La Paz Fast Facts
176km (110 miles) N of Cabo San Lucas; 195km (122 miles) NW of San José del Cabo; 1,544km (968 miles) SE of Tijuana
Visitor Information
The most accessible visitor information office is on Alvaro Obregón across from the intersection of Calle 16 de Septembre. The extremely helpful staff speaks English and can supply information on La Paz, Los Cabos, and the rest of the region. The official website of the La Paz Tourism Board is.
City Layout
Although La Paz sprawls well inland from the malecón (Paseo Alvaro Obregón), you'll probably spend most of your time in the older, more congenial downtown section within a few blocks of the waterfront. The main plaza, Plaza Pública, or Jardín Velasco, is bounded by Madero, Independencia, Revolución, and Cinco de Mayo.
Getting Around
Because most of what you'll need in town is on the malecón between the tourist information office and the Hotel Los Arcos, or a few blocks inland from the waterfront, it's easy to get around La Paz on foot. Public buses go to some of the beaches north of town. To explore the many beaches within 80km (50 miles) of La Paz, your best bet is to rent a car or hire a taxi. There are several car rental agencies on the malecón.
Festivals & Events
February features the biggest and best Carnaval/Mardi Gras in Baja, as well as a 4 to 5 week Festival of the Gray Whale (starting in late Jan or early Feb, sometimes extending through early Mar). On May 3, a festival celebrates the city's founding by Cortez in 1535, and features artesanía (crafts) exhibitions from throughout southern Baja. An annual marlin-fishing tournament is in August, with other fishing tournaments scheduled in September and November. On November 1 and 2, the Days of the Dead, altars are on display at the Anthropology Museum.
Area Code- The telephone area code is 612.
Pharmacy- One of the largest pharmacies is Farmacia Baja California, corner of Independencia and Madero
Tourism Office- The office is at Carretera al Norte Km 5.5, Edificio Fidepaz, Col. Fidepaz, 23090 La Paz, B.C.S.