This post shares our quintessential Baja California Sur road trip itinerary, including 13 amazing destinations across the state, and where to eat, stay and play in each of them.
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Baja California Sur road trip
If there’s one Mexican state that’s good for a road trip, it’s Baja California Sur.
Limited public transport and some remote, hidden gems make renting a car the best option to get around the region. The distances are relatively short by Mexico standards, and the driving is straightforward (with some fun dirt roads thrown in to complete the Baja vibe!).
Home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole country, from dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear waters and dusty desert towns, Baja Sur is magic.
We were completely captivated by this incredible state, and it is without a doubt our favourite place in Mexico, after six months of travelling around the country.
In this post, we are going to share our ultimate Baja California Sur road trip itinerary.
We hit all the highlights but also hunted out some lesser-known places and small towns hidden down dusty roads.
Although we could have easily spent more time in Baja California Sur, we felt the route we covered did the state justice, and we got a really good feel for this beautiful part of Mexico.
🌵 Other handy posts for planning your Baja Sur road trip:
GRAB A COPY OF MY BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR TRAVEL GUIDE!
After falling absolutely in love with Baja, I decided to put together a Baja California Sur Travel Guide eBook to help anyone planning a trip to Baja California Sur.
This eBook is designed to be a go-to quick reference guide for the best places to visit around the state, allowing you to be confident you’re hitting all the highlights without needing to do hours of research.
This 153-page eBook covers 13 top destinations across the state, with recommendations for where to eat, stay and play, as well as regional information about climate, transport, and tour recommendations.
It’s filled with all our best tips and advice, and beautiful photos to excite and inspire you ahead of your trip to this incredible part of Mexico!
There is also the option to add a customised Google Map that has over 450 locations pinned by category, allowing you to easily visualise our recommendations across the state.
Find out more about the guide here.
Driving in Baja California Sur
If you’re not driving into Baja from the USA or Canada, you will need to rent a car once you arrive.
The best places to rent a car are from three airports around the state, as you won’t be able to get one in many of the smaller towns.
- 🚙 Browse for rentals from Los Cabos International Airport here
- 🚙 Browse for rentals from La Paz International Airport here
- 🚙 Browse for rentals from Loreto International Airport here
Check out our guide to driving in Baja, with information about the process of renting a car and insurance, and handy tips to make your road trip as smooth as possible.
Baja California Sur itinerary timings
Most Baja road trip itineraries list specific time frames for the trip, usually ranging anywhere from 7 – 14 days.
In this itinerary, I won’t be including any time frames or lengths of stay in each place. Everyone travels very differently, and some people are happy to be moving every day and staying single nights in destinations.
We prefer to travel slower and spent 6 weeks completing our Baja road trip. We don’t like to stay anywhere for less than 2-3 nights at a minimum and are not fans of moving every single day.
This Baja California Sur road trip itinerary is going to focus on the destinations you should visit and the route you should take. How long you spend is totally up to you!
Baja California Sur road trip itinerary
We started our road trip in the south of the state, at the Los Cabos International Airport.
This is the most common entry point for international travellers, so there’s a good chance you will be flying in here. We headed as far north as Mulege before looping back south, returning the car to the same place we collected it.
Our Baja California Sur road trip stops, in order, included:
- San Jose del Cabo
- East Cape
- Cabo Pulmo
- Santiago
- Los Barriles
- La Ventana
- La Paz
- Magdalena Bay
- Loreto
- Mulege
- Todos Santos
- Cerritos Beach
- Cabo San Lucas
🚙 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
We completed our road trip as a full loop, picking up and returning our rental car to the same place (Cabo).
An alternative option would be collecting your car in one city, and returning it in another, if that is possible with your rental company.
If you want to do a one-way road trip, I would suggest starting in Cabo and ending in Loreto (or vice versa). There are airports and car rental agencies in both destinations.
You would need to rearrange your itinerary for the southern part of the region slightly, so you visit everything there before heading north, and not needing to backtrack again.
