Slow Mornings + Saltwater: My Stay in La Paz, Mexico
A photo-forward lifestyle travel diary from La Paz, Mexico — slow mornings, shrimp tacos, and what it means to rest well by the water. Featuring real travel tips, soft visuals, and a note on why August might be the perfect time to go.
If you're craving a reset that doesn’t require a 12-hour flight or five browser tabs of logistics, let me offer you this: La Paz, Mexico.
I visited in August, which I now realize was exactly the right time. It’s considered low season, which means quieter beaches, better availability at local spas and restaurants, and a slower pace all around. Yes — it’s hot hot. But the ocean? Perfect. That turquoise, body-temperature kind of water you dream about. If you’re someone who wants to float, soak, and swim without a wetsuit or chill — this is your window.
We arrived Friday and left Tuesday morning, staying at Hotel Indigo — a boutique hotel with clean design, great location, and surprisingly good food. (More on that below.) This wasn’t a “pack it in” kind of itinerary — it was curated for rest. For presence. For story-worthy slowness.
As a Photographer, Here’s What I Noticed
As someone who documents visual stories for a living, I couldn’t help but be struck by the color story of La Paz. The pastel tones, the clear light, the way water reflects onto skin at golden hour — it’s a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re planning a destination session, a queer elopement, or just want to fill your camera roll with actual art, this city delivers.
TIKA Studios was built around noticing softness in radical places. La Paz — even in its stillness — gave that back.
Trip Overview (Friday–Monday)
Friday
We landed, unpacked, and immediately hit the beach + pool. No agenda. Just warm wind, sun on skin, and a camera I barely had to reach for — everything was already beautiful.
Saturday
We scheduled a sandboarding excursion for the early morning. If you’re doing something active or high-energy, front-load it. You’ll thank yourself later. Afterward, we spent the afternoon at Hotel Indigo’s beach club, ordered lunch, swam, read, and lounged hard.
That night, we had dinner at Buzos. Their shrimp tacos were everything, and their guava cocktail might’ve been one of the best I’ve had in Mexico — not sweet, just balanced and refreshing.
Sunday
Another early activity — this time a beach tour. Our intention was to see more of La Paz while still moving slowly. After the tour, we returned to the hotel to read and rest before dinner at BARCO, the on-site restaurant.
Monday
We booked massages at Damiana Spa — and let me say this with my full chest: one of the best massages I’ve had in years. Afterward, we wandered through downtown La Paz, took a few photos, grabbed drinks, and ended the trip the way it began: lounging.
Travel Tip for SoCal Folks
If you’re based in Southern California, flying out of Tijuana (TIJ) can save you hundreds. Use the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal in San Diego — it lets you walk directly into the Tijuana airport from the U.S. It’s fast, efficient, and gets you access to much cheaper flights into Mexico, including La Paz.
Best Time to Visit La Paz, Mexico
Low Season (July–September): Hot weather, warm water, fewer tourists, better availability at restaurants and hotels
High Season (November–April): Cooler temps, peak whale shark season, more crowds
Best Months for Beach Lovers: August + September — if you don’t mind heat, you’ll love the water
