La Paz,  "peace," that is how you feel when you first feel the ocean breezes and enjoy the magnificent sunsets of this state capitol. Despite being an important port, home to almost 200,000 inhabitants, and the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, La Paz remains slow-paced and relaxed, almost peaceful. The laid back yet sophisticated city is the protector of the "old Baja" atmosphere. Delightful and almost deserted beaches just minutes away complement the croweded beach and palm-fringed malecón perfect for evening strolls.

The presence of the University of South Baja California adds a  cultural presence that includes museums and a theater and arts center. The surrounding tropical desert diversity and uncommon wildlife are also compelling reasons to visit. Adventurous travelers enjoy countless options, including hiking, rock climbing, diving, fishing, and sea kayaking. Islands and islets sit just offshore, and according to local lore they were once hiding places for looting pirates but now magnets for kayakers. At Espíritu Santo and Los Islotes, it's possible to swim with sea lions.

Despite its name, La Paz has been a place of conflict between explorers and indigenous populations. Beginning in 1535, Spanish conquistadors and Jesuit missionaries arrived and exerted their influence on the town's architecture and traditions. This was the center of pearl harvesting from the time conquistadors saw local Indians wearing pearl ornaments through the late 1930s, when an unknown disease killed off the oysters in the Bay of La Paz. John Steinbeck immortalized a local legend in his novella The Pearl.  One of the prominent hotels along the Malecon still calls itself La Perla.

La Paz is ideal for anyone nostalgic for Los Cabos the way it used to be.