San Jose del Cabo
😴 How long we spent there: 4 nights
Welcome to the cuter Cabo. Part of the famous Los Cabos resort area, San Jose del Cabo is the quieter, more sophisticated sibling of wild Cabo San Lucas. This colourful colonial town is divided into the inland Art District, where colourful flags flap above cobblestone streets, and the Zona Hotelera, where resorts line miles of golden, undisturbed beaches.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in San Jose del Cabo:
- Stroll around the gorgeous Art District
- Go for a hike on some of the stunning desert trails around the town
- Browse galleries and sip free wine at the weekly Thursday night Art Walk
- Have a farm-to-table dining experience at one of the organic farms outside town
- Enjoy quiet, empty beaches like Playa Costa Azul and Playa Palmilla (best for swimming)
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in San Jose del Cabo:
- Taqueria El Fogon: Smokey, tender and delicious steak, in your choice of taco, burrito or papa rellena. The best tacos in San Jose IMO!
- Tamales Doña Nina: Iconic food stall in Plaza Mijares serving up a range of tamales daily
- Tacos El Memo: For crunchy fish (pescado) and camaron (shrimp) tacos with an epic variety of salsas
- Food Truck Park: Lovely atmosphere with a range of Mexican and international food stalls
- Coffee LAB: great coffee, and a range of café-style meals
- 🛏️ Where to stay in San Jose del Cabo:
- Hostel/Budget: Hotel Posada Señor Manaña
- Affordable Mid-Range: Rustico Lounge
- Boutique/Sustainable: Drift
🌈 Read our San Jose del Cabo travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from San Jose del Cabo to the East Cape: 1 – 2 hours (on bumpy roads!)
🔔 If you haven’t rented a 4×4, visiting the East Cape might be tricky. There is only one road in the area, Camino Cabo Este, and it is bumpy and unpaved for hours. We saw plenty of people attempting it in compact rental cars, and whilst it probably would be fine, the condition of the road can change frequently.
If you’re not confident to do this drive, skip the East Cape and instead rearrange the next couple of stops. Head from San Jose del Cabo to Santiago (1 hour), and then from Santiago to Cabo Pulmo (1 hour). After Cabo Pulmo, your next stop will be Los Barriles (1 hour), and you can rejoin our itinerary from there.
East Cape
😴 How long we spent there: 2 nights
The isolated and remote stretch of coastline between San Jose del Cabo in the west and Cabo Pulmo in the east is known as Cabo Este or East Cape. Only accessible to those with a car and an adventurous spirit, this sparse and untouched area offers an insight into old-school Baja. The most remote stop on our Baja road trip, the East Cape is a truly special part of the state and the scenery is mind-blowing.
With just a handful of holiday rentals and small hotels, a few restaurants, and miles of undisturbed surf beach backed by layers of desert mountains, the East Cape is an off-grid experience. Unplug, relax and soak up the best of Baja’s nature.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in the East Cape:
- Road trip along the infamous Camino Cabo Este, the scenic (bumpy) journey is part of the experience
- Unplug, unwind and do nothing! Read a book, do some yoga, meditate and enjoy the solitude
- Hit the beach, they are usually much calmer than in Los Cabos and you’ll have them all to yourself
- Get up early to watch a spectacular sunrise over the ocean
- Go surfing at La Fortuna, Shipwrecks or Nine Palms some of Baja’s best (and quietest) surf breaks
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in the East Cape:
- Buzzards Bar & Grill: An iconic tourist spot closer to San Jose del Cabo, a great place to start your journey on the Camino Cabo Este
- Zac’s Bar & Grill: A popular restaurant a short way along Camino Cabo Este serving up a range of Mexican and international dishes
- Zai Sushi Surf Bar: An unexpectedly fancy sushi spot, bookings are required in the busy winter months
- Azul Cortes: The White Lodge’s hotel restaurant, fresh healthy meals all day
- SHADE @ La Fortuna: Tacos, burgers, pizza and pasta
- 🛏️ Where to stay in the East Cape:
- Hostel/Budget: Point Break Glamping
- Affordable Mid-Range: Liebre Matrera
- Boutique/Sustainable: NEST Baja
🫏 Read our East Cape travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from East Cape to Cabo Pulmo: 1 hour (on bumpy roads!)
