The City of Bridges is making a big splash. Pittsburgh was once the world capitol of steel. Today, it’s a major destination for international business travelers and environmentally concerned meeting planners.

Visit Pittsburgh, the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, touts the area as walkable, affordable and livable. It’s situated amid the Alleghany Mountains and boasts 446 bridges. With a population of about 305,000, Pittsburgh sits within a metropolis of more than 2.3 million. University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are located there, along with an estimated 1,600 high-tech firms. Apple, Autodesk, Facebook and Google have offices in Pittsburgh.

Attractions include Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Flight 93 National Memorial, Carnegie Museum of Art, and August Wilson Center for African American culture. The Duquesne Incline cable car offers amazing views of Pittsburgh. The trolley car’s observation deck sits 400 feet above the city’s three rivers.

For meeting planners, LEEDS-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center provides 313,400 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 77,952 sq. ft. of meeting space with 53 meeting rooms. Westin Convention Center Hotel Pittsburgh offers 616 guest rooms and more than 42,000 sq. ft. of event space, with 23 meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Omni William Penn Hotel has 597 guest rooms, 52,000 sq. ft. of event space and 41 meeting rooms. Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown offers 712 guest rooms, 60,000 sq. ft. of event space, 35 meeting rooms and a ball room that accommodates up to 2,000.

Popular restaurants are Grand Concourse at Station Square, specializing in seafood; Union Standard, focusing on American Northeast cuisine; Hyde Park, a downtown premium steak house; and Meat & Potatoes, a gastro pub with a menu that lives up to its name.

Asheville

Asheville is known for arts and crafts, outdoor adventures and equally adventuresome people. Set among breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has thrived as a destination for trailblazers since at least the 1800s. Over the past decade, it has also emerged as one of North Carolina’s most cosmopolitan cities.

The biggest challenge for meeting planners may be deciding what activities not to choose for excursions in Asheville. With plenty of resorts, such as the famous Biltmore estate, the city is one of the best places in the country to relax and gaze. When they aren’t hiking, biking or kayaking, guests can stroll downtown. The area is bursting with independent boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.

The city has more than 7,500 hotel rooms, according to the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau. An estimated 1,500 additional guest rooms are on the way, with several companies opening business hotels in 2017 and 2018, including Hilton and Hyatt.

For today’s event planners, Omni Grove Park Inn has an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed championship golf course. The hotel offers 513 guest rooms, 55,000 sq. ft. of event space and 30 meeting rooms, with the largest being 17,760 sq. ft.

Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort–Asheville offers 272 guest rooms and 34,300 sq. ft. of event space. The hotel contains 17 meeting rooms for up to 272 guests, with the largest being 16,600 sq. ft. Marriott’s Renaissance Asheville Hotel offers 270 guest rooms, 22,849 sq. ft. of meeting space and 13 event rooms, with the largest being 8,075 sq. ft. and able to accommodate up to 1,000. The hotel also has an 8,000-square-foot ballroom.

Event planners searching for restaurants that accommodate groups should consider Rhubarb, Posana, Buxton Hall BBQ, and Curate.

wonder woman planners

Photo credit: Warner Brothers

As you probably know, the new Wonder Woman movie just hit theaters. With all of the buzz around perhaps the most glorious superwoman in pop culture, I began thinking about Wonder Woman’s many super powers.  I ended up finding some striking parallels between the superhero and the typical meeting planner. It takes relentless strength to thrive in this profession, and although planners may not be equipped with a lasso and sword, they fearlessly tackle challenges—and look great doing it.

Below are the super-skills I believe make every meeting planner a Wonder Woman!

1. Teamwork

Wonder Woman knows that the goal isn’t always to be a one (wo)man show. Working with the Justice Society and Justice League throughout the years, Wonder Woman has become an expert team player. Likewise, planners know the value of net force. Even an all-star player like Wonder Woman knows when it’s time to help out as well as get some help from colleagues. Planners have to work with others, making use of their strengths along with offering their own. Even planners who work independently wouldn’t be able to serve food without a caterer or provide entertainment without a speaker or band.

