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Los Cabos is a destination in its own right, but one of its biggest strengths is as a gateway. Within a few hours’ drive, travelers can reach three distinct worlds: La Paz, where the rhythm of daily life revolves around the sea; Todos Santos, a historic town renowned for its art and cuisine; and the East Cape, a remote stretch of coast where silence and wind still shape the landscape. Each day trip offers a contrast to Cabo’s resort corridor and a closer look at the character of Baja California Sur.
Things to Do in La Paz: A Day Trip from Los Cabos
La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, moves at a slower rhythm and maintains a strong connection to the sea. It is known for its natural settings and for encounters that put visitors directly in touch with marine life.
Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes from Cabo San Lucas; 2 hours 20 minutes from San Jose del Cabo.
Relax at Balandra Beach, a Natural Landmark
Balandra, often regarded as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, is a shallow, crescent-shaped bay with calm, turquoise waters. Its famous “Mushroom Rock” stands as a landmark, while desert hills and mangroves frame a tranquil setting. The shallow seabed makes it ideal for wading, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding by the shore.
Balandra is a protected area, and access is regulated to preserve the environment. Entry is limited to two time slots per day, morning and afternoon, and capacity is capped. The contrast between its fame and its restrictions underscores the fragility of Baja’s natural icons.
Arrive early to secure a spot. There are no services available on the beach, so bring water, snacks, and any other essentials you may need.
Swim with Whale Sharks in the Sea of Cortez
From October through April, the Bay of La Paz hosts whale sharks in one of the region’s most remarkable seasonal gatherings. Licensed tours operate under strict environmental rules to ensure respectful encounters. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is both a rare privilege and a reminder of the area’s ecological richness.
Tours should be booked in advance, especially in peak season (December to March). Standard outings last several hours and include snorkeling gear and wetsuits. Most depart from the La Paz marina or malecón.
Stroll the Malecón at Sunset
As the day winds down, the malecón fills with joggers, families, and vendors. Ice cream stalls open as the sky shifts to orange and violet, showing the city’s most local side.
Todos Santos Day Trip: The Best of Baja’s Pueblo Mágico
Todos Santos, designated a Pueblo Mágico (a tourism-certified heritage town), has built its reputation on creativity, history, and a distinctive sense of place. Colonial architecture lines its streets, while a blend of traditional and contemporary culture defines its atmosphere.
Driving Time: 1 hour 10 minutes from Cabo San Lucas; 1 hour 30 minutes from San Jose del Cabo.
Visit the Famous Hotel California
Hotel California is one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks, mainly due to its place in popular culture. Many stop to see the building or enjoy its courtyard, but it is far from the sole reason to visit.
Explore Art Galleries and Shops
The town’s identity is most evident in its art scene. Dozens of galleries showcase local and international work, while artisan shops and independent boutiques keep the streets vibrant. Regular exhibitions and cultural events reinforce Todos Santos as a haven for artists and travelers who prefer a slower pace of life.
The culinary scene is equally strong, offering a diverse range of choices from taco stands to farm-to-table restaurants. Many highlight fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding valleys.
Pause in the Plaza
Between galleries and cafés, pause in the plaza as church bells mark the hour and vendors sell raspados. The Mission of Our Lady of Pilar is the town’s oldest building. Founded by Jesuit missionaries, it remains a historical and architectural landmark, as well as a central part of the community’s cultural and religious life. It serves as a reminder that, beneath its artistic identity, Todos Santos remains rooted in local traditions.
East Cape Baja: Remote Beaches and Kite Surfing
The East Cape offers an entirely different perspective on Baja California Sur. Stretching northeast from San Jose del Cabo, this region is defined by vast beaches, desert terrain, and minimal development.
Driving Time: Los Barriles is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Jose del Cabo. Reaching La Ventana adds 1 hour.
Why Visit the Untamed East Cape?
This stretch of coast is remote and lightly populated, with limited cell service and little infrastructure. Its appeal lies in that very remoteness, offering travelers a sense of Baja before large-scale development. Empty horizons, rugged landscapes, and quiet beaches make it a destination for those seeking solitude.
The roads on the East Cape are a mix of paved and unpaved sections. A high-clearance vehicle, often a 4×4, is highly recommended for exploring the more secluded beaches and navigating the sandy or bumpy tracks. Gas stations and other services are limited, so it is essential to fill up on fuel and pack plenty of water and snacks before you leave Los Cabos.
Kite Surfing on the East Cape
From November through March, strong and consistent winds make the East Cape a global destination for kite surfing. La Ventana and Los Barriles draw athletes from around the world. On windy afternoons, pickup trucks line the beaches and sails fill the horizon. At the same time, local food stands serve the community that has grown around the sport.
Day Trips from Los Cabos: What to Know Before Setting Out
Highways to La Paz, Todos Santos, and the East Cape are well-maintained, but driving at night is risky due to unlit stretches, roaming livestock, and unmarked speed bumps, making an early return the safer choice.
Leaving before 9:00 a.m. not only avoids traffic on the corridor in Los Cabos but also gives you the space to experience each destination on its own terms.
That’s the point of these excursions: to step outside the resort bubble and into very different versions of Baja California Sur.
La Paz connects travelers to the sea and its rhythms, Todos Santos offers a cultural counterpoint built on art and food, and the East Cape strips the experience down to silence, wind, and raw coast. Each lies close enough for a day, yet far enough to feel like a different country.