February 23 to March 6, 2026:
We joined our friends Barb & Fred Pyle on a trip to La Paz & Loreto, Mexico. We drove from Phoenix to San Diego, parked near the Border Crossing, crossed the border into Tijuana, and took a flight to Laz Paz.
We stayed a couple of days in La Paz, then drove to Loretto (5 hours), where we stayed in a time share that Barb & Fred have.
We then drove back to La Paz, took a flight back to Tijuana, crossed the border, and drove back to Phoenix.
On our first night in La Paz, we enjoyed a nice dinner along the beach, and a stroll along the beachfront while the sun set.
La Paz – Dinner along the Beach
Volleyball on the beach
Kajakers
Sunset stroll along the beach
Our second day in La Paz we started the day with a good homemade breakfast at a place around the corner from our bed-and-breakfast.
Good Homemade Breakfast in La Paz
We then took an Uber to the beach and went on a “Swimming with the Sea Lions” boat excursion.
Pearl Sculpture on the Beach – Our Meeting Place for the Boat Tour
Start of our Boat Tour
Soon we encountered humpback whales…
Humpback Whales
Our boat pilot then took us to see Baja’s famed Blue-Footed Boobys.
Blue-Footed Boobys
Our guide explained to us about pearl extraction that used to take place in the area.
Guide Explaining About Pearl Extraction in the Area
Then we headed out to see our first sea lions.
Sea Lions
A Pelican
Then we anchored to go “swimming with the sea lions”. Gerry didn’t participate, but took pictures of the group. The group got close to the sea lions, and went exploring in a water cave.
“Swimming with the sea lions”
The boat pilot then navigated through an arch in the rocks…
Navigating through an arch in the rocks
then we landed on a beach and had a good buffet lunch (sandwiches and ceviche).
Lunch on the beach
Time to go back to the mainland. We started back and saw another whale and a turtle.
Another humpback whale
Turtle
We had an excellent dinner with drinks at Casamarte Oyster Bar & Grill, along the La Paz waterfront.
Dinner and drinks at Casamarte Oyster Bar & Grill
We felt safer, since the military was out in force in La Paz, after the recent violence in Mexico due to the killing of cartel leader “El Mencho”.
Military along the La Paz waterfront
The next day we headed by rental car north to our time share near Loreto at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay. Barb and Fred had a master room with a full kitchen and Nancy and Gerry had an adjoining room.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay
The next day we relaxed by the pool and the beach and Nancy and Barb enjoyed water aerobics.
Big Pool at Villa del Palmar
Beach at Villa del Palmar
That night we drove to Loreto to buy some groceries and to celebrated Fred’s 80th birthday.
Celebrating Fred’s 80th Birthday
The next day was more relaxing. We watched the sun set on Danzante Bay.
Sunset at Danzante Bay
The next day we went for a strenuous hike around the beautiful golf course at Villa del Palmar. We were hoping to make it to the signature hole, number 17, but didn’t quite make it.
Hiking around the Villa del Palmar Golf Course
The next day we drove to Loreto and walked along the Malecon oceanfront walkway. We had lunch at “The Grill”, an outdoor restaurant without any signs, and went shopping in the Old Town of Loreto.
Loreto Malecon oceanfront walkway
Lunch at “The Grill”
Exploring/Shopping in Old Town Loreto
We drove back to La Paz for one more night before flying back to Tijuana. We enjoyed the drinks at the rooftop bar at our accommodation, the Hotel Catedral La Paz.
Rooftop Bar at Hotel Catedral La Paz
After crossing the border, we had lunch at an outdoor taco truck, joined by a friend.
Our lunchtime companion
It was a great trip. Thanks to Barb and Fred for hosting.