Are you planning a vacation to Mexico? Plant yourself in the beautiful town of Cabo San Lucas and discover the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas. While Cabo San Lucas has the best tours, you should also explore the surrounding area. Get ready to explore beyond the resorts and beaches in the beautiful Baja California Peninsula.
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Day Trips From Los Cabos You Won’t Want To Miss
If you’re in search of adventure, culture, a quiet escape, or authentic Mexican cuisine, Cabo San Lucas and beyond has it all. Let’s dive into some of my favourite day trips from Cabo San Lucas which you will hopefully add to your itinerary when visiting Mexico.
🚗 Car Rental
If staying the entire time in Cabo San Lucas, a car rental won’t be needed. Rent a vehicle for your day trips from Cabo San Lucas. Rent your car now!
🏠 Accommodations
From luxury to budget accommodations, Cabo San Lucas has accommodations to suit every travellers budget and need
🏜 Activities
With so much to see and do in Los Cabos, you won’t want to miss out! From boat cruises to whale watching, you’ll find it all in Los Cabos!
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas (often just called “Cabo”) sits at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s about 30 minutes from its artsy neighbor, San José del Cabo, and together they make up Los Cabos.
What Cabo San Lucas Is Known For
Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination located in the Baja California Peninsula. It’s known for its lively, party-like atmosphere. But it’s not all about the party life. Cabo San Lucas is the gateway to the magical under-water world found in the Sea of Cortez.
Good To Know
I’ll admit that Cabo San Lucas is likely my favourite destination in Mexico. Having said that, there are things that I wish I knew before my first time visiting:
On The Water In Cabo San Lucas
The best tip I received before leaving for Cabo was to make sure that I made time to get out on the water...”it’s a whole other world out there”. That person was right! Exploring the Sea of Cortez from above and below was the highlight of my trip to Cabo San Lucas.
You don’t have to drive to experience this day getaway from Cabo. All you have to do is book a tour and head to the marina to board the boat. With so much to see while out on the Sea of Cortez, this is easily one of the best day trips from Cabo San Lucas.
Between December and April is the best time to book a whale watching tour. It is during this period that the humpback whales and gray whales migrate to the Sea of Cortez. Believe me, this is a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
Just One Tip: Combine a whale watching tour with a boat trip to Land’s End and the Arch to view the magnificant sea lions.
Scenic Route
The scenice route, often referred to by locals as the Corridor, is the 20 mile stretch between Los Cabos and San Jose del Cabo. This is an easy drive which will take you along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, passing by many luxury resorts, golf courses, and beautiful beaches.
Practical Tips
San Jose del Cabo: The Best Day Trip From Cabo San Lucas
San Jose del Cabo is referred to as the sister village of Cabo San Lucas and is approximately a short 30 minute drive east. Unlike the party atmosphere found in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo offers a much more laid back, quieter atmosphere, with an authentic Mexican flare.
Personal Preference
For visitors seeking a quieter getaway to Mexico, I recommend staying in San Jose del Cabo as opposed to Cabo San Lucas. During my solo visit to the Baja California Peninsula, I stayed at the Royal De Cameron in San Jose del Cabo. The resort was in close proximity and walking distance to the historic downtown, and I was able to explore all of the day trips that are listed in this post from this location.
Distance
The drive to San Jose del Cabo is approximately 30 minutes along the “Corridor” from Cabo
What San Jose del Cabo Is Known For
San Jose del Cabo is a quiet getaway from the crowds in Cabo San Lucas. It’s rich history and art scene make it the ideal day trip destination from Cabo San Lucas
Just One Tip: If visiting on a Thursday evening between November and June, enjoy the Art Walk when the galleries stay open later
Good To Know
Todo Santos
Distance
Todo Santos is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours north of Cabo San Lucus, perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
What Is Todo Santos Known For
The town of Todo Santos, dubbed Pueblo Magico (meaning Magical Town), is best known for its artsy vibes, galleries, and surf spots.
Tod Santos is also home to the well-known Hotel California. While many believe it is this hotel that inspired the Eagles’ song, the band has continued to deny it.
East Cape
The East Cape stretches from San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles. This area is often referred to as one of Mexico’s best kep secrets.
Distance
East Cape is approximately 1 to 2 hours from Cabo San Lucas, depending on which beach you are headed to.
What East Cape Is Known For
East Cape is known for its rugged coastline and secluded beaches. This is the ideal destination for surfers and divers who are looking to escape the crowds. It also offers some of the best sport fishing in the world.
Who Should Visit the East Cape
Cabo Pulma National Park
Cabo Pulma National Park is a protected marine park and is the home of one of North America’s only living coral reefs.
Distance
Cabo Pulma National Park is approximately 2 hours northeast of Cabo San Lucas
What Cabo Pulma National Park Is Known For
Cabo Pulma National Park is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. Visitors may have the opportunity to swim with see turtles, large schools of fish, and possible rays and sharks.
Just One Tip: To get the most out of your visit to Cabo Pulma National Park, an excursion is recommended.
Tips For The Best Day Trips From Cabo San Lucas
While driving in the Baja California Peninsula is a breeze, you will want to know the insider tips so you can make the most of your day:
- renting a car for a day trip provides the freedom to go where you want and stay as long as you want. Having a car is the best way to explore this part of Mexico
- leave early in the morning in order to avoid the mid-day heat and the crowds which will inevitably gather throughout the day
- pack lots of water to stay hydrated, sunscreen, and a bit of cash. Many remote places do not accept credit cards
- if you plan on enjoying a marine tour, it’s wise to book well in advance
Best Day Trips From Cabo San Lucas: In Conclusion
Whether visit quiet beaches, charming towns, or unforgettable natural wonders, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect base for exploring the many treasures of Baja California Sur.
Each of these day trip offers a unique taste of Mexico’s beauty and culture. No matter which adventure you choose, I know that you’ll return home with incredible memories and a deeper love for this sun-soaked region.
Enjoy Your Day Trip 🙂
Travel Solo Like a Pro!
AIRFARE:
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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION:
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ACTIVITIES:
♥ Get Your Guide and Viator are the absolute best sites to plan and book any adventures, activities, and all things fun
BIKE AND MOTORCYCLE RENTALS:
♥ BikesBooking.com will find the best prices for bicycles, motocyles, and scooter rentals any place in the world.
CAR RENTAL:
♥ Economy Bookings will provide rental prices worldwide, which making it a one stop shop for the most reasonable car rentals
AIRPORT TRANSFER AND PRIVATE TOURS:
♥ Kiwitaxi is who you want to contact for transportation from the airport or train station. Why not arrange for a PRIVATE CITY TOUR with Kiwitaxi at the same time.
CRUISES:
♥ Cruise Critic not only provides reviews and answers questions, it also offers great cruise deals. If your a cruise lover (like me), I highly recommend that you check it out!
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
PIN FOR YOUR VISIT TO CABO SAN LUCAS
these are such great tips!! Saving for my mom, who is visiting soon 🙂
Awesome! A tour out on the water needs to be at the top of your mom’s list! It’s magnificant!
Despite Cabo being such a short flight away for us, we have yet to visit. I like the look of the East Cape and getting time out on the water.
I highly recommend visiting. My time on the water and visiting the East Cape were definitely my favourite outings.