Cabo Pulmo
😴 How long we spent there: 2 nights*
*I wish we stayed another night here!
Cabo Pulmo is a dusty little town hidden down the end of a long, bumpy road in the southeast corner of Baja California Sur. Best known as a scuba diving town, divers come here from all over the world to dive in one of the only coral reefs in North America.
The Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a large protected area, and getting underwater is a must, whether you’re a scuba diver or snorkelled.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Cabo Pulmo:
- Go scuba diving in the marine park, there is a very high chance of encountering bull sharks
- Do a snorkel tour (if you’re not a diver), most stop at 3 – 4 sights
- Hike the trails in the mountains behind the town
- Relax on the beaches, both in and out of town
- DIY snorkel from the beach, Playa El Arbolito is a great spot for this
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Cabo Pulmo:
- Tacos and Beer: What could be better than seafood tacos and beer with your feet in the sand?
- La Palapa: The largest and most reliable restaurant, open breakfast to dinner, amazing prawn tacos
- Los Tornados: Good breakfast option, with Mexican specialities and hot coffee
- Tito’s: Serving up classic Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- El Caballero: Usually reliable hours with local and international options
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Cabo Pulmo:
- Affordable Mid-Range: Cabañas Alicia
- Affordable Mid-Range: Bungalows Cabo Pulmo
- Affordable Mid-Range: Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort
Accommodation in Cabo Pulmo is basic and limited. There are no hostels, and don’t expect anything fancy! These recommendations are comfortable, well-equipped private options in the centre of town.
🤿 Read our Cabo Pulmo travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Cabo Pulmo to Santiago: 1 hour
Santiago
😴 How long we spent there: 2 nights
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, Santiago is an outdoor lovers’ paradise. This was one of our favourite stops on our Baja California Sur road trip, and it would be virtually impossible to visit without your own car.
Santiago epitomises the phrase ‘life in the desert’, and the landscape is dotted with oases, green palm trees, flowing waterfalls and thermal springs bubbling from canyons. This tiny town offers the perfect escape from the busy beaches of Los Cabos.
- 💰 Top five things to do in Santiago:
- Swim under the Cascada Sol de Mayo, a short hike will lead you to the base of the falls
- Soak in the thermal waters of the Santa Rita Hot Springs
- Get an aerial view of the Santiago oasis and lush palm trees from Mirador Santiago de Yala
- Explore the tiny town of Santiago, its main plaza and picturesque church
- Get deeper into the mountains at Rancho Ecologio Refugio for more hiking, swimming holes and waterfalls
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Santiago:
- Churros y Elotes: A classic Mexican food stall in the main square serving up elotes (corn) and churros
- Palomar: the largest restaurant in town, and the go-to spot for day tours
- Taqueria la Cascada: All the usual tacos, burritos, quesadillas etc. for breakfast and lunch
- Restaurante Pericu: A new restaurant in town, with amazing birria and other local classics
- Los Agaves: Famous lobster tacos in neighbouring Miraflores
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Santiago:
- Affordable Mid-Range: Hotel Don Julio
- Affordable Mid-Range: Rancho Sol de Mayo
- Affordable Mid-Range: Mision 21 Hotel Boutique
Accommodation in Santiago is extremely limited and basic. There are just two hotels in town, otherwise, you can stay at some of the ranches out of town.
♨ Read our Santiago travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Santiago to Los Barriles: 30 minutes
Los Barriles
😴 How long we spent there: 2 nights*
*Los Barriles is the only place I would happily skip, La Ventana is better in our opinion
Los Barriles is a small beach town on the east coast of the state. Best known as a kite surfing destination, the population of the town swells each November – March with kitesurfers from around the world.
With a distinct holiday feel, the small town centre is jammed with restaurants, bars and souvenir shops catering to the seasonal influx of tourists, most from the USA and Canada. If you have to cut out one stop on your Baja California Sur itinerary, we would suggest Los Barriles (in our own personal opinion!).
