Baja California Sur | Ultimate Traveler’s Guide, According to Locals [2024]

The rugged southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Baja California Sur is one of the most visited regions in Mexico – though few travelers make it out of Los Cabos. That’s a mistake; Baja California Sur has everything from serene beaches and gorgeous desert landscapes to ultra-fresh local cuisine and some of the richest waters for snorkeling and diving in the world.

After traveling extensively across Mexico, I can confidently say that Baja California Sur is my top recommendation among destinations in Mexico. Read on for our ultimate guide to Baja California Sur – according to the locals and the travel experts. You’ll find everything from the best things to do in Baja California Sur to the places that make the region so special.

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Baja California Sur

Stretching from the UNESCO-protected El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve south to the dual towns of Los Cabos—Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo—Baja California Sur is a dramatically varied destination offering many unique experiences.

Breezy, laid-back beach towns dot the coastline on both sides of the peninsula, making it a beach destination paradise loved by everyone from “van lifers” to those headed to some of Mexico’s most luxurious resorts.

To the east, the Sea of Cortez hides incredible wildlife and is a world-class destination for diving, whale watching, sport fishing, and more. On the west, the waves of the Pacific have long made the coastline a surfer’s haven, through an increasing number of cool communities here (don’t skip Todos Santos!) give travelers even more reasons to love this side of the coast.

Why Visit Baja California Sur?

It may sound cliché, but Baja California Sur has a bit of everything – truly! Adventurers will love off-roading, hiking desert gorges, and diving in underwater canyons, while wellness-seekers will melt into age-old hearing practices and sunrise yoga lessons. Whatever you’re looking for, Baja California Sur does it well – somehow better than you could ever expect.

With an arid, desert-like landscape sprinkled with soaring mountains and punctuated by calm, crystalline bays replete with marine life, it’s totally unique to Mexico and breathtakingly beautiful at every turn.

Read More: 20 Best Things To Do in Baja California Sur

Is Baja California Sur Safe?

Baja California Sur is generally a safe destination for travelers, especially when taking basic travel safety precautions and practicing street smarts. The crime rate in Baja California Sur is generally low, especially in comparison to other areas in Mexico.

When traveling, ask for and heed local advice, such as which areas to frequent and which to avoid. As always, stick to populated areas, don’t dress in a flashy way, take care of flashing expensive electronics, and avoid walking alone at night. Keep these things in mind, and you’ll enjoy a perfectly uneventful vacation in Baja California Sur.

Places to Visit in Baja California Sur

There are so many more places to visit in Baja California Sur that are worth your time – beyond just Los Cabos. These are some of the most impressive destinations in the region that you won’t want to leave off your itinerary.

1. La Paz

The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz, is a popular beach town on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula. Its combination of beautiful natural scenery and the convenience of its centrally located spot on the coast – just two hours north of Los Cabos – makes it a popular place for visitors to base themselves during a trip to Baja California Sur.

La Paz is a bit busier than some of the beach towns further up the peninsula like Loreto, meaning it might be just a little too lively and built-up for those looking for that feet-in-the-sand, beach-town vibe. But there’s plenty to love here. Plan on diving, sailing to nearby Isla Espiritu Santo (one of the best things to do in Baja California Sur!), and spotting whales and dolphins as among the highlights of your stay.

2. Loreto

Perched on the Sea of Cortez and surrounded by desert mountains and red rock canyons, Loreto is the ultimate beach town in Baja California Sur. Its walkability extends far beyond its beautiful malecón oceanfront promenade, and the impressive islands of Loreto offshore give even more drama to its ocean views.

Despite its sleepy feel, there’s plenty to do in Loreto; even after five days there, I felt there was so much more I still had to do in the area. While it’s a bit far from larger cities in Baja California Sur—even La Paz is a four-hour drive—Loreto makes a fantastic base for discovering one of the most picturesque areas of the region. Its affordability is a huge plus, as well.

