There is so much to do and see within 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 behinds on the beach and stay around the hotel, there is much to do around 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 city became a sugar-cane producer and now is a cultural oasis. Todos Santos is about an hour’s drive north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast side of the Baja California Peninsula.
A haven for artists, surfers and travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty, the town has seen a boom of upscale restaurants and boutique hotels, alongside resorted colonial buildings. In 2006, the town became a part of Mexico’s Magical Towns Programme (Programa Pueblos Mágicos), which promotes rural towns that offer certain characteristics and traditions that make them unique.
Balandra Beach
Home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, this hidden gem is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas. The protected beach is only open to the public during two daily time slots and presents pristine, calm waters and a stunning backdrop.
Surrounded by mangrove lagoons around the bay and several hills, hike up the cliffs for the famous mushroom rock, or Hongo de Balandra (in Spanish), for a breathtaking panoramic view 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 like kitesurfing and windsurfing, it is also known for its flyfishing and is an adventurer’s paradise. The small town boasts some delicious and bold traditional Mexican cuisine in its small cafes and taqueria running along the main street.
The lands outside the town make it ideal for land-based activities from horseback riding and off-roading with ATVs and the area is also home to a few top spas, resorts and golf. The area is home of the Brown pelican and visitors can also see whale sharks and an abundance of flora and fauna.
Cabo Pulmo
Home to the oldest coral reef on the west coast of North America, the area was declared a Protected Natural area in 1995. Home to the 27-square-mile Cabo Pulmo Marine National Park, it is home to 11 different species of coral and over 800 species of marine life.
Approximately two hours away from San Jose del Cabo, the region is ideal for those who seek a quieter, more natural and eco-friendly side of Los Cabos. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the area also offers sustainable sea kayaking and low-impact diving tours. Spend your day kayaking out to the sea lion colony or get an up-close look at the amazing underwater ecosystem which is home to sharks, exotic fish, manta rays and five of the world’s seven endangered species of sea turtles.
Santiago
About 35 miles from San José del Cabo, the small town is a nature lovers’ paradise. Home to waterfalls, hot springs and hiking, the area is full of colorful agriculture farms and fruit orchards.
Dotted with green palm trees some of the best experiences to do while in Santiago include visiting the Sol de Mayo Waterfall, taking a dip in the Santa Rita Hot Springs and visiting the Rancho Ecológico El Refugio, a ranch offering access to hiking trails, rivers and swimming holes.