Baja California Sur is Mexico's southernmost peninsula state, where the stark Sonoran Desert meets the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Home to world-class diving, dramatic desert landscapes, migrating gray whales, and the legendary resort city of Los Cabos, this remote yet accessible state offers extraordinary natural and cultural experiences. From the bohemian art town of Todos Santos to the colonial charm of Loreto and the vibrant capital La Paz, Baja California Sur captivates travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and authentic Mexican culture.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Todos Santos Day Trip from Los Cabos
The bohemian Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Todos Santos makes an ideal day trip from Los Cabos, offering a completely different Baja experience. The 80km drive up Highway 19 (about 1 hour) through desert and agricultural valleys leads to a charming colonial town with excellent galleries, restaurants, surf beaches, and history. Visit the historic center, gallery-hop along Centenario and Topete streets, have lunch at Café Santa Fe or Jazamango, browse the artisan shops, and drive down to Playa Cerritos for an afternoon swim or surf watch. Return to Cabo by sunset.
Highlights: Artisan gallery district · Café Santa Fe or Jazamango lunch · Playa Cerritos surf beach · Historic sugar mill ruins · Todos Santos Brewing Company
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park from Los Cabos
The drive from Los Cabos to Cabo Pulmo (about 2 hours via Highway 1 and a dirt road) leads to one of Mexico's most remarkable marine protected areas — a UNESCO World Heritage coral reef that has made an extraordinary comeback after decades of conservation. The small, eco-conscious village of Cabo Pulmo has local dive and snorkel operators (ONLY local operators permitted) who guide visitors to incredible encounters with bull sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and schooling fish. Accommodation is basic but the snorkeling and diving is world-class.
Highlights: Bull shark dives (October-February) · Schooling jack fish · Sea turtle encounters · Pristine, remote village atmosphere · East Cape road trip scenery
Espíritu Santo Island from La Paz
Just 25km from La Paz by boat, Espíritu Santo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve that ranks among the finest nature day trips in all of Mexico. Full-day tours from the La Paz Malecón include snorkeling with a playful sea lion colony at Los Islotes, snorkeling in pristine reef gardens, kayaking through crystal lagoons, and a beach picnic on white sand with red-cliff backdrops. The extraordinary marine diversity — whale sharks (November-March), manta rays, sea lions, multicolored fish — makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights: Sea lion snorkel at Los Islotes · Whale shark snorkel (November-March) · Kayaking in pristine lagoons · Beach picnic on white sand · Red volcanic cliffs of the island
Balandra Beach & Playa Tecolote from La Paz
Two of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California Sur lie within 25km of La Paz, making a combined beach day one of the most rewarding and affordable excursions in the state. Balandra Beach's shallow turquoise lagoon and iconic Mushroom Rock are uniquely beautiful, while Playa Tecolote offers a longer beach, palapa restaurant seafood lunch, and stunning views of Espíritu Santo Island. Together they show why La Paz's coastline is so extraordinary.
Highlights: Balandra's turquoise lagoon · Mushroom Rock (Hongo de Balandra) · Playa Tecolote palapa seafood lunch · Espíritu Santo Island views from beach
El Triunfo & San Antonio Mining Towns from La Paz
A fascinating half-day road trip from La Paz along Highway 1 south to the abandoned silver mining ghost town of El Triunfo (145km, 2 hours). The massive iron smelting chimneys still stand guard over the crumbling French-era buildings and Victorian mansions. The excellent Café El Triunfo serves artisan coffee and traditional food in a historic building. Continue 15km to San Antonio for the ruins of the gold mine and a charming central plaza. The drive through the desert foothills of the Sierra de la Victoria is scenic.
Highlights: El Triunfo smelting chimneys · Café El Triunfo artisan coffee and food · French-era mining architecture · San Antonio plaza and mission ruins · Desert mountain scenery
Misión San Javier Day Trip from Loreto
Considered one of the finest Jesuit missions in the Americas, Misión San Javier lies 36km from Loreto over a dramatic dirt road through the Sierra de la Giganta. The remarkably preserved baroque stone church (completed 1759 after 59 years of construction) still serves as a functioning village church. The drive through the canyon is half the experience — date palms, volcanic rock walls, and roadrunners make it extraordinary. The village of San Javier has a simple restaurant for lunch.
Highlights: Finest Jesuit mission in Baja California · Baroque stone facade · Canyon drive through Sierra de la Giganta · Village of San Javier — traditional Mexican life · Date palm oasis at mission · Working church still in use for Sunday mass
Loreto National Marine Park Islands
The five islands of Loreto National Marine Park — Isla Carmen, Coronados, Danzante, Monserrat, and Santa Catalina — lie just offshore from Loreto and offer some of the best snorkeling, kayaking, and sport fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Full-day and half-day panga excursions depart from Loreto's waterfront daily. Isla Carmen has a sea kayaking circuit and salt flats inside a volcanic caldera. Isla Coronados has a striking volcanic cone. Santa Catalina is home to endemic rattleless rattlesnakes found nowhere else on Earth.
Highlights: Sea lion snorkeling at Isla Coronados · Island kayaking · Sport fishing for yellowtail and sea bass · Bird colonies on Isla Danzante · Endemic rattleless rattlesnakes on Santa Catalina
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Always carry more water than you think you need for any day trip outside of cities
Fuel up in La Paz or Los Cabos before remote excursions; gas stations are sparse
Most day trip boat tours include gear and meals; verify what's included before booking
For Cabo Pulmo and Misión San Javier, a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended
Book popular tours (Espíritu Santo, Cabo Pulmo dives) 24-48 hours in advance