A short trip west from the city of La Paz, El Zacatal offers a peaceful beach haven with picturesque scenery. While small shops and restaurants line both sides of the main inland street, the area’s sandy strand is remote and utterly serene. Escape from the city by spending an afternoon at this beach overlooking the Gulf of California.
Enjoy quesadillas, tacos and other traditional Mexican food at the quaint restaurants along the main road. Bring your kids to the playground in Chametla Park and join a soccer game at the adjacent field. You can also find basketball courts and other sports facilities at the Unidad Deportiva Chametla.
Rent a bike from a cycling shop and pedal up and down the coast. Appreciate the excellent views of the wild beach. Look for local fishermen working on their vessels and hauling in catches. If you have snorkeling gear, glide over the water and admire the colorful fish swimming below you.
Crafting a dramatic backdrop across the water are the mountains of El Quelele. Face east toward the tall and densely packed buildings that make up the cityscape of La Paz.
Stay at the beach into the evening and watch the sun set over the ocean. At night, enjoy local tequila at one of the bars. Among the lodging options in this district are small hotels and rental villas with pools. November through March offers the most comfortable weather for a visit.
The village is on the western border of La Paz, toward the southern end of the Baja California Sur strip. It is just north of the Manuel Márquez de León International Airport. Leave your car in the La Paz Mini Storage parking lot a little south of the main highway that runs through the district. Stop at other nearby highlights, such as Cabo Pulmo, Cabo San Lucas and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
El Zacatal and its beaches provide a less developed alternative to neighboring La Paz.