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Los Barriles:
- Try kitesurfing, there are gear rentals and schools all over town
- Organise a fishing charter, for some of Mexico’s best sportfishing
- Catch a sunrise from the beach
- Rent an ATV or join a guided tour to cruise along the sand and into the desert
- Play pickleball at Los Barriles’ very own pickleball resort
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Los Barriles:
- Taqueria El Viejo: All types of seafood tacos with an epic salad bar, a must try
- Taqueria la Gaviota: Great little taco spot set up in someone’s front yard, range of seafood tacos as well as ceviche and sashimi
- Taqueria Pelapapitas: Huge super burros and a range of good quality Mexican food
- La Playa: Great but pricey spot right on the beach, for cocktails and fresh seafood
- Maxico: A nice option for coffee, juices, smoothie bowls, avo toast etc.
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Los Barriles:
- Hostel/Budget: GALT Habitaciones
- Affordable Mid-Range: Hotel Hondo
- Boutique/Sustainable: Hotel Playa del Sol
🚘 Driving time from Los Barriles to La Ventana: 1 hour
La Ventana
😴 How long we spent there: 2 nights*
*I wish we stayed another few nights here!
La Ventana is a small coastal town on the east coast of Baja California Sur, less than an hour south of the state’s capital La Paz. Although you’ll usually only hear the name La Ventana, there are actually two separate towns, located very close to each other – La Ventana and El Sargento.
Attracting kite surfers from all over the world with its winter winds, La Ventana is still a great place to visit even if you don’t kite. The desert-meets-ocean landscape has plenty of trails and beaches to explore. We think this is a better choice than Los Barriles, with much more attractive surroundings, and more activities for non-kiters.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in La Ventana:
- Hike the Punta Gorda trail
- Dig your own thermal spa at Playa Agua Termales (Hot Springs Beach)
- Explore the giant Cardon cactus forest by 4×4, foot or mountain bike
- Do a day trip to see the lighthouse at Punta Arena, and the stunning beach at Bahia de Los Sueños
- Join the masses and go kitesurfing, lessons and gear are abundant around town
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in La Ventana:
- Playa Central: The place to be in La Ventana, enjoy pizzas and cocktails on the rooftop
- Baja Bites: A unique take on classic seafood tacos, with some delish sauces and chilli oils
- Taqueria Rancho: Great option for breakfast, seafood tacos, and special rib nights
- Taqueria Doña Paty: Cheap, local-style tacos, mostly meat-based
- Baja Joe’s: For your morning coffee
- 🛏️ Where to stay in La Ventana:
- Hostel: La Ventana Hostel
- Affordable Mid-Range: ChangoMango
- Boutique/Sustainable: Hotel Todo Bien
🌵 Read our La Ventana travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from La Ventana to La Paz: 45 minutes
La Paz
😴 How long we spent there: 7 nights
The capital city of Baja California Sur, La Paz is located on the east coast of the Baja Peninsula overlooking the Sea of Cortez. A colourful city centre and waterfront boardwalk area lead to some of the state’s most exceptional natural experiences.
World-famous beaches, rich oceans and a stunning desert landscape make La Paz a nature lovers’ dream. City and nature – La Paz is the perfect combination of both! There are so many things to do in and around La Paz, it should be one of the longest stops on your Baja California Sur to squeeze in all the amazing activities.
- 🌞 Top ten things to do in La Paz:
- Visit the world-famous Playa Balandra (Balandra Beach)
- Swim with whale sharks
- Walk, bike or skate along the Malecon
- Day trip to Isla Espiritu Santo
- Find the colourful murals and street art all around the city
- Snorkel with playful sea lions
- Hit some of the other beaches like Playa El Coromuel, Playa Tecolote and Playa El Saltito
- Watch the sunset from Cerro de la Calavera, a rocky hill above the city
- Go sandboarding at El Mogote Dunes
- Visit the whale museum
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in La Paz:
- Asadero Rancho Viejo: For mouth watering asada and arrachera tacos
- El Estadio Tacos: For crunchy fish (pescado) and camaron (shrimp) tacos
- Tacos de la Monarca: Affordable and delicious pastor, asada, papas rellenas, tacos and burritos – need I say more?
