Barefoot in La Paz

GETTING THERE:

From LAX, Aero California flies nonstop and direct (with one stop) to La Paz. Mexicana Airlines has connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $178.

It’s a two- to three-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz. From the airport at San José del Cabo, the east route is shorter but includes some windy mountain roads. The more scenic northwest route goes through the village of Todos Santos.

TELEPHONES:

To call numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 52 (country code for Mexico) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Los Arcos, 498 Paseo Obregón; (800) 347-2252, fax 624-143-0590, https://www.losarcos.com. Most rooms surround a courtyard pool. The Cabanas de Los Arcos, a block off the Malecón, are quieter; the garden complex includes 24 bungalows and its own pool. Doubles from $75.

La Concha, Kilometro 5, Carretera a Pichilingue; (800) 999-BAJA (999-2252), fax 612-121-6218, https://www.laconcha.com. This is the closest thing La Paz has to a beach resort. It is a combination time share and hotel complex about 10 minutes from town. The condos offer great views and a separate pool. There’s a dive shop and a restaurant. Rates start at $95 per night for a double room, $137 for a studio condo.

La Posada de Engelbert, Nueva Reforma and Playa Sur; 612-122-4011, fax 612-122-0663, https://www.laposadaengelbert.com. This small hotel is on the beach about 15 minutes outside town in a mostly residential neighborhood. Each casita has a stone floor, hardwood furniture, fireplaces and wrought iron fixtures. Rates from $65 to $110 a night.

La Casa Mexicana, Calle N. Bravo #106; 612-125-2748, https://www.lapacenalapaz.com, offers a pleasant bed-and-breakfast experience in five guest rooms, most with bay views in a quiet setting a block off the Malecón. Rooms, two with kitchenettes, $65-$85 a night; weekly rates available.

WHERE TO EAT:

Bismark II, Degallado and Ramirez; 612-122-4854. La Paz is paradise for seafood lovers. This is one of the best but slightly off the beaten path. Small and packed with locals on Friday and Saturday nights. Entrees about $5-$15.

Restaurant Bermejo in the Hotel Los Arcos, Paseo Obregón; 612-122-2744, https://www.losarcos.com. This is the place to go for a dressy evening. Besides seafood, the menu includes a variety of Italian dishes. Entrees $9-$23.

Restaurant Dragon, 16 de Septiembre and Carlos M. Esquerro; 612-122-1372. This is one of several good Chinese restaurants in La Paz. It offers a full range of à la carte Cantonese dishes for about $3-$11.50.

TO LEARN MORE:

Mexican Government Tourism Office, Mexican Consulate, 2401 W. 6th St., 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057; (800) 44-MEXICO (446-3942, for brochures) or (213) 351-2069, fax (213) 351-2074, https://www.visitmexico.com.

La Paz information also can be found at https://www.vivalapaz.com, which offers a comprehensive overview of accommodations and activities.