3. Todos Santos

A small yet historic beach town at its heart, Todos Santos is increasingly a favorite among travelers heading to Baja California Sur. Just an hour north along the coast from Los Cabos, it’s a great addition to an itinerary in the region, especially if you don’t have time to go further up the peninsula.

The laidback vibe and the killer waves at nearby beaches – next-door Los Cerritos is legendary with surfers – have long made Todos Santos a haven with artists and hippies. However, the newest crop of visitors skews decidedly more luxury, with incredible wellness destinations like Paradero Todos Santos and ultra-luxe boutique hotels like Todos Santos Boutique Hotel drawing a whole new crowd.

4. Los Cabos

Comprising the towns of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, plus the increasingly developed stretch of resort-peppered coastline between the two towns, Los Cabos is what draws countless visitors to Baja California Sur. I have nothing but love for Los Cabos – I’ll go back again and again, trust me! – I just think that Baja California Sur has so much more to offer than just Los Cabos alone.

Los Cabos has shed its margarita-soaked party reputation over the past few years, turning it into a much more well-rounded travel destination. From Thursday night art walks in San José del Cabo to farm-to-table dining experiences everywhere you look and world-class tequila and mezcal tastings, the way to spend a vacation in Los Cabos are endless.

With one of Mexico’s busiest airports, the accessibility of Los Cabos is unmatched, no matter where you’re traveling from. Just don’t let it be your only taste of the region.

5. Cabo Pulmo

Located just an hour and a half northeast of San José del Cabo (or 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas), Cabo Pulmo National Park is one of the most important diving destinations in Mexico. Cabo Pulmo is renowned both for its large marine animal encounters and its coral reef, making this a must-visit destination in Baja California Sur for both divers and snorkelers alike.

There’s not much to Cabo Pulmo itself, so almost all visitors base themselves in Los Cabos or La Paz and take a day trip here for the dive experience. For travelers based further up the peninsula, consider a dive at the islands of Loreto instead. While not as famous of a destination, they also offer a next-level dive experience you’ll always remember.

6. Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve

If you’re looking for a beautiful break from built-up Los Cabos or a memorable day trip from La Paz, Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve is one of the best places to visit in Baja California Sur. Home to waterfalls and crystalline swimming holes, it’s a totally unique part of Baja’s landscape.

There are plenty of guided tours and excursions to the Sierra de la Laguna, particularly from Los Cabos, and they’re the easiest way to visit the area without renting a car. Day trips include hiking and swimming in the natural springs and under waterfalls. Hiking the indigenous Pericu road, just a four-hour hike through the reserve is another popular way to explore the area.

7. Bahia Concepcion

Located in the more sparsely-populated northern section of Baja California Sur, the dramatic Bahia Concepcion is one of the most beautiful beach destinations to visit in Baja, and a must if you’re visiting this part of Baja California Sur. When asking multiple locals about their favorite beach in Baja, this was the winner, every time.

The bay’s El Requesón beach is easily one of the best in Mexico, though there are several in the area worth visiting. Nearby attractions include the desert oasis of La Purisima with its Spanish colonial mission. Stay in a bayfront rental or at one of the basic hotels in Mulegé, a dramatic oasis town where a river slices through the desert or make it a day trip from Loreto.

Things To Do in Baja California Sur

1. Go Whale Watching

The Sea of Cortez is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Numerous species of whales migrate to the sea every winter to feed and give birth in the protected, cooler waters from late November or December through April. Visitors have the best chance of spotting whales in January and February.

Whale-watching tours in Baja California Sur are strictly regulated but allow travelers to get an impressive distance. You can find whale-watching tours departing from Los Cabos, though destinations further north on the peninsula are known for offering much more intimate tour experiences. The islands of Loreto, particularly, offer highly protective conditions for whales and their babies, making them a great destination for whale encounters.