- Mc Fisher: A range of fish and seafood tacos, seen on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles
- Doce Cuarenta: For amazing coffee roasted on-site, and delicious pastries and bread
- 🛏️ Where to stay in La Paz:
- Hostel/Budget: Hostel Casa Esterito
- Affordable Mid-Range: Casa Canona
- Boutique/Sustainable: Baja Club Hotel
🏝️ Read our La Paz travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from La Paz to Magdalena Bay: 3.5 hours
At this point in the itinerary, the distances become much greater, and you will spend a lot more time in the car than you have been until now. If you don’t have the time to do this (at least 2+ weeks total) I would suggest skipping the next three stops. Drive from La Paz directly back south to Todos Santos (1 hour) and save the north of the state for another trip.
Magdalena Bay
😴 How long we spent there: 3 nights
Magdalena Bay is less of a destination in itself and more of a jumping point for one of the most incredible travel experiences you will ever have.
Each year in the wintertime, grey whales migrate south from the Artic, to the warm, protected waters of Magdalena Bay. Located on the west coast of Baja California Sur, this sheltered bay in the Pacific Ocean provides a haven for grey whales to mate, give birth and escape the cold winter Arctic waters.
But this is no ordinary whale watching experience. For reasons unexplainable by scientists, the grey whales of Baja are friendly and curious and seek out physical interactions with humans and boats.
The whales willingly approach the boats, roll around, give themselves a scratch against the boat and ‘spy hop’ (stick their head vertically out of the water) to get a better look at the humans on board. The whales are expecting attention and affection, and if you don’t lean down to give them a scratch or a smooch, they will be disappointed and swim to another boat looking for love.
- 📆 When: January – April
- 📍 Where: Magdalena Bay
- ⏰ How Long: Single-day trips are possible from La Paz or Loreto, but we recommend organising a multi-day package and staying in Magdalena Bay
- 🚤 Who With: Magdalena Bay Whales is a local company that has been running tours in the bay for over 40 years
- 🛏️ Where to Stay: Magdalena Bay Whales can organise an inclusive, multi-day package with multiple whale watching tours, all meals and accommodation either in their hotel in Magdalena Bay or glamping at their Island Whale Camp on an island in the bay (highly recommended, read our experience here)
🦈 Read our Magdalena Bay grey whale watching travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Magdalena Bay to Loreto: 2.5 hours
Loreto
😴 How long we spent there: 5 nights
Thought to be the oldest human settlement on the Baja Peninsula, Loreto is home to the first successful Jesuit mission. But it’s not just history. Loreto is surrounded by some of the most outstanding natural scenery in the entire state, and there are so many things to do here.
The Sierra de la Giganta mountain range looms over the town and is bordered by the dazzling Sea of Cortez. Just one of two pueblo magicos, or magic towns, in Baja California Sur, Loreto has earned its title and is well worth the extra drive up north!
