There is so much to do and see in Los Cabos, from a wealth of wellness experiences, gastronomic riches, outdoor adventure and more. And while some travelers flock to the region and prefer to park their butts on the beach and stay around the hotel, there is plenty to do in the area.
Here are some of the best day trips from Los Cabos where you can explore the surrounding villages and experience some charming towns.
Todos Santos
Initially founded as a mission in the 18th century, the town became a sugar cane producer and is now a cultural oasis. Todos Santos is located about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula.
A haven for artists, surfers and travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty, the city has seen a boom in luxury restaurants and boutique hotels, in addition to colonial buildings. In 2006, the city became part of the Mexican Magical Cities Program (Programa Pueblos Mágicos), which promotes rural towns that offer certain characteristics and traditions that make them unique.
Balandra Beach
Home to one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, this hidden gem is a two and a half hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. The protected beach is only open to the public twice a day and offers pristine, calm waters and a breathtaking backdrop.
Surrounded by mangrove lagoons around the bay and several hills, you can climb the cliffs for the famous mushroom rock, or Hongo de Balandra (in Spanish), for breathtaking panoramic views from above. Home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife, rent a kayak and explore the mangroves and beyond.
Los Barriles
Popular for its wind sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing, it is also known for its fly fishing and is an adventure seeker’s paradise. The small town offers some delicious and bold traditional Mexican dishes in the small cafes and taqueria along the main street.
The farmlands outside the city make it ideal for land-based activities such as horseback riding and off-roading ATVs, and the area is also home to a few top spas, resorts and golf. The area is home to the brown pelican and visitors can also see whale sharks and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Cabo Pulmo
The area is home to the oldest coral reef on the west coast of North America and was declared a protected area in 1995. Cabo Pulmo Marine National Parkit is home to 11 different species of coral and more than 800 species of marine life.
About a two-hour drive from San Jose del Cabo, the region is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more natural and eco-friendly side of Los Cabos. The area is popular for snorkeling and diving, but also offers sustainable sea kayaking and low-impact diving tours. Spend your day kayaking to the sea lion colony or get up close to the amazing underwater ecosystem, home to sharks, exotic fish, manta rays and five of the world’s seven endangered species of sea turtles.
Santiago
The small town, about 56 kilometers from San José del Cabo, is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to waterfalls, hot springs and hiking, the area is full of colorful agricultural farms and fruit orchards.
Dotted with green palm trees, some of the best experiences to do in Santiago include a visit to the Sol de Mayo waterfall, a dip in the Santa Rita hot springs and a visit to the Rancho Ecológico El Refugio, a ranch that offers access to hiking trails, rivers and swimming holes.
