Meet the Neighbors:
Day Trips From Los Cabos

Nearby excursions you won't want to miss

By Kirstin De La Cruz

If Baja were a movie, Los Cabos would be its Oscar-winning superstar. But great films need talented supporting actors, too. The towns surrounding Los Cabos are perfect for the part. The capital city of La Paz, along with Todos Santos and the East Cape region, enhance this resort destination that has become so popular with international tourists and celebrities. Be it a day trip, or a full-on vacation, these charming locations amid the desert will have you falling in love with the entire cast of Baja.

Within one hour’s drive, guests visiting Cabo or San José can explore several traditional towns, each one distinct from the next. Whether in a rented car with family and friends or on a charter bus with yet-to-be-made friends, these excursions will make your vacation unforgettable.

La Paz
La Paz is a city of more than 200,000 citizens, with plenty of activities, excursions and nightlife offered year-round, yet this tranquil seaside setting remains authentically Mexican. The downtown boardwalk is the center of it all, attracting locals and visitors, who stroll at a leisurely pace absorbing the bliss that is life in La Paz. Area restaurants, cafés and galleries are all located within walking distance, allowing visitors to explore every inch by foot, if desired.

Take in the panoramic views of the malecón from any one of the dozens of eateries, or play a round of golf at CostaBaja with the Sea of Cortés as the backdrop. Perhaps enjoying a little bit of nature is on your list. Beaches here — such as Balandra, Tecolote and Pichilingue — offer indescribably beautiful waters, the clear turquoise kind said to be found only in the Caribbean. Getting to these legendary swimming spots will require a rental car or public transportation, either of which can be located downtown. The short, scenic drive to reach them is reason enough to go.

Todos Santos
Before arriving in La Paz, though, capturing some magic is a must. That’s what you’ll find in the town of Todos Santos, a mere 50 minutes from Cabo. Named a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Mexican government, this tropical oasis offers a feeling unlike any other place along Baja. Here, desert sands are met by dense thickets of lush palm trees that gather around a lazy little river. Instead of multi-level resorts, travelers will discover more intimate hotels or family-owned inns, such as the newly opened Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa and the famous Hotel California.

From the services offered to the stories told in Todos Santos, all of it is on a much more personal level. There is an abundance of small artisan shops and open-air restaurants, all surrounding the colonial downtown district. Throughout the year, the town plays host to myriad film, art and music festivals, showcasing local and international talent. To complete your trip to Todos Santos, stop by the candy and confections stands on the way out of town toward La Paz. Fruit-filled empanadas, chile-covered candy and other traditional salty snacks are a fun and inexpensive way to experience the region’s gastronomy.

East Cape
Another region near Los Cabos that is worth a visit is known as the East Cape. Rural towns such as Buena Vista, Miraflores, Santiago and Los Barriles are reminders of the fact that sometimes less is more. Those who are looking to experience the Los Cabos of yesteryear will feel right at home in any of these pristine havens. The hospitality offered at places like The Villas de Cortez and Hotel Buena Vista Beach Resort is off the charts, and the coastal spots of Los Barriles and Buena Vista offer plentiful fishing and watersport opportunities along the Sea of Cortés. You’ll also find the freshest seafood at insanely low prices. Situated inland, Miraflores boasts some of Baja’s best soil for growing fresh fruits and vegetables. The ranching community of Santiago provides a rare site on the peninsula: a waterfall. Rent a car and discover it for yourself.

Getting There
Tours to any of these destinations are plentiful and easy to arrange from Los Cabos. Transcabo, for instance, has a “Todos Santos – Magic Town” day tour that lets visitors get to know the history and growth of the town, with stops at various local landmarks, including the famous Hotel California. They’ll also get plenty of free time to explore on their own, catch a bite to eat and shop as much as they want for art and local crafts before heading back to Los Cabos. The drive takes about an hour.

Check the events calendar for annual art festivals and other interesting reasons to visit.

Why is Cabo so much fun? There is so much to do! Click here for a list of dive, watersports, fishing and tour operators. You'll also find links to Cabo's world class golf courses, spas, adventure tours, horseback riding, wedding coordinators and cruises.