A working city on a calm bay
La Paz feels nothing like Cabo San Lucas. It's the state capital, with government offices, universities and families strolling the waterfront in the evening. The malecón runs about 5 km along the bay, with restaurants, sculptures and sunset views.
Its beaches face the calm inner Sea of Cortez. Balandra is a shallow turquoise lagoon inside a protected area, and El Tecolote is the easygoing family beach with palapa restaurants. Boats leave for Isla Espíritu Santo, where you can snorkel with sea lions.
Whale sharks
Juvenile whale sharks gather in the Bay of La Paz for part of the year, generally from late fall into spring. Swimming with them is regulated: only licensed boats, small groups in the water, and limits on time and distance. Season dates are set by the authorities each year, so confirm before you book.
Getting to La Paz from Villa 1
About 160 km from Villa 1 via Highway 19 through Todos Santos, around 2.5 hours. It's a long day trip; many guests book a guided whale shark day trip with transport, or stay a night.