After being here for a year (not full time for us, but fulltime for Papillon), we have found a few things that we would recommend to everyone.

In no particular order-

Todos Santos- stay at least one night in the infamous Hotel California. While legend has it that this is the “original” Hotel California from the Eagles song, the truth may be different- but truth is a relative thing, is it not? The décor and ambience is a reminder of color and flow, truly well done. If you don’t stay the night, at least go through the lobby and into the bar and gift shop. Across the street from the HC is the bar Tequila Sunrise- have a Margarita Damiana- your life will now be complete as you experience the best Margarita ever concocted! The town is also a haven for artists and craftspeople with easily a hundred different tiendas to wander through.

El Triunfo- this little town in the mountains above La Paz is a glimpse into the mining past of the area. The smelter stack was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is still standing. They have a great little bakery/restaurant and some local characters to match.

Los Barriles- for the absolute best Tuna fish sandwich ever made, go to Smokeys Bar. They take freshly caught and smoked tuna and blend it with the requisite herbs and spices- this will make all other tuna sandwiches pale in comparison. After you grab your sandwich- head down to the beach and watch some of the best windsurfers and kiteboarders in the world as they enjoy the winds and warm water of the East Cape.

Balandra Bay (Bahia de Balandra)- home of the famous “El Hongo”, or Mushroom Rock. Balandra bay has crystal clear and nearly every color of tropical water you can imagine. Just a great place to hang out either on the boat at anchor or arriving by car.

La Paz Malecon- A nearly four mile waterfront walk populated by the locals on their strolls and beautiful sculptures ranging from an interesting caricature of Jacque Cousteau to dynamic mermaids. This walk will lead you to some pretty good restaurants of which one of my favorites is the Rancho Viejo on the sidewalk. Their Arrachera Tacos are referred to as meat candy around here.

La Paz is not really a tourist town, but there is a real charm in living in a true Mexican town, and I get to practice my Spanish much more than in places like Cabo San Lucas or Mazatlan. One of my most used phrases- “Con permiso, mi espanol es muy malo” usually gets me a smile and lot of goodwill!

Puerto San Carlos and the Hotel Brennan- The Grey whales come into Mag bay every year for calving and this allows us above-the-water mammals to interact- and interact we did! We actually had one of the magnificent beasts play with us for over an hour. Nudging our boat, eyeballing us and allowing us to scratch and pet it- yes we petted a whale!

Not even a close to complete list, but just highlights!