2. Female power

When creating Wonder Woman, psychologist, inventor and comic book writer William Marston focused on combining feminist ideologies to make the ultimate female role model. She breaks conventions with her free spirit but is also kind, brave and ethical. Unlike many sectors, event planning is a largely female-dominated field. Even though there is still a long way to go for equality, women in this field are constantly countering stereotypes and proving their abilities, despite societal challenges.

3. Strength tempered by warmth

While a strong and distinguished warrior, Wonder Woman is also graceful and compassionate. She can take on the world’s most daunting villains  while maintaining her place as a diplomat and possessing a nurturing nature. Similarly, planners know that they have to balance a likable demeanor with an assertive backbone. A lot of the job requires building positive relationships. However, it also requires resilience and the confidence to hold one’s own.

4. Emotional intelligence

Gal Gadot, the actress playing Wonder Woman in the recent movie, described Wonder Woman as “an idealist. Experienced, super-confident. Having many strengths and powers, but at the end of the day she’s a woman with a lot of emotional intelligence.” Can’t the exact same be said of planners? Anyone who has gone through the stages of planning an event knows just how precious this skill is. Figuring out the best ways to attract, entertain and appease attendees, teammates and business partners takes a deep understanding of people.

5. Resilience

Even though she may get knocked down and even injured, Wonder Woman always jumps—or in some cases soars—back up. She also has the power to heal extremely quickly. While no human (that we know of) can mend wounds at her pace, planners exemplify another type of resiliency. They work in a competitive field that deals with a million moving parts. Additionally, when planners are struck down they are compelled to get back up–and quickly, because they’re on a deadline. Those who can make it in this field know more than a thing or two about turning a failure into a lesson.

Albuquerque 

Albuquerque Convention Center

Modern facility; serves as a downtown anchor, with the concerts and events of Civic Plaza nearby; recently completed $23 million renovation to ballrooms, technological infrastructure, kitchen, and interior and exterior design; large windows bring the sun inside; 2,300-seat Kiva Auditorium; 270,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North

Close to Old Town; Pyramid 51, a noted restaurant, recently completed renovations; business center; fitness center; free Wi-Fi; pool; 310 guest rooms; 30,505 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

Surrounded by historic Old Town; pool; free Wi-Fi; fitness center; noteworthy Garduno’s Restaurant; catering and audiovisual services for meetings; flamenco dance performances; 188 guest rooms; 62,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hotel Andaluz

AAA Four Diamond hotel; Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Top Ten Hotels in the Southwest; sustainable practices; three eateries; 107 guest rooms; nearly 7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hotel Chaco

Was scheduled to open May 26; design elements of ancient Chaco Canyon; Level 5 Restaurant; noteworthy native art; 118 guest rooms; 1,430 sq. ft. of meeting space, plus space at adjacent Hotel Albuquerque.

Hotel Parq Central

Very distinctive hotel, with arched windows and wood floors; outdoor dining, gardens; rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city; 74 guest rooms; 5,300 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

Downtown hotel close to Albuquerque Convention Center, cultural and historic sites; two restaurants, Starbuck’s, two bars; fitness center; heated outdoor pool; 395 guest rooms; 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa

Sprawling New Mexico-style resort on 550 acres; created by Santa Ana Pueblo tribe; three pools; spa; five restaurants; 350 pueblo-style guest rooms; 29,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm

B&B set amid expansive lavender fields and gardens; all 20 guest rooms have kiva fireplaces and patios; pool; fitness center; popular restaurant serves farm-to-table offerings; 17,296 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Nativo Lodge

Very cool hotel; rooms painted with Native-American art, from traditional to avant-garde; indoor-outdoor pool; free Wi-Fi; Spirit Winds Cafe; 145 guest rooms; 7,154 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Santa Fe

Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe

Historic renovation includes private terraces and views of Sangre de Cristo Mountains; rooftop pool, hot tub and bar; LEED Certified; award-winning Eloisa restaurant; near downtown Santa Fe, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Meow Wolf.

Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Adobe landmark in adobe city; Old House restaurant has superb food, hacienda ambience; fitness center; Nidah Spa; 219 guest rooms; 17,520 sq. ft. of meeting space includes rooftop area.

Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Conveniently located in downtown Santa Fe near the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Santa Fe Community Convention Center; award-winning Ortiz Restaurant; 8 meeting rooms; 3,400 sq. ft. of meetings space; accommodates 300 people; seasonal outdoor pool/hot tub; kiva fireplace; fitness center.

Hotel Chimayo

Guest rooms feature distinctive artworks, Old New Mexico furniture; business center; complimentary walking tours of Old Santa Fe; Estevan Restaurant serves locally sourced food; 56 guest rooms; 1,736 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hotel Santa Fe the Hacienda & Spa

Luxurious hotel in revitalized Railyard District, which features shops, entertainment, restaurants; Native-American artwork; pool and hot tub; 170 guest rooms; 14,749 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Hotel St. Francis

Santa Fe’s oldest hotel; an adobe building on National Register of Historic Places; excellent Tabla de Los Santos restaurant; streetside veranda; 77 guest rooms; 4,702 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Inn and Spa at Loretto

Impressive adobe structure with towers; close to plaza; legendary spa; Luminaria Restaurant and Patio offers excellent dining; adjacent to historic Loretto Chapel; 136 guest rooms; 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

La Fonda on the Plaza

Adobe landmark in the heart of historic Plaza; AAA Four Diamond hotel; hand-carved beams, stained-glass skylights; popular La Plazuela Restaurant; 180 guest rooms; 20,112 sq. ft. of meeting space.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa

Stunning Southwestern art throughout; Spa Sage; Old Mexico ambience; three restaurants; meeting venues have historic atmosphere, with advanced technology; 157 guest rooms; 4,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

Luxury hotel celebrating the spirit of the native peoples; unique interior design elements; Anasazi Restaurant proffers local cuisine; massage, aromatherapy treatments; 58 guest rooms; 1,100 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Santa Fe Community Convention Center

Adobe structure with Native-American artifacts and design; LEED Silver-certified structure; close to the Transit and Civic Center; underground parking; indoor fireplaces; outdoor terrace with spectacular views of city and mountains; innovative audiovisual capabilities; 72,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a 17,000 square-foot column-free ballroom.

Further Reading:

Teeming with Exciting Group Adventures: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

new mexico's enchanted cirlce

One of New Mexico’s best day-trips starts in Taos (pictured), about 90 miles north of Santa Fe. This trip passes by 100 miles of some of America’s best scenery, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Carson National Forest, vast meadows and historic villages. Attendees see Hispanic villages with centuries-old adobe structures, often with pottery in front.

Taos Ski Area, back-dropped by 13,159-foot Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest, is home to marmots (cute, tiny animals found at higher altitudes), which come right up to people.
Taos is a 400-year-old town where Taos Pueblo and its Tiwa people have existed for time immemorial. Featuring a striking natural light and a spiritual aura, this was the birthplace of Southwestern art in the early 1900s.

The village of Questa was founded in 1842, and it’s still centered by the adobe church. Questa has trails leading into the 1,000-foot Rio Grande Gorge, and great fishing and mountain biking.

Red River is a half-Western, half-ski-resort town with atmospheric restaurants and lodges. On summer afternoons, gunfights are staged at the wooden shops at Frye’s Old Town.
With a population of 290 and an elevation of 8,238 feet, Eagle Nest, located on Eagle Nest Lake, features a picturesque main street.

The resort town of Angel Fire has a highly acclaimed chamber music festival, an annual balloon festival and excellent stage performances at Mountain Theater.

Further Reading:

Teeming with Exciting Group Adventures: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

Route 66 Hotel, Albuquerque

Interest in tribal casinos is growing across the country. According to the most recent statistics from the National Indian Gaming Commission, revenue increased 5 percent in 2015 for a total of almost $30 billion. Along with the entertainment, many tribes have included hotel, meeting and experience spaces.

The greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe area is an example of a place where casino operators have embraced their heritage to create unique destination opportunities. Eight casinos operated by seven pueblos offer a variety of amenities on the road between the two cities.

Just 15 minutes from Santa Fe, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder welcomes visitors to Las Vegas-style gaming, Hale Irwin-designed golfing, Native American-inspired spa treatments and fine dining at Red Sage Steak House. This AAA Four Diamond property operated by Pueblo of Pojoaque features 393 guest rooms, 66,000 sq. ft. of meetings space and seven restaurants.

Isleta Resort & Casino, which is owned by Pueblo of Isleta, offers top-name entertainment, a game area, a pool, a hot tub and a spa. For those who would rather get lucky with a golf club, a 27-hole course is steps away. With 201 guest rooms and 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it caters to the event market. Pueblo of Laguna’s Route 66 Casino Hotel has the added bonus of gaming and family fun conveniently located blocks from Albuquerque Convention Center and five diverse dining choices.

Sandia Resort & Casino was the first Indian casino in New Mexico. It was expanded again in 2015 with a new Green Reed Spa and four-story parking garage. It is operated by Pueblo of Sandia and features stunning views of Sandia Mountains. With nine restaurants and bars, including gourmet dining at the rooftop Bien Shur, and a championship golf course, it is a true destination resort. Meeting-goers will find 228 guest rooms and 50,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space.

Further Reading:

Teeming with Exciting Group Adventures: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

In Albuquerque, the magnificent Hotel Chaco was scheduled to open on May 26. This hotel has incorporated design elements and artifacts that resemble the ancient Indian settlement at Chaco Canyon, to the west of Albuquerque. It has 118 authentically furnished guest rooms, and the 1,430 sq. ft. of meeting space complement the 62,000 sq. ft. at the adjacent Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, both owned by Albuquerque-based Heritage Hotels & Resorts.

Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North completed a $3 million renovation last September of the atrium, restaurant and lobby. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm (pictured) is starting a $15 million upgrade, which will increase its room count from 22 to 50, triple the size of its Farm Shop and move James Beard Award-nominated chef Jonathan Perno’s restaurant to a newly renovated barn space.

In addition, some time this summer Hotel Cascada will be re-branded as Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center. It’s now undergoing a $5 million renovation of its 300 guest rooms and 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Santa Fe has an ever-evolving hotel scene, as well. The big news there was the completion of renovations to Old Santa Fe Inn, a 1930s landmark now owned by the fourth generation of the founding family. Renovations were finished last November, increasing guest rooms from 47 to 72. There’s a small conference room for meetings.

Further Reading:

Teeming with Exciting Group Adventures: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

Sky City, Acoma Pueblo

Tracy Copeland is president of a Tulsa, Oklahoma, nationwide association called Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (W.A.V.E.S.), which has employees who train universities in processing applications from people eligible for Veterans’ Benefits. He brought 950 attendees and 40 exhibitors to Albuquerque July 17–20 last year.

“We like getting all our people in the same hotel, and the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque enabled us to do that,” Copeland says. “We liked its location in the heart of downtown—and the convention center is a short walk from there. And there were so many things to see and do, and drive to in the Albuquerque area. Our people just loved it. We’re going back next year.”

Now, let’s hit the road!

Acoma Sky City Pueblo

Situated atop a sheer-walled 367-foot mesa and dating back to 1150, Acoma Pueblo’s Sky City is the longest continuously inhabited community in North America. Protected by the steep cliffs, the Native Americans fought off Spanish invaders numerous times before finally submitting.

The Spanish started construction of San Esteban del Rey Mission there in 1629, and it still stands today. Both the mission and Acoma Pueblo are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Acoma people are famous for their distinctive pottery. Visitors can scale the sheer cliffs by bus, to the ancient adobe pueblo (without electricity or running water) that still houses several hundred people.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

All aboard for a time-trip back to 1880. That’s when this railroad was built. Today, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (CTSRR) is 64 miles of narrow-gauge track nestled in the Rocky Mountains, spanning the border between New Mexico and Colorado. Originally part of Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, which is no longer operating, CTSRR was saved in 1970 by a group of old-railway fans, with help from the states of Colorado and New Mexico. Along this 19th-century train ride, groups pass through the Old West of Billy the Kid, Kit Carson and Butch Cassidy.