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Loreto:
- Explore the charming historic centre and stroll along the seaside Malecon
- Go for a hike in Tabor Canyon
- Visit the San Javier Mission, hidden deep in the desert
- Spot the largest animal in the world on a blue whale watching tour
- Visit Isla Coronado, a stunning volcanic island in the Bay of Loreto
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Loreto:
- Birria El Valle: Cheap, juicy and delicious birria tacos
- El Rey del Taco: A Loreto icon for fish and prawn tacos, with a great salad bar
- Asadero Súper Burro: Juicy, tender steak in your choice of tacos, burritos and papa rellenas
- El Caloron: All kinds of seafood tacos with waterfront views over the Malecon
- La Route: Amazing coffee in the perfect location inside the plaza
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Loreto:
- Hostel/Budget: Hostal Casas Loreto
- Affordable Mid-Range: Hotel Santa Fe Loreto
- Boutique/Sustainable: La Mision Loreto
🏝️ Read our Loreto travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Loreto to Mulege: 2 hours
Mulege
😴 How long we spent there: 0 nights*
*We visited Mulege as a day trip from Loreto, but a big regret for us was not staying a few nights at the nearby Bahia Concepcion on one of Baja’s most spectacular beaches
Pronounced moo-leh-hey, Mulege is a small town in the northeastern part of the state. Best known for its oasis, it is one of the few places in the arid Baja desert where there is a freshwater source. Throw in a beautifully preserved Jesuit mission, a charming centro, and easy access to some of the state’s most impressive beaches, and Mulege is one stop you can’t miss on your Baja California Sur road trip.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Mulege:
- Visit the historic Mision Santa Rosalia de Mulege and get the iconic view of the Rio Mulege surrounded by palm trees
- Wander around Mulege’s small centre with just a handful of one-way streets, a small plaza and a church, and don’t miss the Museo de Mulege
- Sample some vino at Vinedo Heroica Mulege, a small winery located just outside the centre of Mulege
- Hit the beach at Bahia Concepcion, a stunning bay with over 12 beautiful beaches
- Explore the La Trinidad cave paintings with a local guide
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Mulege:
- Mulege Brewing Company: A craft brewery with pizzas, burgers and classic pub snacks
- Food Stalls in Jardin Corona: There are a number of stalls in the central plaza with cheap, local food
- Restaurant Bar Los Equipales: All day Mexican staples
- Asadero Dany: Great taco spot on the edge of town
- Nomadico: Right on the beach at Playa El Burro in Bahia Concepcion
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Mulege:
- Affordable Mid-Range: Historico Las Casitas
- Affordable Mid-Range: Indie Park
- Affordable Mid-Range: Baja Glamping (Bahia Concepcion)
Accommodation in Mulege is comfortable but simple. There aren’t any hostels as such, or any fancy resorts, but there are plenty of affordable, private accommodations both in town and at the beach.
🌵 Read our Mulege travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Mulege to Todos Santos: 7.5 hours
This leg is very long, and we would suggest breaking it up. The quickest way to get from Mulege back down south is via Loreto. You could choose to visit Mulege as a side trip from Loreto, returning to Loreto for a few days before tackling the trip to Todos Santos (5.5 hours). Or you could stop in Ciudad Insurgentes for the night, which is about halfway between the two (Mulege – Ciudad Insurgentes: 3.5 hours, Ciudad Insurgentes – Todos Santos: 4 hours)
Todos Santos
😴 How long we spent there: 3 nights
The small town of Todos Santos is a magnet for artists, creatives, surfers and hippy types. Located in southwest Baja California Sur, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, it is just over an hour from the wild resort cities of Los Cabos but couldn’t be more different.
It has managed to retain its small-town, laid-back feel, and the gorgeous centro is oozing with cool. Don’t forget the miles of golden Pacific beaches, fantastic hiking opportunities, top-class surfing and the chance to see marine life like baby turtles and whales.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Todos Santos:
- Stroll the colourful streets of the charming historic centre
- Release a baby sea turtle into the ocean at sunset
- Go hiking at Punta Lobos
- Take a walk along one of the golden, empty beaches
- Watch the sunset each evening on the beach
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Todos Santos:
- Santo Chilote: Unique and delicious flavours of fish and shrimp tacos
- El Poblano: Best pastor and asada tacos and burritos
- 5 Tacos and a Beer: 5 tacos and a beer for 200 pesos in a cute setting in Las Tunas
- Tacos la Paceña: A cheap food stall dishing up fish and shrimp tacos
- Doce Cuarenta Coffee House: Amazing coffee and café-style meals in a huge industrial-style warehouse
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Todos Santos:
- Hostel/Budget: Todos Santos Hostel
- Affordable Mid-Range: Hotel Casa Tota
- Boutique/Sustainable: Villa Santa Cruz
🏄🏻 Read our Todos Santos travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Todos Santos to Cerritos Beach: 20 minutes
Cerritos Beach/El Pescadero
😴 How long we spent there: 3 nights*
*Many people just visit Cerritos Beach from Todos Santos or vice versa, but we loved splitting our time and staying in both towns, they are a completely different vibe
Technically part of the small agricultural town El Pescadero, Cerritos Beach is an up-and-coming destination just outside of Todos Santos. One of Mexico’s best surf destinations, Cerritos Beach has exploded in popularity in recent years. Surrounded by farmland and stunning desert mountains, this dusty little town offers a laidback atmosphere, a great food scene and of course one of the best beaches in this part of Baja.
