Introduction

The tranquil capital of Baja California Sur thrived on its black pearl trade until an epidemic ended production in 1940. It later began to attract sport fishermen from the United States and rapidly grew into a resort served by ferries, an airport and the Trans-peninsular Highway. But with the recent tourism boom in Los Cabos, La Paz has been all but forgotten.

Local attractions include strolling along Baja’s best malecon (seaside promenade), swimming with sea lions on Espiritu Santo Island, whale-watching, and visiting some relatively unknown white-sand beaches, particularly the shallow bays on the Pichilingue Peninsula, just north of town.