Why Americans Are Flocking To This Beach Town In The Mexican Pacific

For decades, Los Cabos has been the premier destination for Americans traveling to the Mexican Pacific.

Home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, and with a well-reputed wellness scene that will hardly ever be matched by other competing Latin American hubs, it is a convenient, stress-free getaway to plan for most U.S. vacationers.

Be that as it may, there’s something looming on the horizon: an aptly-named La Paz is rising fast in popularity as the alternative to Cabo, and the numbers don’t lie:

La Paz Is Rising Fast In Popularity With Americans

The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is a quaint city on the edge of the namesake peninsula best known for its long seafront promenade, golden-sand beaches hugged by the azure waters of the Gulf of Cortez, and vibrant art galleries.

Despite being the state’s administrative center and just a beautiful coastal conurbation offering a more laid-back atmosphere than the jam-packed Cabo, La Paz had never achieved the latter’s level of fame, nor the same global status as a sought-after sunny destination.

This is slowly, but surely changing.

Between July and August of 2025 alone, the sun-drenched spot registered a noticeable 8.4% increase in air arrivals, boosted by Alaska Airlines’ direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to La Paz International (LAP), which only began operating last year.

La Paz has been an up-and-coming domestic destination for Mexicans for some time now, but when it comes to international figures, it posted a record-breaking 192.5% rise in visitors year-over-year.

Though these aren’t broken down into different nationalities, it’s safe to bet that Americans make up the pack, given that the LAX flights are the only international gateway to L.A. at the moment.

Why Are Americans Going To La Paz Instead Of Somewhere Else?

If you’re wondering why some Americans are swapping Los Cabos and other equally trendy Mexican Pacific destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for an offbeat La Paz, affordability, safety levels, and even cultural appeal all play a part.

When it comes to prices, it is markedly less expensive to vacation in than Cabo, a Hollywood celeb outpost where overnights can set you back $2,000:

La Paz doesn’t exactly operate under the same guise as the Capes; as in, opulent all-inclusives aren’t exactly prominent here, but it does have an ample selection of 4-star listings overlooking the sea that won’t necessarily bleed your wallet dry.

Think a charming Hotel Hacienda Bugambillas, only a few steps away from the beach, and where a double room will cost you $79-a-night for 2 adults.

In the heart of the Malecón, La Paz’s scenic coastal walk, Hotel HBlue is a modern oceanfront complex with its own private pool, and a one-night stay there will run you up $169.

When it comes to food expenses, there are plenty of budget-friendly kiosks and food stalls along the Malecón itself, where you can get Mexican takeout treats like empanadas and corn tamales typically for under $3.

For a sit-in dinner in a no-frills eatery, check out La Parrilla Norteña, popular for their steak-type tacos and plethora of meat options, or Perrones, the best spot in town for carne asada. Prices range from $10–$15 for a single meal.

La Paz Is One Of The Safest Destinations In Mexico

Then of course, there’s La Paz’s impressive levels of safety to be accounted for.

According to the U.S. State Department, it is one of the safest destinations in the Mexican Pacific, having consistently featured at Level 2 for years. In non-technical terms, it means it’s not the safest it could be, but it’s not dangerous, either.

For comparison purposes, cities like London, Paris, and Rome are all at Level 2 currently.

When it comes to La Paz, there are very few instances of gang violence seen on the streets, and even petty crime is less common, seen side by side with other Mexican cities. It is the capital of Baja California Sur, after all, and security here is tight.

Dare we say, even tighter than in Los Cabos, which is already considered a pretty low-risk place for Americans to beach-hop in. Even Numbeo has weighed in on the matter: according to them, the ‘level of crime’ in the city is officially ‘low’, a rare feat for urban centers south of the border.

La Paz’s Main Appeal

Last but not least, there’s La Paz’s incredible mix of beaches, coastal relaxation, and culture that draws tourists.

It lays claim to a number of Baja California Sur’s cleanest and most family-friendly beaches, with soft, sun-kissed sands and shallow waters—unlike most Cabo beaches, where waves reach so high you’d be a fool to get in the water unless you’re a trained surfer.

La Balandra Beach is, without question, the top swimming spot, boasting teal-colored seas and Caribbean-like white sands, though tourists also flock into Playa Telecote, with its myriad of beachside bars and views of Isla Espíritu Santo.

A short walk from the downtown zone, Playa El Coromuel is preferred if you’re looking for a wide range of amenities and unagitated seas.

On the culture front, the aforementioned Malecón is not only a pleasant oceanside stroll, but a literal art gallery dotted with innovative installations and sculptures.

Downtown La Paz is also peppered with traditional, family-owned cantinas serving Mexican grub ‘like it’s meant to be’, without the pretentious high-end spin, and if you love colonial architecture, you can’t miss Catedral de Nuestra Señora de La Paz.

The city’s main church, it was built back in the 19th century, right on the main square, and it’s a beautiful Romanesque-inspired edifice topped with twin tower