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a remarkable outdoor laboratory. It offers a rare glimpse through the millennia back to prehistoric times, and the opportunity to see and experience the geologic processes that have shaped New Mexico.

These cone-shaped tent rock formations (tall, thin spires of rock jutting up from a basin or badlands) are the result of volcanic eruptions that occurred millions of years ago, leaving deposits of pumice, ash and tuff more than 1,000 feet thick. The national monument is on Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico, which ranges from 5,570 to 6,760 feet in altitude and includes a national recreation trail.

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

A 45-minute drive south out of Albuquerque takes groups to the ancient site of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. This site, once a thriving brick-and-mortar city, has long been abandoned. But through these ruins, groups learn a lot about Indian life and the flourishing cultures of the people who lived there long ago. The abandoned site seems to echo very loudly about a unique time in history, and the early and very hostile encounters between Pueblo peoples and Spanish colonizers.

Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway

Tijeras is located a few miles east of Albuquerque, on iconic Route 66. It’s at the beginning of the Turquoise Trail (turquoise was once mined there), one of the greatest road trips in the West. The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway links Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and it’s filled with colorful historic sites and the striking Sandia Range.

Groups journey through the past as they wind through the old mining towns of Sandia Park, Golden, Madrid and Cerrillos. In Sandia Park, they find perhaps the funkiest “museum” in America—Tinker-town Museum, a treasure-trove of Americana. Cerrillos still looks very much as it did in Old West days, which is why the Young Guns movies were shot there in the ’80s. Madrid, another picturesque old town, features a wood-plank sidewalk. The town has become home to a very wide variety of artists who think outside the box.

Valles Caldera National Preserve

This ancient super-volcano is 13 miles wide and filled with hot springs, streams, fumaroles and other rare geologic features. Valles Caldera sits at an altitude of 11,000 feet, west and uphill from Los Alamos. There, attendees can glimpse a volcano that at one time was very active and enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing (plenty of elk), mountain biking and ranger-guided tours.

Further Reading:

Teeming with Exciting Group Adventures: Albuquerque and Santa Fe

Los Cabos

Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos

Premium-level resort with 350 guest rooms and suites; 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; private balcony in every room; all-inclusive.

Dream Los Cabos Suites, Golf, Resort & Spa

230 guest rooms; 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; AAA Four Diamond Award-winner; rain showers; traditional colonial Mexican design.

Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos

All-inclusive hotel with 249 guest rooms; event space capacity of 1,100 people; award-winning golf course; children activities.

Hotel El Ganzo

Offers 70 guest rooms; 390 sq. ft. of meeting space; Underground Studio for music and art; unique, custom-created furnishings.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos

Premium resort with 591 spacious guest rooms and suites; more than 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; live music and performances; just a few minutes from San Jose del Cabo.

JW Marriott Puerto Los Cabos

Provides 299 guest rooms; 30,462 sq. ft. of event space; beachfront location; family-friendly.

Krystal Grand Los Cabos

All-inclusive hotel providing 450 guest rooms; more than 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; expanded in March; Sky Lounge.

Los Cabos Convention Center

More than 16,370 sq. ft. of stunning event space to host up to 1,500 guests alongside a private golf community; desert landscape; multimodal parking.

Marquis Los Cabos

All-inclusive, adults-only luxury resort; 235 suites; 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; included on 2012 Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Gold List; rooms include furnished balcony and hot tub.

One & Only Palmilla

Beach resort with 173 guest rooms; 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; Travel & Leisure No.1 World’s Best in Mexico in 2015; VIP services available; swimmable beach.

The Resort at Pedregal

AAA Five Diamond winner; 110 guest rooms; more than 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; oceanfront dining; private plunge pools.

