Just an hour or so from Los Cabos International Airport in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, you’ll find the sleepy fishing village of Pescadero. The locals call it El Pescadero, which means the fishmonger, and I call it totally magical!
I first visited Pescadero in 2021 and loved it so much that I bought a house there. We now spend around 2 months of the year in the region, and it’s still as magical as the first time we arrived there.
The best time to visit Pescadero is between October and June, which avoids the excessive heat and hurricanes of the summer months. It’s perfect for a short break or longer vacation, thanks to its golden sand beaches, friendly people, and delicious cuisine.
The small village of Pescadero feels more authentically Mexican than the bigger tourist destinations of La Paz or Los Cabos. However, it lies at the end of a quiet dirt road, and many tourists taking the road trip to Todos Santos simply drive straight past.
So I’ve put together the perfect 3-day itinerary to give you a taste of the local culture, history, and natural beauty of Pescadero. I’ve added my recommendations for the best places to eat in Pescadero and nearby Todos Santos and shared my pick of the best things to do in this part of the Baja Peninsula.
Day 1: Exploring Pescadero and Todos Santos
You’ll start your short vacation in Baja California Sur by exploring the magical village of Pescadero and its neighbor, Todos Santos.
Morning
Days in Pescadero are slow and tranquil. In winter, wake up to coffee at your hotel or vacation rental and watch for whales. Whales visit the area from around December to March each year, and you can often see dozens a day just from the shore.
After marveling at these majestic visitors, head out for brunch at Baja Beans Café. This colorful coffee shop is one of my favorite Pescodero brunch spots, and I absolutely love their delicious chilaquiles and coffee. They also have fresh pastries, omelettes, avocado toast, and more.
You’ll find more great places for breakfast and brunch in my guide to the Best Places to Eat in Pescadero.
Baja Beans is set in a courtyard lined by swaying palm trees. The plaza is filled with art galleries, a fairly large Zocalo store, and stalls selling local produce and artisan crafts, so you can take a while after breakfast to browse. There’s also a weekly market on Sunday, which is an excellent option for souvenir shopping.
Across the parking lot on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in winter and spring, you’ll find a farmer’s market called Grow Pescadero open from 9-3. They sell fresh produce, herbs, and a small variety of house-made ready to eat items.
Proceeds benefit low-income families in the area, so your money stays local and makes a real impact. Take a stroll through their sunflower field and chat with the owners to learn more about their great work.
Afterward, spend the rest of the morning getting to know Pescadero. It’s only a small fishing village, so exploring won’t take long. I’d definitely recommend visiting a boutique called Gypsea which sells ethical fashion and artisan jewelry. They also host a weekly farmers’ market on Saturdays where you can check out some of the fresh produce grown in the surrounding area.
Downtown Pescadero is a small town on the side of the highway away from the beach. You’ll find pharmacies, an ice cream shop, a grocery store, hardware store, and other small necessities. There’s not much to do in Pescadero itself, but it’s a taste of real Mexico if you’re interested in a quick stop.
Lunch
When you’re ready for a break from exploring, head to Shaka’s Cantina for a quick, relaxed lunch.
Shaka’s Cantina is a mix between a Mexican beach bar and an American sports bar, with a sand-covered floor and TVs showing American football games. The simple menu has a lot of standard sports bar favorites, local dishes like tacos and quesadillas, and daily Happy Hour deals. I really recommend their steak nachos!
Afternoon
After lunch, it’s time to take the short drive up the main road to the town of Todos Santos. This charming small town is a ‘Pueblo Mágico,’ a designation the Mexican government gives to towns that focus on preserving their history and culture.
Take some time to wander around the cobblestone streets of downtown Todos Santos, known as the Centro, and check out the colorful, bougainvillea-covered buildings. You’re sure to fall in love with the relaxed atmosphere and friendly people of Todos Santos.
Although Todos Santos town center is pretty small and easy to cover on foot, there’s quite a lot to see. Call into the main church of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Todos Santos, which is the original site of the first building in Todos Santos, the Misión Santa Rosa de Todos Santos. It’s located just off the town’s main plaza, Plaza Centro, which is the best place to take a break for a coffee and do a little people-watching.
