Just a hour and 1/2 drive north of Cabo San Lucas, on Highway 1, is the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz. It is a very easy, very pleasant drive mostly along the Pacific coast until you move inland to cross over to the Sea of Cortez. La Paz is a very diverse city, not very touristy, but chock full of things to see and do. If you are looking for a city with the ambience of "real" Mexico, you will fully enjoy La Paz.
Once you have had a chance to explore the city, then head north on the Pichilingue Highway, and no more than 10 minutes into the drive you will start to come across some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Baja, reminiscent of the Caribbean with clear, calm turquoise waters. La Paz is a commerical port, so the locals will travel to these beaches to swim and spend the day, but I personally have never seen large crowds. Mid week is the time to go! There seems to be enough spots which are spread out so everyone can find a little slice of heaven. First beach you come to is La Concha Beach Resort. Even non-guests can use the hotel restaurants and bars and rent snorkel, dive, water skiing and sailing equipment or book an excursion.
Head further north, just past the Pichilingue Ferry, and approximately 10 miles, you will start to see beaches, Pichilingue, Coromuel, and Tesoro beaches. All have palapa-shaded bars and restaurants, and umbrellas and beach chairs for rent.
But the jewels are just 8 miles further, Balandra Bay and Tecolote beach. The water is a heavenly cerulean blue, and they look out upon Isla Espiritu Santo. There are no restaurants at Balandra, but there is a small food truck, and local vendors the pass every so often offering fresh fruit, homemade empanadas and fresh fish cerviche! You can also rent umbrellas, chairs and kayaks. What else do you need?. Tecolote has a full restaurant and bar and offers panga charters to fish and explore. This also is Whale Shark territory and excursions go out to swim with these beautiful creatures during the months of October through April each year. Please inquire with Los Cabos in Style for booking your excursions, I offer two very different types of excursions. 800-658-7599. www.loscabosinstyle.com.
