Playa El Tecolote

Playa El Tecolote is a long sand beach at the end of the coast road north of La Paz, in the La Paz municipality of Baja California Sur, about 30 km from the city and just beyond Playa Balandra. It faces the Gulf of California, and Isla Espíritu Santo lies across the water, so on clear days the island's cliffs and ridges are the backdrop to the beach. A few kilometers of pale sand, a gentle slope into the water and a view of the island give it the feel of a weekend beach for people from La Paz as well as visitors.

It is more developed than Balandra. Two palapa restaurants, El Tecolote and Palapa Azul, serve grilled fish, ceviche and chocolate clams, and rent beach chairs, umbrellas, kayaks and fishing gear; free municipal palapas and barbecue grills are spread along the sand on either side, and there is plenty of parking. The water is calm enough for swimming and wading, with a sandy bottom, though it is not as clear as at Balandra. Snorkeling is better at the rocky ends of the beach, particularly the western end. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are rented on the sand, and some operators also offer jet skis.

The beach is the departure point for independent boat operators who run to Isla Espíritu Santo, Ensenada Grande and the sea lion colony at Los Islotes; crossing from here is shorter than from La Paz itself. You can book on the sand or arrange a tour from La Paz that picks up here. Mornings and weekdays are quietest; the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon and weekends can be crowded.

The beach is open to the public, with no entry quota, unlike Balandra a few minutes down the road, which now limits visitors. Bring sun protection, because shade is limited away from the palapas. The hot months are summer; from October through March the weather is easier.