Todos Santos is a better shopping destination than Pescadero. The Calle Centenario is a great spot for buying artisan crafts and handmade jewelry, Mercado Publico has stalls selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, and there’s a weekly farmer’s market in Todos Santos on Fridays. I highly recommend calling into my favorite boutique, Nomad Chic, for beautiful and unique clothing.
The town has a bohemian ambiance thanks to its thriving art scene. Head to the Calle Juarez to browse through art galleries featuring local artists and other works from around the world.
You’ll find more inspiration for things to do in my complete guide to Todos Santos.
Evening
As you’re already in Todos Santos, you could have dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants. I recommend Oystera for super-fresh seafood or seasonal dining on a working organic farm at Jazamango. Reservations are required at Oystera and strongly recommended at Jazamango.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Dum (pronounced Doom) would be the perfect dinner spot. Every dish served at this fine dining restaurant is like a work of art, but reservations are a must, so book ahead of your visit to Todos Santos.
You’ll find more restaurant recommendations in my guide to the Best Places to Eat in Todos Santos.
If you’d prefer to eat in Pescadero or haven’t managed to make a reservation at one of the restaurants above, one of my best tips is to head to Hierbabuena. You’ll enjoy delicious farm-to-table meals featuring fresh food grown right in the organic garden where you’ll be dining. They don’t take reservations, but the restaurant gets very busy, so leave it too late!
Day 2: Get Active in Nature and Visit Cerritos Beach
It’s time to go a little further afield today, exploring the natural beauty of the area around Pescadero and the beach of Playa Los Cerritos.
If you have a rental car, you could decide to use today for a day trip from Pescadero. The state capital of Baja California, La Paz, is just over an hour drive from Pescadero on the shores of the Sea of Cortez. You can also reach the twin tourist destinations of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo in just under an hour’s drive.
Morning
You’ll start your second day in Pescadero with breakfast at one of the village’s hidden gems, Lucky23. This popular spot is tucked away in a little shopping plaza, but it’s worth hunting out for an authentic Baja breakfast or delicious dinner. Along with local favorites like huevos rancheros, burritos, and chilaquiles, you can also tuck into popular American breakfast dishes like pancakes, omelets, or bagels.
You’ll be ready to burn off your breakfast with a hike through the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountains on the Sugar Point Trail or down the hiking trail to Punto Lobos beach.
Once you get there, you can relax on the golden sands while you watch local fishermen hauling in the day’s catch. If you’re still feeling active after your hike, you could try catching your own fish with Punto Lobos Fishing Charters.
Other active options for this morning include horseback riding with Todos Santos Eco Adventures or riding ATVs through the desert with Omega Tours or Pirate Backcountry Adventures. Note that most ATV vendors have a minimum age of 10, so this one is best left to families with older kids.
You’ll find some more ideas for kid-friendly activities in my guide to visiting Pescadero with kids.
Lunch
Your second afternoon starts with a 15-minute drive south from Pescadero to the beautiful beach at Playa Los Cerritos.
It’s worth stopping off along the way at the Justina Blanket Factory to pick up one of their gorgeous handwoven blankets or throw rugs. They are a beautiful souvenir and have something in every size and color.
Once you reach Cerritos Beach, head to Barracuda Cantina for lunch. This casual taco restaurant and open-air beach bar is probably the best cantina in Pescadero. You’ll be spoiled for choice with their super-fresh fish tacos and ceviche, quesadillas and burritos in homemade tortillas, and ice-cold beers and cocktails.
Best of all, it’s located right on the sands of Los Cerritos!
Afternoon
Playa Los Cerritos is the most popular beach in the Pescadero area, and it also has the best facilities. You can rent a sun lounger or beachfront palapa, and the beach bars will keep you supplied with ice cream, snacks, and cold beverages.
Los Cerritos is one of the best beaches for surfing in this part of the Baja peninsula. If you’re feeling active, you can rent a surfboard or book surfing lessons from Mario Surf School, but Cerritos Beach is also an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Baja California Sur.
