The twin resort towns of Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, are popular vacation spots in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Each offers everything you need for a fantastic vacation, including beautiful beaches for relaxation or water sports, luxury resorts and hotels, excellent places to eat, and enough attractions to keep you entertained.
But after a few days of relaxation in Los Cabos, you might like to see more of Baja California. Luckily, there are plenty of fun day trips from Cabo San Lucas to satisfy your urge to explore.
I’ve compiled 12 of the best places to visit on a day trip from Cabo San Lucas. Whether you’re in the mood for exploring historical cities or sleepy desert towns, strolling on golden sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, or hiking to swim under a canyon waterfall, you’ll find your perfect destination in my guide to the best Cabo day trips.
Renting a car in Los Cabos will give you complete freedom to explore the Baja California peninsula at your own pace and driving in Mexico is easy. If you’re thinking of visiting some of the more remote locations on this list, it’s worth getting a 4WD vehicle to navigate bumpy dirt roads.
If you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else, I’ve also included the best options for organized tours where they are available. Most of these tours depart from Cabo San Lucas, so you’ll need to arrange travel between the two Cabos if you’re planning a day trip from San José del Cabo.
Many of these day trips from Los Cabos can also be combined into a 2- or 3-day mini-break.
San José del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas’s smaller neighbor, San José del Cabo, is only around 40 minutes north of Cabo. Most vacationers will pass through it when they’re traveling from Los Cabos International Airport to their resort or hotel in Cabo San Lucas. However, it also makes for an easy day trip option, whether you drive your rental car or take an Uber (which is easily available).
Although many people confuse the two cities of Los Cabos, San José del Cabo offers a totally different and more authentically Mexican experience compared to the tourist-oriented city of Cabo San Lucas. The historic city center is filled with narrow winding streets and colonial architecture, and you’ll find a great selection of independent eateries and street food carts offering traditional Mexican cuisine.
The pristine beaches of San José del Cabo are excellent for water sports like kayaking and snorkelling, and they tend to be quieter with fewer souvenir sellers than Cabo San Lucas’s beaches. However, like most beaches in Baja Sur, the San Jose beaches are usually unsafe for swimming due to rip currents and steep drop offs.
Compared to the typical tourist activities in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo offers a better choice of cultural activities. These include Mexican cooking classes and the popular San José del Cabo Art Walk, which takes place on Thursday nights during the high season. You’ll also find a better selection of locally made artisan gifts and souvenirs in the town’s markets and boutiques.
There’s more inspiration for your San José del Cabo day trip in our guide to the Best Things to Do in Cabo.
Altogether, San José del Cabo offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Cabo San Lucas, making it the ideal destination for a laid-back day trip.
Todos Santos
Todos Santos is one of my favorite places in Mexico. It’s a small, colorful town that lies around an hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast.
The town proudly carries the Mexican Government’s “Pueblo Magico” or Magic Town designation. This award recognises the town’s work to preserve its traditional culture and historic architecture, and you’ll find plenty of charm and history in Todos Santos’s beautiful center.
The streets of Todos Santos are filled with cute boutiques (my favorite is Nomad Chic) and art galleries that you can easily spend a full day exploring. The town is also home to the iconic ‘Hotel California’, which is a popular spot for photos even though it was not the inspiration for the famous song.
If you’re looking for a more active day trip, there are miles of sandy beaches at Playa San Pedrito and Playa Las Palmas in Pescadero (more on this below). The strong undercurrents make it unsafe for surfing, but there’s a chance of spotting humpback whales or gray whales from the beach.
You might like to check out the hiking trails in the area, including the trail from the Hotel San Cristobal to Punta Lobos Beach or the 4-mile Sugar Port Trail, which runs from Punta Lobos down the coast to Playa Los Cerritos.
You’ll also find a great selection of independent places to eat in Todos Santos, ranging from fine-dining restaurants to casual eateries right on the sands.
There’s more inspiration for your Todos Santos day trip in our guide to the Best Things to Do in Todos Santos.
Todos Santos guided tour
Visiting Todos Santos is simple if you have access to a car, as it’s just an hour’s drive along Highway 19. If you don’t have a rental car, this Todos Santos Day Trip lets you explore the town’s highlights in the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
The tour price includes round-trip transportation from Cabo San Lucas and a Mexican Buffet lunch with fresh fruit, water, and beer.
As you can see, there’s plenty to fill a day trip to Todos Santos. If you have enough time, it’s worth staying for a night or two and exploring the surrounding area, including the neighboring village of El Pescadero and the stunning Playa Los Cerritos.
El Pescadero
I love El Pescadero so much that I bought a house there, and I now spend around two months of each year in the Todos Santos area.