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Cerritos Beach:
- Go surfing at one of Mexico’s best surf breaks, board rentals and lessons are available on the beach
- Watch the sunset from the beach
- Pat some sweet rescue pups at the Cerritos Beach Dog Cafe
- Laze on Cerritos Beach and take advantage of vendors renting lounges, massages, drinks and snacks
- Enjoy sunset drinks and a bonfire at Amaya
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Cerritos Beach:
- Barracuda Cantina: Featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles for their incredible fish tacos
- Carnitas Miguel’s: An unassuming local spot serving up juicy carnitas (Mexican-style pulled pork) tacos
- Baja Beans Cafeteria: A popular local cafe with good coffee and light bites
- Noah Sushi: Gourmet sushi restaurant hidden away down a backstreet
- Amaya: Delicious cocktails, tacos and ceviche right on the beach
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Cerritos Beach:
- Hostel/Budget: Pescadero Surf Camp
- Affordable Mid-Range: Pure Baja Suites & Retreats
- Boutique/Sustainable: Tribu Pescadero
🏄🏻 Read our Cerritos Beach travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Cerritos Beach to Cabo San Lucas: 1 hour
Cabo San Lucas
😴 How long we spent there: 4 nights
Cabo San Lucas is the wild part of the Los Cabos region, a raucous resort city in the south of the state. Best known as an American party destination, or a hideaway for Hollywood high rollers, Cabo San Lucas is the tourist destination in Baja.
With the tacky tourist shops, persistent touts and heaving nightclubs to prove it. But even if you’re not into tequila shots or all-inclusive resorts, there is some stunning scenery here. Experiencing crazy Cabo for at least a few days on your Baja California Sur road trip is a rite of passage, even if it doesn’t sound like your scene!
- 🌞 Top five things to do in Cabo San Lucas:
- Hike up Mt Solmar with a group of dogs
- Get a water taxi to the iconic El Arco and hang out on Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach
- Hunt out the best local tacos on a street food tour
- Go humpback whale watching
- Explore the less-visited downtown Cabo San Lucas, with quieter, more local streets
- 🌮 Our favourite places to eat in Cabo San Lucas:
- Los Claros: Best local restaurant in Cabo, seafood tacos with an epic salad bar
- Taqueria el Paisa: Mouthwatering al pastor and asada tacos
- La Lupita: On the fancier side, but a great venue and delicious tacos
- Taqueria el Zarape: Cheap, juicy late night tacos
- La Esquina Choyera: Great option for a hearty Mexican breakfast
- 🛏️ Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas:
- Hostel/Budget: Sofia Hostel
- Affordable Mid-Range: Cabo Vista Hotel
- Boutique/Sustainable: Bahia Beach House
🌈 Read our Cabo San Lucas travel guide here
🚘 Driving time from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo: 45 minutes
Road trip Baja California Sur: Final thoughts
This marks the end of your epic Baja California Sur road trip! Head to the airport in San Jose del Cabo to return your car, and say goodbye to one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Best of Baja California Sur
OUR BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR TRAVEL GUIDES
The Comments
PAUL DEES
La Bocana?? Guerrero Negro?? Santa Rosalia??
Sally
PAUL DEESFor a future trip! We would have loved to include those places, but we prefer to take it slow and spend more time in each destination. I think our next trip has to include Baja Norte too, with a stop in these northern places!
