse at the marina and friendly folks will give lots of suggestions about enjoying La Paz (not really a club, just a hang-out).

soleil - 12-29-2006 at 10:38 AM

Awesome! We are staying near the malecon, so will definitely spend some time walking it and will check out the marina for some fun things to do. I'm glad to hear the malecon is a good area to hang out at (!) and also good news on the weather - although I hear it is still getting quite cold at night. What is the usual clothing at night? Jeans ok?

Oh, and if we do not want to rent a car, what is the best way to get to the beaches? Are cabs readily available?

Jack Swords - 12-29-2006 at 12:30 PM

quite cold for those who have been here too long...low 60s at night. Had to wear long pants couple of nights ago. Never more than a sweatshirt. Jeans, shorts, whatever...lots of gringos and types of clothing. La Paz is very accepting and easy going. Cabs all over, buses too.

fishbuck - 12-30-2006 at 11:50 PM

I know a little about La Paz. I spent about 4 months bumming around there.
Open air bar. Cortez Club at La Concha hotel. Has a nice little beach too. You can walk it from La Gaviotas on the Malecon. Walk down the hill and take a right. It's at the end of the malecon and out of town a little.
There was a bar called Paradise Found that was interesting. Run by an american guy named Clark. Pool tables and darts. Popular with the cruiser crowd. Alot of people live on their boats out in the bay and this place is their hang out.
What I did alot was just walk around. If I was thirsty I'd stop somewhere for a beer and a taco or something. There's plenty of places Just explore.
The Marina De La Paz area looks nice but I found everything to be expensive. Better to go where the locals (mexicans) go for better prices and more authentic experience.
Have fun!

bajarich - 1-1-2007 at 01:29 PM

When is Carnival in LaPaz? That's a great time to be there, they close the Malacon at night and it's party time.

Carnival in La Paz

twogringos - 1-7-2007 at 11:03 AM

Carnival is Feb 15-20, 2007

[Edited on 1-7-2007 by twogringos]