This sleepy fishing village only takes around 45 minutes to reach from Cabo San Lucas, and it’s small enough to explore its cobblestone streets on foot in just a half-day. That leaves enough time to visit the beautiful beaches, hike through the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountains, or take part in one of the many yoga, pilates, and relaxation classes in the village of Pescadero.
There’s also a great selection of places to eat in El Pescadero, including hidden gems serving authentic Mexican dishes and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing local and seasonal produce.
El Pescadero lies just 15 minutes down the road from Todos Santos, so you could combine the two locations in a single day trip. Alternatively, you could extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of the charming boutique hotels in Todos Santos or Pescadero.
Playa Los Cerritos
Los Cerritos Beach lies a few miles south of El Pescadero and is one of the best beaches for surfing in Baja California Sur.
A well-packed dirt road leads from the main highway to the beach, so you don’t need a 4WD vehicle for this journey. There’s plenty of parking near the sands, and you can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and surfboards at reasonable prices.
The waves on many Cabo beaches can be too strong for beginner surfers, but Cerritos Beach is a great place to try surfing for the first time. Check the surf forecast before you travel, as the surf conditions can vary from day to day, and it could be too powerful for inexperienced surfers.
Be sure to check out Barracuda Cantina, an open-air beach bar and former taco truck located right on the sand. They serve super-fresh fish tacos, quesadillas, and burritos made with homemade tortillas, along with ice-cold beers and cocktails. It’s the perfect place for lunch after you’ve been surfing.
Los Cerritos Beach Surfing Lesson
If you don’t feel confident about surfing on your own or you’d like some guidance on improving your surfing, you can book a surfing lesson on Los Cerritos Beach. This private lesson includes expert instruction, all necessary equipment, and an authentic Mexican lunch.
Alternatively, just get a drink from the Cantina and watch the expert surfers in action!
Santiago
Santiago is a small town, approximately a 1.5-hour drive through the Sierra Laguna mountains from Cabo San Lucas. You’ll need your own rental car to take this journey, as there aren’t any organized tours from Cabo.
It’s the perfect spot for a day of outdoor activities, relaxing in natural thermal springs, or simply exploring the sleepy town.
The town’s bustling market and historic church are worth a visit, and it’s also worth heading up to the Mirador viewpoint to drink in the beautiful surroundings. You can also visit local farms to pick delicious fresh mangos, August and September are the best months to find perfectly ripe mangos.
The natural Santa Rita Hot Springs are ideal for a relaxing break from all your exploration. The best time to visit them is in the early morning or late evening, when the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable.
Cañón de la Zorra (Fox Canyon) and Sol De Mayo Waterfall
The Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo is a popular destination for hiking and enjoying the local scenery. It’s just a short drive from Santiago, Baja California Sur, but the area is worth a day trip on its own. Read all about our day trip to Cañón de al Zorra for all the practical details you need for a great trip.
Fox Canyon is a popular spot for hiking in Baja California Sur, and you’ll find plenty of trails to suit different experience levels.
The Sol De Mayo Waterfall is known by several names, including Fox Canyon Waterfall, Cascada Sol De Mayo, and Sierra Laguna Waterfall. It’s a 15-minute hike from the rancho, and the cool waters below the gentle waterfall are the perfect place to cool down after your hike.
The contrast between the desert landscape and the lush green foliage around the freshwater pool makes it feel like you’ve stumbled across a desert oasis.
Hiking Tour to Fox Canyon
If you have a rental car, you can easily hike Fox Canyon by yourself. However, if you don’t have a car or would prefer to travel with an experienced guide, this full-day hiking tour of Fox Canyon is the best way to explore the area.
It includes return transportation from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo, lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, and a guided tour of the canyon with a choice of hiking trails to suit your experience level.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital city of Baja California Sur and lies around 2.5 hours from Cabo San Lucas. It’s an entirely different experience from Cabo San Lucas: less tourist-focused and more authentically Baja Californian. There’s plenty to see and do in La Paz, making it an excellent option for a day trip from Cabo, but you might prefer to stay for a night or two so you can explore the city fully.
The city of La Paz is also home to the iconic Playa Balandra, or Balandra Beach, famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is located around 30 minutes north of La Paz city center, and beach access is available in two shifts: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM.
For the best chance of accessing the beach, it’s best to arrive early to get in line. Weekends are the busiest times, so try to visit on a weekday if possible.
The beach is stunning, and the shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, but there are no facilities on the beach. You’ll find a restaurant and some great taco stands nearby, though.
There’s plenty more to do in La Paz, from visiting the historic old town and strolling along the vibrant Malecon boardwalk to swimming with sea lions on Isla Espiritu Santo. You can find more to inspire your day trip in our guide to the Best Things to do in La Paz.