Anthony
Thanks for the beautiful review and pictures. I am curious about your opinion on this : if you had to pick 2 places to spend one month each, which places would you pick ? From what I read on your post, I bet La Paz would be one of the two. Which would be the second one ? Todos Santos ? San Jose del Cabo ? 🙂
Sally
AnthonyHey Anthony, I think you would be right with La Paz! There is just such a breadth of things to do in and around the city, so it is definitely a great place to spend a month – we hope to do the same one day! In terms of a second location – a tough one!! If you are planning on having a car, I would say Todos Santos over San Jose del Cabo. It’s quieter and more laidback, and if you have a car it is still within easy reach of Los Cabos and plenty of other surrounding beaches and towns. However, we did LOVE Loreto in the north. The scenery up there is breathtaking, and there are plenty of amazing hikes, tours and activities to do. It is quite a while away from other areas though (4 + hours from La Paz). Good luck deciding – everywhere is beautiful!! 😄
Lisa
Thank you so much for all of this information! My friend and I are headed to the same area in early February, and you have done a lot of the leg work for us!
Sally
LisaHi Lisa, my absolute pleasure! I hope you have an amazing time in Baja Sur, and please reach out if you have anymore questions. Sally xx
Ray
Hi
I am currently following your guide, brilliant!
In LA Paz now and you have been spot on re. your obversations.
Cheers
Ray, an old Kiwi
Sally
RayHi Ray, you’re not quite from my Aussie neck of the woods, but close enough! I am so glad the guide has been helpful! Sounds like you are having a fantastic time. I would love to teleport back to La Paz. Keep enjoying, eat some tacos for me, I still dream about the asada tacos from Rancho Viejo in La Paz! All the best, Sally
Nikki
Thanks, Sally for these amazing tips and recommendations. We are headed on a 16 day road trip through Baja soon and your content has helped us plan our trip. I haven’t been to Baja in 25 years and am excited to see how much it has changed and show my daughters around Baja. Fantastic content and beautiful photos on your blog. Happy travels. Nikki
Sally
NikkiHi Nikki, how exciting is that! I would absolutely love to hear your opinions after returning to Baja, and what you think has changed. It’s definitely developed a whole lot more since then, but I hope you still find the raw Baja magic. It will be wonderful to share such a special place with your daughters. Enjoy, and I would love to hear your thoughts post trip! Sally xx
Frank D.
HEY THERE ! BEAUTIFUL BLOG ABOUT YOUR ROADTRIP IN BAJA. WE WERE LOOKING FOR A SUMMER TRIP, AND WE’VE ALREADY BEEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO CALIFORNIA. BAJA SUR LOOKS LIKE A LOVELY OPTION TO SEE SOMETHING NEW. DO YOU THINK IT’S SAFE TO TRAVEL WITH A 2 YEAR OLD KID? WE WERE TRAVELING WITH OUR DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS ONE YEAR OLD IN MEXICO CITY, AND WE FELT PRETTY SAFE THERE. DID YOU NEVER FEEL UNSAFE ON YOUR ROADTRIP?
IF YOU WOULD ONLY HAVE 5 DAYS? DO YOU THINK STAYING IN A HOTEL IN LAPAZ AND DOING DAYTRIPS TO TODOS SANTOS AND CABO WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA, OR SHOULD WE CHANGE CITIES WITHING THESE 5 DAYS? THANKS FOR HELPING.
Sally
Frank D.Hi Frank, thanks for your kind words. I think Baja California Sur would be an amazing place for a trip with your daughter, and we never felt unsafe at all. For just 5 days, I would probably suggest basing yourself in one place, and focusing on that area. There is so much to see and do in each destination you don’t want to spend most of your time driving around. However if it was possible to fly into Cabo and out of La Paz (or vice versa) you could try and spend maybe 3 nights in each. But the southern area is small enough that day trips are possible. Enjoy! Sally
Mira
Thank you for sharing this wealth of information. I love your format. To the point thourogh concise. Incredible.
Sally Rodrick
MiraThankyou so much for your kind words Mira, I am so glad the article helped. Sounds like you’ve got a great trip on the cards – enjoy! Sally x