It’s not that Los Cabos has lost its luster by any means — it’s still the glitzy paradise lined with a vibrant waterfront and all-inclusives with every posh amenity you can imagine.
But, I can’t be the only one who goes a little stir crazy if I’m in the same place too long. No offense to Sammy Hagar, but Cabo Wabo Cantina can only move the needle so far.
Day trips have become more common in Cabo, whether it be to indulge in the artsy, village charm of Todos Santos, discovering epic excursions on the East Cape, or perhaps you want to visit Mexico’s dreamiest beach that you can actually swim in!
The experts at The Cabo Sun just revealed your next summer escape. Just 2 hours from Cabo lies La Paz, a laid-back port town with cheaper prices, spectacular seafood, and yes, a beach so stunning it doesn’t seem real.
La Paz: Book Now Or Save It for Fall
La Paz doesn’t hold the same amount or the same level of hotels you’ll find in Cabo, which has everything from hidden ‘treehouses’ to 5-star celebrity havens.
The Cabo Sun reports that La Paz is already filling up for summer, with occupancy rates at half capacity and counting, so it’s best to get a move on finalizing plans.
Locals expect 80% of all accommodations to be booked. If you’re looking for prime real estate along the scenic malecón or daydreaming of countless hours on a rooftop, don’t let yourself settle for scraps with less-than-stellar reviews.
TripAdvisor ranks Hotel Catedral La Paz as the #1 summer stay. If you ask me, I’d be scoping out Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés, one of La Paz’s newest hotels, and you simply can’t beat the tranquil location.
La Balandra: Mexico’s Real-Life Dream
Currently, La Balandra is ranked 19th in the world (and 1st in Mexico) on the 2025 “World’s 50 Best Beaches” list.
Unlike much of Cabo, you can wade in the pristine waters without the worry of worst-case scenarios at red-flagged beaches.
The scenery is astounding, whether it be the otherworldly blue waters, the Insta-famous Mushroom Rock, or the staggering cliffs.
Even though La Balandra has gained popularity over the years, it still feels largely untouched because of tight regulations.
Visiting does require planning ahead. Any willy-nilly visitors will likely be turned away without proper arrangements.
Believe it or not, summer months are some of the best times to go as there are typically more crowds looking to escape the fall chills and winter freeze.
How To Make A Reservation:
- Choose between 2 sessions: 8 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm
- Be one of the first 450 visitors
- Arrive an hour before your start time (7 am or 12 pm)
- Save the headache: opt for a tour shuttle or boat charter (typically with drinks included)
Know Before You Go:
Bring shade (umbrella or tent), plentiful water, reef-safe sunblock, and water shoes for rocky ground. Follow the “pack it in, pack it out” rule and make sure to leave alcohol, glass, drones, and pets at home or experience the wrath of rangers enforcing stringent rules.
Getting Here From Cabo
First and foremost, the drive from Los Cabos to La Paz is straightforward.
Travelers who opt for a road trip typically rent a car from Cabo and take the 2-hour journey, but you can also stay in “vacation mode’ and let someone else take the wheel with a shuttle from Eco Baja Tours for $40 or Autobuses Águila for just $20.
But if you do choose to rent a car, remember you’re required to obtain Mexican car insurance.
America’s Sole Nonstop Flight To La Paz
As renowned as Baja may be, there’s only one nonstop flight from the U.S. to gorgeous La Paz.
Last year, Alaska Airlines made history launching a new flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to La Paz (LAP).
Otherwise, Southern Californians can use the Cross Border Xpress loophole via Tijuana for more nonstop flights on Mexican-based airlines.
The only other feasible options would be to fly direct to Cabo (as most do) or connect in another Mexican city, but that just seems like a headache, right?
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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