Whether natural landscapes, caves and canals, vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, or beach living is what you’re looking for during your next once-in-a-lifetime excursion, Baja California Sur has you covered.
This enchanting Mexican state is not to get confused with its northern sibling, Baja California, which is just as beautiful in its own right. Instead, Baja California Sur is the southern sibling that boasts hot sun, wicked white sandy beaches, wondrous wine tastings, and decadent cuisine to pair.
Whatever you want to do in this region of the Baja Peninsula, Baja California Sur has it. You just need to know where to look…
Lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in the area so that YOU don’t have to do the tiresome research required for planning an unforgettable trip. So, whether you’re looking to party up or wind down, this list has something for everybody.
Let’s get right into it!
The Top 9 Places to Visit in Baja California Sur
While there are several locations worth visiting in Baja California Sur, and across the Baja Peninsula for that matter, there are few that simply shine brighter than the rest, earning themselves the reputation as some of the best places to visit in the area.
From pristine beaches that seem to stretch on forever to historic towns steeped in culture, art, and charm, the following nine (9) places epitomize the essence of this Mexican paradise.
So strap in… Below are the top nine places to explore when visiting Baja California Sur, Mexico:
La Paz
Most known for being the capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz, is also known for its beautiful seafront comprising world-class beaches, surf shops, parks, and art exhibits; ideal for the entire family.
Whether you’re looking to go surfing, fishing, beach walking, suntanning, swimming, scuba diving, or boating, La Paz has it all!
Not far from the center city of La Paz, tourists who are into ancient history and architecture can also explore 19th-century Cathedrals, OR better, take a quick boat ride out to Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal clear waters and abundant biodiversity.
El Pescadero
Just south of Todos Santos and only an hour’s drive to Cabos San Lucas, El Pescadero is a small but vibrant village in Baja California Sur, Mexico; a municipality of La Paz. Located within the small region of El Pescadero is one of the most sought-after beach and surf destinations in Mexico – Cerritos Beach!
Ideal as a hub, if you’re staying in this abundant oasis in the dry Baja desert, be sure to visit the most popular designations including the Todos Santos Plaza, Los Cerritos Beach, and Punta Lobos, just to name a few…
Los Cerritos Beach
Speaking of El Pescadero, If you’re seeking a more laid-back and remote beach experience, Cerritos Beach is the place to be. Located on the Pacific coast near Todos Santos, Cerritos Beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions.
Surfers of all levels flock to this spot to catch the waves, and there are surf schools available for beginners. The beach’s relaxed atmosphere also makes it a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Put simply, Cerritos Beach is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the noise and enjoy the natural beauty of Baja California Sur’s western coastline. Depending on what time of year you visit, however, you may be met with some crowds…
Todos Santos
Backed by the Sierra de la Laguna Mountain Range, this town on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula is a charming little town smack dab in the middle of the capital La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations on your Baja California Sur getaway, Todos Santos is worth considering as your primary hub, making it easy to get around to the most sought-after destinations nearby.
Similar to San Jose Del Cabo (which you’ll read about shortly), Todos Santos is known for having a more laid-back, artsy vibe, abundant in local art exhibits and low-key surf spots, and most notably, for being home to the famous Hotel California.
Cabo San Lucas
Located at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, Cabo San Lucas is arguably the most well-known internationally, especially amongst Americans, primarily known for its luxurious beach resorts and lively nightlife scene.
If you’re lucky enough to pay Cabo a visit, you’d be remiss not to take a half-day excursion in the Pacific Ocean to see Land’s End, a famous rock formation in the Sea of Cortez; it’s a must-see hotspot if you’re in the area.
San Jose del Cabo
Not too far away from Cabo San Lucas is San Jose del Cabo, a charming, more relaxed small town that offers visitors and locals alike reprieve from its neighboring sibling.
With art galleries to explore, quaint streets to stroll, and historic architecture to marvel at throughout your town exploration, San Jose del Cabo is an often overlooked region of Baja California Sur. If this sounds more your speed, be sure to jump at the opportunity before it becomes the next most popular Mexican destination…
Loreto
Hosting the nearby Loreto Bay National Park, Loreto itself is a historic town that boasts the incredibly rugged beauty of Baja California Sur. The town is also host of a lovely historic center along with a beautiful malecón.
Much like the majority of other tropical destinations in Mexico and around the world, Loreto has an untapped amount of beautiful white sandy beaches in conjunction with the secluded coastal region that offers awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and painted blue skies.
Isla Espiritu Santo
This uninhabited island in Baja California Sur is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hotspot of biodiversity, marveling tourists who are lucky enough to step foot on the island regarding its abundant wildlife and natural landscapes.
Whether you want to swim with the sea lions, snorkel with the sea turtles, dive with the dolphins, or kayak above the waterline to take in the outward sights of over 100 bird species on the island, Isla Espiritu Santo is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Mexico in a unique light.
Valle de Guadalupe
Bottoms up anybody? I mean… Pinkies up, anybody…? While Valle de Guadalupe is not known for its lively nightlife, it is known for its world-class wine tasting, so be sure to warm up those pinkies for when you’re sipping some of the best wine a pallet can taste.
An incredibly popular tourist destination for wine connoisseurs and foodies alike, you’ll be salivating just looking at the plated Baja Med cuisine upon arrival. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, it’ll likely be your favorite destination visited to-date.
BONUS: Other Notables…
As I said in the beginning, there are so many amazing places to visit and explore along the Baja Peninsula, especially the southern portion of Baja California Sure. So many, in fact, that there are just too many to list in one blog post.
With that said, there are a few other notables I couldn’t forget to mention, including but certainly not limited to La Poza, Batequitos, San Pedrito, Punta Lobos, and Los Esteros.
These are ALL incredibly popular destinations for amateur and professional surfers alike, and among their favorite places to surf in all of Mexico.
You’re One Plane Ticket Away!
As our journey through the best places to visit in Baja California Sur, Mexico, comes to a close, I hope that it not only educated you on how to best plan your trip but INSPIRED you to get your butt to the computer and book the darn thing!
A remarkable destination in and of itself, the many picturesque towns, beaches, and beyond that it comprises is simply next level; a bucket list tick is much needed!
Baja California Sur isn’t just a destination but rather a portal to an adventure of a lifetime that awaits. Where natural wonders are abundant and human creativity converges to curate a tapestry of memories you’ll never forget, this corner of Mexico is undoubtedly worth visiting, especially if you have the bandwidth to include the above “Top Spots” along the journey.