Nuevo Vallarta

Bel Air Resort & Spa Vallarta

All-inclusive hotel; 215 guest rooms; more than 2,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; garden and ocean views; catering services for events.

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

433 guest rooms; 8,880 sq. ft. of event space; short distance from downtown district; rooms include private balcony and marble bathroom.

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

All-inclusive hotel; 348 guest rooms; 12,900 sq. ft. of event space; beach activities including snorkeling, kayaking and beach volleyball.

Occidental Nuevo Vallarta

274 guest rooms; five-star service; 5,382 sq. ft. of meeting space; water sports; 25 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Puerto Vallarta

Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort

259 guest rooms; largest meeting room has 7,320 sq. ft. of space; floatarium; dining.

Melia Puerto Vallarta

316 guest rooms; up to 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; nightly themed dance shows; five minutes from airport.

Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta

271 guest suites; 7,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space; within walking distance of the famous El Malecon boardwalk; Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center

473 guest rooms; largest meeting space is 7,912 sq. ft.; innovative architectural designs; form pools with swim-up bars and waterfalls.

Velas Vallarta Suite Resort

All-inclusive family resort with 245 suites; seven meeting spaces, with up to 6,900 sq. ft. of space; lazy river; scuba diving lessons.

Riviera Nayarit

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

173 Mexican-inspired guest rooms and suites; 9,492 sq. ft. of meeting space; three resort pools; two private beaches.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Recognized eco-leader hotel by TripAdvisor; 267 guest rooms; more than 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; stunning views of the ocean and Sierra Madre Mountains; all-inclusive.

Iberostar Playa Mita

All-inclusive hotel; 452 guest rooms; 2,195 sq. ft. of meeting space; a la carte catering; family facilities.

St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

120 guest rooms; eight meeting spaces, with the largest being 2,657 sq. ft.; butler service; tours and excursions.

Villa La Estancia

245 spacious suites; Flamingos Convention Center, with 17,036 sq. ft. of event space; hacienda-style ambiance; European-style spa.

Further Reading:

A Meeting Planner’s Guide to Mexico’s Pacific Coast

aquarium

The Bay of La Paz is considered the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, which was named the “Aquarium of the World” by famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. La Paz is a prime diving destination due to its biodiversity and opportunities for encountering uncommon species such as the whale shark, hammer heads and big mantas.

The Puerto Vallarta area is also a surfer’s paradise, with more than 60 surfing locations—including many secluded beaches—along Banderas Bay. The time for ideal surf conditions spans from late summer to early fall, as hurricane season usually stirs up waves on the Pacific Coast. Some of the more popular locales for surfing are Ipala and Las Penitas (on the Cabo Corrientes coast south of Tehualmixtle), Playa el Tecuan, Playa la Manzanilla and Barra de Navidad.

Museo de La Ballena provides a new opportunity to learn about local wildlife in La Paz. The center opened last year and owns the largest marine mammal skeleton display in Latin America. Visitors can also learn about local sea creatures such as dolphins, orcas, sperm whale, sea lions and other important species of turtles, sharks and mantas.

Sandboarding is another beach activity enjoyed in El Mogote. As its name implies, the activity involves sliding on the sand in a manner similar to snowboarding. Only available in a select few areas, visitors in El Mogote have the option to rent their own board or book a tour to the sand dunes just 20 minutes from the downtown area.

The most famous La Paz beaches are inside the bay. El Coromuel received the Blue Flag by NGO meeting with very high water-quality standards and other important factors, such as responsible waste management, wheelchair access, security and more. This beach is visited regularly by locals because it is easily accessible and the closest one to the city.

Balandra, a Natural Protected Area since 2008, is an unspoiled delight where the Spanish rock formation Hongo de Balandra can be found. Sea turtles can be seen from August to November at Punta Arenas, an area on the southern tip of La Ventana Bay. the starry sky glows in the evening at these beaches, which are not affected by city lights.

Further Reading:

A Meeting Planner’s Guide to Mexico’s Pacific Coast