Keep your eyes open for grey whales and humpback whales. Los Cerritos is a popular destination for whale-watching tours and you’ll also be able to spot them from the sands of Cerritos Beach.
And if you’re visiting Playa Los Cerritos on Wednesday or Sunday, you’ll find Cerritos Farmers Market next to the Mayan Village Resort on the beach’s main stretch. This is another great place to pick up some gifts and local produce.
Evening
If you love watching a beautiful sunset, El Pescadero certainly doesn’t disappoint. So, take time this evening to watch the sun sinking over the horizon as the Pacific Ocean crashes onto the shore and the sky turns vivid shades of purple and pink.
Cravings bar in the Cove private community is a perfect spot to watch a Pescadero sunset. This tiny bar only seats around 5 people and serves fine wines and tequilas paired with local tapas. Update: Cravings has closed permanently.
Kahal at the Mas Olas resort on Playa San Pedrito (San Pedrito beach) is one of my favorite places to eat in El Pescadero. The terrace with ocean views is the perfect place to watch the sunset while you enjoy their fantastic seafood menu and handcrafted cocktails. The seafood medley for two is phenomenal, and I love their tuna tartar and seafood tostadas.
The area around Todos Santos is also a popular place for turtle conservation. If you’re visiting Baja California Sur in the winter months, you could take part in one of the baby sea turtle releases organized by Tortugueros Las Playitas A.C. and Grupo Tortuguero. Releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean at sunset is a memorable experience and an essential part of protecting the species.
Day 3: Relaxation, Wellness, and Adios to Pescaderpo
Sadly, it’s nearly time to leave Pescadero. Before heading home, make the most of your final day by exploring the wellness activities in the village.
Morning
Palmar Pescadero is another great Pescadero breakfast spot where you can start the day with a traditional Baja breakfast. The hours vary seasonally, so check on social media before you plan to visit.
Once you’ve finished your delicious Mexican breakfast, you can spend the rest of the morning unwinding before your journey home.
This area of Baja California focuses heavily on wellness, and there are many options for yoga, pilates, and relaxation classes both in the village of Pescadero and up the Pacific coast in Todos Santos.
Start your last day in Pescadero with a pilates or yoga class with Eva, the talented instructor at Aureo Wellness. I’ve attended many of Eva’s classes and often take friends and family along with me. Everyone always enjoys her classes, but book early as they’re very popular with both tourists and local residents.
Other great options for your last morning in Pescadero include a ballet class at Ballet Paloma or a relaxation workshop at Modern Elder Academy.
If you prefer racquet sports, drop into Pescadero Tennis Club for tennis or pickleball. Jiu Jitsu fans can take a drop in class at Todos Santos BJJ, which is located just down the road from Baja Beans.
Lunch
Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Agricole Cocina de Campo, a farm-to-table restaurant attached to an upscale organic grocery store in Pescadero. The restaurant has a very natural setting overlooking a beautiful garden, and the menu features lots of fresh produce grown organically onsite. It received a mention in the Michelin Guide 2025 for its consistently wonderful food and experience.
Alternatively, you could head over to Todos Santos for a final look around and have lunch at one of the excellent restaurants there. I recommend El Burguer Shack for amazing burgers and Poke Loco for a quick, healthy lunch.
If you have access to a car rental, you could travel a little further to the Green Room, a casual lunch spot around 25 minutes north of Todos Santos. You can enjoy their amazing fish tacos, tostadas, and lobster rolls served at tables on the edge of Playa La Pastora.
Afternoon
As your time in Pescadero comes to an end, take time to make some final memories, shop for last-minute souvenirs, or relax on one of Pescadero’s beautiful beaches. If you had lunch in Todos Santos, you can take a final wander around the historic Centro and sip coffee overlooking the main plaza.
The Wrap Up
3 days in Pescadero is just enough to get a sense of this traditional fishing village’s charm, visit the nearby Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos, and explore the natural beauty of Baja California Sur.
I fell in love with Pescadero on my very first visit, and I hope your first time in El Pescadero will be just as magical as mine was!