2. Enjoy Next-Level Wellness Experiences

With everything from the standard massages and facials at the best resorts in Mexico to more out-there experiences like moon-bathing and temazcal ceremonies rooted in ancient Mexican traditions, Los Cabos finds itself on the cutting edge of wellness.

However, Los Cabos is just one option for travelers looking for a wellness getaway in Baja California Sur, and generally an expensive one at that. The region’s smaller cities like La Paz and Loreto are much more suited to those looking for wellness on a budget, offering everything from yoga classes to adventure sports to help unwind amidst the beauty of Baja.

On the western coast of the peninsula, the stunning desert landscape outside of Todos Santos is home to Paradero Todos Santos, a one-of-a-kind, design-forward hotel known for its wellness offering. Everything from sound bathing and yoga classes to temazcal ceremonies and adventurous excursions to empty beaches offer next-level relaxation.

Read More: 20 Best Things To Do in Baja California Sur

3. Spend A Day Beach Hopping

Don’t believe the hype that the beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean-facing Yucatán Peninsula are better than those in Baja. This area is home to some of the country’s most impressive beaches, ranging from stunning white sand shores to tiny golden coves hidden away on remote islands.

The beaches in Los Cabos are generally unsuitable for swimming, though the stunning Playa del Amor and nearby Playa del Divorcio, dramatically perched at the arch at Land’s End, are must-visit stretches of sand.

Further up the coast, the beaches get much more impressive. On the Sea of Cortez, Balandra Beach near La Paz is considered one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, while hidden cove beaches dotting the islands of Loreto are perfect spots for snorkeling and lunch breaks amidst days of sailing. Facing the Pacific, beaches tend to be wavier and more suited to surfing.

4. Go Diving

Impressive seasonal whale migrations aren’t the only reason to visit the Sea of Cortez. Once called “The World’s Aquarium” by oceanographer Jacques Costeau, the Sea of Cortez is rich with marine life, including sea lions, rays, and whale sharks, as well as colorful fish and dramatic corals, making for an unforgettable dive experience.

Two hours north of Los Cabos, the protected waters of Cabo Pulmo National Park are the region’s most well-known diving destination. However, destinations further up the peninsula, such as the protected islands of Loreto, are another dive destination par excellence with dramatic underwater landscapes worth your visit.

5. Enjoy Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Farm-to-table cuisine… in the desert? It’s more realistic than you’d think, with Los Cabos birthing a farm-to-table cuisine moment that will make even the most casual foodie swoon. With well-known farm-to-table favorites including Acre, Tamarindos, and Flora Farms, plus newcomers like Monte Cardón, Los Cabos has plenty of ultra-fresh culinary options to enjoy.

New farm-to-table culinary destinations continue to sprout up beyond Los Cabos, too. Outside of Loreto, San Javier Farm (near the historic San Javier Mission) is an oasis respite that makes the drive from the coast even more tempting. The farm-to-table kitchen at Jazamango, led by renowned Baja chef Javier Plascencia, is a highlight in Todos Santos.

Getting To Baja California Sur

By Air

While the international airport in Los Cabos (Los Cabos International Airport – SJD) is by far the busiest and most well-served airport in the region, you’ll find there are more ways to access Baja California Sur than you might think.

International airports in La Paz and Loreto offer more convenient options for travelers who want to skip Los Cabos entirely. Both airports offer increasingly impressive flight options connecting them to other cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Choose a direct flight into one of these airports if you’re looking to save yourself the drive – this is especially true for Loreto, located six hours north of Los Cabos and four hours north of La Paz.

Travel in Baja California Sur

The distances between cities in Baja California Sur can be deceptively long. While comfortable buses connect cities across the peninsula, they make travel times even longer, so most travelers prefer to rent a car if they’re headed between destinations.

Taking shorter flights, like connections from Los Cabos to Loreto to save a nine-hour bus ride, is even an option worth considering, even for budget-conscious travelers.