Cabo’s twin resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo are near-synonymous with Mexico's Baja California Sur. The beach-and-club scenes are fun, but this lower portion of earth’s second-longest peninsula is home to some great things to do and natural marvels, from the biodiverse Sea of Cortez (hello, snorkeling and diving!) to gray whale sanctuaries and pre-Hispanic cave drawings in the UNESCO-recognized El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. In consistently good weather, travelers hop beaches from Cabo to the low-key capital of La Paz and surfer- and artist-heavy Todos Santos.
Baja has two seasons: a long, hot summer and a mild winter from November to May. It’s a year-round destination with sunny days, clear skies, and eternal beach weather. The dry, cool winters are a great time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crush and the long, hot summer. Whale watching happens year-round, but whale migration season peaks in winter from January through March.
Public transportation is limited. Aguila buses serve much of Baja from Calle Miguel Hidalgo in Cabo San Lucas but can be slow and unreliable. Taxis, rental cars, and hired shuttles make more sense for getting around. However, drivers often hound airport arrivals with ride offers for inflated prices. Before shelling out the cash for a taxi from the airport, check to see if the local shuttle bus service will work or if your hotel offers rides from the airport.
Though it’s on the travel map and increasingly developed, Todos Santos is still Baja Sur’s loveliest low-key beach town. Travelers interested in good surf spots and beach-bohemian vibes should visit for a day or two—enough time to stroll the charming cobblestone streets, visit the galleries and shops in the center of town, and catch wild surf breaks at Cerritos or San Pedrito beaches.
Local Currency Mexican Peso (MX$) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +52 | Language(s) Spanish | Attractions 25 | Tours 1,276 | Reviews 63,552 |
Baja California Sur is known for its Los Cabos' beach resorts and biodiverse marine life in the Sea of Cortez. Whale sanctuaries and protected desert habitats lie in El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Paz is the capital. Todos Santos is popular with surfers and artists.
...MoreIt depends on your interests. Baja California Sur is more developed for tourists, due to the resorts in Cabo San Lucas. Both offer opportunities for water sports (surfing, snorkeling, diving), but the beaches in Baja California Sur are hard to beat. From the US, Baja California is easier to reach.
...MoreBaja California Sur has some of Mexico’s greatest natural wonders—and is big on watersports and outdoor adventures. Travelers visit in droves to explore beaches, deserts, and mountains on hikes, horseback, and all-terrain vehicles. Whale watching is a year-round activity. Other options include ziplining, tequila tastings, boat cruises, and club hopping.
...MoreBaja California and Baja California Sur are neighboring Mexican states on the Baja California Peninsula. Both are top travel destinations with deserts, natural marvels, and world-class beaches and resorts. Baja California Sur (Southern Lower California), on the southern side of the 750-mile-long (1,200-kilometer-long) peninsula, is more developed for tourists.
...MoreYes, visiting Baja California Sur from the US requires a passport. Depending on your length of stay, you may need other permits, available at your entry point. US travelers can cross the US-Baja California border with a valid passport or other acceptable identification but must show a US passport upon return.
...MoreYes, but you'll need to hunt for deals. The days of shoestring luxury travel are gone—as the area's popularity has grown, so too have charges for tourist services. Eat where the locals eat, travel as they do, and your spending lowers dramatically. Otherwise, the costs are average to high.
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