Cabo Day Trip to La Paz
Renting your own car will allow you to explore La Paz at your own pace. If you don’t want to rent a car, this day tour from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, Balandra, and Todos Santos takes in the most iconic sights of each location.
You’ll spend time on the boardwalk in La Paz, visit Balandra Beach and Coromuel Beach, and stop in Todos Santos to see the iconic Hotel California. This is a full-day tour, and the price includes round-trip transportation, lunch in La Paz, and bottled water.
La Ventana
La Ventanta is a little beach town on the Sea of Cortez in the area known as the East Cape, around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. The town is a little off the beaten path, so you’ll need your own rental car to make the journey. However, it’s a great drive, especially if you take the route through the scenic Sierra Laguna mountains.
Kitesurfing in La Ventana
La Ventana is world-famous for kite surfing, and several kite surf schools and shops in the town will rent you the equipment you need for this unique experience. You could also book a 3-hour private kitesurfing lesson in La Ventana, which includes expert instruction and all necessary equipment.
There’s more to La Ventana than kite surfing, as there are several free natural hot springs along the coast at the nearby town of El Sargento. The best time to visit is just before low tide, as the pools are covered by the high-tide waters.
You’ll also find a great selection of restaurants around La Ventana, serving delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Cabo Pulmo National Park
If you’re a keen scuba diver or free diver, spending a day at Cabo Pulmo National Park is a must. This 70 square kilometer marine park in the Sea of Cortez is home to a 20,000-year-old reef and is one of the best diving spots in North America.
Its crystal-clear turquoise waters are filled with massive schools of tropical fish, as well as whales, dolphins, sea lions, and whale sharks.
Cabo Pulmo is around a two-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas, and the first 75 minutes are easy driving on Highway 1. However, the last 7 miles take you along a bumpy dirt track, so you’ll find the journey easier in a truck or 4WD vehicle.
Cabo Pulmo Snorkeling Expedition
If you don’t have access to a car, you can book a place on this small-group Cabo Pulmo Snorkeling Expedition, which leaves from Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo.
You’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the park’s beautiful waters, and all necessary equipment is provided. You’ll also enjoy lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, while someone else takes care of the driving!
The East Cape
Although it’s just 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and only 20 minutes west of San José del Cabo, the East Cape isn’t well known as a Cabo day trip destination. That’s partly because of the bumpy dirt roads that lead down to the East Cape beaches, which make a 4WD vehicle essential.
It is, however, known to locals. East Cape is where active locals take their vacations, camping on the beach, kite surfing, and surfing.
If you make the journey, you’ll be rewarded with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches here are almost deserted and there’s no cell reception, making the East Cape a perfect spot for a relaxing day away from the noise and excitement of Cabo San Lucas.
If you want to embrace the quiet life for a little longer, you’ll find a few guesthouses and small eateries in the area.
El Triunfo
A day trip to El Triunfo is a great option if you’re interested in learning more about the rich history of Baja California.
El Triunfo is a former mining town with a population of around 300 people. It lies around 90 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas, so you’ll need your own car rental for this Cabo day trip.
The town has two fascinating museums worth visiting: the Museo Ruta de Plata (Silver Route Museum) and the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias (Cowboy Museum of the Californias). These give you a deep insight into the history of Baja California.
Other sites worth visiting in El Triunfo include the town’s former gold mine, the Cactus Sanctuary, and the El Mirador del Triunfo lookout.
Spend a day at sea
Cabo San Lucas lies at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula at the point where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful surroundings and rich marine life make it the perfect spot to hire a boat and head out for a relaxing day on the water.
Whether you want to try snorkelling, swim in the warm sea, or just relax with a few cold drinks as you watch the sun sink below the horizon, this is a great way to spend a day.
Cabos San Lucas Snorkelling Tour
The most affordable way to spend a day at sea is on a group tour, such as this snorkelling boat tour from Cabo San Lucas.
You’ll spend 4 hours on board a luxury catamaran, visiting two great snorkelling locations. The tour price includes lunch, an open bar, and all necessary equipment.
Cabo Private Yacht Tour
Hiring a private yacht is a more luxurious option that would be perfect for celebrating a special occasion during your stay in Cabo San Lucas.
This private yacht tour can accommodate groups of up to 18 people. You can snorkel, paddle board, or relax on a floating mat, and there’s also a chance to see the iconic El Arco, Cabo’s famous landmark. You’ll enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch, snacks, and drinks during this private boat trip.
Alternatively, you can hire a private yacht and crew from Cabo San Lucas’ marina. Popular yacht rental companies include Cabo Yacht Life and Pisces Yachts.
That wraps up the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas. With such a wide range of fun day trips and exciting destinations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect day trip for your Cabo vacation.
Which destination is top of your must-do list?
